I've had a Barbasol Floating Head, for several years, and the other day, received another one, in a "Razor Lot". There isn't any writing on it, so it makes me wonder. It had a rusted blade inside, that looked to be from the 40's-50's. The other razors were of the 50's-60's, with the same rusty blades in them. So, it is old. It had the exact same weight, dimensions, and feel of the known Barbasol. Has there been old knockoffs of this razor?? But, here they are, next to each other. The Barbasol areas have been taped, to see if anyone can guess which is real, and which is not. But, perhaps they are both real, just one is without the Barbasol stamping??
Razors of the floating and non floating head Barbasol type were manufacturerd by and pursuant to patent obtained by Conrad Razor Blade Co. which also manufacturerd the Clix. Some razors are branded as Barbasol and others not. It's still unclear to me how the unbranded razors were distributed, whether by Conrad, Barbasol, or others. The language of the patent suggests that the razor may hsve been designed expressly with Barbasol in mind, or commissioned by them, as a primary patent claim is its superiority in use with brushless creams. The Conrad razor patent expired in 1954, only after which time knock offs could have appeared.
Interesting fact, I did not know. Much thanks. So, no guess??? BTW, looking closely, they look like they could have been machined on the same equipment.
They're both "real" with or without the branding. The one on the left has plating which more resembles my branded one..
Yes. I would call the one on the left the Barbasol. It is the bluish tint of the chrome plating. The one on the right has the yellowish hue normally seen with Nickel. I have seen unbranded versions floating around. Edit to add a pic. Here's mine.
Hmmm, interesting. Excellent deduction,, "My dear @PanChango ". (I'm trying to sound like Sherlock Holmes).
Well, here is the answer: The one on the Right is the real Barbasol Floating head. It had been replated, by Chris, at www.Razorplate.com. , shortly after he started plating razors for others. The original Barbasol I have cost me $5.95, from and antique store, and the razor had some pitting that required new plating.
You guys didn't think it would be easy, did you??? I though for sure someone would have done a search on my past Barbasol Razor usage. That would have made the guessing easier.