12/16 F. Koeller & Co Ohligs Germany Straight Razor 1920-1930s orange scales shave ready Sta Sharp

12/16 F. Koeller & Co Ohligs Germany Straight Razor 1920-1930s orange scales shave ready Sta Sharp

A beautiful Koeller in excellent condition. Original scales, excellent tang impressions and blade face etching. This was one of the last blades made by F Koeller who was in business from as early as the late 1800s. Official registration papers for F Koeller and Comagnie were registered on April 23 in 1906.

If you're looking as a user or a collector this is a great option. Shave ready edge.

Brief History: F. Koeller & Co., Solingen–Ohligs Straight Razors

1. Origins and Registration
F. Koeller & Compagnie was officially registered on April 23, 1906, in the famed blade-manufacturing region of Solingen–Ohligs, Germany—a city recognized worldwide for high-quality steel and cutlery .

2. Brand Names & Product Lines
Historical records from 1932 mention F. Koeller & Co. operating under several brand names, including Berlini (1913), Best Marke Schaukelpferd, Bora Boedoer (1909), Diamond (1912), among others . Additionally, collector listings show blades stamped "SUPERBA", "Kismet", and "Paramount"—indicating a variety of models and branding strategies .

3. Collectibility & Market Presence
These razors occasionally appear in vintage marketplaces and auction forums, often listed by model name along with the maker’s mark and origin (e.g., “SUPERBA F. Koeller & Co. Ohligs-Germany”) . Their vintage status and Solingen roots contribute to collector interest.

4. Related Military Production
While primarily a razor manufacturer, there's evidence suggesting F. Koeller also produced or finished military-related blade components—such as bayonet blanks (specifically the S84/98 model) during the WWI era (around 1915–1917) .

5. Craftsmanship & Legacy
Though not as prominent as some larger brands (like Boker or Dovo), F. Koeller & Co. was part of the broader network of Solingen cutlers, producing “good, honest” work—akin to other respected German manufacturers. Enthusiasts on forums list Koeller alongside reputable names like Dorko, ERN, Puma, and Henckels .


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Snapshot Summary

Detail Insight

Founded/Registered 1906 in Solingen–Ohligs
Brands Used Berlini, Superba, Kismet, Paramount, etc.
Product Types Straight razors; possibly military blade components
Collector Appeal Vintage Solingen razors with varied model names
Rarity & Prestige Modestly collectible, especially for Solingen enthusiasts
Maker’s Mark & Branding

Stamp: “F. Koeller & Co., Ohligs Germany”

Etch: “Sta-Sharp – Best Silver Steel – Guarantee 5 Years”

Scales: Likely mid-century celluloid (amber-look), which became common in the 1930s–1950s.


“Sta-Sharp” and “Best Silver Steel” were trade names used by multiple Solingen manufacturers in the early–mid 20th century, often marketed to export markets (particularly the U.S. and U.K.). Koeller seems to have used them as part of their competitive branding, alongside “Superba” and “Kismet.”


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Dating Clues

1. Trade Mark Registration: F. Koeller & Co. was registered in 1906, and records show activity through the 1930s with multiple razor brand names.


2. Etched Guarantees (“5 Years”): Very typical of 1920s–1940s export razors, when companies leaned on guarantees to compete in crowded overseas markets.


3. Celluloid Scales: Transparent amber/yellow scales like yours really came into fashion after WWI (1920s onward) and were especially popular between the 1930s and early 1950s. Earlier razors (late 1800s–WWI) usually had horn, bone, ivory, or plain black Bakelite/Gutta-percha scales.


4. Condition and Style: The blade etching and stylized font for “Sta-Sharp” match cataloged Solingen exports from around the 1930s–1940s.




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Approximate Date

Your razor was most likely manufactured between the late 1920s and mid-1940s, with the strongest evidence pointing to the 1930s.


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Collectibility

F. Koeller isn’t as famous as Puma, Dorko, or Henckels, but Solingen-made razors from this period are generally solid shavers with good steel.

The etched “Sta-Sharp / Best Silver Steel” and the amber celluloid make it a nice display and user piece.




Priced to sell.


Only ONE available. No I won't hold it and no I won't be getting more.
A razor like this won't come around twice. Great investment.
Another BeardKnife Approved masterpiece.

There looks to be some sort of shadow going on in the lettering on one side. I don't know if that makes this a priceless artifact, an irrelevant observation or if they are all designed that way. I believe this is the first Astrale to cross my path so I'll leave that up to the buyer to investigate.



12% discount for Litecoin, Ethereum and Bitcoin shoppers. We are the change. Thank you!
Only ONE available. Will be months before another is ready.





These pieces make excellent gifts for all occasions. Groomsmen gifts, give one to a son or grandchild who is graduating. House warming gifts, collectibles for knife and shaving enthusiasts. Birthday, Father's days...and occasion that calls for a remembered gift.Legal Disclaimers:

Caution do not read this warning while unconscious.
Warning do not use razor during an earthquake.
Razor is sharp on purpose please exercise caution.
Warning Razor is harmful if swallowed.
Warning by purchasing any of our BeardKnife products you agree that you are asserting that you are not stupid
and ergo responsible for anything bad that happens to you or a razor that is in your hands.

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