Hi everyone, I'm stepping up a gear coming into the straight edge big boys forum! Being a DE man...well so far ( it depends on how you classify Rolls Razors ) This weekend I picked up some nice DE's that came as a job lot with a boxed Bismarck razor However this is a Bismarck Jr ?? I can find a fair bit about bismarcks but so far nothing about Jr's? Does anyone have any info at all on Bismark Jr?? It's certainly not a small size boys razor The blade is engraved / etched with SPECIALLY FOR BARBERS the tang has Bismarck Jr. on one side and Made in Germany Solingen on the other, the scales on one side has Bismarck Jr registered inlayed on it The dark green box is printed Bismark jr. Made in Germany Hopefully I can up load some puctures. As I say if anyone can tell me anything about this razor I would be most greatful Gra.
very nice looking razor. But, you need to replace that one scale that is broken. It is at the critical pivot area, and the blade will not work safely, in that shape. ..
Yeah, oops I've already learnt that as the blade just swings open or closed regardless of your fingers being in the way !!!! The blade is really sharp and although I've never used a straight razor before if I can fix this then I will go for it. I use a a Rolls razor which is short open blade and I love that. Didn't intend to buy a straight it was just bundled with the others I wanted, so a lucky win win for £10 for the lot. Just can't find another Bismarck Jr razor or anything about them The Bismarck brand name was bought by Dovo in 1957 thought Bismarck hadn't produced any blades since before ww2 If anyone has any info re B Jr's I would love to know Gra
That razor will need a set of new scales. Easy enough to do if you have the materials and the tools. I bought this one in the same condition as yours. New horn scales. Not original, but a great shaver, nonetheless. https://theshaveden.com/forums/attachments/35971658-09c9-4861-ba6c-cbc9275e6dac-jpeg.180785/
This is just a guess...but jr. might refer to a thinner/edging type blade. If the standard size is 7/8" the jr. might be a 5/8" blade.
I would suggest having a pro put scales on that razor. The original Bismarck’s are superb razors and deserve a proper suit. I shaved with one this morning.
Goodness knows, I wondered if the "specially for barbers" etched on the blade has something to do with it? The blade as far as I see is 6/8 see pic. Whatever it's a nice one not that I'm really qualified to judge it is really sharp as is so should work out well and I'm happy to fully turn to the dark side and go for it ha ha first job get the scales sorted. But I'm gearing myself up for my first real blood letting!!
So far I've only seen good things said about Bismarcks apart from I think is it the specials ? It's a nice size, hand fit and weight so really looking forward to getting to try it.
If it starts to pull hard, stop. it isn't sharp enough. If sharp, watch the tip, and go slow. Cheeks only, for the first couple of times, until you are comfortable. my suggestion would be to send it to @gssixgun , and have the scale replaced, and the blade properly sharpened.
No worries. I'd heartily second the recommendation of Glen as his work is phenomenal. However, seeing as you are in Wales perhaps fellow Denizen Welshman @Jamie Mahoney or fellow Denizen Scot @Billyfergie might know of a meister restorer/honer closer to your home.
+1 - a well-ground Bismarck (not a sure thing these days) is a fine razor indeed, and usually comes in chunky scales that detract from the razor. Especially the cheaper scales with the large ‘not-a-wedge’ pin and untapered scales. Don’t throw them away though, the rather crudely made scales with a spacer vs wedge can still improve a Gold Dollar!
I have light clear scales from a Dubl Duck and balances well. The pre Dovo Bismarck, which I believe is the one are discussing, is a superb razor well worth restoring. I am no fan of Dovo BTW.
I have light no-so-clear scales from a Wosty, lol, funny how we both did a scale swap that improved the razor quite a lot. I like the Bismarck, but have trouble buying 2-3 to get one that’s evenly ground. Dovo (and modern TI) really make you appreciate Japanese razors. My Dovo Pallisander swapped out to Wosty scales
Many thanks for the recommendations, I would like to get this back up and running, general opinion seems to be it's a razor worth the effort Gra