It's unknown to me. Looking at it, it's a three piece razor, with a smooth handle. May be a new model, since there are no reviews I'm not sure I'd like the smooth handle - it might be slippery. That said, there are other popular models with smooth handles that people love, so I could be wrong.
My first razor was an Edwin Jagger DE89 model, with their standard handle. Also a three piece model, it had a grippy handle that I liked. Cost me about $35, five years ago. The Jagger I used, and the Merkur 34C model are both excellent starter razors.
Looks like an R89 type head with a custom handle. The brand name is very confusing as it sounds very similar to Otto F. Kampfe, who was one of the Kampfe brothers known for Star safety razors (Brooklyn).
There are two listed. The $19 one appears to have the generic R89 head with a rubber portion on the grip, and the $29 one looks like it has that Bevel head with a handle that looks like the Colonial Razors handle. All of these parts are easily sourced from India or Pakistan. I have tried the Bevel type head when I bought the Bombay Shaving Co. razor. With it's regular base plate, it was a little on the mild side, but it did come with a more aggressive base plate, which made it a very efficient razor. I don't know which base plate will come with this razor.
As far as the name goes, I read somewhere that there is some relation to the original Kampfe brother, however I believe they are far removed from manufacturing and designing original razors.
Yeah, I just had to do it. I happened to purchase this razor about a month ago and completely forgot all about it as I was on a de razor try out craze with a couple of new acquisitions. I happened to come across it last night as I was searching for some Voshkod blades that I had stashed somewhere in my shave cabinet. There this was, all the way in the back with some other goodies piled on top of it. I grabbed it, opened it up and said to meself “self, let’s try this one out for tomorrow mornings shave”. And so, it was decided.
A quick rundown of the razor. Yes, it says made by Otto Kampfe by Brooklyn Brothers. This particular one I purchased off the “bay” but it’s also available via Amazon and the information I was able to gather was a bit vague but, it’s what I found. I still believe from what it states below that some sort of family ownership from the Otto Kampfe origination is still producing razors in the name of Otto Kampfe.
Here is what I could find below...
Otto Kampfe - From the inventor of Safety Razors
About Us
Otto F. Kampfe was born in 1855, Saxony in eastern Germany. The youngest brother of three, immigrated to the United States in 1872, soon after the end of the Franco-Prussian wars. At the time he was 17 years old, and most likely had served several years as apprentice cutlers in Germany. They settled in New York City and started a cutlery business.
In May 1880 Otto and his brother Frederick applied for a patent on “new and useful Improvements in safety-razors.” This was the first use of the term “safety razor”.
2016, "Otto Kampfe" is the latest interpretation of classically designed double edge safety razors. Just like its first versions, it is a highly functioning and long lasting shaving tool for every gentleman.
What We Do
We build products that express the individuality and creativity of the people who create them. Our products and designs carry the mark of quality that blends past and present.
And that is pretty much the crux of it. I’m sure those that are inclined can do a much more detailed search via the web, but I was just looking to establish a connection with todays rendering and not so much the whole history of the company itself.
So, how does the razor look and perform? First, it’s one heavy piece of kit. The razor was received in a black leather with silver accents travel pouch which added a touch of class and sophistication to it. It’s a complete 3 piece design that is made of Brass (top cap & handle) and I assume Chromed Zamak (base plate) though it stated on the site that it was SS, in which I highly doubt. Fit and finish is quite nice to be honest, though the weight of the razor is biased more towards the handle so when shaving with it you have to adjust your angle & technique. But nothing to be worried about.
So I loaded up a fresh Voshkod this morning. Blade alignment was precise and even blade exposure on both sides. The blade is locked in firmly without any distortion and the blade tabs on both ends are covered. The handle screws onto the top cap threads very smoothly. I looked at the razor from the sides and I could see some positive blade exposure that extended out ever so slightly just above the sb guard. I tried to take some pics to show it, but they weren’t that great. Anyways, lathered up and got ready to mow down some whiskers.
Mama Mia!! First stroke in and I knew I had to adjust the angle just a bit to ride a bit more of the cap as I felt a whole lot of blade. This is one uber efficient shaving tool. Though I still felt blade, it was one smooth shaving razor that gave me a DFS on 2 passes plus a chin buff. It was NOT a mindless shave as you had to keep your head in this shave but, what a wonderful shave it was. One tiny little weeper under the chin, a couple of stragglers around Sir Adam and hardly any irritation whatsoever. I was completely taken a back by how this simple looking DE razor shaved. Aggressive, efficient and with a better than average smooth feel to it. I was quite stunned at the feel and results to be honest. I really had no issues with the handle, but it is smooth so I can see some having issue with it. Not perfect balance, but manageable as I’ve shaved with worse before. The razor rinses out easily and quickly as it has the built in lather slot recesses right behind the guard. I am very impressed with the first shave and the Otto Kampfe Modern Safety Razor.
How does it compare to other aggressive de razors out there or to the ones that I have? It can hang with the likes of an IKON Tech but smoother feeling with NO blade chatter. The PAA DOC EVO SS is perhaps my favorite OC DE and is as solid as a tank and can literally take down a months or 2 of solid beard growth. Perhaps the Otto Kampfe won’t do that because of the weight (or lack of) of the head, but I believe it can be used daily to cutting a full weeks worth of growth without a whimper. To be honest, I would probably compare it closer to the Muhle R41 2013 version. To me just a tad off on blade feel, and just a wee bit smoother. Quality overall is quite good and the shave is exquisite, with proper technique and some care. On a serious note, I would not recommend this DE to a nooobie unless that individual is going to use super care and patience.
Don’t let the ho-hum looks fool you. This is a serious contender for anyone that has experience using an uber efficient and semi aggressive razor. If you like blade feel with pretty decent smoothness, it can be had for under $30. Not a bad deal in my book....