Finally Got an Otto!

I'm not one to claim that "I've found my 'Holy grail' of razors!"—but for some time, I've been hunting for this particular razor with little success and finally picked one up.

Pictured below is the German Art Deco "Otto Deutsch 'Hans'" straight razor, made by the Bresduck company (1930–1952, Trademarks: Dubl Duck, Lifetime, Napoleon, Beau Brummel, Deutsch, Satinedge).

I finally found one that looks to be in excellent condition. They are very hard to find in good condition as the scales very fragile— susceptible to both celluloid rot and warpage. Most examples I've come across show signs of rot. Blades are usually off-color & rotting away, warped scales, or some degree of falling apart. You'll find them with either the lighter green scales or dark black scales. Supposedly, the lighter scales are more prone to the dreaded rot. This is a razor I'll probably have to keep an eye on and be scrupulous in the handling & care.

I'm open to your suggestions on the 'special' care & maintenance of this razor to prevent the potential premature demise of the scales. So far, it has lasted 60-90 years….

As with other Bresduck razors, the Otto Deutsch models have a reputation as excellent shavers. Two of my current favorite shavers are my Beau Brummel & Goldedge—and I'm hoping this one has a similar feel.

 

A very nice looking razor. Great you could find something so rare.

 

Very nice. Let us know how it works for you.

 

Congratulations Kevin!

 

Way to go Kevin! You found a real beauty!

 

on finding your Otto Kevin. It's certainly BEAUTIFUL!!

 

I will! I look forward to honing & shaving with it.
Online and in antique stores, almost ALL the Ottos I've come across tend to look as this one—evident cell rot on the blade.

Those in decent to good condition have tended to run in the $200 + range… which is scary considering the fragility of this make.

 

OOoooooooooo You are so going to like that


Will have you saying "My Precious" much like Golum hehehehe

 

Congratulations, Kevin!

 

Or, like Sweeny Todd, singing out "Now my arm is complete!"

 

I'll let you now after my first shave with it….

 

Looks like a close shave to me, but maybe a little irritation happening there...

 

Great find, Kevin! It's one beautiful razor, congratulations!

 

I swear when I first saw this thread title I thought it said, Finally found an otter. I was thinking you were going to keep it in the bathtub. Anyway, good looking razor. can't wait to see it cleaned up.

 

Congratulations Kevin!

 

You can always have Glen lift the inlays off of the original scales and have him put them on modern plastic scales or something if your concerned with rot.

Nice looking razor by the way.

 

Fiinnaallly!.. That's quite the razor Kevin..use it in good health..

 

Is that the only palindrome razor ever made?

 

Congratulations, very cool, enjoy!

 

Very nice I believe I was looking at the very same razor thought about making him an offer, hope you got it for a good price.