The 4th International Shaving Collectibles Meeting was held on October 20-21, 2007, in West Chester, Ohio, USA. Meeting participants met on Friday, October 19, at the popular Bravo Cucina Italiana restaurant. The formal meeting was held on the following day at the Indiana Wesleyan University Conference Center in West Chester. On Sunday morning, the meeting concluded with brunch at the Rosenthals.
Jack Hayes gave a presentation on Blade Banks. He traced the proliferation of blade banks from the 1920s to the early 1970s. Examples from his extensive collection were displayed. Many of the banks were colorful, unique, and humorous. Near the end of the meeting, his blade banks were photographed for inclusion on the ShaveWorld.org Web site.
Tom Willard discussed glass stroppers or sharpeners from his collection. He brought a wonderful variety of these stroppers to the meeting. The stroppers came in all shapes and colors and purportedly sharpen or hone a dull blade simply by the mechanical movement of the blade over the glass.
Tom then discussed some major changes to the ShaveWorld.org Web site. There are now experts registered on the forum section of the site. For example, Jack Hayes may indicate that he is an expert on blade banks. Anyone having a question about banks, posts the question to Jack on the site. The question is then emailed to Jack who provides an answer that is again posted to the site. Everyone was encouraged to use the site and, those with expertise, to register as an expert. Blade banks and additional Schick Razors will be included soon on the site.
Jerry Rosenthal gave a talk on the "fascination of safety razor collecting." He illustrated how minor changes in a razor can dramatically increase its value, for example, the double ring and flared end on some Gillette razors. The discussion also included determinants of a razor's value: age, scarcity, uniqueness, and condition.
Participants were treated to gift bags, compliments of the Gillette Company and Schick Wilkinson Sword, and door prizes were given away. Contributing door prizes were Jim Andrus, Jack Hayes, Dale Justus, Herb Sharp, Robert Waits, and Andy Pennella on behalf of Schick Wilkinson Sword. A big thank you to all.
The next meeting is planned for October of 2008 in West Chester, Ohio, US.
