Razor blade banks are a cut above the rest

If a bathroom in your home retains a pre-1960s medicine cabinet, chances are you’ll find a slit under the bottom shelf. For decades, America’s used razor blades were deposited in that slit, safely ensconced between the walls.
“During the first half of the 20th century, the safe disposal of used razors was a concern shared by many,” said Bonnie Zucker Bryson, co-author of the book Collectibles for the Kitchen, Bath & Beyond. “King C. Gillette, the safety razor’s inventor, had a team of experts searching for a way to recycle used blades.”
Blade banks, containers that could be filled with used blades and then discarded, became a common feature in the bathroom.
More than 60 years later, blade banks are still in demand — this time by collectors who savor these anachronistic treasures. What makes them so appealing?
“They’re fun — it’s a manageable collection — and they have a sense of humor attached to them,” said Dr. Morton Berman, whose impressive 100-piece collection lines the shelves of his guest bathroom.
Others are attracted by the diversity of subject, style and materials.
“They are most challenging to find,” said California blade bank collectors and dealers Sondra and Ken Kruger. “Many were thrown away, so they are not readily available.”
Pre-World War II ceramic and metal models were designed with only function in mind. Once the concept of used blade receptacles gained popularity, decorative elements were added.
Savvy marketers of tonsorial products capitalized on the blade bank trend, offering advertising novelties as a premium with their product’s purchase.
“Judging by the numerous examples that have survived, they were obviously manufactured in large quantities,” said Zucker Bryson.
“Excellent models found in today’s market were produced by companies like Burma-Shave Cream, Ever-Ready Blades, Mennen Skin Bracer and Twinplex Stroppers. Even non-shaving companies like Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce, U.S. Deck Paint and various savings banks used coin banks as well as razor blade banks as premiums,” she added.
Hotels concerned with the safety of their maids branded such containers as glass jars, ceramic boxes and paper envelopes with their name for use as blade depositories.
“My favorite bank is Twinplex Stropper’s ‘Dull House-Home for Aged Blades’,” explained Deborah Gillham, co-author of Collectibles for Kitchen, Bath & Beyond. “It took me a long time to find this piece, and I finally purchased it from a dealer in Australia.”
Collectors can expect to pay $125 to $150 for one of these unusual banks. From the 1940s to the 1960s, figural blade banks were in vogue. They were popular men’s gifts that were often monogrammed.
The 1947 California Cleminson mushroom with the image of the man shaving now sells for $25 to $65, quite an increase from the original wholesale price of $7.50 per dozen.
Listerine’s 2-1/2-inch ceramic elephant and donkey are also common figurals. Produced by LaPere Pottery in Zanesville, Ohio, this circa 1936 pair was inspired by the Democratic and Republican mascots.
“Expect to pay $20 to $30 for the donkey and $25 to $35 for the elephant,” said Zucker Bryson. “Listerine also issued a ceramic frog on a black base that sells for $15 to $20.”
Not all figural pieces are priced as reasonably.
“Although the Horse Head porcelain bank with rhinestones is the most unusual bank, Goebel’s Monk is the most valuable,” the Krugers point out.
Introduced with a whole line of Friar Tuck accessories in 1956, the blade bank can sell for more than $500.
It is often confused with the companion coin bank. How do you tell them apart? The blade bank has exposed toes and the words “Razor Blade Holder” embossed in raised letters under the rear slit. There’s also a small drain hole in the bottom.
As with all collectible purchases, being an educated shopper goes a long way.
Most blade banks are marked as such. Some people claim the small “drain” hole in the bottom is a giveaway. Others claim that containers with no opening by which to empty the contents verifies it was intended to hold used blades.
“Unfortunately neither of these characteristics is a definitive identification method,” said Zucker Bryson. “In the end almost every collector has to make judgment calls on questionable pieces.”
Copyright 2002 by Krause Publications. For a free catalog of Krause Publications books or periodicals on collectibles, write Public Relations, Dept. IC, Krause Publications, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990-0001.