The 5th International Shaving Collectibles Meeting was held on October 18-19, 2008, in West Chester, Ohio, USA. Meeting participants met on Friday, October 18, 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.

Larry Kraayenbrink and Lynn Abrams conducted a round-table discussion on straight razors. Purchasing and preparing razors for personal use was brought up, with emphasis on the importance of honing. Multiple-day razor sets and their use were also discussed . Protecting blades and handles from deterioration is an important aspect for displaying and maintaining a collection in prime condition. Later in the day, Lynn gave a demonstration on the proper technique for honing razors.

Arik Dvir gave a presentation on vintage safety razors and store displays. He showed examples of beautiful store displays from his collection, mainly Gillette and Schick, that he brought to the meeting. Merchandising played prominently into the successes of both razor companies. Gillette adjustables, with the adjusting dial on the bottom of the handle rather than immediately under the razor head, received attention. Speculation occurred as to the reason for the dial position change and the exact year of production.

In the afternoon, following lunch, Al Zimmer pointed out variations in some of the very early safety razors of the 20th century. Some variations were quite pronounced, while others were minor. To a collector, however, both types of variations are important and add considerable interest, and sometimes added value, when collecting.

Tom Willard then discussed some of the new features of the ShaveWorld.org Web site, such as the forum section. Experts register on the forum and then respond to questions directed to them. Both questions and answers appear on the Web site. Tom again encouraged attendees and others to add new items, including photos and descriptions, to the site from their collections. Recently, a large number of non-occupational shaving mugs was uploaded to the ShaveWorld site.

Tom went on to discuss the AutoStrop and Rolls Razors. A great number of variations and designs are present in these razor groups. In many instances, they provide clues to dating. Tom brought many examples from his own collection. An interesting Rolls Razor has a red and beige top. It appeared at first as if someone had painted the top, until Tom found a second one painted in the same way. Many collectors feel that the AutoStrop and Rolls Razors are all too common. Tom disproved that notion with illustrations of the many rare and unusual variations of these razors. We will now have new respect for the razors.

Participants were treated to gift bags, compliments of the Gillette Company, Schick Wilkinson Sword, and ShavingEssentials.net. Door prizes were again given away by a drawing of names. More and more attendees, and Schick Wilkinson, are now contributing shaving collectibles for the drawings. Every attendee received at least one door prize. Many thanks are extended to the contributors.

Plans for the 2009 meeting were discussed. There was a proposal to have a joint meeting next year with the straight razor people. The idea was favorably received, and Lynn Abrams said he would explore the idea with the people on his site - StraightRazorPlace.com.

The next meeting is planned for October 10-11, 2009, in West Chester, Ohio, US. The meeting will be known as the 6th National Shaving Collectibles Meeting. This change that drops the "International" in the title is not meant to discourage foreign collectors from attending. It simply reflects the composition of those attending over the past few years. Collectors from other countries continue to be welcome and are encouraged to attend.

Below are some selected photos from the meeting.

Make sure to click on the photos to enlarge them.