Got the both of these with some smooth talkin and a little wheelin n dealin for a double saw buck ! First five pics are of what I believe to be the first run or second run Auto Strop Razors The last four are of what I believe to be the Improved Model C Auto Strop Razor. If anyone knows better about what run or model please chime in ! I am lovin shaving with these razors, there great and give one hella shave !!!
These are great shavers if you have blades for them. Actually, your top razor is the newer of the two razors. You can modify a regular SE blade to fit your model VC1 (bottom razor), which was made in the early 20's. However, the VC2 (your top pictures) was made in the late 20's or early 30's and will take a special blade. The only currently made blades that will fit those punchout tabs is a Feather SE blade. You can get those blades from http://razorbladesandmore.com/ Edit: Looking at the locations of the punchout tabs, I now realize that you have a VC2 that I do not have. I can not guarantee that those Feather SE blades will work. The feather SE blades were made to fit in a similar Feather stropping razor. Not all punchout/tab combinations are compatible with the feather blades. They may work with that razor. They may not. Here is a youtube video on modifying regular SE blades to work in your VC1. He is working with the 1912 VB1 razor, but the process will be the same. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7Bq0nLygEg
I can't say that I have seen an autostrop strop in the condition shown on that VC1. Looks very unused!
I have a Valet also, but I used it only twice. The 1st time I had a FANTASTIC shave, and the 2nd time, I cut myself badly, because I was careless.
I had my 3rd shave this morning with the same Feather blade in a Valet VC2. I don't find the Valet especially aggressive, more like a Gem 1912. It won't be my every day razor but it is a nice break from my Gillette Old Type Bulldog or New short comb. I've been wanting to try the Valet but this week was my first chance as I received my supply of Feather blades last week. Len
I think you got yourself a bargain at $20 for both of them. I saw one at a flea market a few weeks back and the guy was looking for $50 for one of those. Not even as nice as yours. Very cool!
Can a "Strop" for a Valet/Auto Strop Razor be 'MADE?' Hmmm...I'm "thinking-Positive," here! Any advice?
Yes, I've made one from some suede I had on hand. I even crimped the spine from despining a single edge blade to reinforce the area behind the loop. The thickness is key, if too thick the stropping mechanism won't work well, if it is too thin it will be sloppy and slippy. I didn't, but one could easily apply some crox to the suede also.
How 'unique' is that? You've given this old-man something to (hopefully) do! Certainly I'll be dropping-in at the local fabric shop this week-end for suede...I really appreciate your feed-back herein, joamo! Did you have to glue a back onto it? Wish I could see your finished product! Way-to-go-jo...! SALUTE!
I found a pic, I don't have this anymore as it was my contribution to a Valet pass around. The width is 1 9/16 wide and 15 inches long. (taken from an original) crimp a single edge spine along the square back edge and punch 2 holes about 1/2 inch apart just in front of the crimped spine and loop a shoelace or paracord through the holes and around the spine. My original is pigskin but the suede leather should work well, especially if crox or another abrasive is applied to the strop. Pm me if you have any questions.
I followed your lead, and bought Leather & Suede at a Fabric Shop. I followed your direction (Same/Similar), crimping the top w/the top-crimp from a Single-Edged Razor Blade; drilled a hole in the top-crimp; put a key-ring in the hole, and attached a leather-loop to the key-ring to hang it from. I sent away for the Chromium Oxide in a spray-bottle. I sprayed it on the suede-side and let it dry (Twice). It works very well! Thank you...I intend to make 4 more of them (from different types of Leather) for my other 4 Auto Strop Razors (from Ebay) "Happy-Days!"
