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Kayser Ellison.
- Thread starter Rudolf1
- Start Date
Hellas
Blade Whisperer
Do we miss some pics??
Tony
Well-Known Member
I love razors made from Kaiser Ellison Steel, as for as I know it’s the name for steel which is also used for making straight razors. As for as I know it’s not a makers brand but I could be wrong of cause.
This is what the late Neil Miller RIP wrote about a razor like yours on one of the forums a few years back
The story of the steel goes back to Wilson, Hawksworth & Moss, later Wilson, Hawksworth & Hunter & Sons.
Wilson, Hawksworth & Moss was founded in 1825 by John Wilson (father of Lady Mappin) and John Wilson Hawksworth. John Wilson had a premises in Sycamore Street which the company rented. Joshua Moss was originally the firms american agent. Such was his success that he was taken on as a partner in 1832, at which point his name was added.
The 1833 trades directory for Sheffield gives Michael Hunter as being a table knife manufacturer, Sheldon Row, Willey Street; home Broomhill Terrace.
In 1836 they moved to Arundel Lane, also renting another site where they made their own steel. By 1846 steel making was gaining greater prominence and Joseph Ellison had joined the firm.
In the 1850s they relocated to the Don Valley, and steel-making becoming the principal work.
In 1869 they took on Charles W. Kayser as a traveller. Kayser, originally from Solingen, Germany, gave them an ultimatum - at the end of 3 years they would either offer him a partnership or he would leave the firm. In 1872 he was made a partner, eventually becoming master of the whole company. It was under Kayser's direction that the firm abandoned knifemaking in favour of specialist steel production. They became known as Kayser, Ellison & Co., one of Sheffield's leading special steelmakers.
A number of countries imported their steel billets for razor making, including Germany.
I have no idea if it was made in England or Germany, but like Martin I tend to lean towards Germany. I don't think that "88" is a makers mark, more like a model number referring to a specific grind/shape/width, but I could be wrong.
Makes me wonder why it has no prominent makers mark or country of origin. Could have been made when Germany, for obvious reasons, was out of favour with the rest of the world, eg WW1 - but I am probably mistaken about that, too...
This is what the late Neil Miller RIP wrote about a razor like yours on one of the forums a few years back
The story of the steel goes back to Wilson, Hawksworth & Moss, later Wilson, Hawksworth & Hunter & Sons.
Wilson, Hawksworth & Moss was founded in 1825 by John Wilson (father of Lady Mappin) and John Wilson Hawksworth. John Wilson had a premises in Sycamore Street which the company rented. Joshua Moss was originally the firms american agent. Such was his success that he was taken on as a partner in 1832, at which point his name was added.
The 1833 trades directory for Sheffield gives Michael Hunter as being a table knife manufacturer, Sheldon Row, Willey Street; home Broomhill Terrace.
In 1836 they moved to Arundel Lane, also renting another site where they made their own steel. By 1846 steel making was gaining greater prominence and Joseph Ellison had joined the firm.
In the 1850s they relocated to the Don Valley, and steel-making becoming the principal work.
In 1869 they took on Charles W. Kayser as a traveller. Kayser, originally from Solingen, Germany, gave them an ultimatum - at the end of 3 years they would either offer him a partnership or he would leave the firm. In 1872 he was made a partner, eventually becoming master of the whole company. It was under Kayser's direction that the firm abandoned knifemaking in favour of specialist steel production. They became known as Kayser, Ellison & Co., one of Sheffield's leading special steelmakers.
A number of countries imported their steel billets for razor making, including Germany.
I have no idea if it was made in England or Germany, but like Martin I tend to lean towards Germany. I don't think that "88" is a makers mark, more like a model number referring to a specific grind/shape/width, but I could be wrong.
Makes me wonder why it has no prominent makers mark or country of origin. Could have been made when Germany, for obvious reasons, was out of favour with the rest of the world, eg WW1 - but I am probably mistaken about that, too...
Rudolf1
Well-Known Member
View attachment 9284 View attachment 9285 I remember that post. it is striking that the other Kayser that I own also says sheffield. It is of course possible that a type is made on demand in Germany, but it seems strong to me that they went ahead with it. a brand ultimately wants its own stamp. And usually the current country name is added. Is my idea, that's how I would do it.
Tony
Well-Known Member
Indeed and very nice scales too.
By the way. Would you tell us where your supply the blanks for your scales?
The wooden blanks on the photo I bought in Berlin a couple of years back at Edelholzverkauf.de
Tony
Well-Known Member
Crama Haarlem #95. Probably a rebranded Solingen razor for the Dutch market.
Made of Kayser Ellison & co best Sheffield silver steel.
Little over 20 mm wide
Scales are not original, I busted them wile unpinning
puma made razors from This steel and also had a #95, so maybe it’s a puma ?
Any suggestions are welcome
Made of Kayser Ellison & co best Sheffield silver steel.
Little over 20 mm wide
Scales are not original, I busted them wile unpinning
puma made razors from This steel and also had a #95, so maybe it’s a puma ?
Any suggestions are welcome
Hi all,
I'm totally new to this world and forum, consider me an absolute rookie.
Last week I received this Kayser Ellison razor which belonged to my grandfather who lived from 1907 untill 1997.
It isn't in the superb condition as some of the others in this forum, unfortunately. Would anybody know if this could be cleaned up without damaging the metal?
On the other side you can see the number '60' of '09'. Which probably refers to the type of blade?
The box is similar to those above but without a specific name and also in worse condition.
If anybody could tell me more about this type of razor, it would be highly appreciated.
Regards from Belgium,
Willem
I'm totally new to this world and forum, consider me an absolute rookie.
Last week I received this Kayser Ellison razor which belonged to my grandfather who lived from 1907 untill 1997.
It isn't in the superb condition as some of the others in this forum, unfortunately. Would anybody know if this could be cleaned up without damaging the metal?
On the other side you can see the number '60' of '09'. Which probably refers to the type of blade?
The box is similar to those above but without a specific name and also in worse condition.
If anybody could tell me more about this type of razor, it would be highly appreciated.
Regards from Belgium,
Willem