Direct from the manufacturer - Giesen & Forsthoff, Germany

.

Specialist stockists of Cutthroat Razors

Take advantage of the buying power of the Aussie dollar with great savings in 2011

Returns: for health reasons, G&F razors can only be returned if a manufacturers fault in production.

AKC Mailorder Knives
Specialist Importers of FACTORY-MADE KNIVES, 
AUSTRALIAN KNIVES  and REGIONAL BLADEWARE.

Australasian Knife Collectors (reg 1990) - AKC Mailorder Knives
A division of Matrose Agencies Pty Ltd : ABN 31889808304
PO BOX 149 CHIDLOW WA 6556  AUSTRALIA
TEL: (08) 9572 7255    International - + 61 8 9572 7255 FAX : (08) 9572 7266  International - + 61 8 9572 7266

return to AKC Mailorder Knives


Starter kits
Cut throat razors
Strops
Boxes & repair kits
new - Styptic pencil
Care of razors

 
 
 

Back to Basics Razors:

All you need to get started shaving safely with a cutthroat (straight or open) razor.
 
For those would-be straight razor shavers who don't know how to get started (and for those who are simply curious) we offer this unique opportunity to safely  induce yourself into the satisfying world of shaving with a cutthroat razor. No gimmicks and no worries ... too easy, as they say.

We offer an instruction booklet imported from England with a choice of two starter kits - Standard or Deluxe

  • First remove the disposable razor blade from the induction razor   - you learn to shave the straight razor way first without the blade - safely. 
  • When you feel confident, replace the disposable blade in the induction razor and start slowly - take your time
  • Successful? Now you are ready to shave with a 'real' cutthroat razor of your choice

$39.00 + $12.00 post
Cut-throat Razor
Standard Starter Kit
  • The Booklet: Teach Yourself 
  • the Cutthroat Shave
  • Starter razor with removable blade for risk-free practice
  • Replacement blade
  • Information on stropping and honing (excerpt from Barbers Handbook 1939)

$49.00 + $12.00 post

Cut-throat Razor
Deluxe Starter Kit
  • The Booklet: Teach Yourself the Cutthroat Shave
  • Starter razor with removable blade for risk-free practice
  • Replacement blades 
  • Shave soap (70 gms)
  • Shaving bristle brush
  • Information on stropping and honing (excerpt from Barbers Handbook 1939)


 
 
 

New prices for 2011: 

  Quality Carbon Cutthroat Razors:
direct from the manufacturer in Solingen, Germany

Giesen & Forsthoff  - Solingen, Germany
specialist razor manufacturers since 1920;
An unbroken lineage of cutthroat razor manufactures now in their third generation  - a family business preserving a tradition!  Forged from highest grade carbon steel, 
G & F razors are hand-ground and individually set and assembled.

#150 -  black 5/8"
$79.00

#306 - gold  5/8"
$85.00

#306 -  gold  6/8"
$90.00

# 370 - Olive wood 6/8"
$110.00

#500 - tortoise  5/8" 
$110.00

#550 - Ebony wood
6/8"  $110

#502 - mother of pearl
6/8" $112.00

#570 - real horn
$110.00

# 373 -  stainless handle
$125.00

# 372 - titanium 6/8"
$145.00 
temp. out of stock
Want more for your money?
Add a black cowhide leather pouch, with black velvet protective lining and silver stud - an elegant and safe packageing for your razor. 
Made in Germany. andOnly $10.00 + post  (or combine post).
click for a closer look
7-day razor case . Genuine.  Made in Germany
Smell the luxurious soft black Nappa-leather. A top-of-the-class razor wrap with black velvet lining , 2 magnetic silver buttons to keep closed, and silver embossing on each inner pouch Monday - Sunday. Comes empty. A perfect gift for serious users or collectors. Made in Germany.  Fill it...  add a razor or two ...or purchase empty - the choice is yours.    
$54.00 +  $8.50 post  (and yes, we combine post).

