Shave of the Day Explanation

If you've been reading this blog you will have noticed that I try to post my "Shaves of the Day." This is basically a chart of what I used for the day plus maybe a few comments about the results of the shave or some of the products used. The chart lists the category of the line item which can be a group title, product category or method, the product manufacturer, the product description, a product rating from 1-5 with 5 being the highest rating and finally a link to either a blog posting with picture, description and review or maybe just a picture. People are more then welcome to post their own comments about their own products, a mistake a made in the posting or product information or their own shaving experiences. You will notice that most of the ratings you'll see are either 3 or higher or nothing. At this stage of the game, I'm using mostly the items I like the best and bad or mediocre products quickly get shelved. If there is no rating then I don't have a fair opinion about the product yet. You might see me revisit a low ranking product for a re-evaluation. I'm still learning. So enjoy, try not to make some of the mistakes I made and have a great shave.

Making Cologne

Making Cologne
Found this on the web. I do not know who to credit it to. If you do, please let me know.

Aromatic blending for the sheer pleasure of the aroma is a combination of creativity and science. When using a blend created primarily for its fragrance, therapeutic benefit can also occur. The focus of the blend, however, is on the final aroma, not its therapeutic properties.

Safety precautions should be followed for any type of blending, including for aromatic blending. For instance, you would still want to be extremely careful when using Bergamot because of its phototoxic properties and still avoid using all hazardous oils and all oils that are contraindicated for conditions that you have.

Traditional perfumers that work for the famous fragrance houses study for years to master the art and science of perfumery blending. The perfumer's standard repertoire consists of essential oils but also of synthesized chemicals that mimic the constituents (chemicals) of essential oils and other natural ingredients. Perfumers use synthesized chemicals and chemicals extracted from essential oils because they are often cheaper than using pure essential oils and because the chemicals are standardized and will be more consistent in aroma. If you can find a copy, The Science and Art of Perfumery by Edward Sagarin (copyright 1945) is a fascinating book that provides insight into the history and science of perfumery.

In aromatherapy blending, only natural ingredients such as essential oils, absolutes, CO2s, grain alcohol, carrier oils, herbs and water are used. Because aromatherapy blending requires and benefits from the use of unsynthesized chemicals, you shouldn't have high expectations for perfectly duplicating your favorite commercial fragrances.

Blending Basics

Essential oils can be categorized into broad groups based on their aromas. An example categorical system is as follows:

Floral
(i.e. Lavender, Neroli, Jasmine)
Woodsy
(i.e. Pine, Cedar)
Earthy
(i.e. Oakmoss, Vetiver, Patchouli)
Herbaceous
(i.e. Marjoram, Rosemary, Basil)
Minty
(i.e. Peppermint, Spearmint)
Medicinal/Camphorous
(i.e. Eucalyptus, Cajuput, Tea Tree)
Spicy
(i.e. Nutmeg, Clove, Cinnamon)
Oriental
(i.e. Ginger, Patchouli)
Citrus
(i.e. Orange, Lemon, Lime)

Oils in the same category generally blend well together. I hesitate specifying that particular categories blend well with other specific categories because it can limit your creativity and experimentation. Additionally, there are always exceptions. But to get you started, below are some categories that generally blend well together:

Florals blend well with spicy, citrusy and woodsy oils.
Woodsy oils generally blend well with all categories.
Spicy and oriental oils blend well with florals, oriental and citrus oils. Be careful not to overpower the blend with the spicy or oriental oils.
Minty oils blend well with citrus, woodsy, herbaceous and earthy oils.
Harmonizing Your Blend

Have you ever noticed that a fragrance smells differently after several hours than when you first apply it? Some essential oils evaporate more quickly than others. As the oils in a blend evaporate, the aroma will change to reflect the aroma of the remaining oils.

Using the analogy of a musical scale, oils that evaporate the quickest, usually within 1-2 hours, are called "top notes." Oils that evaporate with 2-4 hours are considered "middle notes." Oils that take the longest time to evaporate are referred to as "base notes." Some base notes can take several days to evaporate! Edward Sagarin credits Septimus Piesse with this analogy that has been used by many perfumers:

"Another contribution to the field of odor classification was made by the famous perfumer and perfume historian, Septimus Piesse. This unique figure in the history of the science created what he called an "odophone." the odors were like sounds, he pointed out, and a scale could be created going from the first or lowest note, the heavy smell to the last or highest note, the sharp smell. In between there was an ascending ladder. Each odor note corresponded to a key on his odophone, and in the creation of a happy mixture of many different odors, which we call a "bouquet" and which every finished perfume must be, the creator seeks not only to hit the right notes, but to strike those notes which go with one another. His perfume must not be out of tune." [Edward Sagarin, The Science and Art of Perfumery (New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1945), 145.]

Below is a chart of commonly available oils based on their common classification:

Top Notes

Anise
Basil
Bay Laurel
Bergamot
Bergamot Mint
Citronella
Eucalyptus
Galbanum
Grapefruit
Lavender
Lavendin
Lemon
Lemongrass
Lime
Orange
Peppermint
Petitgrain
Spearmint
Tagetes
Tangerine


Middle Notes

Bay
Bois-de-rose
Cajeput
Carrot Seed
Chamomile, German
Chamomile, Roman
Cinnamon
Clary Sage
Clove Bud
Cypress
Dill
Elemi
Fennel
Fir Needle
Geranium
Hyssop
Jasmine
Juniper Berry
Linden Blossom
Marjoram
Neroli
Nutmeg
Palmarosa
Parsley
Pepper, Black
Pine, Scotch
Rose
Rose Geranium
Rosemary
Rosewood
Spruce
Tea Tree, Common
Tea Tree, NZ (Manuka)
Thyme
Tobacco
Yarrow
Ylang Ylang


Base Notes

Angelica Root
Balsam, Peru
Beeswax
Benzoin
Cedarwood, Atlas
Cedarwood, Virginian
Frankincense
Ginger
Helichrysum (Immortelle)
Myrrh
Oakmoss
Olibanum
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Vanilla
Vetiver


Blending does not have hard and fast rules that must be followed to create that wonderful blend that you'll love for a lifetime. The lack of limits and restrictions is what makes perfumery an art form. Having said that, a few tips will help get you off to a fine start:

Tips

When creating a new blend, start out small with a total number of drops of either 5, 10, 20 or 25 drops. 25 drops should be the most that you start with. By starting small, you waste less oil in your blending experiments.


Start creating your blend by only using essential oils, absolutes or CO2s. After you have designed the blend, then you can dilute it by adding carrier oils, alcohol, etc. If you hate the blend you created, you have then not wasted any carrier oils or alcohol.


Keep a notebook that lists each oil that you used with the number of drops used for each oil. When the creative juices flow, it is easy to get carried away and later forget the exact recipe for your blend; one drop too much or too little of even one oil can drastically change the aroma of your blend. When you find that perfect blend, you want to be able to reduplicate it, and it's near impossible if you didn't take notes! If you are especially ambitious, it's also a wise idea to note the vendor name of the oil that you used as the aroma and quality of oils do vary between vendors (even with the same vendor, the aroma of oils can vary from batch to batch, due to crop fluctuations and resourcing).


To store your beautiful creations, perfume sample bottles and 2ml amber "shortie" bottles are very inexpensive and can often be purchased from aromatherapy vendors and glass bottle companies.


Be sure to label your blends clearly. If you don't have enough room to specify exactly what your blend is, label it with a number that corresponds to a number in your notebook.


Start off your blending experiments by creating blends that are made up in the following ratio (you do not have to be exact - this is just a guideline to get you started): 30% of the oils are top notes, 50% are middle notes, and 20% are base notes. See the chart above to find out what oils belong to each category.


Some oils are much stronger than others, especially the absolutes and CO2s. Study oils you wish to use in a given blend and observe the oils that have the strongest aromas. Unless you want those oils to dominate the blend, you will want to use dramatically less of the stronger oils in your blend.


To learn more about the strength of oils, it is useful to try experiments where you add one drop of a selected essential oil to 5 drops carrier oil to get a 20% dilution, smell it, study the aroma, then add another 5 drops of carrier oil to get a 10% dilution, smell it and study the aroma again, then repeat as desired. This can help educate you on the characteristics and strengths of each essential oil at various dilution ratios.


After creating your blend, allow it to sit for a few days before deciding if you love or hate it. The constituents (natural chemicals) contained within the oils will get cozy with each other and the aroma can change, usually rounding out a bit.

Recipes

Carrier Oil Base Perfume

15-25 drops of your perfume blend
1 tablespoon of Jojoba carrier oil (sweet almond or apricot kernel carrier oil may be substituted)
Directions: Blend all oils together well and store in an airtight dark-colored glass container. Dab a drop onto your pulse points. Please note that this blend has a heavy concentration of essential oils and is meant to be used sparingly. As with any new oils and blends that you use, you must check all safety data for the oils in your blend and do a skin patch test prior to using.


Alcohol/Water Base Perfume

4 1/4 teaspoons Vodka
1 1/2 teaspoons Distilled Water
60 drops of your perfume blend
Directions: Blend all ingredients well and store in an airtight 1 ounce dark-colored glass container. Let sit for two weeks, shaking the bottle 1-3 times daily (more often is better) to mix the oils. After two weeks has passed, filter the perfume through a coffee filter and rebottle (using the same bottle is fine). As with any blends that you use, you must check all safety data for the oils in your blend and do a skin patch test prior to using.


Cologne

4 1/2 teaspoons Vodka
2 teaspoons Distilled Water
30 drops of your perfume blend
Directions: Blend all ingredients well and store in an airtight 1 ounce dark-colored glass container. Let sit for two weeks, shaking the bottle 1-3 times daily (more often is better) to mix the oils. After two weeks has passed, filter the cologne through a coffee filter and rebottle into a one-ounce, fine-mist sprayer bottle. As with any blends that you use, you must check all safety data for the oils in your blend and do a skin patch test prior to using. This makes only a one-ounce quantity so that you can try your cologne to see if you like it or want any changes to it before making a larger quantity.


Body Splash

4 1/2 teaspoons Vodka
2 teaspoons Distilled Water
18 drops of your perfume blend
Directions: Blend all ingredients well and store in an airtight 1 ounce dark-colored glass container. Let sit for two weeks, shaking the bottle 1-3 times daily (more often is better) to mix the oils. After two weeks has passed, filter the body splash through a coffee filter and rebottle into a one-ounce, fine-mist sprayer bottle.. As with any blends that you use, you must check all safety data for the oils in your blend and do a skin patch test prior to using. This makes only a one-ounce quantity so that you can "try" your body splash to see if you like it or want any changes to it before making a larger quantity.

Will It Clog My Pores?

This chart has been posted in a number of places. It's not to be used for any commercial purposes and is for reference only. It tells what common ingredients in grooming products might clog your pores. It's not all inclusive and your skin type/sensitivity might change your results.

Low Clogging Probability	Medium Clogging Probability	High Clogging Probability
Almond Oil (Sweet Almond)	Corn Oil	Cocoa Butter
Anhydrous Lanolin	Cottonseed Oil	Coconut Oil
Apricot Kernal Oil	Crisco	Sodium Chloride (salt)
Avocado Oil	Glyceryl Stearate SE	Wheat Germ Oil
Beeswax	Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Bentonite Clay	Mink Oil
Candelilla Wax	Soybean Oil
Castor Oil	Sulfonated Castor Oil
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsifying Wax NF Emu Oil
Evening Primrose Oil
Glycerin
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose
Jojoba
Kaolin Clay
Olive Oil
Peanut Oil
Polysorbate 20 and 80
Safflower Oil
Sesame Oil
Stearic Acid
Sunflower Oil
Tocopherol
Aloe Vera (cold pressed)

Soap Definitions

I find soaps can be very confusing and I don't always know what my shave soap is. For the most part, it doesn't matter. It either works for me or it doesn't when I shave but I like to know what I put on my skin at times. If you're not sure, you can always ask a soap maker what the soap base is and process. Always a good idea to know if a scent is Fragrance Oil or Essential Oil too.

Hot Process Soap (HP):
Adding an additional heat source to shorten the cure time on soaps.

Cold Process Soap (CP):
Relies on the release of heat from lye to make the soap. Needs 3-6 weeks of cure time.

Melt & Pour Soap (M&P):
Ready made soap. Just remelt and add scents or other ingredients and pour into molds. Glycerin based.

Milled Soaps:
Single or Triple Milled just means how many times it went through the roller process. Glycerin is extracted from the soap and the resulting dense soap is powdered, put into a hopper with scents and colorants and rolled between steel rollers. It's then pressure extruded into molds and set to cure. Lasts a long time but the glycerin is missing.

Soap Bases:
Glycerin
Tallow (Animal Fat)
Vegetable Fat (Olive Oil, etc.)
Lanolin
Milk (Goat, Cow, etc) in Lye Solution

These are just a number of different ways to make soap. I tend to like the Cold Process Glycerin and Tallow based soaps and also the high end milled soaps.

Common Acronymns I Use

45XTG = 45 degree across the grain. See XTG

ACD-N = Feather Artist Club DX Japanese Style Non-Folding Razor ACD-N

ATG = Against the grain whisker shaving growth pattern. Not for people new to wet shaving. Toughest direction to shave and easiest to not get right.

BBS = Baby butt smooth. It means you did it right and got a close shave with no nicks, cuts, weepers, shave bumps or in grown hairs. Chances are though you probably got a little irritation since it's so hard to achieve perfect BBS. I'm not that perfect.

IMHO = In My Humble Opinion. My personal experienced opinion . Not yours, not somebody else's. Usually works closely with YMMV.

SWMBO = She who must be obeyed or any other significant other for that matter.

WTG = With the grain whisker growth shaving pattern. The easiest shaving direction to use and best for just starting out.

XTG = Across the grain. In between WTG and ATG. Next step up from WTG on your path to ATG achievment. There is also 45XTG. This is halfway between WTG and XTG or 45 degrees to the grain versus ATG which is 90 degrees to the grain. I prefer to use this technique instead of ATG.

YMMV = Your mileage may vary. All products and techniques are subject to how they work for you personally. Each person is different and chances are your results will be different.

Straight Razor Manufacturers (Partial List)

Straight Razor Manufacturers and Dates of Operation (Partial List) Unless noted, this information comes from: Trademarks on Base-Metal Tableware (1991) By Eileen Woodhead. Published by Parks Canada, Ottawa. Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings (1998) By John E. and Charlotte S. Goins. Self-published, Indiana. A CHARLES ADAMS & CO. 36 Front Street, Rochester, NY. ca. 1889 - 1957 AKERS BRITTON CO. 232 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. In business circa 1925 - 1930 JOHN ALBRIGHT 516 Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA Used "HANOVER" Trademark ca. 1922-1927 JOSEPH ALLEN & SONS Oak Works, Sheffield, England ca. 1864-1925 ADOLPHE ARBENZ Birmingham, England In business in 1892 AMERICAN KNIFE CO. Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut from circa 1849-1875 Thomaston, Connecticut from circa 1875-1895 AMERICAN PRODUCTS CO. Cincinnati, Ohio ca. 1911-1948 ARROWHEAD TRADING CO. Used "ARTRACO" trademark 132 Nassau Street, New York, NY. circa 1922-1923 AUTOMATIC UTILITIES CO. Used "ALL-WAYS" trademark 56 Pine St., New York, NY circa 1907-1908 B JOSEPH BADGER & SONS New Haven, Connecticut ca. 1860-1861 BAKALAR New York City In business 1917 JOHN BAKER & CO. Wheeldon Works, Sheffield, England In business in 1892 A.F. BANNISTER & CO Newark, New Jersey ca 1884-1915 I. & J. BARBER Sheffield, England In business in 1892 BARBER, JOHN Sheffield Trademark: Square and Compasses 1810 - 1834 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) FREDERICK BARNES & CO. Brimingham, London and Sheffield, England. In business in 1892 BARNSLEY BROS. USA Monett, Missouri circa 1898-1906 J.H. BECKER 11 Hochs Street, Ohligs, Germany ca 1901-1919 BECKHER-OTTO INC. Marked "Made in Germany", although the company's offices were located at 118 E. 28th Street, New York City. ca. 1934-1943 BELKNAP HARDWARE CO. Louisville, KY. Firm was sold in 1985. Circa 1968-1985 FRED BELT 1424 Lunt Ave, Chicago, Illinois circa 1915-1916 BENGALL Originally a trademark of Luke Cadman, Sheffield, England from ca. 1748-1906. From ca. 1906 - 1953, used by: Thomas Radley Cadman & Sons St. Mary's Road, Sheffield. In business at least between 1892 and 1953. GEORGE BENNETT & CO. Rockingham St., Sheffield, England. In business in 1892 HENRY BERKELE 43 Leonard Street, New York City Used "ROSE BRAND" trademark circa 1906-1907 BINGHAMPTON CUTLERY CO. Importers of Razors. Binghampton, New York circa 1888-1894 WILLIAM AND JOHN BIRKS Norfolk St., Sheffield In business in 1787 BISON MFG. CO. Little Valley, New York ca. 1902-1910 BLUE GRASS Trademark of Belknap Hardware Co. Louisville, KY. Circa 1968-1985 Firm sold in 1985; the "Blue Grass Cutlery" company was formed in 1988, and is now using the "Blue Grass" trademark. BLUE RIBBON Trademark of Belknap Hardware Co. Louisville, KY. Circa 1968-1985 Firm sold in 1985; the "Blue Grass Cutlery" company was formed in 1988, and is now using the "Blue Ribbon" trademark. JOHN REDMAN BOYD Corpus Christi, Texas. W.R. Case and Sons made razors for this firm, marking tang with Case marking, etching "NO CUSSING" trademark on the blade. ca. 1905-1906 BRAMMALL (BRAMHALL), JOHN Trademark: Joppa Storrs, near Sheffield 1770-1800 ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374) M.L. BRANDT CUTLERY CO. Germany and New York City ca. 1911-1916 BRESDUCK INC. 224 Canal Street, New York City Also used trademarks "DUBL-DUCK", "LIFETIME", "NAPOLEON", "BEAU BRUMMEL", "DEUTSCH", "SATINEDGE" ca. 1930 - 1952; firm became known as Pearlduck in 1952 BRIGGS Sheffield, England circa 1830 BRITTAIN, WILKINSON & BROWNELL Arundel Street, Sheffield Trademark: France In business at least between 1787 and 1797 1780-1840 ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374) BROCH & THIEBES CUTLERY CO. St. Louis Importers of razors. Used "CLIMAX" trademark. ca. 1882-1892 BROOKES & CROOKES Atlantic Works, Sheffield ca. 1864 to at least 1919 BROWN RAZOR CO. Little Valley, New York Trademark used by Union Cutlery Co. pre-1900 BROWN BROS RAZOR CO. Little Valley, New York Trademark used by Union Cutlery Co. pre-1900 BUCK BROS. Worcester, Massachusetts ca. 1853-1939 BUFFALO RAZOR & GRINDING CO. Buffalo, New York. Razor may be stamped "Made in Germany" ca. 1906-1935 BURKINSHAW, AARON Pepperell, Mass. Trademark: Exile (often) 1856-1881 ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374) BURRELL CUTLERY CO. 24 Rockwell Ave., Elicottville, New York Used "TOP FLIGHT" trademark. ca. 1941-1942 BUTCHER, BROWN & BUTCHER Succeeded Wade & Butcher Sheffield 1827 - 1830 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) WILLIAM & SAMUEL BUTCHER WADE & BUTCHER Eyre Lane, Sheffield. circa 1845 to at least 1919 1830 - ? ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) GEORGE BUTLER & CO Trinity Works, Sheffield, England ca. 1848-1926. C CHARLES CADMAN & SONS Canal Works, Sheffield In business in 1892 THOMAS RADLEY CADMAN & SONS St. Mary's Road, Sheffield In business at least 1892-1919 CHARLES CAMMELL & CO LTD Cyclops Steel Works, Sheffield. Pre-1845 to post-1895 CAMMELL, LAIRD & CO LTD Cyclops Works, Sheffield At least 1892 - 1919 [used the same marks as Charles Cammell & Co.] CHALLENGE RAZOR WORKS Bridgeport, Connecticut ca. 1891-1898 CHARLTON BROS. Bread St., Birmingham In business in 1892 CHINSCRAPER A trademark of Union Cutlery Co. ca. 1927-1937 C.F. CIAMPA MANUFACTURERS Used the "THE KING OF RAZORS REGISTERED TRADEMARK" trademark. 47-1/2 and 147 Portlant, Boston, Massachusetts circa 1910-1915 CLARK BLADE & RAZOR CO Newark, New Jersey ca. 1911 CLARK & HALL Sheffield 1797-1823 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) F.A. CLAUBERG & CO. Import company 27 Park Place, New York City Used trademarks: "HALBERD", "THE MIKADO", "IMPERATOR", "TONSORIAL GEM", "RAZOR MAN" ca. 1885-1926 HENRIE CLAUSS Fremont or Elyria, Ohio ca. 1917-1920 CLAUSS Elyria, Ohio: ca. 1878-1887 Fremont, Ohio: ca. 1887 - present CLYDE STEEL WORKS SAMUEL OSBORN & CO Sheffield circa 1878 - at least 1919 JOHN COE & CO Albion Works, Rockingham Street, Sheffield In business in 1892 COLLEY & CO Sheffield 1834 - 1844 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) COLUMBIA CUTLERY CO. Worcester, Massachusetts ca. 1905 CONGREVE, CHARLES Sheffield 1829 - 1843 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) Given as ca. 1830-1865 in Goins' CONTINENTAL CUTLERY CO ALFRED FIELD & CO Westfield Terrace, Sheffield and Edmund Street, Birmingham At least 1892 to at least 1919 COOPER BROS & SONS LTD Don Plate Works, Sheffield 1894 - at least 1991 JOHN COPLEY & SONS Sheffield 1870 to at least 1892 ALEXANDER COPPEL CUTLERY CO Solingen; had an importing office in New York City Used "STOLL RAZOR" trademark. ca. 1821 - present HENRY COWLISHAW Hartford, Connecticut ca. 1881-1911 CRANDALL CUTLERY CO Previously the Little Valley Knife Association, Little Valley, New York. In 1903, moved to Bradford, Pennsylvannia. In 1912, became part of WR Case & Sons. ca. 1903 - 1912 CRANFORD RAZOR WORKS Cranford, New Jersey Trademark of SR DROESCHER ca. 1916-1924 CRATER RAZOR SALES, INC. Columbus, Ohio ca. 1926-1927 CRATER RAZOR COMPANY Columbus, Ohio 1917-1922 G.F. CREUTZBERG Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Maker of "EAGLE" knives