I think I have an SE razor issue..before I've even used one...

So...I've been DE shaving for 6+ months now and really itching to try out SE shaving (I see it as a potential stepping stone towards straight razor shaving at the end of this year..)..BUT..with SE razor prices being so low (compared to DE razors) I think I gone a bit...uh....razor shopping crazy.

I've bought not one, not two, not three..but four SE razors that are now making their way to me.
I guess...I'll get a chance to try out some different heads and handles at least

The four that are coming my way are;

1) A really nice looking 1912 Ever-Ready razor w/ that pretty chain link/Art Deco handle:


2) A 1912 GEM with striped handle;


3) A Star Razor (1912 I think):


4) Star razor, lather catcher, 1901:


Childishly excited to try them all out

 

Seeing the three '1912''s made me wonder though.
They are SO similar in design - did they all use the same patent and are all the heads actually identical, and shave the same, - and the only difference is the handle?
Or are there more subtle differences that makes some 'better' than others (slimmer head giving easier access to shave under nose, etc, etc)?

 

There are subtle differences and originally multiple manufacturers GEM, STAR. EverReady, etc. until they were bought up by ASR American Safety Razor (1919).

Start with this page and work forward.

http://www.personna.com/personna/blades/corporate/history/P40/

They should have worked this from past to present, but Personna chose to go present to past.

 

Just wait 'till you discover the later GEM models: featherweights, pushbuttons, etc. bwahahaha.

 

Thanks, that was a great link!

 

Don't forget the TTO Micromatics; Open Comb, Clog Pruf, Bullet tip.


Nor the Ever Ready 1924


Just had a comfortable 2-pass BBS with one of those ^. It is very aggressive. Much more than those 1912's you got.

 

I do like my OC DE razors for their aggressiveness (the Barbasol floating head being my favorite) so I may just have to look at OC SE razors as well... (dammit!) - which one(s) would you recommend when it comes to being OC and aggressive?

Did they make any with a longer handle?

 

MMOC. Micromatic open comb. Though I think the 1924 is more aggressive. The '24 technically isn't an open comb but acts like one.

 

The one Fram is showing is one of two types with the longest handles available. The MM came in Clog Pruf (Bar) and OC.

The OC is at least for me very aggressive.

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Damn you all you are such enablers!!

(He says as he goes to eBay....)

 

So, the MM Clog Pruf has a longer handle on it than the OC?
Darn, I would love an OC with a long handle...

 

No, I think they are the same length. Those two have longer handles than most of the SE razors.

 

Yeah the handles are the same. Some people say the OC is more aggressive but they feel the same to me. The angle and blade exposure looks the same to me too. Only difference is their comb IMO.

 

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He's doomed! Doomed! I tell you! Bwahahahaha

 

I AM Doomed!!

I now have a FIFTH razor coming my way!!

This one (at least it was only $12 and looks pretty nice):

 

I was tempted to buy THIS one just for the friendly reminder on the top

Is that actually how I am to shave with these ones?

 

Then there are also the injectors . . .

 

Yes. See here.

 

Yes, hold flat against the face. It works best that way!