Kampfe Star safety--wedge only?

[c0ry]

The Kampfe Star safety I won on eBay for $45 came today. The dates on the bottom of the head read: "Pat. June 15, 1880. Engl. March 8, 1887." It arrived loaded with a wedge blade. I'm assuming it can't take regular SE blades, but I just want to confirm with people who know more about these things. Pics (pre-cleaning right now, I'll clean it up and post more later):

 

[onotoman]

Looks like a single edge to me and by the age of the razor, I suspect that it may not be standard size.

Lovely razor for interest value though.

 

[c0ry]

Looks like a single edge to me and by the age of the razor, I suspect that it may not be standard size.

Lovely razor for interest value though.

Yes, it is single edge. I'm just curious if anyone knows whether or not there's any way to make it take modern single edge blades. That wedge blade that's in it can't be found anymore.

 

[norton]

Wow. Looks like one of the first Kampfe Brothers models.

http://shaveworld.org/shaveworld_web/kampfe1.pdf

We really need a supplier of wedge blades.

 

[c0ry]

Looks like you're right. This pdf states that their first model was issued a patent on June 15, 1880--the same date on the bottom of this razor.

 

[donkennison]

I have the Kampfe Bros. Star model ,"STAR" on face of head, early 1903 or so. I have used Gem and Treet blades, but angle takes getting used to. I suggest you try one and be sure to go very slow getting angle down pat. The Head design is very close to yours, but it may not have the identical dimentions etc. being thats its an earlier model.

 

[c0ry]

The bottom of the handle of this razor screws off, and the tip is used as a tool to unscrew the little screws that hold the wedge blade in place. I tried putting a regular SE blade in there, and it doesn't hold. Looks like this thing is wedge only.

 

[ambrose]

I have three of those kampfe blades I can hone and make shave ready for you. Let me know if you are interested

 

[johnmrson]

You should be able to put a single edged blade in it.

 

[norton]

I have three of those kampfe blades I can hone and make shave ready for you. Let me know if you are interested

... and a supplier of Wedge Blades was found.

(OK, not really a supplier per se, but some wedge blades were found).

 

[c0ry]

The rusted, dirty beast has been cleaned. Pics:

Cleaned up pretty nicely, eh?

 

[T Rick]

Very nicely! I'd love to find one of those, I need to get back to looking. My earliest is about 1902, and it does take the SE blades. Don't think yours will.

You should be able to put a single edged blade in it.

I doubt it. Looking at the pictures, I don't see the typical "nubs" at the base of the blade, that would retain the single edge. The spring loaded guides on the sides are tapered to take the tapered wedge blade and I think retain it at the proper depth. A Single Edge blade being flat would just slide right through (My 1902 models have the nubs, even though they also have the tapered guides on the side). Because mine have the nubs, the SE will rest on them, the guides on the sides retain the edges, and the spring in the back keeps pressure on the blade to hold it in place (same as it does with the wedge blade).

 

[c0ry]

Very nicely! I'd love to find one of those, I need to get back to looking. My earliest is about 1902, and it does take the SE blades. Don't think yours will.




I doubt it. Looking at the pictures, I don't see the typical "nubs" at the base of the blade, that would retain the single edge. The spring loaded guides on the sides are tapered to take the tapered wedge blade and I think retain it at the proper depth. A Single Edge blade being flat would just slide right through (My 1902 models have the nubs, even though they also have the tapered guides on the side). Because mine have the nubs, the SE will rest on them, the guides on the sides retain the edges, and the spring in the back keeps pressure on the blade to hold it in place (same as it does with the wedge blade).

You're right. The lack of nubs means the regular SE blade just kinda slides right out. I'm amazed that something this old (pre-1900) can be in such great shape, though.

 

[D.Irving79]

that one can only take wedge blades.

 

[gaj90027]

Beautiful Razor - thanks for posting photos