click for a closer look 
All of our Giesen and Forsthoff razors are  traditional German CARBON blades, heat treated to a slightly lower Rockwell Hardness 
than stainless models to ensure successful stropping for a fine edge (and honing when required.)
  • Steel: 115CrV# carbon steel, manufactured by Ernst Krebbs KG, Solingen,Germany 
  • Heat Treatment:  Rockwell Hardness 56-57
  • Blade-shape: round point, hollow ground
Model 150: A simple but efficient cutting tradition... the Slick-Black
  • One of the original models from the house of Giesen and Forsthoff, the traditionally designed Model 150 originally introduced in 1920, and continuing to represent the firm's original policy of quality at an affordable price. 
  • The front surface of the blade bears the Giesen and Forsthoff original Timor hallmark (registered 1920) with an oxidized (blued) back of the blade and entire tang surface, right to the end of the 'monkey -tail'.
  • The razor's carefully fitted traditional slick-black handle is hand mounted to each blade to ensure a perfect fit and finish.

AKC Mailorder price: 
#150 5/8"     $79.00 + post
Model 306: Famous HamburgRing - symbol of German quality.
 (available in 5/8" or  6/8")
  • The original  Giesen and Forsthoff  Timor hallmark (registered in  1920) in Gold over the background of the famous "Hamburg Ring" moniker, the mark of distinction in razors.
  • The razor's carefully fitted celluloid replication in white poly-plastic handle for easy-care is emblazoned with the Timor logo in silver and hand mounted to each blade to ensure a perfect fit and finish.
  • The "Hamburg Ring" Cut Throat Razor, in production since the 1920’s, has long represented Giesen & Forsthoff’s policy of quality at an affordable 

AKC Mailorder price:
#306 5/8":  $85.00 + post
#306 6/8":  $90.00 + post
Model 550: 6/8" Ebony (natural black wood) 
  • Real wood - not imitation - on oversized Ebony handles for a solid grip, treated and finished to resist moisture penetration. 
  • A traditional De-Luxe etching on the blade with G&F logo centred on blade. Model number, place of manufacturer (Solingen) and country of  origin (Germany) etched onto the tang.
  • A matching gold imprint of the blade-etch on the box-cover ensures you will always know what is housed in this stylish black board box, that not only looks good but is designed to absorb condensation. 

  •  

    AKC Mailorder price:
    #550  6/8"   $110.00 + post
    Model 370: 6/8" Real Olive wood handle ~ each razor one-of-a-kind, with a return to a traditional design etched on the blade, with model number, city of manufacture (Solingen) and country of origin (Germany) etched onto the tang. !
    • Giesen and Forsthoff (Solingen, Germany) re-introduce the 6/8" razor - a slightly larger blade size still in the mid-size range. 
    • Genuine Olive-wood handle, each one naturally different from any other due to the natural figure of real wood. The wooden scales have been treated and finished to resist moisture penetration.
    • Model 370 arrives in a genuine leather carry case with nickel silver button stud and lined in velvet to offer ultimate protection for your razor. Top quality finish. 

    Click here for a closer look
    AKC Mailorder price:
    #370  6/8"   $110.00 + post
    (includes leather/ velvet lined pouch)
    Model 502: 5/8" Mother of Pearl - white swirls of modern 'celluloid', a poly-carbon reproduction handle mounted on the most famous of etches, 
    the Hamburg Ring. 
  • The stunning pearly swirls of the handle material, a white mother-of-pearl celluloid replication, are manufactured  from easy-care white poly-carbon and hand mounted to each blade to ensure a perfect fit and finish.
  • The blade bears the Giesen and Forsthoff original Timor hallmark (registered in  1920) in Gold over the background of the famous "Hamburg Ring" moniker, the mark of distinction in razors.

