F.W.Engels. Solingen. 12/16th inch This one came in, today, and I am excited about working on it. I've been looking for one, in good enough shape, for a while, to try to restore. I hope it turns out well. History of F.W.Engels. Between 1909 and 1943, Friedrich Wilhelm Engels’s company on Broome Street, New York City, would sell several models of excellent quality straight razors manufactured in Solingen, Germany – one of the hubs of stainless steel production and blade manufacture of the eighteenth through twentieth centuries. These razors, sold under the brand of F.W. Engels, were manufactured using Argo steel, some of the toughest and most durable steel ever used in the production of shaving blades. Known for their ability to take and hold an edge for a considerable length of time, Engels razors were made by Engelswerk C.W. Engels, Foche, a company that also producedvarious other cutlery during its fifty-one years in operation. Founded by Carl-Wilhelm Engels in 1892, the company was later owned by the Engels family, comprising Carl-Wilhelm’s sons Emil and Villi, and his widow Matilda. Emil would actively encourage export of his family’s company’s goods, and increased the range produced to hundreds of catalogue items. He would partner with Friedrich Wilhelm Engels in New York to distribute their razors in America. Unfortunately, Engelswerk CW Engels would be one of the many German companies to succumb to the ravages of World War II, and ceased operations in 1943. At the same time, F.W. Engels’s company would close its doors, as the supply of razors dried up. Collectors looking for an F.W. Engels razor today can recognize them by the trademark, and the Hansel and Gretel logo, on the tang. The F.W.E. Special, Perfect Temper and Leader models were the most popular of the razors, which are frequently referred to as “Angels” in the wet shaving community. The company sold many beautiful, hard-wearing razors, known for their elegance and attractiveness, which included cracked ice or translucent celluloid scales, brass bolsters, gun blue tangs and tails, and the meticulous effort that went into each one to make it into a work of functional art. Before:
Some of the Finest Shaving Razors that were Made in Germany were Made More or Less Specifically for the USA Market..Wester Bros Solingen is Another Fine Example..Well..For Me Anyway.. Billy..
I've owned a number of the FWE's over the years. Fine razors! I've sold all but one— this one from 1930s, NOS (unhoned) with similar blade shape to your's, with the 'fancy' Leader scales. Great razor!
Well, this took a while, today. In between chores, and errands, I sanded, and sanded, and sanded. 220, and everything up to 1200 grit. I even polished the silver ends. I then tightened the blade, in the scales. It was too loose for my liking. It still lines up, perfectly. During the entire thing, it became clear that the tang and tail had originally blued. So, I cold blued them last. Some of the pitting was too deep, and I didn't want to mess with the contour of the blade. If anyone has any suggestions on how to improve it further, please chime in. I will be honing it, within the week. I hope.
It’s looking great Scott! I know how much you are dying to give it a spin so I respect your patience for some additional bluing.
Re-bluing can often be fraught with mixed results. This can be due to the unevenness of absorbency present on the tang. Any oils (hand or otherwise) on the tang will cause uneveness in the application. I've had good luck with Birchwood Casey's Super Blue. Cold bluing vs Hot bluing. Relatively easy. It comes with a application brush. Progressive bluing. Remove blade from scales. Clean the tang thoroughly, removing any black rust or existing splotchiness. Wear gloves. TAPE off areas you DON'T want blue. Wipe down with denatured alcohol & dry thoroughly. No fingerprints! Apply the Super blue in a single even coat on the entire tang. Gently wipe off excess; examine and repeat process if necessary. Wash with water & dry thoroughly after each application. Blued Duck...two applications of the Super Blue.
I think I am finished. I gave a little polishing to the tang, with 0000 Steel Wool. It made the Blueing "Pop". It also glossied it up, and took the dull parts off. Next, I matched Green Nail Polish, for the silver ends, like the razor originally had. I wasn't thrilled with the look. So, I removed the color. It now has some green around the inlay, like many do, when the green wears off. I like the clean look a little more than the green. YMMV. I didn't like this look. Perhaps forest green Sharpies would work better. This is the final outcome. Next comes Honing.
