My new Riga razor just arrived. 1/4 hollow 7/8. It’s made from Tungsten Steel. Does that mean stainless? Sorry for the ignorant question, but I’m still new at this.
Nice! My Riga razors take the sharpest edges and hold them a long time. The only other razors in my den with similar edge hold capabilities are my Mike Martinez and Filarmonica.
Maybe more than you’d ever want to know (and more than I can understand) but here’s the lowdown on the steel used in the Riga Razor. This is from some eBay messages I traded with Sergej: Hello Karl , The second razor is honed already , it's sharp enought , but not overhoned , i believe . I can't compare the Bohler R100 steel blade with some vintage razor , for me it's better than " Silver steel ". In my opinin , of course . The bohler R100 steel is 100Cr6 steel , or 52100 in US classification . If to compare with " Silver steel " - I made composite analysis of Friedr Herder ABR.SOHN straigt rasor - the " Silver steel " is 100Cr2 steel . The difference in Chromium content only , in " Silver steel " is 0,5 % of Chromium , in Bohler R100 - 1,5% of Chromium . I believe that the Bohler R100 steel is better , than classic " Silver steel " , because the addition of Chromium helps to reduce the carbide size. Smaller carbides means better toughness and resistance to fracture . For example - the 52100 ( same steel as 100Cr6 or Bohler R100 ) is known for its very small carbide size and high density of carbides, even when compared to other carbon and alloy steels . Best Regards . Sergej .
I picked up this little beauty off eBay as a target of opportunity, no one wanted it at $26 and the ivory scales are lovely and wide enough for an 11/16-6/8 if I wanted to do a swap sometime. It’s an Albert Stille Stockholm, and Albert Stille is a manufacturer of surgical instruments founded in 1841 and is stille (sorry, couldn’t resist) in business today. Hard steel, light wear, 5/8 width, was maybe an 11/16 at one time. Based on the stamps and lack of a ‘Sweden’ stamp, I’d guess made between 1876 and 1891. No doubt made by a major Eskilstuna maker, I’m working on the identity. Sold as shave ready - yeah right. And it was, pretty much. I can and now have done better with it, but it did shave and not badly at all.
Thanks, Karl! That's great information. Keith (@Keithmax) said the only razors with comparably hard steel blades are his Mike Martinez and Filarmonica. I appreciate this information. I really can't wait to shave with it. Unfortunately, can't do so until the current 30DC focus is complete in five more days.
I recently purchased this Wade & Butcher online for $25 plus shipping, actually I got this, a Boker and a Norvell-Shapleigh. I've never heard of the last one, if anyone has any experience with that company please let me know. I'm most excited about the W&B I want to get it restored because I've heard nothing but good things about them. Any W&B aficionados out there??
Here is a Thread on Norvell-Shapleigh Cutlery Company..They were Well Known in their Day it Would Seem.. https://sharprazorpalace.com/show-tell/118109-shapleigh-hardware-diamond-edge-de-17-a.html Billy..
I really like vintage safety razors which make up the bulk of my collection. I’ve been on the lookout for a cast steel straight razor in decent condition, came across this one from a seller Ben, my son has bought from before on the Bay. I slowed it to my son, who said it looked good. So I put in a lowball bid and won it. What are your thoughts?