  • Click here for a closer look
    AKC Mailorder price:
    #502  $112.00 + post
    Model 504  5/8": Tortoise Shell - warm brown 'celluloid' reproduction with a poly-carbon handle hand mounted on the famous Hamburg Ring blade. 
  • A beautiful replication of the celluloid tortoise shell handles of old, the poly-carbon handles are hand mounted to each blade to ensure a perfect fit and finish.
  • The blade bears the Giesen and Forsthoff original Timor hallmark (registered in  1920) in Gold over the background of the famous "Hamburg Ring" moniker, the mark of distinction in razors.

  • Click here for a closer look
    AKC Mailorder price:
    #504 5/8" $110.00 + post
    Model 571/570: Oversize Real Horn handle on a 5/8" razor
  • Real cow horn (not imitation) oversized handles for a solid grip. Their semi translucent natural colours come in a range of white, green and brown tinges- each one different - no two alike. As individual as nature itself.
  • The 5/8" blade bears the Giesen and Forsthoff original Timor hallmark (registered in  1920) in Gold over the background of the famous "Hamburg Ring" moniker, the mark of distinction in razors.
  • The "Hamburg Ring" Cut Throat Razor, in production since the 1920’s, has long represented Giesen & Forsthoff’s policy of quality at an affordable price. 
  • Also available in 6/8" blade with De-Luxe logo

  • Click here for a closer look
    AKC Mailorder price:
    #571 5/8" original gold etch  $110.00 + post
    # 570 6/8" De-luxe logo...     $112.00 + post
    Model 373:   set with stainless steel handles .... 
    Available in 5/8" or 6/8" blades, proudly displaying Giesen & Forsthoff's return to a traditional design etched on the blade, with model number, city of manufacture (Solingen) and country of origin (Germany) cleqarly marked on the tang. 
    • The stylish Model 373 high-grade carbon steel  hollow-ground razor is carefully handmounted and set with stylish stainless steel scales.  Accepts engraving /etching - an ideal presentation model.
    • A traditional design etched onto the blade, plus model number, place of manufacturer (Solingen) and country of  origin (Germany) etched onto the tang. 
    • A matching silver imprint of the blade etch ensures you will always know what is housed in this stylish black board box, that not only looks good but is designed to absorb condensation. 

    AKC Mailorder price: 
    #373 6/8" 'De-luxe'...     $125.00 + post
    Model 372: 6/8" set with titanium handles
    • In April 2007, Giesen and Forsthoff  proudly introduced their titanium handled top-shelf model for discerning users and collectors. The blade  continues to be handground from high-grade carbon German steel .
    • Carefully handmounted and set in a titanium handle that has a clear Titanium imprinted in gold on the handle, and the old-style "de-luxe' logo etched onto the blade.. 
    • The stylish black board box, designed to absorb condensation, carries a copy of the blade imprint in silver, and includes a genuine leather carry case with nickel silver button stud and lined in velvet to offer ultimate protection for your razor.  Top class presentation all the way!
    Top-shelf : when ONLY the best will do!

    AKC Mailorder price:
    #372  6/8"   $145.00 + post


     

    STYPTIC PENCIL - for shaving nicks and minor cuts.
     
    SPA - Styptic Pencil (alum)

    Hemo-Stop. Made in France. In clear protective tube, travel-safe.
    For minor cuts and shaving nicks.  Stops bleeding fast.

    No need for the "paper tissue stuck to face" look!
    Simply remove stick from tube, moisten end and dab onto nick.  
    Stops bleeding fast.  Rinse and dry.   
    $6.50 + post. 


     


     
     
     

    Strops: Traditional Strops from Solingen
    Prima Rindleder Germany - Best Russian Cowhide Leather: in 3 styles and sizes
    How to strop your razor
     

    #183 Deluxe - leather honing strop with traditional canvas back. 
    • Stop the blade on the canvas back to warm the blade, remove dust and small particles, and line up the micro'fins' of the razor edge prior to the main stopping on the leather side. 
    • Stropping/blade polishing paste may also be applied to the reverse canvas side if desired. 
    • Clean blade of paste residue before stopping on leather side.)
    440mm x 50mm. Overall length 450mm 
    Metal swivel, traditional leather 'bell' handle.
    Manufactured in Germany from top quality Russian cowhide. Leather strop embossed with Giesen & Forsthoff's famous original trademark Timor Solingen
    AKC Mailorder price: 
    $95.00 plus $12.00 post.


