Finally got around to trying my Grand Shave King. If there is a more mild razor, I certainly haven't seen it. I put a fresh feather in there and literally couldn't feel it. It is a strange sensation, but hair was coming off for sure. I had to work to get a really smooth shave. The cap does hold water, though I doubt it makes any dramatic difference to the shave. Handle has a very nice grip when wet, though it is aluminum and extremely light. It is kind of like a NEW bar handle but slightly thicker and devoid of weight. Mine is the incarnation with more teeth and longer lubrication grooves in the cap. You have to be mindful when you tighten this razor and just go as much as necessary to make it firm and no more b/c I feel all those grooves in the cap's arch probably make it less resistant to deformation over time. Base plate looks cast. I'd say it may be a holy grail razor for someone with ridiculously sensitive skin as it makes a tech look like a slim on 6, and that is funny since the gap it shows is actually huge. It does shave, though I wouldn't call it a grand shave from my own pov. In my mind, I think I would say this one is for collectors or those with really sensitive skin/really fine growth only. You must use a super sharp blade. I'm happy I bought one and got to give it a spin though. It is truly unique among countless designs.
That looks really interesting, I've never seen a cap like that before. I guess this razor proves that OC's don't have to be aggressive
Well I put a bid of $50 on one on ebay recently and said " well I guess I'll try it" . I felt a bit silly when the final auction price was $181 , no clue these were that rare. This one though was mint with box and inserts.
WOW!!! $181.. Thats amazing. I have one of those, although I never knew the name of it until now. I've never yet shaved with it. I think I payed like $10 for it although there is no box or inserts and the comb is missing one tooth. I got it because it looked so unusual. Nice knowing it might be worth something....
Apparently, they were only made in 1945. And I'm sure you can ruin the cap quite easily if you are hamfisted tightening it. $181 is insane for that... You can get a really nice piece for that kind of money.
My daughter found this one for me at an antique store in Romeo, Michigan. The box was marked $25, she offered $10 and the owner accepted, so I got a really nice example, cheap. This one is like new, I doubt that it saw any real use. It is a mild razor, but I get good shaves if I use Feather blades in it. I love the way the head 'sings' as you shave. The sound changes, depending on how much growth you are cutting. Congrats on finding a nice example of an interesting razor. Larry
It is a loud razor for feedback. As it was explained to me they were only made in 45 and there were two models. Mine, and the one you have. Tooth count and length of lubrication grooves being the differences.
I gave it a few shots. It's just too mild for my beard type, even with a feather. I'm moving it along so I can get a nice piece more in tune with what works for me. If you are dying to use an OC but have sensitive skin, here you go.... Makes a superspeed feel like an r41. I still like it, though. Someone thought outside the box with mixed results. It probably would work better if they could have made it like a regular oc and somehow scalloped the underside of the cap to aid in water retention.
Wow nice looking razor. cant say Ive seen one before but after haveing a little look around quite rare.
I bet there are literally hundreds of undiscovered razor designs floating around out there waiting to be discovered. This was a completely new one to me, so thanks for sharing. My two personal favorite razors are somewhat rare, the Cooper Monobilt one-piece safety razor and the Shake Sharp Razor. I haven't been lucky enough to come across any more monobilts, but I have a couple of back-up Shake Sharps.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271145907371?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 One sold last Sunday for $10.50 with a slim and a Super Speed. One of the corner rings was busted, so I passed on it. It wouldn't affect the way it shaves though. I almost put $50 on it at the last minute, but I changed my mind.
Broken things on razors drive me nuts, I took a punt on a damaged star lather catcher that has a snapped retaining spring and finding someone with a completely totaled one I can cannibalize has been easier said than done.
