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 the 42 model, and as yet, we are not quite sure what this means, we still have to figure out how the numbering system works that is stamped on the tang. The scales and pinning are in very good condition and open/close like new. The steel is nice and clean, and looks like brand new. It has a black wedge fitted to the white celluloid scales, quite commonly used at the time.
The logo on the scales has some loss in the colour, and a small swirl on the opposing scales at the toe-end. The blade has a long radius round point, complementing the chunky blade that is in excess of 6/8 ths. It has a working edge of 62 mm long. The blade has a spine thickness of 5.7 mm delivering a working angle of around 16 degrees on this clean half hollow ground blade. The razor weighs 46 grams and has a great looking bevel, it has seen very little action so if you are looking for an almost new, vintage stainless steel razor with all its original trimmings, this should be a good fit.
The razor comes with the original box, plastic sleeve and pamphlet, all in good shape.
*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. I sharpened this razor on a new honing system we have developed and it works exceptionally well, so if you are keen to find out how great your future edges can become by using our affordable, compact system you may want to pull the trigger on this one.