Thread: Otto Deutsch's "Hans"

I got this razor from Max for USD 100 - a real steal. Like all other razors I bought from Max, this one looked even better in person than it did in the fantastic pictures he took of it. The details for this razor can be found in our Straight Razor Database: Deutsch, Otto "Hans" - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

Craftsmanship: Nothing fancy about the blade itself. A singing full hollow without any frills or thrills. But the scales are something to behold. Translucent dark green with silver decorations, and the company logo. This razor is from the Art Deco period, and I truly love the way the artsy bits blend in with the overall design of a straight razor.

Balance: Simply perfect. Despite its size, it is not a heavy razor, extremely well balanced, and equally good to wield.

Collectability: Mine is perfect except for three dents caused by pitting that were removed as far as possible by Max. Yes, I would love a mint one, but there do not seem to be too many of those around, and they sell at ridiculous prices. Mine would be "excellent", and I would not part with it, ever.

Price: A Hans in excellent or mint conditions will go for as much as USD 200 or more. As I consider this razor a piece of functional art, I believe the price to be justified. In any event, it is hyped less than Dubl Ducks, and that is a good thing.

Overall: Form may follow function, but if beauty is added, it makes for a perfect razor. Hans has a singing hollow blade, but with just the right amount of flex. Max did a stunning job a restoring it, and I received it in shave ready state. Perfect. If you can get a hold of a Hans for a decent price, get it while you can. While it may serve as a show piece, it is also a phenomenal shaver, and easy to hone, too.

Very well done review and I agree with your findings. If I were to go on looks alone I regard the Otto Deutsch's "Hans" one of the nicest. I don't know if it is the 'best' straight I have but it holds it's own and is near the top. I just haven't put a label of 'best' on any straight. I hone all of my own straights and they almost all shave to my expectations. If I could stop buying more straights I would be able to dial in the few that are off a little. How well the edge last is a test I don't know if I can do. I shave through every razor I have and it will take me 5 or 6 months to go through the rotation. I guess the edges will last me a lifetime if I can eliminate the natural degrading of the metal.

They are another brand marketed by Bresduck/Pearlduck and that is why they are as good as a Dubl Duck. Same thing!

There are three groups of people out there: those who never heard about Hans but who will want it when they see it; those who know it and want it, and those who have it and who will never let it go.

This razor has it all. It is an excellent performer from that famous Solingen stable that was producing Dubl Ducks; it has gorgeous yet decent Art Deco looks with the amazing green translucent scales that are finely lined with sophisticated silver bolsters; and it will make everyone envy as these fancy razors are fairly hard to get these days.

Hans is one of my best shavers and although it is in my rotation, it does not suffer in my daily grind. No, he is there for special occasions. He is a special razor. And he sings nicely on strops.

I concur on most of the above reviews, I however give them slightly lower marks on the craftsmanship level just becasue of how delicate the scales are...

Price is a relative item, and this are still obtainable in the mid-price ranges so they get an 8...

BRESDUCK INC.
224 Canal Street, New York City
Also used trademarks "DUBL-DUCK", "LIFETIME", "NAPOLEON", "BEAU BRUMMEL", "DEUTSCH", "SATINEDGE"
ca. 1930 - 1952; firm became known as Pearlduck in 1952

Although I tend to agree with the thought that these are DD cousins I have never seen proof of this... like a razor wrapper from an NOS Otto Deutsch with the Canal street address on it....

I love this razor. Recently purchased one in great condition for 60 bucks. Does anyone know the year of when these razors were manufactured?

It's a drop dead gorgeous razor and those green translucent handles with silver bolsters (when buffed to high shine) really sets this razor apart. Blade holds a real nice sharp wicked edge. They don't show up as much as the DD's.

I can't put an exact date but I presume somewhere in the first half of the 20th century. What I do know is this:

Deutsch Hans Otto was a famous actor born August 10th, 1900 in Dresden, Germany and was murdered on November 24, 1933 in Berlin by the nazis for being one of the first communist Artist.

Interesting, thank you for the information.

" Give me a firm place to stand and I will move the earth". - ARCHIMEDES-

I picked mine up in a lot of razors I bought (6) for 300 bucks last week at a antique shop. It is 90% mint I would say, maybe 95. I had it honed by my local guy and shaved with it this evening. Very smooth shaver, I did however (and this is the first time) drop it while shaving. Now I have pretty good reflexes but I knew better than to try to catch it. I would have ended up at the urgent care no doubt. The damage, two nicks out on the toe :( I'm sure it can be fixed. I continued with the shave both WTG & ATG, could hardly feel it against the grain. What a great shaver, I will keep my eye out for another.

Shave On!

Chip