and razors ca. 1875 - 1943 JONATHAN CROOKES & SON Rockingham St., Sheffield at least 1892 to at least 1919 CRUSADER Trademark of Belknap Hardware Co. Louisville, KY. Circa 1968-1985 Firm sold in 1985; the "Blue Grass Cutlery" company was formed in 1988, and is now using the "Crusader" trademark. A.J. CURTISS Bristol, Connecticut Used "THE BRISTOL" trademark ca. 1897 D DARWIN FITZWILLIAM WORKS Tinsley, Sheffield, England ca. 1928-1953 DEBOER & BACH An import firm; most of their cutlery was made in England and Germany ca. 1916-1921 DEPEW New York City Used "THE PERFECT RAZOR" trademark ca. 1882 DERBY RAZOR COMPANY Subsidiary of Derby Silver Plate Co. Derby, Connecticut Made over 150 different kinds of razors, as well as 75+ different kinds of strops ca. 1896-1902 DIAMOND EDGE Trademark used by Shapleigh Hardware from ca. 1864-1900 Trademark used by Norvell-Shapleigh from ca. 1902-1915 DIAMOND SPEAR Trademark used by W. Brokhahne, New York, New York ca. 1878-1906 Trademark used by Challenge Cutlery from 1906-1928 FRED DOLLE 669 W. Madison St., Chicago, Illinois Used trademarks "DE LUXE" and "REFORM" ca. 1901-1928 DOMINION CUTLERY CO. Montreal, Quebec and Westport, Ontario Canada ca. 1916-1917 S.R. DROESCHER Importer at 77-79 Warren Street, New York City; later opened a factory in Cranbury, New Jersey ca. 1891-1924 (manufacture of razors began ca. 1916) DROESCHER AND BEHAR 44 Murray Street, New York City Importers. ca. 1923-1927 DURHAM DUPLEX Originally, Durham Razor Company. ca. 1925, purchased Alfred Williams Co. Pre-1942, name changed to Durham-Enders Razor Company of Mystic, Connecticut, under which name they acquired the W&S Butcher Company of Sheffield. By 1970, they were the Durham-Duplex Co. of Sheffield. ca. 1908-1970 E EDLIS BARBER SUPPLY 116 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ca. 1893-1922 EHLE & HAGEMANN Brooklyn, New York ca. 1926-1928 P. EISEMAN 616 N. Queen St., Lancaster, Pennsylvania ca. 1906-1934 ELECTRIC Used by Friedman & Lauterjung, New York City ca. 1873-1890. Moved to Newark, New Jersey from ca 1890-1910. Moved to Walden, New York ca. 1910-1920 ELGIN-AMERICAN MANUFACTURING CO. Elgin, Illinois 1887 - circa 1950 SALIM ELIAS ca. 1898-1903 SALIM ELIAS & T. ABDOO Importers, Washington Street, New York City ca. 1903-1905 THOMAS ELLIN & CO Sylvester Works, Arundel Street, Sheffield At least 1892 to at least 1919 ELLIOT, JOSEPH Sheffield Trademark: C reversed and C, with cross between 1821-1854 ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374) JOSEPH ELLIOTT (ELIOT) & SONS Hollis Croft, Sheffield ca. 1795 to present WM. ELLIOT & CO. New York City. ca. 1880-1907; in 1907, the firm was taken over by Adolph Strauss & Co., who continued using "Wm. Elliot & Co." as a trademark. EMPIRE RAZOR Winsted, Connecticut Mark used by the Empire Knife Company ca. 1856-1930 ENGLESWERK Mark used by the Engles Co., New York City (importers). ca. 1909-1943 JOHN ENGSTROM ESKILSTUNA ca. 1874-1918 JOHN ENGSTROM, JR. Little Valley, New York ca. 1920-1921 C. FRIEDR. ERN & CO. Solingen, Germany ca. 1873-present EVERMOIST RAZOR CO. Warren, Rhode Island ca. 1933 EXCELSIOR CUTLERY CO. Worcester, Massachusetts ca. 1893-1895; original name of the Swedish Razor Co. EYE WITNESS (EYEWITNESS) WORKS NEEDHAM, VEALL & TYZACK Sheffield ca. 1865-1925 BJ EYRE & CO WIEBUSCH & HILGER LTD Sheffield ca. 1878 - at least 1919 F FENNEY, FREDERICK Sheffield 1824 - 1852 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) JOSEPH FENTON & SONS Sykes Works, Eyre St., Sheffield 1797 to at least 1919 FERRIERI'S FRENCH HONELESS RAZOR ca. 1920 ALFRED FIELD & CO Westfield Terrace, Sheffield and Edmund St., Birmingham at least 1892 - at least 1919 HARRY FISHER Sheffield In business in 1892 FLAGG CUTLERY 143 Chambers St., New York City ca. 1886-1900 FOERY & BAUER 1121 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York Used "PILGRIM" trademark ca. 1910-1912 FORD & MEDLEY Sheffield In business in 1892 GEORGE FORZLEY & CO. Importers, 103 Washington St., New York City ca. 1896 FRIEDMAN (FRIEDMANN) & LAUTERJUNG New York, New York In business in 1892 G GEM CUTLERY CO. 34 Reade St., New York City ca. 1903-1907; later became the Gem Safety Razor Co. GENEVA CUTLERY CO. Geneva, New York By 1912, the largest US manufacturer of razors. In 1928, firm reorganized as Geneva Cutlery Inc. Used "GENCO" trademark ca. 1902-1935 GERMANIA CULTERY WORKS Germany ca. 1896-1938. In 1938, the Nazi leadership siezed the company. WM. GILCHRIST 1851: New York City; 1852: Jersey City; 1861: Philadelphia Used "RAZOR STEEL" trademark Lincoln was carrying a Gilchrist pocket knife when he was assasinated ca. 1851-1861 GOLDEN RULE CUTLERY CO. (G.R.C.) Chicago, Illinois ca. 1911-1921 A. GRAEF 320 Broadway, New York City Inventory manufactured by Wester & Butz, Solingen, Germany ca. 1905-1908 CHARLES G. GRAH Indianapolis, Indiana ca. 1889-1925 GREAVES, WILLIAM Shefflield 1780-1816 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) WILLIAM GREAVES Sheaf Works, Sheffield ca. 1820 - 1858 WILLIAM GREAVES AND SONS Sheffield Built the Sheaf Works (first large factory in Sheffield) in 1823-6 1816 - 1850 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) GREAVES, W & SONS THOMAS TURTON & SONS LTD Sheaf Works, Sheffield ca. 1845 - at least 1919 GREIST MANUFACTURING COMPANY New Haven, Connecticut Razors from ca. 1921-1940, after merging with AC Penn. GRIFFIN CUTLERY WORKS Bridgeport, Connecticut, main offices in New York, New York. Briefly in Worcester, Massachusetts from 1919-1921. ca. 1893 to the present. H HAHN, PH. Importer, New York City. Specialized in German razors ca. 1881-1889 HALE BROTHERS Moorfield Works, Allen Street or Snow Lane, Sheffield ca. 1871 - 1972 HALL, JONATHAN Sheffield 1795 - 1830 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) HAMBLETON, W.B. Import agency at 221 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA Used trademark "DIAMONDINE" ca. 1887-1888 SAMUEL HANCOCK & SONS Pea Croft Works 1836 - 1847; Mazeppa Works 1847 - 1909. Both Sheffield Taken over by Reuss & Co. in 1909 ca. 1836 - 1909 THOMAS HANOVER Columbia St., Bangor, Maine Began razor manufacture in 1891 ca. 1844 - 1901 THOMAS HARDY & SONS Milton Street, Sheffield ca. 1868 - at least 1919 HARRINGTON, HENRY Southbridge, MA. 1818-1876. His business was, in 1925, still operated as Harrington Cutlery Co. ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374) HARRIS BROS. In Chicago from ca. 1915 - 1926; then moved business to New Orleans ca. 1915 - at least 1926 HARRISON BROS. & HOWSON Sheffield 1862 - at least 1919 HATEM, NAHOUM 33 Washington St. New York City Importer of razors ca. 1903 - 1904 HAWCROFT & PEARSON Sheffield 1835-1844 ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374) JOSEPH HAYWOOD & CO Glamorgan Works, Pond Street, Sheffield In business in 1892 JA HENCKELS Solingen, Germany at least ca. 1731 - present HERBRAND Fremont, Ohio ca. 1894 - 1929 HIBBARD, SPENCER, BARTLETT & CO Chicago, Illinois Trademarks used include: "OVB", "Our Very Best", "HibSpeBar", and "ReyONoc" Now known as True Value Hardware ca. 1855 - 1960 HM & CO HILLS, MENKE & CO Birmingham In business in 1892 HENRY HOBSON & SON Sheffield and London ca. 1868 - at least 1919 HOBSON, HOUGHTON & CO LTD Don Steel Works, Sheffield ca. 1863 to at least 1919 JONATHAN HOBSON Sheffield In business in 1787 HOLTZ, JACOB 889 Broadway, New York City ca. 1929 - 1930 HOME RUN RAZOR Stamped also "Edlis Barber Supply Co., Pittsburgh, PA" ca. 1893 - 1922 HONELESS RAZOR & CUTLERY CO. Seattle, Washington Incorporated 1920 HOOSIER RAZOR Also marked: "Cas. G. Grah Indianapolis, Ind. Made in Germany" ca. 1889 - 1925 W & S HORRABIN Sheffield ca. 1867 R. HOVENDEN (HOVENDER) & SONS London In business in 1892 HOWELL & CO LTD Sheffield Tube Works, Sheffield ca 1872 - at least 1919 WR HUMPHREYS & CO Denby Street, Sheffield ca. 1875 - at least 1919 HUNOLD 33 Aborn St., Providence, Rhode Island Importer of razors ca. 1893 - 1927 HUNT, JONATHAN Sheffield 1829 - 1837 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) MICHAEL HUNTER & SONS Talbot Works, Sheffield 1884 - at least 1892 HUSTLER CLIFTON & CO LTD Meadow St., Sheffield at least 1892 to at least 1919 W & H HUTCHINSON (HUTCHENSON) Sheffield ca. 1878 - at least 1919 I IXL GEORGE WOSTENHOLM & SON Rockingham Works ca. 1694 - 1847 Washington Works, Sheffield ca. 1847 - at least 1991 IBBOTSON, PEACE & CO 84 Russell St., Sheffield Later became W.K. Peace & Company ca. 1847 - 1864 IMPERIAL KNIFE ASSOCIATED COMPANIES Main offices in Providence, Rhode Island Associated with Ulster Knife Co., Schrade, Rogers-Wostenholme, Richards, and Stag Cutlery. ca. 1945 - present IMPERIAL RAZOR Trademark used by A. Kastor & Brothers ca. 1886 - 1945 INTERNATIONAL RAZOR CO. Maker of the Presto Safety Razor. ca. 1916 - 1919 IVORY SAFETY RAZOR COMPANY Railway Exchange Building, Chicago, Illinois. ca. 1912 J JACKSON KNIFE & SHEAR CO. Took over business of Sprague Cutlery Co of Buchanan, Michigan In 1907, became Jackson Shear & Razor Co.; In 1908 became Jackson Shear Co. By 1920, only shears made. Fremont, Ohio c. 1893 - 1904 PW JACKSON & CO 29 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, Indiana in 1935; moved to 135 S. Illinois St. by 1940; in 1960 at 118 S. Meridian St. A barber supply co. ca. 1935-1960 WILLIAM JACKSON & CO Sheaf Island Works, Sheffield c. 1850 - 1892 JAEGER SUPPLY CO. Springfield, Illinois Used "Red Point" trademark of Utica Knife & Razor ca. 1924 - 1935 CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON & CO Sheffield ca 1865 - present GEORGE JOHNSON & CO Sheffield In business in 1892 1810-1855 ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374) JOHNSON, JAMES Fitzwilliam Street, Sheffield 1818-1853 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) JOHNSON WESTERN WORKS see CHRISTOPER JOHNSON & CO JEAN JORDEAU INC. 562 5th Ave., New York City and 3rd and Sloan Sts., South Orange, New York. "ZIP" trademark ca. 1912 - 1949 M. JUNG Importer 90 70th St., Brooklyn, NY; moved to 149-151 Church St., New York City in 1921 ca. 1911 - 1923 M. JUNG RAZOR CORP. 252 40th St., Brooklyn, NY (factory); 36 Warren St., New York City (main offices) ca. 1918 - 1923 NASIB JUREIDINI 1 Eldon St., Sheffield ca. 1893 SAID KHALIL JUREIDINI Importer 2 Carlisle St., New York City. ca. 1893 AR JUSTICE (JUSTUS) CO 14 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania "Battle Axe" trademark ca. 1877 - 1937 K KAMPFE BROS. ca. 1880 - 1915 In 1915, this firm changed their name to the Star Safety Razor Corporation FRANK KAPPLER 11 South 6th St, Allentown, Pennsylvania. ca. 1885 - 1915 A. KASTOR & BROS New York City Trademarks used: "Imperial Razor Company", four-leaf clover, "XLNT", "K & Co GERMANY", and others About 1901, Kastor & Bros purchased the Camillus Knife Company of Camillus, New York. They changed the name in 1902 to the Camillus Cutlery Co. In 1947, the name Kastor was dropped completely, although they are still in business as Camillus. ca. 1876 - 1947 STANLEY M. KATTELL 35 Oak Street, Binghamton, New York ca. 1914-1918 KEENOH Located at the corner of 4th and Fort Streets, Detroit, Michigan ca. 1907-1911 HENRY KEIDEL & CO. 405-407 West German St., Baltimore, Maryland ca. 1877-1926 P. KHOURI No. 60 Washington St., New York City ca. 1903 FRED W. KIEFER CO. Kirkwood, Missouri Trademark: "HONEYGIRL" ca. 1924 - 1945 KING RAZOR MFG. CO. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; moved to Indiana, Pennsylvania in 1911. ca. 1904 - 1919 WILLIAM J. KLAUBERG New York City ca. 1895 - 1940 KLEEBLATT B.S. CO. A berber supply company, located in Sioux City, Iowa ca. 1912-1934 KLEIN & KLEIN 487 Broadway, New York City In 1919, they became the Lewis Manufacturing Company ca. 1917-1919 THEO A. KOCH 659 Wells St., Chicago Illinois Trademark: "Pleezall" ca. 1913 - 1917 KOKEN BARBER SUPPLY 2528 Texas Ave., St. Louis, Missouri ca. 1896 - 1925 GEORGE W. KORN RAZOR MANUFACTURING CO. Little Valley, New York This factory made razors for many firms, including Case, Cattaraugus, and Sears & Roebuck ca. 1900 - 1925 R. KORKEMAS & CO 34-40 West Street, New York City Trademark: "Teddy Bear" ca. 1907 PAUL A. KRAUSE BARBER SUPPLY 118 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana Trademark: "Little Dutch" ca. 1925 KRAUT & DOHNAL Chicago, Illinois Trademarks: "Conquer-All", "Barber's Tip", "TopNotch" ca. 1902-1937 L LAFAYETTE CUTLERY CO Trademark used by Wiebusch & Hilger ca. 1909 - 1928 LANDERS, FRARY & CLARK New Britain, Connecticut ca. 1865 - 1950 WM. LANGBEIN & BROS. 61 Centre Street, New York City until 1917, then Brooklyn, New York ca. 1910-1940 LAYMAN & CAREY CO. Indianapolis ca. 1873-1915 JAQUES LECOULTRE Switzerland; in 1919, Chas. F. Colomb, West Hoboken, New Jersey was the sole importer ca. 1830 - 1919 LEDEW Safety-type razor maker ca. 1919 LIBERTY BELL RAZORS Trademark used by A. Shaheen & Co. ca. 1903 - 1905 LITT CUTLERY CO. ca. 1918 - 1922 LITTLE VALLEY KNIFE ASSOCIATION Little Valley, New York Trademarks: "LVK ASSN", "I Must Kut" ca. 1900 - 1905 LOCKWOOD BROS LTD Arundel Street, Sheffield ca. 1849 - present HG LONG & CO LONG HAWKSLEY & MARPLES LONG HAWKSLEY & CO Hallamshire Works, Rockingham St., Sheffield ca. 1846 - present LUDO SHEAR & RAZOR WORKS Solingen, Germany ca. 1930 - 1971 M MAHER & GROSH Toledo, OH from 1875; moved to Clyde OH ca. 1963 c. 1875 - present MALHAMI & SON Operated by George Malhami, a citizen of Turkey, and his son Gabriel 39 Broadway, New York City ca. 1904 NAJEEB MALLUK A citizen of Turkey; import agency at 31-33 Broadway, New York City ca. 1895 - 1896 MANHATTAN CUTLERY CO JOHN NEWTON & CO Manhattan Works, Sheffield In business in 1892 or JOHN WATTS Sheffield ca. 1855 - 1919 also a trade mark used by BOKER ca. 1868 - 1906 MANUFACTURERS DEALERS CO Pittsburg, KS and Boston, MA ca. 1921 JOSEPH MAPPIN & BROTHERS No 32 Norfolk Street, Sheffield 1853 - ?? ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) Given ca. 1848 - 1853 in Goins MAPPIN BROS Queen's Cutlery Works, Bakers Hill, Sheffield, England from 1851 Founded ca. 1810; Mappin Brothers from ca. 1848 - 1902, when they joined Mappin & Webb MAPPIN & WEBB CO Royal Cutlery Works, Norfolk Street, Sheffield ca 1835 - present MARATHON RAZOR BLADE CO. 123 - 125 Colt Street, Irvington, NJ ca. 1923 - 1933 MARPLES & CO Sheffield At least 1892 to at least 1919 MARSDEN BROS & CO Sheffield In business in 1892 MARSDEN & BEETON Middlesex Works, Sheffield At least 1892 to at least 1919 MARCH BROS & CO Pond Works, Sheffield until 1852 Navigation Works, Sheffield ca. 1853 - 1920 MARSH & SHEPHERD Castle Hill, Sheffield ca. 1817 - 1825 MARSHES & SHEPHERD Sheffield Pond Works in 1840 1825 - 1850 MATTHEWS & LIVELY ca. 1905 - 1927 JOHN McCLORY & SONS LTD Sheffield ca. 1870 - at least 1919 HUGO MELCHIOR SUPPLY CO. Omaha, Nebraska with main offices in Chicago, Illinois ca. 1887 - 1939 METROPOLITAN MANUFACTURING CO New York, New York ca. 1896 - 1904 PETER J. MICHELS New York City and Brooklyn, New York ca. 1914 - 1955 MILLBURY RAZOR CO. Millbury, MA. Sold to Case Brothers ca. 1900 WM. MORLEY & SONS ca. 1913 - 1927 E. MORRIS MFG. CO. Detroit, Michigan ca. 1919 - 1950 JOHN MORTON & CO Wolverhampton, Sheffield and London In business in 1892 MOSHEY & RAHAIM Import agency at 58 West Street, New York City ca. 1902 - 1906 N NATIONAL RAZOR MANUFACTURING CO. Freemont, Ohio and Lisbon, Ohio ca. 1919 - 1923 NAYLOR & SANDERSON Sheffield ca. 1795 - 1830 Became Sanderson Brothers NAYLOR & SON Coalpit Lane, Sheffield Became Naylor & Sanderson ca. 1787 - 1795 CE NEEDHAM & BROS 21 Sidney St., Sheffield ca. 1860 - 1953 NEEDHAM, VEALL (VEAL) & TYZACK Eye Witness Works, Milton Street, Sheffield ca. 1865 - present NEV-A-HONE RAZOR STROP CO. New York ca. 1906 - 1914 NEW ENGLAND RAZOR CO. ca. 1935 NEW YORK RAZOR CO. 15 Portland, Boston, MA. ca. 1905 FRANCIS NEWTON & SONS Portobello Works, Sheffield ca. 1838 - 1920 BENJAMIN NICHOLSON & SONS Shoreham Steel Works, Sheffield In business in 1892 JOHN NICHOLSON & SONS Mowbray Steel Works, Sheffield ca. 1847 - 1953 WILLIAM & THOMAS NICHOLSON Sheffield In business in 1797 NILES RAZOR CO. Fremont, OH ca. 1926 T. NOONAN & SON Boston, MA. Trademark: "TUKUM" ca. 1901 - 1960 NORRIS, SAMUEL Sheffield 1795 - 1815 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) NORTHFIELD CUTLERY CO. A mark used by NORTHFIELD KNIFE CO. Connecticut ca. 1858 - 1919 NORWICH CUTLERY CO. Norwich, Connecticut ca. 1890 - 1934 NOVELTY SALES COMPANY 1547 Broadway, New York City Trademark: "All In One" ca. 1909 - 1910 JOHN NOWILL (NOWELL) & SONS Nowill Cutlery Works, Scotland St., Sheffield 1842 - present O C & M OBENAUER 213 Washington St., Binghamton, NY ca. 1895 - 1903 ONTARIO CUTLERY CO. Geneva, New York ca. 1904 - present OSGOOD, BRAY & CO 44 Bedford St. and 19 Avon St., Boston, MA ca. 1901 - 1905 OWL WALSH, LOVETT & CO Birmingham In business in 1892 P PAL CUTLERY CO. ca. 1945 - 1953 PALAZZOLO 425 East 14th St., New York City ca. 1914 PARKIN STANIFORTH PARKIN & CO Sheffield Trademark: Parkin 1785 - 1800 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) PARTON AND OSBORNE Birmingham and Middlesex In business in 1892 HANNAH PATTEN Sheffield At least 1787 to 1803 PEARLDUCK, INC 224 Canal St., New York City Trademark: "DUBL DUCK" Formerly Bresduck, Inc. ca. 1947 - 1952 PEERLESS CUTLERY CO. 513 Broadway, New York City ca. 1920 - 1921 PELLAR-BAZELON 1 North La Salle St., Chicago, Illinois Trademark: "Bia Stroke" ca. 1932 A C PENN Principal offices/factory at 135-9 Jackson St., Newark, NJ; offices also in the Singer Building, New York City ca. 1914 - 1940 PENQUIN A trademark used by Rider Razor Company ca. 1937 - 1938 PERFECTION CUTLERY CO. Previously International Razor Co.; later Poughkeepsie Cutlery Works Trademark: "POCUT" ca. 1919 JOHN PETTY AND SONS Perth Works, Garden Street, Sheffield ca. 1858 - 1953 PHILADELPHIA BARBER SUPPLY CO ca. 1900 - 1906 CHARLES PICKSLAY & CO Sheffield 1832 - 1843 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) PIKE MANUFACTURING CO Factories in: Pike, NH; Littleton, NH; Evansville, VT; Orleans, IN; Hot Springs, AK; New York Sity ca. 1917 - 1918 PINE KNOT Trademark of Belknap Hardware Co. Louisville, KY. Circa 1968-1985 (listed ca. 1930 - 1940 in Goins) Firm sold in 1985; the "Blue Grass Cutlery" company was formed in 1988, and is now using the "Pine Knot" trademark. C. PLATTS & SONS Gowanda, New York until 1897, then Eldred, Pennsylvania ca. 1896 - 1900 C. PLATTS' SONS Eldred, Pennsylvania ca. 1900 - 1905 PLATTS BROS Andover, New York until 1911; then Union, New York ca. 1907 - 1913 JOHN HENRY POTTERY Sheffield 1884 - 1938 POUGHKEEPSIE CUTLERY WORKS Poughkeepsie, NY ca. 1918 - 1925 PRESTON BROS. Importers; Norwich, CT ca. 1899 - 1920 PRIBYL BROS. CELEBRATED CUTLERY Chicago, Illinois ca. 1880 - 1905 M. PRICE San Francisco, CA ca. 1856 - 1889 PRIMA KANNREUTHER & CO Birmingham In business in 1892 JOHN PRIMBLE Trademark of Belknap Hardware Co. Louisville, KY. Circa 1968-1985 Firm sold in 1985; the "Blue Grass Cutlery" company was formed in 1988, and is now using the "John Primble" trademark. Q QUALITY BARBER SUPPLY & CUTLERY CO 1722 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, Illinois ca. 1921 R JOHN & WILLIAM RAGG Nursery Works, Eldon Street, Sheffield ca. 1825 - 1953 S. RAHAM 60 Washington St., New York City Previously Rahaim & Malhami ca. 1902 - 1903 RAHAIM & MALHAMI ca. 1898 - 1901 RANSOM & RANDOLPH 80 North Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN until 1887; then 513 Jefferson St., Toledo, OH ca. 1884 - 1892 RAZORINE MANUFACTURING CO Offices at 69 Warren St., New York City and London, England ca. 1893 - 1904 RED POINT Trademark used by the Utica Knife & Razor Co. ca. 1924 - 1935 REICHARD & SCHEUBER MFG CO 66 Duane St., New York City Later became American Safety Razor Co. ca. 1903 - 1920 F. ALFRED REICHARDT 63 Barclay St., New York City ca. 1882 - 1911 REINHARD - DINKELMANN & CO 607 North Sixth St., St. Louis ca. 1885 REX RAZOR CO. INC. New York ca. 1918 FREDERICK REYNOLDS Birmingham In business in 1892 DANIEL H. RIDER Did business as "Rider Safety Razor Co." and "Gay Blade Co." New York City ca. 1930 - 1938 ROBERTS, SMITH & CO Sheffield In business in 1828 ROBESON CUTLERY WORKS Rochester, New York ca. 1907 - at least 1991 JOSEPH RODGERS (ROGERS) & SONS Norfolk St., Sheffield Appointed cutlers to His Majesty King George IV in 1821; chosen as one of 5 firms to make cutlery speciments for presentation to the Duke of York in 1826 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) 1682 - at least 1991 WILLIAM A. ROGERS, LTD Hartford, Connecticut and New York, New York ca. 1894 - 1929 Succeeded by Oneida Ltd. WILLIAM ROGERS, JR Hartford, Connecticut 1841-1878 Succeeded by Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co. WILLIAM ROGERS MANUFACTURING CO. Hartford, Connecticut 1865-1898 Succeeded by International Silver Co. WILLIAM G. ROGERS New York, New York ca. 1901 - at least 1922 WILLIAM H. ROGERS Hartford, Connecticut ca. 1888 - at least 1915 WILLIAM H. ROGERS CORP. Plainfield, New Jersey ca. 1901 to at least 1918 ROLKA & KLEIN 25 Whitehall St, New York City until 1910; then 110 Grane St. ca. 1906 - 1911 ROSTFREI German for "Rust-Free", or Stainless Steel JOHN RUSSELL CUTLERY CO. Turner Falls, Massachusetts ca. 1834 - at least 1922 S SAMSTAG & HILDER BROS 1200 Broadway, New York City ca. 1921 - 1922 E E SCHAAF BARBER SUPPLY Indianapolis, Indiana ca. 1914 - 1926 J M SCHMID & SON Providence, Rhode Island ca. 1871 - 1964 HENRY SEARS & CO Chicago, Illinois ca. 1865 - 1879 H. SEARS MFG Chicago, Illinois ca. 1879 - 1883 HENRY SEARS & SON Chicago, Illinois ca. 1883 - 1897 SEARS, ROEBUCK Chicago, Illinois 1893 - present SEEBOHM (SEEBAHM) & DIECKSTAHL Dannemora Steel Works, Sheffield ca. 1881 - 1967 K C SEELBACH 260 West Broadway, New York City ca. 1925 - 1947 JOHN SELLERS & SONS Sheffield and New York City ca. 1820 - 1953 SENECA RAZOR & MFG CO Geneva, New York ca. 1909 A. SHAHEEN & CO 69 Washington St., New York City ca. 1903 - 1905 JOHN SHAW & SONS Wolverhampton and Sheffield In business in 1892 SHEFFIELD FLATWARE CO. LTD Sheffield At least 1892 to at least 1919 SHEFFIELD INDUSTRIAL & PROVIDENT CUTLERY TRADING CO Sheffield In business in 1892 SHEFFIELD MFG CORP New Jersey ca. 1929 - 1947 SHEFFIELD SAFETY SHAVER CO. Sheffield At least 1892 to at least 1919 SHEFFIELD SCISSOR, RAZOR & TOOL CO Sheffield At least 1892 to at least 1919 J. SHEPHARD Birmingham In business in 1817 SHEPHERD, JOHN Sheffield Trademark: Crown and Wolf 1770-1795 ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374); ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) SHERMAN CUTLERY CO. Keyport, New Jersey ca. 1901 - 1916 SHUMATE RAZOR CO Austin, TX until 1904, then St. Louis, Missouri ca. 1900 - 1920 SHUMATE CUTLERY CO St. Louis, Missouri ca. 1920 - 1932 SIMMONS HARDWARE CO St. Louis, Missouri Trademark: "KEEN KUTTER" ca. 1868 - 1960 SLACK & GRINOLD Bath Works, Sheffield In business in 1892 SLATER BROS Arundel Street and Fitzwilliam Street, Sheffield ca. 1850 - at least 1919 GEORGE SMITH & SONS Peacroft, Sheffield Trademark: Cross and "Smith" In business in 1774 1770-1785 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) H H SMITH CO Indianapolis, Indiana ca. 1945 - 1960 J SMITH & SON Arundel Street, Sheffield In business in 1828 SMITH BROTHERS Boston, Massachusetts ca. 1860 - 1910 SOUTH BEND CUTLERY CO 405 Madison St., South Bend, Indiana ca. 1921 - 1923 SOUTHERN & RICHARDSON Sheffield 1863-1920 ca. 1846 - 1975 in Goins 1847 - ?? ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374) A. SPAGNA & L CLINCO New York City ca. 1912 - 1925 SPERRY & ALEXANDER New York City ca. 1893 - 1927 STACEY BROS Ark Works, Rockingham St., Sheffield ca. 1847 - 1941 STANDARD RAZOR CO Wichita, Kansas ca. 1920 - 1921 STANDART BROS Detroit, Michigan ca. 1898 - 1923 WILLIAM STANIFORTH (STANIFARTH) Hackenthorpe (near Sheffield) In business in 1892 WILLIAM THOMAS STANIFORTH (STANIFARTH) Ascend Works, Arundel Lane, Sheffield and 26 Edmund Rd., Old Mill Cottage, Sheffield ca 1863 - at least 1919 ca. 1852 - 1906 in Goins STANIFORTH, PARKIN & CO Sheffield Trademark: Parkin 1785 - 1800. ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) W. STENTON & SON New York City ca. 1846 - 1860 R S STENTON New York City ca. 1846 - 1860 B. STRAUSS COMPANY 31 Union Square, New York City ca. 1909 - 1910 STRUTH & CLOTTU 129 North Wells St., Chicago, Illinois ca. 1921 - 1922 SWEDISH RAZOR CO 95 Foster St., Worcester, Massachusetts Formerly Excelsior Cutlery Co (1893 - 1895) ca. 1895 - 1904 SWEDISH STEEL FORGING CO Trademark: SSA (Svenska Stalsmides Aktich) Sole North American distributor: Eric Mellgren of 114-118 West 39th St, New York City ca. 1918 - 1920 SYRACUSE CUTLERY CO Syracuse, New York ca. 1904 T C J TAGLIABUE 53 Fulton St., New York City ca. 1906 - 1907 GEORGE H TAYLOR & BROTHER Times Works, Sheffield At least 1851 to at least 1892 L M TAYLOR Cincinnati, Ohio ca. 1905 - 1925 TAYLOR BROS Sheffield At least 1851 to at least 1919 TAYLOR BROS CUTLERY CO Hamilton, Ontario, Canada ca. 1885 - 1922 TAYLOR WITNESS NEEDHAM, VEALL (VEAL) & TYZACK Eye Witness Works, Sheffield ca. 1865 - 1925 THOMAS TURNER & CO Suffolk Works, Sheffield ca. 1834-1921 THOMPSON RAZOR & CUTLERY CO Baltimore, Maryland ca. 1919 TIDIOUTE CUTLERY CO Tidioute, Pennsylvania ca. 1897 - 1902 TIDIOUTE RAZOR CO Trademark used by the Union Razor Co. ca. 1902 - 1906 TIPTON CUTLERY CO Tipton, Indiana ca. 1915 - 1920 J S TORRENCE 9 Main St., San Francisco, California ca. 1914 - 1915 TORREY RAZOR CO Worcester, Massachusetts ca 1858 - 1963 TRENTON RAZOR CO Trademark later used by Boker ca. 1880 - 1906 JOSEPH TURNER Worcester, Massachusetts ca. 1880 TWENTY GRAND Spencer, Indiana ca. 1932 - 1948 JOSEPH TYZACK & SON Heely (near Sheffield) ca. 1842- at least 1919 U U J ULERY 7 Warren St., New York City ca. 1902 - 1921 C F ULMER Portland, Maine ca. 1890 - 1928 UNITED DRUG CO Boston, Massachusetts ca. 1913 - 1941 UNWIN & ROGERS (RODGERS) LTD. Globe Works, Sheffield In business in 1892 UTICA CUTLERY CO Utica, New York ca. 1910 - present UTICA KNIFE & RAZOR CO Utica, New York ca. 1924 - 1935 V VAN CAMP HARDWARE & IRON CO Indianapolis, Indiana ca. 1888 - 1960 VOM CLEFF, R Import agency at 105 Duane St., New York City Used trademark "DIAMONDINE" ca. 1885-1926 VONNEGUT HARDWARE CO Indianapolis, Indiana ca. 1852 - 1965 ERNEST VOOS New Haven, Connecticut ca. 1879 - 1919 W WADE, ROBERT Sheffield 1810 - 1818 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) WADE & BUTCHER Successor to Robert Wade; succeeded by Butcher, Brown & Butcher Sheffield 1818-1890 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) WADE, WINGFIELD (WINFIELD) & ROWBOTHAM Sheffield ca. 1835 - 1852 WILLIAM & SAMUEL BUTCHER WADE & BUTCHER Eyre Lane, Sheffield. circa 1845 to at least 1919 1830 - ? ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374) WALKER & HALL Electro Works, Sheffield 1852 - 1961 SAMUEL WARBURTON Holliscroft, Sheffield at least 1774 to at least 1797 WARBURTON, THOMAS Sheffield Trademark: Lisbon 1770-1835 ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374) WASHINGTON CUTLERY CO Milwaukee, Wisconsin ca. 1898 - 1902 EDWARD WECK New York City and Brooklyn, New York ca. 1893 - present WHITE EAGLE CO 332 Washington St., New Britain, Connecticut ca. 1919 - 1920 WIEBUSCH & HILGER LTD Import agency in New York City ca. 1876 - 1928 WILBERT CUTLERY CO Trademark used by Sears, Roebuck & Co. Chicago, Illinois ca. 1908 - 1921 WILKINSON SWORD CO LTD Arundel Lane, Sheffield ca. 1772 - present H. WILKINSON Front Street, Hartford, Connecticut ca. 1843 WILLIAM WILSON & SON Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ca. 1900 to at least 1920 WILSON, HAWKESWORTH, ELLISON & CO Carlisle Works, Arundel Lane, Sheffield ca. 1857 - 1864 JACOB WISS CUTLERY CO. Newark, New Jersey ca. 1848 - 1885 J. WISS & SONS Newark, New Jersey ca. 1885 - 1969, when they were purchased by Boker A. WITTE CUTLERY CO New York City and Brooklyn ca. 1880 - 1930 FRANCIS T WITTE HARDWARE CO Sheffield and New York City 1856 - at least 1892 CF WOLFERTZ CO Allentown, Pennsylvania ca. 1862 - 1873 WOLFERTZ & WALDMAN Allentown, Pennsylvania ca. 1873 - 1905 WOLFERTZ & CO Allentown, Pennsylvania ca. 1905 - 1944 GEORGE WOODHEAD & SON Howard St., Sheffield ca 1845 - 1869 WOODWORTH KNIFE WORKS Nunda, New York ca. 1878 - 1921 B WORTH & SON Sheffield ca. 1873 - 1953 WOSTENHOLM, GEORGE Sheffield 1797 - 1823 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) GEORGE WOSTENHOLM & SON Successors to George Wostenholm in 1823 ("Old Sheffield Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, December 1922 p.261-267) Rockingham Works ca. 1694 - 1847 Washington Works, Sheffield ca. 1847 - at least 1991 JOHN WRAGG Sheffield ca. 1832 - 1900 XYZ YANKEE CUTLERY CO Trademark of Reichard until 1933, then of American Safety Razor ca. 1903 - 1953 YOUNG SAFETY RAZOR CO 1707 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ca. 1912 - 1914

Gillette Date Code Reference

Original material can be found here. I have summarized it for personal reference only. Not for commercial use.

1903 No Serial Numbers 100* "Double Ring" handle thin cap/guard
1904 1-25424, 25425-45424 100* "Pat. appl. for" & "Pat. Nov. 15.04" (USA)
1905 45425-370424 100* "Pat. Mar.7.05" (Canada)
1906 370425-770424 100*/102 June 06: Single ring handle introduced
1907 770425-A195424 102
1908 A195425-A675857 102 "Diamond & Arrow" Logo. Pocket Edition with solid fancy handles & matching cases.
1909 A675858-B222220 102
1910 B222221-B697600 102 Aristocrat Model introduced.
1911 B697601-C80508 102
1912 C80509-C260238 102
1913 C260239-C407806 102
1914 C407807-C578360 102 Bulldog handle intoduced.
1915 C578361-C911806 102 Milady Decollette short handle (long neck)
1916 C911807-D516474 102
1917 D516475-E449207 102 Hollow Handle Pocket Edition
1918 E449208-J7344 Plus F/G/H (no I) J Series all U.S. military 102 3.5 million razors produced for US forces in WWI
1919 J7345-K927216 J Series all U.S. military 102 Big Fellow introduced.
1920 K927217-N459887 102
1921 N459887-P679777 102 102A: "Old Style" Thick cap/guard
1921 1A-863912A (USA), V=Spain, W=France, Y=Britain, Z=Canada 102A/106 106: New Improved / heavy flat guard
1922 863913A-336676B 102A/106 Old Style still seen with no serial #
1923 336677B-391575B 102A/106
1924 391576B-485927B 102A/106
1925 485928B-602049B 102A/106
1926 602050B-770070B 102A/106
1927 770071B-902611B, Serial No.'s end Oct. 17 102A/106
1928 Serial No.s start Aug. 28 1C-94800C 102A/106/126 126= Mod. 106 /narrow shoulders
1929 94801C-241755C 102A/126/134 Model 134 "long slot" test marketed
1930 A 1/2/3/4 (Letter=year, number=quarter of year). Only DeLuxe models were serial #'d, starting 1-D 134 134: New Gillette (takes slotted blade)
1931 B 134/148/154/160/162/164/170/175 148/154:short bar/two bar caps. 160/2/4/70/5: "Goodwill" types. Handles: ball end and new bar end.
1932 C 134/160 160: Standard Goodwill/solid cap
1933 D 134/160
1934 E 134/160/TTO Aristocrat One-Piece TTO with Bulldog handle & comb guard. (TTO=Twist To Open )
1935 F 134/160/TTO
1936 G 134/TTO
1937 H 134/TTO Sheraton TTO (gold, regular handle)
1938 I 134/TTO Senator TTO , nickel vs gold)
1939 J 134/TTO/Tech Tech intro'd with triangle guard slots.
1940 K 134/TTO/Tech Regent Tech TTO (last comb guard)
1941 L 134/TTO/Tech Milord TTO (bar guard version of Sheraton)
1942 M Tech War production only
1943 N Tech War production only
1944 O Tech War production only
1945 P Tech War production mostly
1946 R TTO/Tech Full civilian production resumes.
1947 S TTO/Tech "SuperSpeed" replaces Senator. "Rocket" in Canada and UK.
1948 T TTO/Tech "Improved" TTO's notched for blade dispenser
1949 U TTO/Tech First plastic case: red/ clear styrene.
1950 V TTO/Tech
1951 W 1/2/3/4. (Yr. letter code plus quarter f year) TTO/Tech Razors get date codes (year & 1/4)
1952 X TTO/Tech Tech gets parallel slots
1953 Y TTO/Tech Executive: heavy gold handle
1954 Z TTO/Tech Coloured TTO knobs for blade angle.
1955 A TTO/Tech
1956 B TTO/Tech
1957 C TTO/Tech
1958 D TTO/Tech "Adjustable" Dial TTO. TV Special this year only
1959 E TTO/Tech Adjustable TTO: short thick handle
1960 F TTO/Tech Toggle Adjustable this year only
1961 G TTO/Tech
1962 H TTO/Tech
1963 I TTO/Tech Lady Gillette TTO. Men's Adjustable gets long thin handle.
1964 J TTO/Tech Tech notched guard ends
1965 K TTO/Tech/Techmatic "Techmatic" Band Blade Razor
1966 L TTO/Tech/Techmatic
1967 M TTO/Tech/Techmatic
1968 N TTO/Knack/Tech/Techmatic Knack (SlimTwist in UK & Canada) knob under head. "Orbiter 4000" electric Band razor
1969 O TTO/Knack/Tech/Techmatic TTO black handles (long and short), "Super Adjustable"
1970 P TTO/Knack/Tech
1971 R TTO/Knack/Tech/TracII "TracII" introduced
1972 S TTO/DE/Tech/TracII Knack becomes "Double Edge" (DE)?
1973 T TTO/DE/Tech/TracII TracII introduced as "GII" outside North America. Tech prod'n ends in US.
1974 U TTO/DE/TracII Super-Speed TTO production ends
1975 V DE/TracII/Atra/Disposable "Daisy" disposible for Ladies
1976 W DE/TracII/Atra/Disposable "Good News" disposible for men.
1977 X DE/TracII/Atra/Disposable "Atra" introduced
1978 Y DE/TracII/Atra/Disposable Atra for Women
1979 Z DE/TracII/Atra/Disposable
1980's A-J DE/TracII/Atra/Disposable "Swivel" disposible in 1980
1985 F DE/TracII/Atra/Disposable Trac II and Atra "Plus". Good News "Pivot Plus" and Daisy Plus disposibles.
1989 J DE/TracII/Atra/Disposable
1990's K-U DE/TracII/Atra/Disposable/Sensor "Sensor" for Men introduced in 1990
1992 M DE/TracII/Atra/Disposable/Sensor "Sensor" for Women
1993 N DE/TracII/Atra/Disposable/Sensor Sensor Excel
1998 T TracII/Atra/Disposable/Sensor/ Mach 3 "Mach 3" for Men introduced. DE production ends.
2000's V-E TracII/Atra/Disposable/Sensor/ Mach 3
2001 W TracII/Atra/Disposable/Sensor/ Mach 3 Venus for Women, Mach3 style razor. Mach3 "Cool Blue"

Standard Shower & Shave Setup

Revised: 2008.04.14

Shower:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Face Wash
Bath Soap
Deodorant
Hair Tonic
Moisturizer (Optional)


Oral Care:
Floss
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Mouth Wash

Shave:
Straight Razor/Strop or Feather ACD-N Razor w/Blades
DE Razor & Blades (Primary Razor if no str8 or ACD-N)
Brush
Shave Bowl (Optional. Lathering direct to face most of time.)
Shave Cream or Soap


Post Shave:
Styptic Pencil (Optional)
Alum Block (Optional)
After Shave Balm
After Shave Splash or Lotion
Aftershave Talc (Optional)
Cologne (Optional)


GoTo shave setup:
500 Progress Adjustable Double Edged Safety Razor Chrome
Feather Razor Blade
Custom 23mm Shavemac Brush
Crabtree & Evelyn Shave Cream or Soap