Berkeley Custom Shaver (lots of pics)

[Bravoure]

I'm in Mt. Vernon, WA for the weekend and was able to stop into an antique mall to scout out some razors. There were the usual offerings, a flare tip, a couple Schicks, a Rolls. But in the back of one case was a razor I had never seen before. It's labeled as a Berkeley Custom Shaver and comes in a nice wooden case. I've tried to look it up online I only found one or two somewhat vague threads. I guess it is from around the mid 1930's, and by "Custom" they mean that it is adjustable. There is a dial on the bottom between 1-8, but instead of raising and lowering the blade, it just makes it more curved or almost straight. The head comes off by completely unscrewing the bottom and then the metal upper body comes apart from the plastic lower and can be used as blade storage, which I think is pretty cool. I've included a number of pictures including the blade angle at 1 and 8.


If anyone has any more info about this razor I would love to find out more. Enjoy!


The closed box

Open

Very interesting head design

Head apart

From the side

Blade storage

Blade at 1

Blade at 8

 

[bakerbarber]

I had one and sold it.

Yours is in pretty good shape. Nice to have the case.

The adjustment photos you posted are extreme!

While I never tried mine, I would like to hear from those who have.

I remember the whole thing feeling light. The handle was super beefy. It looks similar to some of the first electric razors in shape and design. I wonder if this was intentional.

It would be a handy travel razor, but you can only fit so much stuff inside the handle.

 

[ironfist]

Ooooo unusual! Can't wait to here more opinions on it

 

[alex2363]

Berlley..Consolidated Razor blade Co. Jersey City NJ. Custom shaver Around 1937 , end of knob handle controls adjustments, theuy came in red, black and white (ivory handles.)

 

[fcdiscus]

I have one- it is a rather nice smooth shaver. To adjust you need to tighten the handle fully and then back it off to taste. Play with it a bit and I am sure you will like the shave. A slight pita to clean it though!

 

[Sledgehammer39]

What an interesting looking razor!

 

[Bravoure]

It is surprisingly comfortable to hold in hand, though its natural position in hand is quite different than a normal DE, I seem to hold it more like my phone.

 

[Bravoure]

Muhle R41 move on over! The Berkeley is a pretty aggressive razor at any setting. Firs the first pass I went all out and set it at an 8. I had to be quite careful with the flatter blade and steep angle, but it mowed down 2+ days worth of growth. I toned it down and set it at 1 for the second pass and was surprised that it still felt very aggressive, but still worked smoothly. Third pass ATG I set it to 3 just to see, and was surprised again as it actually felt less aggressive and very comfortable. Ended up with a very nice shave without any nicks. The Berkeley is a little odd to hold in hand, more like an electric I thought, but was very effective at what it does. I'm eager to try it out some more!