Wasn't expecting these!

[mrchilli]

I was at a car-boot sale on Saturday and came across a a pair of straights complete with case -a Kropp and a Tennis. I haven't seen any straights at a 'booty' before so was quite surprised to say the least. There's quite a bit of wear on the Kropp (the spine is well worn) but looks like it may have a good edge, and the Tennis, apart from a tiny ding in the centre of the blade looks in good nick too. After a thorough cleaning, I'll give them a run on the balsa, strop them and see how it goes. I've seen the Kropps before, but if anyone has any info on the Tennis I'd be interested to hear.

 

[Wid]

Tennis was a well regarded brand. It was taken over by Dovo some time ago. Peter (Graybeard) will know the whole story, I'm sure.

 

[Sando]

Looks to me the real find is that leather pouch. That's a beaut. Never seen one like it.

...Ray

 

[Krona Kruiser]

Very nice find. Yup, that pouch is pretty neat too.

 

[JLuger]

Don't know the history, but I have a Tennis, and it is a great razor, one of my favorites.

 

[kirk 988]

yeah with the tennis wasnt it fritz bracht that took them over ?
the kropp is well worn

 

[Greybeard]

The Tennis brand was owned by Fritz Bracht ( Fritz Bracht Stahlwarenfabrik ) before he purchased Dovo from Carl Dorp in 1940. Fritz Bracht and Dovo shared supplies and facilities after 1940 but were registered as separate companies under the same ownership.
It is uncertain (for me) when Tennis razors were first produced, but it was not earlier than 1920 and probably in the 1930s.

From 1940 (and possibly a little earlier) until 1953 Tennis razors were all marked "Fritz Bracht".
In 1952 the companies were merged and consolidated in name as well as fact. Fritz Bracht's son-in-law, Dr. Ernst Kirschbaum, officially took over management of the company in 1953.
Possibly as early as 1953, but no later than 1956 any Tennis razors manufactured were marked "Dovo" and not "Fritz Bracht".
Dovo still owns the Tennis name and up until recently (and possibly still) produces shears under the Tennis brand. I'm not sure when they stopped making razors under that brand name.

Pre-Dovo (pre-1956) Tennis razors are very good. I've never tried a Dovo brand Tennis razor but the quality control for Dovo was a little spotty, for a while, post Fritz Bracht.

 

[mrchilli]

Many thanks for that info Greybeard - appreciated!

You can't see in the picture, but on the blade it says Extra Hollow Ground, and it's a #80. Looks like pre-1940 then It HAS got a tiny ding in the middle of the blade edge, but hopefully I'll be able to try it out in the next day or two. I'll certainly post an update!

The Tennis brand was owned by Fritz Bracht ( Fritz Bracht Stahlwarenfabrik ) before he purchased Dovo from Carl Dorp in 1940. Fritz Bracht and Dovo shared supplies and facilities after 1940 but were registered as separate companies under the same ownership.
It is uncertain (for me) when Tennis razors were first produced, but it was not earlier than 1920 and probably in the 1930s.

From 1940 (and possibly a little earlier) until 1953 Tennis razors were all marked "Fritz Bracht".
In 1952 the companies were merged and consolidated in name as well as fact. Fritz Bracht's son-in-law, Dr. Ernst Kirschbaum, officially took over management of the company in 1953.
Possibly as early as 1953, but no later than 1956 any Tennis razors manufactured were marked "Dovo" and not "Fritz Bracht".
Dovo still owns the Tennis name and up until recently (and possibly still) produces shears under the Tennis brand. I'm not sure when they stopped making razors under that brand name.

Pre-Dovo (pre-1956) Tennis razors are very good. I've never tried a Dovo brand Tennis razor but the quality control for Dovo was a little spotty, for a while, post Fritz Bracht.

 

[Wid]

Most likely it will need to be honed.

 

[mrchilli]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed but don't be surprised to see a request on the forum soon....lol

Most likely it will need to be honed.

 

[mrchilli]

You know, I was so chuffed to see a few olde straights (the first straight I've ever seen 'in person' was my Sight Unseen from Larry) it never even dawned on me that the pouch was good! Honestly, I'm 'greener' than my Green Lizard!

Looks to me the real find is that leather pouch. That's a beaut. Never seen one like it.

...Ray

 

[BakerAndBadger]

Straights do kropp up every now and again at fleas markets. Got a shed load last time I went to one.
nice finds but you'll kick yourself for having bought them, you'll get them honed and never look back (if you do you'll see the hole you are throwing money into).

 

[mrchilli]

Well, after much contemplation, I gave the Kropp 50 strokes on the leather and decided to 'go for it'.

A smooooooth experience was enjoyed! The downside was it didn't cut ANY hairs whatsoever!

Yep, I'll have to get the Kropp and the Tennis honed properly.

Still 'Greener than the Lizard'......The joys of being a 'newbie'....lol