J.A. Henckels and Co is quite a popular vintage brand that can be found relatively widespread all over the world, mainly because the company was in existence for many years, it started in 1731 and produced straight razors up to 1969. They manufactured a lot of razors over these years, but quite surprisingly there is not a lot of information about the company or its products out there, here is one page that could spark your interest in this German brand of razor.
This is a bit of a rarity, it is the 42 model and the first of this shape I have held in my hands The scales and pinning are in good condition, but I am not sure if these are the original scales, possible a limited range or a special edition? a Customer has since pointed out that the scales are from a Ed Wusthof 'Trident' razor, weirdly enough the pic they sent me shows similar numbering (numbers & fractions) on the mark side of the tang than the Henckles range.
The steel is nice and clean, with few small marks here, it has a white wedge fitted to the black celluloid scales, quite commonly used at the time, the red badge does make it unique though. The blade has a french point, and has a working edge of 73 mm long. The blade height is 5/8 with a spine thickness of 5 mm delivering a working angle of 19 degrees, the blade has a near wedge grind, not the closest shave in terms of stubble length, but a second pass against the grain will get you close enough, the shave is silent as a sniper and very smooth, it has a very unique action and feels very fluent in use.
The cutter weighs 45 grams and has a good looking bevel, there is a bit of spine wear increasing towards the toe, but the transition is smooth and it looks much like it was designed this way. This model has no stiffeners at the heel and the french point rounds up nicely to present a good looking blade.
*Vintage razors are priced according to model and availability, time spent cleaning and reconditioning them, and also time spent getting the edge into a shave ready condition (some are preserved as is, or sold as is for the new owner to sharpen) Please enquire if you need additional work done to this razor prior to purchase. All straight razors will require a stropping on a leather strop before every use. Pics are unedited (detail) and provide a true image of the condition of the razor.
This razor is shave ready and can be used as is without stropping it, stropping should be executed after first use.