Soviet-era Zamac Slant, "Алмаз" or "Almaz" (Diamond) 66gm

Obviously had quite a life, this chunky piece of Zamac, purchased off a Ukrainian chap for $12 US. Can’t argue with that price if it’s in working order. I do like the diamond pattern on the handle. The German generics weigh rather less, at 52gm.

Seller says 1970s, but I think it could be a bit earlier, I don’t know. When it’s in my hands, I’ll do my best to make it more presentable, but I rather LIKE the honest wear on vintage zamac razors. 

Was wondering if anyone has other Soviet-era razors they might like to display and discuss?

Interesting how the seller placed the razor on a background with similar appearance. Looking forward to seeing the cleaned tool after it’s arrived.

(01-18-2023, 05:55 AM)chazt Wrote: Interesting how the seller placed the razor on a background with similar appearance. Looking forward to seeing the cleaned tool after it’s arrived.

I'll make sure to put on a shining, spotless surface when I take a photo of it

I suppose the Zamak is plated with nickel or chrome.  Whatever the case may be, there is significant loss of plating.  Are you concerned about rust?

(01-18-2023, 09:26 AM)TheLegalRazor Wrote: I suppose the Zamak is plated with nickel or chrome.  Whatever the case may be, there is significant loss of plating.  Are you concerned about rust?

Yes, there is considerable loss of (probably chrome) plating, very obviously. As to exposure to the zamac/k, no, it doesn't concern me in the slightest. We all have honourable scars that come with age.  

This item cost me very little: $12 US, and so I have no complaints about its condition. Oxidisation on zinc alloys ("white rust") is common, and presents no health risk at all. Most die cast small-model cars and toys are made of zamac/k. It will be possible to clean it up a bit, and I may use it only very infrequently anyway. 

No big deal. It is what it is, and I like what it is. 

What you have there is an Almaz. I've seen (own) it in two versions. There's another model Soviet slant, that has a long plastic handle, that comes under a plethora of names, dependent on color and case.

(01-20-2023, 09:44 AM)efsk Wrote: What you have there is an Almaz. I've seen (own) it in two versions. There's another model Soviet slant, that has a long plastic handle, that comes under a plethora of names, dependent on color and case.

Very interesting, efsk, and thank you! Do you have any pictures? And what are they like to shave with? 
I do know ‘Almaz’ (Алмаз) translates as ‘diamond’, which matches the pattern on the handle. 
Update:
I have found out the relevant details. You will see below information gleaned from a Russian antiques website (antik-forum.ru) covering the history of these and related Russian razors, and if it is ok I have posted the link to the relevant page below, but in summary, the relevant Almaz (Алмаз) slants were produced by the Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star) Safe Shaver Factory in Moscow between May 1957 (when Khrushchev came to power) and October 1965. You will see my version in the pictures below:


Link to website:
https://www.antik-forum.ru/forum/showthr...98&page=81

If only I spoke Russian 

I polished as best I could. Better than it was, but it certainly has had a life! 

I noticed that one side of the head has a steeper gradient that the other. In plain sight it’s very obvious; in photos not so much. I think this is because of the top cap rather than the baseplate (look closely). The Russian version of the differential head? 

I used it today and a VERY nice shave it provided, too, tending toward the aggressive but very forgiving end. Easy to manoeuvre. I matched it with a vintage Wilkie Super Sword Edge. Two passes: smooth as can be. If I found another, I'd grab it.