The J.R. Torrey Razor company manufactured straight razors from about 1850 to the end of World War I. It initially imported high-carbon steel razors from Sweden, but by the 1870s, Worcester, Massachusetts, where the company was based, had become a steel manufacturing center, and J.R. Torrey Razor was one of its most prominent firms using the locally produced steels to fabricate their wares from.
Most of the Torrey's I have come across have sexy lines and good steel, most of them are also quite nimble and have fairly unique design, setting it apart from many razor brands at the time. This Torrey is no different with its the lines that flow beautifully, it has a sleek, flowing blade with a great grind, unique to this razor is a very thin edge under the thumb, it feels much like having your thumb on a blunt knife. The blade has a few spots here and there, but should go to mirror finish with fairly little work, you will however loose what is left of the emplem on the blade, which is faded in current condition.
The razor gave a great shave, and it is agile and lightfooted, the blade mounts tight enough, centers nicely and the scales and pinning is in good original condition.
This razor weighs 29 grams and has a spine thickness of 4.2 mm and blade height of 14 mm, or around 1/2 that delivers a bevel angle of 17 degrees. The razor is shave ready.
*Vintage razors are priced according to model and availability, time spent cleaning and reconditioning and time/level of honing. 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.