Vintage 1920's Griffon Carbo Magnetic Straight Razor
. An absolute rare and unique find! These razors are really rare now and they fetch high prices. The Griffon Cutlery Works was founded in 1888 by Albert L. Silberstein. They manufactured razors, nail files and a great many types of scissors, including pinking shears, nippers and manicure sets, as well as "Ladies' Button Hole" scissors. Their trademark registration also mentions embroidery scissors, poultry shears, barber shears, tweezers, pushers, and nose scissors.
Originally located on Broadway at 74-76 Fifth Avenue until around 1915, they moved to West 19th Street in 1920 and remained here until 1968. They also had a factory and branch outlet in Solingen, Germany where most of their straight razors were manufactured.
The carbon steel went through a magnetizing process during hardening, hence the name "Carbo Magnetic". The razors are in fact magnetic as a result of this process.
As with everything else manufactured during that period in Germany, only the best quality materials were used and superior high quality carbon blades were the result.
It is in great overall condition with no rust. Very well looked after considering it's age. As can be expected after 100+ years, there is some very slight patina and pitting on the blade. Comes in it's original box. The box is in poor condition.
The blade will need honing should you want to shave with it. And the traditional way to hone it, is on a leather strop.
And the opinions are universal - there is NO shave like a straight razor shave. Bear in mind that razor manufacturers have moved away from traditional shaving methods to disposable and cartridge systems. WHY? There is no money in it for them with straight razors and even safety razors because they last for ever and DE safety blades are as cheap as chips.
There is a HUGE resurgence worldwide to the traditional wet shave. And the reasons are simple:
1) The best shaves ever
2) Very cheap
3) Very satisfying - nothing like a clean shaved face
4) The nostalgia, the ritual and the smell
And ask yourself the question: Why do all professional barbers worldwide still use traditional shaving tools? So come on people, join the millions who know what a shave should be like!
Here is a nice video tutorial on a straight razor shave - check it out!:
