Damaskeene

Discussion in 'Safety Razors' started by Master.Legend, May 18, 2017.

  1. Master.Legend

    Master.Legend Member

    Is there a difference at all between the 2 damaskeenes the one with a lot of writing on the rear saying brooklyn ny vs the one that says gem cutlery? I've tried to research this and come across comparison with 1912, damanskeene and junior. Thanks and has anyone bought from etsy posted in our wtb section as well.
     
    Karl G likes this.
  2. Jayaruh

    Jayaruh The Cackalacky House Pet

    Supporting Vendor
    Well, I did not know that. I finally got mine this year. As you can see, mine says Gem Cutlery. Now I know what all the fuss was about. It is a great razor. damaskeene_01.jpg damaskeene_07.jpg damaskeene_09.jpg
     
  3. wchnu

    wchnu Duck Season!

    Some have a convex top and some flat with a beveled edge. As far as I know that is the difference in the models.
     
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  4. Jim99

    Jim99 Gold Water Shaver

    I have both the curved and beveled cap Damaskeenes and the shave virtually the same.... fantastic! There is an open comb version, but that was offered for only a short time.

    If I have it right, the razors that are stamped Gem Cutlery were made from 1912 to 1915. The later ones were stamped Gem Safety Razor Corp were from 1916 to 1919 and were after their merger with the American Safety Razor company. The curved tops were gone after 1915. I believe the Damaskeene stamping on the tray went away by 1921.

    I'm not an expert on these razors, but people like @HoosierTrooper , @Bird Lives and @Billyfergie know tons on these wonderful razors.

    The safety razor reached perfection over 100 years ago with the Damaskeene!
     
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  5. wchnu

    wchnu Duck Season!

    That sounds right. There are some threads across the street about them. I can never remember all the dates. I have an OC which is awesome. Your right they could have stopped at the Damaskeene and had it all right.
     
    Karl G likes this.
  6. Master.Legend

    Master.Legend Member

    Yeah its the 2 as I said I just want to know differences if any or which ones better. Cutlery on back or Brooklyn. They both say damanskeene inside. I know 1912 and junior are different I've read that post comparing the 3. Plus anyone ever purchase from etsy? What did you pay for your jayaruh?
     
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  7. wchnu

    wchnu Duck Season!

    Most people say...and I agree that the curved top is the better.
     
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  8. Master.Legend

    Master.Legend Member

    There's actually 3 variants I found this on another forum...... but is there a difference in build and design of the 3?

    "Based on my reading here I've identified at least four variants (of which I have three in my possession). I can infer the one marked "Gem Cutlery Co" is the oldest. It says, "Use Only With Gem Damaskeene Blades" on the inside. The one I believe to be the intermediate years is marked "Gem Safety Razor Corp" and has the same advert on the inside as the previous one. My "newest" Damaskeene has the newer handle, says "Gem" on the back and states, "Gem Damaskeene Blades" on the inside (note it dropped the "Use Only With"). I would call all three "Damaskeene" razors, but I speculate Gem was putting less emphasis on their Damaskeene branded blades as they would soon be releasing the "Micromatic" blades. I think the switch came about as a way to keep manufacturing the 1912 model without takingaway from their newest design."
     
    '65 G-Slim likes this.
  9. wchnu

    wchnu Duck Season!

    As far as I know the difference is the cap. Other then that all great razors.
     
    Karl G likes this.
  10. '65 G-Slim

    '65 G-Slim Well-Known Member

    From what I've been able to find out...

    1915-1919: Gem Cutlery Co.
    [​IMG]

    1919-1921: Gem Safety Razor Corp.
    [​IMG]

    Both shave equally great.
     
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  11. Master.Legend

    Master.Legend Member

    Here's the 3... 1912-Gem-Damaskeene-Single-Edge-Safety-Razor-with-_1.jpg 2017-05-19-05-40-44--731277852.jpg il_fullxfull.848032046_921x.jpg DSC07574.jpg
     
    Karl G likes this.
  12. Bird Lives

    Bird Lives Future Root Beer King of Turkey

    The curved tops are the ones most people want and look for...thats for sure....But I have had some GEM Cuttlery Co. Damaskeenes with the beveled top, but everything else just like the curved top ones...The inside printing etc....I've had a couple of these that shaved just as good...I really couldn't tell the difference....If they a GEM Cuttlery Damaskeenes, they are amazing...

    Course.....I've had Star 1912s that were amazing...ha,ha....That design by August Scheuber from 1909 which became the whole 1912 genre....Well it's just genius...pure and simple...And which one shaves best is a matter of taste...they all shave good....

    There is an article over at TOST, in the library by ShadowsDad about 1912s that is really required reading for all researchers on 1912s...
     
    Last edited: May 19, 2017
  13. Jim99

    Jim99 Gold Water Shaver

    TOST? How do I find it?
     
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  14. wchnu

    wchnu Duck Season!

    Theoriginalsafetytoo.com
     
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  15. Jayaruh

    Jayaruh The Cackalacky House Pet

    Supporting Vendor
    I jumped on this one.
    ORDER TOTAL
    US $29.99 + US $3.46 shipping
     
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  16. Master.Legend

    Master.Legend Member

    You jumped on what? Oh sorry that's what you paid cool thanks.
     
  17. blondblue

    blondblue Well-Known Member

    great shots of that razor
     
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  18. Master.Legend

    Master.Legend Member

    There's 1 other that says gem in big letters on the back with Brooklyn I think that's the last damanskeene.
     

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