    #152 Standard - leather honing strop  333mm x 40mm
    Metal swivel & grip, Overall length 400mm 

    Manufactured in Germany from top quality cowhide. 
    Silver imprinted with Giesen & Forsthoff's famous original trademark Timor Solingen

    (Strop pastes for illustration only - not supplied with strop.)

    AKC Mailorder price: 
    $65.00 plus $12.00 post


     

    All G&F Strops are ready for immediate use.

    56J  - Adjustable Double-sided Strop.
    Double sided strop with natural (prepared) leather on one side, and impregnated green rouge on the reverse. Simply re-tension strop by turning the handle when required. Stropping with a pasted strop will extend the time before needing to re-hone your razor.

    Excellent strop for novices, ideal for travellers, camping trips, and those short of space, and perfect for that backup strop for pasting - leave your larger strop for the clean final (and unpasted) stropping. 

    Strop dimensions 180mm x 40mm, with overall length of 330mm (that's 30cm x 4cm with an overall length of 33cms.)

    Made in Solingen Germany from top-quality Russian Leather. Leather strop embossed with Giesen & Forsthoff's famous original trademark Timor Solingen.

    AKC Mailorder :  $55.00 plus post

    Stropping Paste/Rouge
    While there are many different pastes and rouges manufactured, we offer two complimentary rouges in a single pack, specifically manufactured for razor stops in Solingen, Germany.

    Red Sharpening Rouge has good sharpening ability, will refresh a mildly dull blade and should not be used more than once a month. 

    Blue/Black Stropping Rouge is more waxy with less cutting power – and can be used every second day of stropping if desired.

    AKC Mailorder price: 
    $10.95 plus post.

    Hones:

    SPYDERCO CERAMIC BENCH STONES: Made in the USA
    Because Spyderco's benchstones are flat and broad they are highly effective for honing razors. Available in Fine or Ultrafine grits, each 2"x8" stone comes packaged in a rigid polymer storage case complete with non-skid rubber feet for tabletop use. Spyderco's ceramic stones can be used dry without lubricants or oils, so you can clearly see what you are doing. To clean benchstone,  wash with fresh water and scrub metal particles from the stones with a plastic scouring pad and abrasive powered cleanser.
     

    302F: This 2"x8" fine stone comes packaged in a light blue rigid polymer storage case complete with non-skid rubber feet for tabletop use. As with all of Spyderco's ceramic stones, use our benchstones dry without lubricants or oils. 

    Approximating 1800 grit, this bench stone is ideal for fine cutting edges on knives or for cutthroat razors.

    $76.00 + $12.00 post

    302UF: The ultrafine-grit 2"x8" bench stone comes packaged in a rigid polymer black storage case complete with non-skid rubber feet for tabletop use. 
    Ultrafine stones are ideal for professional polishing and finishing and can tighten the steel's scratch pattern bringing an already sharp edge to an even keener level. 

    Ultra Fine (approximating 2000 grit) - ideal for polishing edges.

    $109.00 + $12.00 post

     
     
     
    GENUINE GERMAN-MANUFACTURED REPLACEMENT/REPAIR COMPONENTS
     
    RHW: Razor Handle Replacement
    Black plastic handle with pre-pinned white wedge, plus a pin and rivet. Genuine parts- manufactured Solingen, Germany.  $15 per kit plus post
    RBP: Razor Box
    Black 'paper' cardboard razor boxes, absorbs condensation.  Ideal for storage and protection of individual razors. $6.00 per box plus post

    click here for closer look
    RRK:  Razor Repair Kit
    Combine the Razor Handle Replacement 
    with the black board-box at a discounted price. 
    $20 per kit + post

     


     
     
     
     


    How to Care For Your Cut-throat Razor Blades and Handles

    A little time making sure your cutthroat razor is properly cared for will ensure it has a long and productive life. The blades of all of our cutthroat razors are traditional - made from quality high-grade carbon steel, but they will rust if you don't keep them clean and dry. 

    Handles are made from a varierty of materials, from modern plastics and polycarbons (celluloid replacements) that imitate prohibited materials such as tortoiseshell or expensive hard-to-source items such as mother-of-pearl, hard wearing natural materials such as olive wood or ebony, natural buffalo/cow horn, and non-corrosive metals such as stainless steel and  titanium. 

    Rinse and Dry

    • Handles and blades should be rinse with clear water after every use and dry thoroughly.
    • Don't put your razor away damp, and don't store it in a damp unventilated cupboard or drawer. 
    • When dry, give the blade a final wipe to make sure even your fingerprints are removed from the blade before placing it back into its cardboard cover or case.
    Storage:
    • Be careful not to store your razor where 'little fingers' or curious guests may find and 'experiment' with your razor. 
    • A drawer immediately under your bathroom sink may not be the best storage place either.... if your sink overflows, will your razor become damp?
    • When storing for a longer period of time, clean and dry as usual, then coat lightly with oil. The easiest method is to just a couple of drops of light machine oil on either side, and smear lightly across the blade. Don't forget the tang as well. Then wrap in grease-proof paper and place into a storage box. 
    • Black 'paper' razor boxes absorb condensation and are ideal for the storage and protection of individual razors. 
    Razor strops:

    While flat razors are sharpened using strops with wooden handles where the razor can be "pushed" along the strop, ½ or full hollow-ground razors are sharpened using hanging strops made of fine cow-hide or smooth Russian-type leather.  Giesen and Foprsthoffs's double side (deluxe) strop has a hemp/canvas backing for intial stropping which positions the micro edge in the same direction, warms the steel, and removes small particles of dust, rust or dirt prior to the main stropping action on the leather side. 

    If necessary, the leather side can be coated with a thin layer of fine grinding paste (red paste), or  with black/blue paste for polishing the leather strop. Polishing paste is worked into the strop with the palm of the hand. Alternatively, strops can be 'polished' simply with the palm of your hand - your own 'body grease' - a simply process and something to do while you sit and watch a favourite TV show at night. Whether you use paste or not is your own choice- but remember, the last 'strop' before shaving should be on a clean strop that has not been pasted!

    Strop with the back of the razor leading on the razor strop; it should be first be drawn away from the body. When changing direction, the razor should be turned with its back to the strop again and then drawn towards the body. If the cutting edge of the razor faces the strop while the razor is being turned, it will become round and lose its cut. In this case, only regrinding by a specialist will help.

    Free information sheet: How to strop your cutthroat razor


     
     
     
    For Further Information: email, phone or fax   AKC Mail-order Service

    Pack and post Australia:
    $8.50 single item, $12.00 more than one item in order, unless stated otherwise - includes 3-day Express Post in Australia. 
    Parcels may be registered and insured if required - simply ask for a quote. 

    International  quotes provided

    Email: 

    PO BOX 149 CHIDLOW WA 6556   AUSTRALIA 
    TEL: (08) 9572 7255    FAX: (08) 9572 7266
    International: TEL:  + 61 8 9572 7255    FAX:  + 61 8 9572 7266

    Credit cards accepted.
    VISA  or MASTER Card 
    Please note: payment must be in Australian dollars
    (Australian money orders and cheques accepted)

     

     
     
     
    LINKS TO OTHER AKC Pages:


    Books & DVD's
    For edged tool collectors, makers and users
    Superseded knife models
      Special prices - only while stocks last!
    Knifemaking Supplies
    Still the widest range of supplies in Australia

     
    An AKC Publications & Video Productions page:  2011