The Gem/Star/Ever-Ready line merged in the early 1900's and became the American Safety Razor Corp. They are still around today producing Personna products. This gem I believe is from the 40's. The weight is great and solid through out. The head is lighter than the handle and this allows for the angle to be maintained and the blade to do all the work. The balance is kinda strange because the balance point seems to be located somewhere in the hand depending on where you hold the razor. It is a good balance and it maintains a good skin contact through the whole shave. Blade exposure. This is an SE and the blade is really aggressive when you take it off of its cutting plane. Only slightly aggressive when it is on the plane. Cuts and nicks can happen with this if you loos your focus. Grip, well this particular model has a smooth handle with some cut outs along the spines of the octagonal handle. It is slick but not terribly so. Price, well SE's are not really liked and as such can usually be found relatively cheap, $5 to $100 depending on date, condition and rarity. DO NOT USE this product unless you understand the mechanics of Str8 shaving. This razor is not forgiving. Skin Stretching and all other mechanics of Str8 shaving must be observed for a bloodless shave.
I like this razor a lot. It is very aggressive and very easy to shave with. The only problem I have with this razor is too short of a handle.
