A couple of new additions to my collection:
These are both single edge razors and were even made within a decade or so of each other, but I do not think it is possible to find two razors that are less alike.
On the left is a C. V. Heljestrand. It was manufactured in Sweden and uses wedge blades.
On the right is a Canadian manufactured Schick E type. I blame Billy for whetting my interest in these.

It has the offset cutout in the spring, but tabs on both sides of the spring indicating that it should not be opened for cleaning. Fortunately there are no scratches or other indications that anyone has tried.
Last night I honed one of the Heljestrand blades (200 laps on a 1200 DMT to set the bevel, then 100 laps each on 12, 9, 3, 1 and .3 micron lapping film) and shaved with it this morning.
Even with my inexpert honing the Swedish steel takes a wicked edge, and 3 passes resulted in something close to BBS. The Heljestrand shaves like no other razor, due in part to its heavy weight (2.7 oz without a blade - for comparison a Kampfe Star 1902 lather catcher weighs just over an ounce) and also due to the blade being closer to perpendicular to the handle than is the case with most lather catchers. Nonetheless I found it fairly intuitive.
If the supply of SE blades ever dries up, I'm ready.
Tomorrow, the Canadian Schick E2 - unless I decide to have another go with the Heljestrand.
--Bob
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