Got the guts up to try this.

I have had this guy for a few months, but have been hesitant (chicken) to try it. It did arrive with a steel blade, but not in the best shape. I think it can be honed back to life, but there is a tiny chip out of the corner and that makes it a bit tricky to secure in the razor. In any case, I did clean the razor up some and decided to put in a SE blade. I had to slightly bend one of the blade stops over a little so the SE would stay put. The razor itself is really cool although it is definitely showing its age.
I lathered up and did a 3 pass shave. It was an extremely close shave. It was a little irritating and a bit of blood, but nothing compared to when I occasionally use a SR to relieve myself of a few layers of skin. It was fun and I think I'll try working on the original blade and give it a try.

 

Congrats! Wasn't all that bad now was it? I always find myself feeling a bit silly after I try a razor I was afraid of. Straights, Rolls, slants, 2011 R41, Micromatic.....haven't lost my head to one yet.

 

Good for you! Keep at it it'll get better.

 

That is one cool looking vintage razor! And no, I probably would pass on shaving with it. Nice pickup.

 

I love thsee old 'lather catchers '

 

I nice to see that your starting to reach shaving puberty

 

That is a very cool razor. I have wanted one like it for a long time. I would definitely shave with it if I had one.

 

I'm glad to see you using it. I keep watching for an old Kampfe with the wedge blades as I would love to have one in the rotation. Keep at it and let us know how you progress with it.

 

The Kampfe Lather Catcher is a Fairly Mild Shaver with the Original Hollow Ground Blade..They are a Lot More Aggressive with a Current Gem SE Blade..They are a Very Different Shaver with a Properly Honed Hollow Ground Blade..

Billy..

 

I'm sure you're right Billy. My problem with using the original blade is a small chip on the bottom end. Here is what it looks like. Any suggestions?

 

To Be Honest I Wouldn't Bother with a Blade in that Kinda Nick..It Has a Fair Bit of Hone Wear & it Would Take a Lot of Metal Removal to Get that Damage Honed Out..Its Scrap Really..

These Blades are Hard to find in the USA/UK but French EBay is Often Awash with them with Old Cheap SE Sets that Use these Same Blades..Once You Get a Decent One it Will Need Honed like these Ones I Worked on Above..

Billy..

 

Thanks for the tip Billy. I'll try to track one down.

 

Billy, what wording would I use to search for a blade like this? I don't seem to be having much luck.

 

You will Need to Look through the Vintage Razor Listing Rasoir Ancien Mecanique in France & Look for Old Cheap Lather Catcher Sets that Use the Same Blades..You have to be Vigilant Just Keep Looking Regular..

Billy..