So on Saturday mornings I spend my time hanging out at a local and very informal flea market. Over the years many of the vendors have become friends. So last week I was showing off my collection of vintage DE razors and vintage DE blades in their wrappers, one of the guys (George) asks me if I was going to be around next week (meaning today) to which I said that I was planning to be. He said fine and that he had some items he wanted to give me. Looking to seeing George all week we caught up with each other today. To my surprise he gives me the two razors in the attached photos. So my question is what do any of you know about these and how do I use them compared to a DE? Thanks
In your last pic, the razor on the left is a Gem 1912 and right is an Ever Ready 1924 "Shovelhead." Edit: Just noticed the 1912 is an Ever Ready, too. Same great razor. Single edge razors are EXCELLENT shavers once you get the feel for them. The cap sits all but flush against your face durring the shave. @TobyC is correct when he says you'll abandon your DE razors. Blades are available in bulk in the US thru Ted Pella. Part number 121-3. http://www.tedpella.com/dissect_html/blades.htm#stainless Also, come talk with Fuzzy @wchnu: http://theoriginalsafety2.com/forum
Great! Thanks, I'm looking forward to trying them. My local IGA sells Pace Super Stainless Steel shaving blades in a grey blade bank for $1.55 for 5. So tonight I'm going give these a go
Those are great razors. Throw those blades away. Really. They are korean dorcos. They make great DE blades but junk SE blades. Not making it up. Specially starting they are trash. Send me an addy I will get you some good blades out. Also use the 1912 to learn is my advise. Hold it more or less flat against your face. It will be the easiest shave ever.
Please send me your e-mail for my address I would rather not post it. Just a hang up I have as with a little effort I'm easy enough to find. Thanks
Just send me a PM here. @TobyC is almost right there. I like carbon steel blades. If you have a cvs or riteaid they usually carry some good ones. I will send you some carbon steel and stainless too. If you prefer to not PM here wchnu@yahoo.com is my email.
I figured I'd see Fuzzy here. @Joe Nobles Go see Uncle Fuzzy's Playhouse! They are all about the SE's. If you are still visiting TSD afterwards, bring those SE's to the 30 Day Rule / Focus group. Plenty of The Crew have, are, & will use SE. One is on mission at 150 shaves with his Gem ClogPruf.
Your flea market friend did you a solid! As has been said, very little if anything to improve on. The offer from wchnu is also very generous. Great score, and enjoy those fine razors!
Possible DANGER Will Robinson! These are great razors.. BUT... be sure that there are two retaining tabs on the leading edge of both razors. One pic (the left one) isn't clear and it looks like they might be missing. If even one is missing DO NOT USE the razor. The blade needs to slot under these tabs in order to use safely. Without even one tab, the blade will move too much and you risk serious injury. Here are some additional tips: http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/se-gem-shaving-tips-tricks.31529/
I MUCH prefer DE razors (disclaimer - the only SE I have is a GEM Featherweight). I don't really know why...
It's because you need a better SE razor, you can't get a close shave from a Featherweight. Get a 1912, or a Shovelhead, and use GEM stainless blades exclusively.
@richgem both razors have their blade retaining tabs and hold blades solidly, but thanks for the heads up!
I have GEM stainless blades for it. I was looking at 1912s on eBay recently but I've been into my straight razors recently and can't see that changingso I gave up.
