I had an antique dealer contact me saying he just got in a few new razors he wanted me to see. In particular a nonfolding straight razor. Non folding huh, weird. This I have to take a look at. On my way over I thought what could it be ? Then I thought wait maybe it's a kamisori. That could be interesting if it was a good on. When I got there he was almost giddy with excitement while he unlocked the cabinet to show me what he had gotten. As you can see from the pictures it definitely isn't a kamisori. Is it a fancy corn scraper ? Is it a play in words that says " korn " ? Anyone come across one before or have any experience with one ? There were also two actual straight razors he had as well. Anyone have any experience with either of them either?
That is interesting George Korn was the Master Grinder for the Case Brothers in Little Valley NY He held several Patents for special grinds, he later sold razors under his own name I have never seen a vintage razor made like that, I have however made a few into something like that over the years http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/my-latest-micro-sori-re-build.21134/ That is one I would love to see in hand
You did an amazing job on that one. I honestly didn't know what this edge on a stick was. If it's possible to shave with it then I'm interested in it. If I pick it will it be ok to send it your way for a quick inspection and a tune up ? There is some rust at the handle but there is no cracks or pitting that I could see. If you don't mind the work, we can figure out prices in a pm or email. Thanks
I wonder if the Korn razor is missing pieces. A Google patent search (https://www.google.com/patents/US72...ved=0ahUKEwj6jfyl4qHKAhWLbD4KHUycBwQQ6AEIKjAC) shows one awarded to Korn for a "Safety Razor". The art shows a similar blade, but also a removable guard (hence the safety part).
Very interesting. To me, that patent app legitimizes it as a razor. I'm not into straights (beyond a single cheap shavette) but I'd have to pick that one up, if it was a decent price. Good luck, @NapalmCola . EDIT: Actually, both of those other straights are nice, too. The detailing on the scales and the blade etching on that Torrey are awesome, and those metal scales are very interesting on a vintage straight, if authentic. I'm untrained and uninformed, but that's my two cents.
I went back and mentioned that it was in fact missing the safety guard and what kind of a discount I would get , with my frequent buyer discount as well of course. So I did pick it up, and at a great price as well. I will now be on the lookout for the safety cover. As well as any other items made by this brilliant man and his company. I attached a link that goes over his history as well as pictures of his creations and the patents. I will be getting in touch with Glenn and see about cleaning and honing it. As well as give him a chance to take a look at it. http://www.jbfchamplin.com/?page_id=269
Safety guard or no, it's still an interesting piece and a nice looking blade. It's also cool that it's a century old American kamisori-style razor, whatever the inspiration was. At the risk of committing a www faux pas, I found an interesting thread on another forum which shows a standard handled Korn and your straight handled style, both with the guards: http://forum.shavemyface.com/viewtopic.php?p=521487
I agree, now that i know its not a fancy scrapper for corns on your feet. It would be neat to eventually have one of his other style straight razors in the collection. He had dozens of really great ideas/inventions. From his history he wasn't a world traveler so he most likely didn't see the items then return to America and make them himself. From kamisori type razor to straight razors with a thumb release safety latch, this guy was brilliant. He made custom wine bottle openers to scissors and folding blade knives. The link should be above. Its a great read.
I read through that, and should have said so. I felt the same as you, I was fascinated by some of those designs. The photos were amazing, the way he worked those shapes into reality.
Sorry, i didn't mean to imply that you had not read it. I am just fascinated by his works and must be a bit excited and think the members here would really enjoy the read as well as the both of us. Some items are very industrial looking and made for daily use and others are very elegant and defiantly geared for the very wealthy class. All I need is another particular type or brand of item to keep an eye out for. Maybe I can convince my wife that i'm looking for items that she may like as well as traditional shaving items for myself. Like I told her when it comes to a Waterford crystal shave brush, they also make Waterford crystal cosmetic brushes.
I really like learning about the history of the early American straight razor companies as I collect them. I have a Cattarangus razor with the scales with the finger notch that is one of George Korn's patents in that link. I know there is one, but am not sure of the connection with Cattarangus and the Case family other than being in Little Valley New York.
I agree, the history behind these companies and individuals is pretty neat. I have always enjoyed history and now with this new hobby I can learn about the history of the new hobby.
No offense taken, merely apologizing for myself. Maybe your wife would like one of those knives styled like a pitcher or a "well dressed woman." Ladies like those kinds of things, right? (Full disclosure: I'm married and know better.)
I have not. I'm on the road this week. I think I'm going to try it on my knives first. I'm still learning to strop and not confident enough yet for honing.
I hear ya. I have my first shave ready straight and need to make time to learn to strop first. Then I can think about trying out my barbers hones in the future when they will be dulled enough to need it.
