So I've had these two Ever Ready SE monsters for almost a month now. I don't particularly like them, I don't hate 'em there just not my thing. I was really enamored by the design, they are very cool looking razors, but there ends the appeal. These razors can seriously cut skin, yes if I take it real slow and ride the cap the scary razor monster will only bite off the whiskers with very loud munching noises. To me if it came down to it and I had to choose between one of these single edge "safety" razors and a throat slitter Straight razor I'd grow a beard. Now I'm totally on-board with injectors, I've been loaned a heap of Schick's and like them very much. They seem to exude a dash of debonair and easy use and with it's subtle colouring, Art Deco styling I've even seen a couple of hand made wood handled they are very attractive devices. They are very maneuverable compared to the ER's huge bulk, and maybe a smidge more than a TTO DE razor. I've obtained a G4 for my collection and am happy with that as an example of vintage SE shaving equipment in my collection. I don't foresee it becoming my preferred choice, so far that belongs to my '59 Gillette Tech, but it's a cool razor no matter how you slice it.
Some of my favorite razors are SEs. Used with the proper blade and right technique, they will provide smooth and comfortable shaves. To use an SE properly, start with the flat side of the head flat against your face. With no pressure, pull the razor along and just slightly lift the back. The audible feedback from an SE is music to my ears. Do not use a blade found at hardware stores. Try it again before you give up on them.
What are you talking about exactly, pictures would help. I've found through experience that the first encounter with an older SE razor I had is that it felt harsh and unforgiving but now a few years down the road the razors work fine for me. Big fan of SE razors. Especially the MMOC. First time I shaved with it I completely hated it and now it has become on of my favorites . It's all about how you use the tool. Anyway just my opinion....
I would not give up on them, they are amazing razors. ( I think the injectors look like cheap disposable crap.) Put them away and forget about them for a year, you'll thank me later.
You've got great examples of a 1912 and 1924 Ever Ready SE. As @TobyC mentioned, hang on to them, put them in a drawer for a year and come back at a later time. They're both great shavers. Also, definitely do not use those Korean-made blades. Probably where a lot of your problems come from. Gem, Pal or Treet only.
I have the "good" blades, and know that these are capable of excellent shaves, I'm just not into these as anything aside from their value as collectables. But just like I don't want a chain driven Ford these razors are shelf items I'd rather not keep.
@TobyC yes at one time Ford and many others used a chain instead of a shaft to transfer power from the engine to the drive wheels. Like many motorcycles have even now. This photo shows a model T chain drive. The last car that had one was a Honda in 1960 It's an S600 I don't know much about them
Actually, Honda’s first four wheeled vehicle went on sale in 1963. The Honda S600 went on sale in Japan in March 1964 and was sold up to 1966. The drivetrain included a chain drive.
