Just got 2 single edge razors. Have now experience with them. So I'm looking for info from you guys. One is a gem with a cream color bakelite handle. When you flip up the top it says gem razor. Made in usa. Other is a ever ready with octagon handle. Says patented march 24/14 on the bottom. When you flip the top it says American safety razor corp. New York. Now got to clean them. Thanks for any info.
I think there a lot of good options. What works really easy for me is sticking them in the barbecide for 10-15 minutes then using a tooth brush with dish soap. It makes it quick and easy, they come out of the barbecide looking all nice and sparkly
A little soapy water made with Dawn dish soap and a toothbrush will clean them thoroughly. The GEM is a Feather Weight (two words) that was released 1953 and was replaced in 1958 by the Push-Button (also two words). Here's an ad showing the great Mickey Mantle hawking a set: The Ever-Ready is usually referred to as the 1914 because of the patent date, it has no given factory name. The early ones had a round knurled handle and small blades stops. Around 1921 they came out with the smooth hexagon shaped handle like yours and had bigger blade stops. Here is an ad from 1923:
The SE with the cream colored handle sounds like a Gem FeatherWeight. It's a later model and the handle may be made of plastic rather than bakelite. The other one sounds like a 1914 model, it should have "lift here" inscribed on either side of the cap. Both razors should clean up well with the same methods as a DE razor. Soak in hot tap water and Dawn dish detergent, then scrub with soft tooth brush and a spray of scubbing bubbles. The threads posted by mark above are on point. FYI start gently and don't use more force than necessary !
