Thread: Planet by Peter J. Michels

The last time I was in the big, big, big antique mall out in Temecula I asked about razors and strops and whatnot and got showed around, but the clerk suggested I try their sister store in Old Town Temecula. She said they had a bunch of straight razors.

And they did. Well over 30. Most were either priced higher than my interest or in bad shape, but I came home with 4 straights and a nice boxed Gillette DE.

Of the straights, this one is the most interesting. I think I may have seen one other 'PLANET' razor, but I don't pay nearly as much attention to 20th century razors and so if I have seen one I can't remember anything about it.

The patina appears to be from the factory. It's got hone wear, but I've seen much worse that shaved great.



I'm pretty completely charmed by the logo, and though it's a bit of a small razor, it's in pretty good shape.



It's also (apart from a Dubl Duck that's still waiting for a life-saving scale transplant) the only Peter J. Michels razor I've got.

My guess is that it's going to shave great.

That is cool. WAY before the Cmon name. I would not be suprised if this PJM and your Duck did not come from the same factory.
Nice Haul!

The Duck I've got is actually way later. It's a Satin Wedge stamped 'PEARL DUCK', and it's in those beautiful honey-colored celluloid scales THAT DESTROY ALL LIFE. Seriously, when I got the razor it looked beautiful and pristine until you opened it. Everything below the scales was literally hairy with rust, but it's a wedge so there's enough metal to get it clean and shaving. I just need to get off my butt and order some modern acrylic slabs and transfer the inlays.

I know the Ducks were Paul Bresnick at one point, and later (earlier?) Peter J. Michels -- I cannot really keep straight all the hands in that kitchen.

PJM was an importer. A Barber supply. Just like Bresnek/DublDuck. No telling who made razors for them! Carl Monkhouse produced American-made razors in New York before selling his NAME to PJM. His name was, obviously, well-regarded! Any CMon PJM really has nothing to do with Carl Monkhouse. A German firm made most. I expect bidding was a factor. Some CMon PJM's are made by Filarmonica and other makers and are marked as such. Some are generic, yet always good!
I wish we knew!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

PJM was an importer. A Barber supply. Just like Bresnek/DublDuck. No telling who made razors for them! Carl Monkhouse produced American-made razors in New York before selling his NAME to PJM. His name was, obviously, well-regarded! Any CMon PJM really has nothing to do with Carl Monkhouse. A German firm made most. I expect bidding was a factor.
I wish we knew!

That's certainly confusing! Wasn't the Beau Brummel mark also PJM?