Yesterday, I went to Snohomish, WA and, while I was there, cruised the numerous antique shops in the historic district looking in particular for straight razors. I viewed several, inspecting each with my 15x loup hand-held magnifier.
Finally, I settled on one razor which I purchased for $10. It was about the cheapest of the lot which I examined and far from the prettiest (see photo).
The following is inscribed on the shank:
"Bismarck Razor Works
Solingen - Germany"
On the other side of the shank the number "406" is imprinted and, further, the word "Registered" (in all caps) appears on the tang.
It is full hollow ground, with a spiked point. The cutting edge, under inspection, showed no nicks, dings, cracks, or other obvious problems.
Scales have no markings and I think they are not original judging from some work on the pivot pin.
It came in a box, though there is no evidence that the box and razor were originally mated. The writing on the box reads: "Extra Hollow Ground - Fully Warrented" and "Price $3.00".
Upon arriving back home, I did some 'Net research in order to see if I might discover some additional information about my new razor. If my 'Net research can be believed, the "Bismarck Razor Works" company operated from about 1900 to about 1930. This razor, with the English language imprinting, was evidently made for the export market.
In part, I purchased the razor in order to try my hand at a restore. I have watched the restoration video on this sub-forum (by "undream", I believe), but rather than a grinding wheel, I will try with some steel wool, starting with grade #3 or maybe #2 and then working to finer and finer grades from there. Comments or questions would be much appreciated.
Finally, I settled on one razor which I purchased for $10. It was about the cheapest of the lot which I examined and far from the prettiest (see photo).
The following is inscribed on the shank:
"Bismarck Razor Works
Solingen - Germany"
On the other side of the shank the number "406" is imprinted and, further, the word "Registered" (in all caps) appears on the tang.
It is full hollow ground, with a spiked point. The cutting edge, under inspection, showed no nicks, dings, cracks, or other obvious problems.
Scales have no markings and I think they are not original judging from some work on the pivot pin.
It came in a box, though there is no evidence that the box and razor were originally mated. The writing on the box reads: "Extra Hollow Ground - Fully Warrented" and "Price $3.00".
Upon arriving back home, I did some 'Net research in order to see if I might discover some additional information about my new razor. If my 'Net research can be believed, the "Bismarck Razor Works" company operated from about 1900 to about 1930. This razor, with the English language imprinting, was evidently made for the export market.
In part, I purchased the razor in order to try my hand at a restore. I have watched the restoration video on this sub-forum (by "undream", I believe), but rather than a grinding wheel, I will try with some steel wool, starting with grade #3 or maybe #2 and then working to finer and finer grades from there. Comments or questions would be much appreciated.
