Amhone Razor Strop, Hone & Case: Seems Rare...Is It?

wlwhittier

wlwhittier

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Jan 21, 2013
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Howdy!
I've been blessed with a large lot of straight razors...a 'collection' in the sense that the fellow (now in memory care) picked 'em up where he could, brought 'em home, an' squirreled them in a plastic bin, never again having the slightest interest in them. There are about 50 of them, an' roughly 10 are in really bad shape, with crude repairs, broken or missing scales, an' pretty heavy fine rust.

On the other hand, there are maybe a dozen that will be great additions to the hoard of others who collect such blades. I'll be asking for your help with them, of course...I know very little about razors, an' have been tasked by his executor with turning them into cash to support his care. Please forgive my ignorance about nomenclature an' other aspects of this specialty...I'll try not to make the same mistake twice!

This is 6 3/8" long, 1 1/2" wide, 1 1/16" thick as shown, assembled. The hone is 4" X 1 1/2" X ~3/16"; the storage pocket is ~15/16" X ~7/16" X 6 1/16". The lining of the strop appears to be coarse wool felt; the snap covers look like tortoise, an' may well be...I can't say either way, for sure. Weight is 4.4oz as is; it was empty when received.

I've not been able to find any information about Amhone or the A.H. Co., its apparent maker.
Whatever you can offer or suggest about it will be most welcome, an' gratefully acknowledged.
Thanks for lookin'...Warren


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this
 
No not rare. This is not one of the really collectible am hone company hones. Frictionite 00, super punjab, deluxe ko 500 are like the three big ones.
 
Thanks...as I sort thru them, I'll keep an eye open for Large Sheffield razors.
What defines 'Large' in a Sheffield?
 
Uhh...as far as I've seen so far, all of them are typical 9/16" to maybe 3/4", hollow-ground with roll-spines.
What would you say is an 'interesting' grind? Is it the occasional stuff written in the blade faces, or the profile of the edge? There are several with odd shapes cut into the blunt end of the blade, which appear as unnecessary to the shaving function.
 
I think I know what a Lancet grind is...but cannot find any help with Half Rattler grind.
What would that look like, kcb5150?
 
Yes...I'm pretty sure there's one of those in the batch...I'll find it, an' post a few pics here. Thank you!
 
K kcb5150
This is the only one I've found; I note the blade nose is similar to your link's example, but its profile is lacking the curve from the heel to the swing rivet...so perhaps doesn't answer your need.
The stain in pics 6 & 9 is only that; it has no depth.
You'll note the nicks in the edge, of which there are 6.
The blade is ~3" X 0.825", roughly half-hollow.

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@kcb5160

Another with that type notch...the case is maker-correct, but the razor is not an Edelweiss.

Boker Tree, Finest Grade, 11/16"; full MOP tang cover, marked H. Boker & Co Solingen, an' Germany, on the surfaces of the MOP. The scales look like horn to me, but are untested.

I admit to confusion about that notch...I think I've seen it described as a 'barbers notch'.
If so, what is its purpose?

Thanks for lookin'...an' for your comments & suggestions! Warren

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OK...I accept your suggestion. I gotta ask, though...Why?
An' is that the site name? Thanks!
 
Yes, that is the name. It is a forum focused on all things shaving. “Badger” refers to badger hair used to make traditional shaving brushes, blade is obvious.

There are active subforums devoted to straight razors and hones. The straight razor group there is very knowledgeable about old razors and will give well informed, honest advice.

fwiw - straight razors sizes are measured from edge to spine in 1/8” units. 5/8”’s and 6/8’”’s are the most common. The 7/8” and 8/8”’s can command some significant premiums depending on the maker and condition.

Restoring straight razors is very common, so a sought after maker can command high prices even if it is a bit rough.

Having said all that, the majority of modern 5/8”’s will only make a nice user, but not necessaily a high dollar collectible.

Tossing in a photo for no real reason other than to add some color of my daily straights, after trying several.

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Last edited:
jeffbird said:
Yes, that is the name. It is a forum focused on all things shaving. “Badger” refers to badger hair used to make traditional shaving brushes, blade is obvious.

There are active subforums devoted to straight razors and hones. The straight razor group there is very knowledgeable about old razors and will give well informed, honest advice.

fwiw - straight razors sizes are measured from edge to spine in 1/8” units. 5/8”’s and 6/8’”’s are the most common. The 7/8” and 8/8”’s can command some significant premiums depending on the maker and condition.

Restoring straight razors is very common, so a sought after maker can command high prices even if it is a bit rough.

Having said all that, the majority of modern 5/8”’s will only make a nice user, but not necessaily a high dollar collectible.

Tossing in a photo for no real reason other than to add some color of my daily straights, after trying several.

View attachment 2935132
Click to expand...

WOW, those are beautiful! At 48 years old I started shaving with a wet shave safety razor and absolutely enjoy the experience. Seems my skin and beard pairs best with the Merkur 34c with Feather blades. My prep varies depending if I've missed a day and have extra growth.

I recently traveled for 3 weeks, and threw a few disposable blades in my toiletries bag. I've got so many ingrown hairs and irritation now! I need to find some sort of travel kit for my wet shaves... enough about that though.

I'd really like to try a straight razor shave! I've been so reluctant, and mostly because I'm completely overwhelmed when I begin browsing for a straight razor. I'd love to try a good introductory straight razor that doesn't have a disposable blade insert. Do you have any recommendations? Also, a good reputable place to purchase?

As someone who appreciates all forms of blades, it would be neat to find an 'old timer' who has accumulated enough straight razors that they'd pass along (not for free of course) to the next generation to keep this dying art form alive.
 
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