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Sharp enough to shave with

We always hear the phrase "Sharp enough to shave with". It is something a knife owner takes pride in. Knives were meant to cut so let's see how sharp we can get them and keep them that way. Knives come from the factory with a sharp edge but most are not shaving sharp. Shaving sharp is a learned skill. I personally use a Lansky sharpening system but am looking at a new Wicked Edge system I learned about here.

But is shaving sharp used anymore in everday life? I recently sought out a barber who does an old fashioned shave with a straight razor. I would have never thought of this before joing iKC. But being a member has spurred in me a sense of longing to learn everything about cutlery. Talk about blindly following someone! So I went to the source of the shaving subject, a barber. The results were amazing! After the barber spent time reassuring me that he had done this before, I relenquished my exposed and soaped neck. As soon as the edge touched my skin I knew this was the point of no return. What a phrase to think about when a stranger has a razor at your throat. At the first upward stroke I was in awe. So smooth. Such an effortless movement. The stubble was cleanly removed! As soon as I realized I was not in a slasher movie and my widow was not going to be contacted by police, I settled down to enjoy my first shave from a barber.

Why did I do this?? I have acquired several razors over the past couple of years. They are usaually in among knives or such items of interest. I realized I had "collected" a small gathering of straight razors. Interesting pieces. Rich with history. Full of mistique. We can all remember movies with the likes of Clint Eastwood having at least a weeks worth of brush sythed from his face by a barber who also needed a shave. So here I am with these straight razors from yesteryear. I have seen new razors advertised in today's catalogs but I am wondering, do they sell with the advent of the safety and disposable razors.

Does anyone else have razors floating in the knife collections? Does anyone have a collection of razors? I'll start off with one from Clauss Shear works of Fremont, Ohio made prior to 1919. Anyone else??

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Permalink Reply by Chuck Parham on June 26, 2013 at 5:13

This next Genco razor has a link with W.R. Case & Sons.

1900- Geneva Shear Company founded in Geneva N.Y.

1902- Unsuccessful company reorganized as Geneva Cutlery Company by William & Walter Althoff to produce straight razors and pocket knives.

1912- Geneva Cutlery Co. becomes largest U.S. manufacturer of razors outproducing all other manufacturers worldwide.

1928- Reorganizes as Geneva Cutlery, Inc.

1934- Ecko (Edward Katzinger Company) purchases Geneva Cutlery, Inc.

1935- W.R. Case & Sons acquires razor production contingent and continues marketing razors under Genco brand. They produce the line until 1965.

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on June 26, 2013 at 16:44

Is that yours Chuck? Nice Genco razor!

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on June 26, 2013 at 19:06

I just got an old one blade Kabar Olean NY knife off ebay, with a blade "sharp enough to shave with". I love it.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on June 26, 2013 at 19:08

That is one cool razor Craig, I am a big fan of Cattaraugus anyway.

Craig Henry said:

Here's the only one I have left.........

This was my grandfather's razor. He got it while he was the manager of the Gaut & Becker Hardware Store in Jeannette Pennsylvania in the 1930's. These were made up for the store, as you can see the Gaut & Becker - Jeannette Pennsylvania etch.

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on June 27, 2013 at 0:12

Thanks Ken! It also has family connections so it's one that WILL stay in the family.

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Permalink Reply by Chuck Parham on June 27, 2013 at 4:23

Yes it is Craig. Thanks!

Craig Henry said:

Is that yours Chuck? Nice Genco razor!

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Permalink Reply by Chuck Parham on June 27, 2013 at 4:29

Post a picture of it Ken! We're always interested in what folks pick up.

Ken Spielvogel said:

I just got an old one blade Kabar Olean NY knife off ebay, with a blade "sharp enough to shave with". I love it.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on June 28, 2013 at 1:42

Chuck Parham said:

Post a picture of it Ken! We're always interested in what folks pick up.

Ken Spielvogel said:

I just got an old one blade Kabar Olean NY knife off ebay, with a blade "sharp enough to shave with". I love it.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on June 28, 2013 at 1:43

Ken Spielvogel said: Not a very good pic - I really like the knife, very sharp, I find myself carrying it as EDC often.

Chuck Parham said:

Post a picture of it Ken! We're always interested in what folks pick up.

Ken Spielvogel said:

I just got an old one blade Kabar Olean NY knife off ebay, with a blade "sharp enough to shave with". I love it.