Single edge stropper?

[Robxcarlson]

I think it's a single edge blade stropper - Do you think it's for shaving?

I got this in a lot and I haven't cleaned it yet, mainly because I'm not really sure what to do with it.

 

[Leche]

You could probably get away with it. Just be careful.

 

[Robxcarlson]

You could probably get away with it. Just be careful.

I don't know that I'll shave with it, though it does kind of look like a shavette. I'm just curious if anyone really knows what it is.

 

[Eman]

Looks more like a prison shank. No really, I have no idea what it is, but would clean it up a lot and be very careful if you try it.

 

[Leche]

I don't know that I'll shave with it, though it does kind of look like a shavette. I'm just curious if anyone really knows what it is.

In a Japanese sort of way. Maybe its a vintage box cutter? It would work well in the kitchen slicing small things like garlic.

 

[gollum83]

You're right! It does sort of look like some sort of prison shank! Did you buy it off an ex-con, Rob?

In theory you should be able to shave with it, but if you do try, do be careful.

 

[gollum83]

In a Japanese sort of way. Maybe its a vintage box cutter? It would work well in the kitchen slicing small things like garlic.

Garlic? With a razor? Very thinly sliced? A la Goodfellas? Awesome idea!

 

[1OldGI]

Not sure what it is but it certainly looks like it would work for a SE blade stropper, I'd clean it up and give it a go.

 

[Robxcarlson]

I actually just went at it with some scrubbing bubbles and barkeepers friend and most of the rust came off... I ran a q-tip down the shaft and you don't want to know what it looked like.
This is one might just go in the curiosities pile.

 

[gollum83]

I actually just went at it with some scrubbing bubbles and barkeepers friend and most of the rust came off... I ran a q-tip down the shaft and you don't want to know what it looked like.
This is one might just go in the curiosities pile.

Gross enough to scare even the most manly of men, eh?

 

[Robxcarlson]

Gross enough to scare even the most manly of men, eh?

I'm claiming most manly status! If it means I have to shave with this thing, then so be it.

I'll be like Mr. Krabs with the Trophy of Manly Toughness!

 

[1OldGI]

Gotta love a post with Sponge Bob Squarepants references

 

[curtis909]

looks like a box cutter to me

 

[_JP_]

If there is any play whatsoever in the mechanism when it is closed, then don't shave with it! It will cut you when it wiggles.

I don't think that was meant for shaving.♦

 

[DGreekStallion]

That looks like fun.

Can you take some pics of it clean?

 

[Robxcarlson]

I'll post a clean pic tomorrow...
There is no play in the blade, but truly I never intended to shave with it. I don't think I worded my original post very well. I think it's a stropper but I wanted to know if anyone thought that perhaps it was meant for shaving. The mechanism which secures the blade is actually similar to that of a shavette. I doubt it's a box cutter, because there's no way to cover the razor edge when it's not in use.

 

[82R100]

I vote stropper.

I just bought a Star lather catcher and it has a similar fitting that pushes into the razor handle and holds the wedge blade for stropping it.

- Chris

 

[SavantStrike]

If it doesn't move when stropping, then it doesn't move when shaving .

I say try shaving with it while you're at it, but go slowly, start on your cheeks, and at the first sign of trouble take a hint and stop. That's what I would consider doing at least.

 

[D.Irving79]

looks like a box cutter. doubtful its a stropper.

 

[Robxcarlson]

looks like a box cutter. doubtful its a stropper.

Yours is the opinion I trust the most in matters of obscure old razors - but I just don't think this was meant as a box cutter - I've seen pics of old box cutters and they typically used the razor blades with the trapezoid shape like we use still today.
I don't see any manufacterer's name or mark on this and I guess there's no definitive answer unless someone comes across a similar item with a known use.
Here's some pics of the cleaned thingy (not perfect, but better):

thanks for all your help!