What are you waiting on to arrive...?

Waiting on this. Torrey's "OUR 136." This was their top of the line razor. I did some research into the name, since "OUR 136" seemed like an odd name for a razor. Turns out, #136 is a standardized shoulderless blade shape, common across various manufacturers, mostly German, much like the #14 blade shape, made popular by Filarmonica, but not limited to them. Torrey's version of the 136 seems to be the best of these, according to those who have used various models of 136.
(Edit: correction. The 136 seems to be a reference to an internal numbering system. I have been unable to find other razors that used the 136 number and the same blade profile. See pic below.)

The blade shape is quite modern looking to our eyes, despite being over 100 years old.
(Edit: this particular box style originated in 1909)

J.R. Torrey was one of the premier manufacturers of straight razors in the United States, and they failed to believe that the age of the straight razor was ending. Their lack of diversification led to a swift end for the company around the mid-1950's. The saga of the Torrey family is a rags to riches, and back to rags story, unfortunately.

Torrey razors are known for their exceptionally hard tempering, and long lasting edge, but otherwise seems to be one of those brands that slips beneath the radar much of the time, and don't get discussed on the forums very often.

This razor seems to be in good shape, and the tortoiseshell (?) handle is nice looking. The leather covered case with built in stropping strips is another unusual thing that is rarely seen. I'm looking forward to getting it.

Edit: having never owned anything made of tortoiseshell, is this enough to conclusively identify it? I know dyed horn can resemble tortoiseshell as well.

 

Thank you. It took a great deal of wheedling on my part to get the wife to think so as well. It's actually one of my cheaper razor acquisitions.

 

It's non-abrasive. Just a maintenance item. Probably contains tallow, lanolin, neatsfoot oil, and beeswax. As cheap as it was, I'm surprised a Dubl Duck fan didn't snag it to add to their collection.

 

Seller sent me an offer for $14.95, couldn't turn it down. I would say this is a unicorn razor for me. I've always been interested in the transitional razors, but I've never seen one in good enough shape to want, or a good enough price to buy. Though the Curley isn't a particularly hard razor to find, or expensive.

This one is simply to add to my collection.
Edit: more info here:
https://www.badgerandblade.com/foru...ty-razor-frameback-w-adjustable-guard.354801/
and here:
https://sharprazorpalace.com/razors/104862-curleys-ideal-safely-razor.html

 

It definitely has some birch tar in it too, from the odor. That explains the "Russia" in 'Russia strop dressing."

 

So nice, I did it twice.


Another Torrey 'Our 136,' this one's in rougher shape, but was far cheaper. Ought to hone up nice. Might be the start of a full 7 day set.

 

I've had this vintage French made paddle strop in my watch list for ages, and always thought it was priced a bit high, but probably worth it. Sent them a low-ball offer, and to my surprise they accepted.

Foal horsehide is tougher than regular horsehide, and the vintage Russian tanning process was nearly lost, and is extremely rare to find pieces in good condition, so this is actually kind of an unheard of thing to find nowadays.

Another piece for the collection. Seems to be my month for it.

 

Ah shucks. MWF has been reformulated.

I'm waiting on 3 pucks of (hopefully) old stock from Amazon. Connought Shaving has already switched over to the new stuff.