Just wanted to post some before and after shots of a Gem Damaskeene that I scored for .99 off the Bay. It did need a little TLC, but it looks like this will be a fine shaver. At first, I thought I had a rare Gem Slant, but a little delicate work with the needle-nose pliers put things back in order... In the case -- before and after... The case... Open wide... Head shot... Front and back... Joining it's brethern in my collection... I cleaned the razor by first boiling it in a water/lemon juice mixture (just thought something acidic would help remove the crud better -- and lemon juice doesn't stink like vinegar), and then soaked it in undiluted Simple Green for a few hours. I was out of Maas, so I gave it a little polish job with toothpaste. For the case, I vacuumed, and then lightly wiped it with a damp microfiber cloth. Amazing what a buck can buy these days!
Of the Gems I own (pictured), I really like this one and the open-comb Micromatics. The G Bar (one without case) is so-so. Shaving with a Gem is very different from a DE. I would almost think that it has more in common with a straight than a DE because of the thicker, stiffer blade that is used. Gems are great razors, and they really seem to excel at performing smooth ATG passes. Another option is the Schick Injector, which is wickedly sharp.
Blue Monkey, Impressive! I bestow upon you the Crown of Restoration for your incredible efforts! Wear it with pride and take advantage of the King's value meal at all participating Burger Kings!
I have an open comb Micromatic and it is the worst shaving razor among my GEMs. I was given to me as a PIF and to tell you the truth I could PIF it but I have so little regard for the thing that I would not ever think of pushing it off onto someone else. The 1912s that I have are fine shavers as you have stated but the best are my 1901 GEM Jr and my 1907 GEM Jr. Both are lather catcher style and do just a fabulous job of removing the beard from my face.
Welcome to The Shave Den, timidlight! This razor uses single edge blades, such as these. That site has the best price I could find quickly. Don't miss the Newbie Give-Away!
Nice job cleaning it up, especially the case! I hope that you don't try to shave with it. The reason that I say that is because even though you tried to straighten it out, it's obvious from the pictures that the comb and the flip top of the razor are still bent. That will most like effect how it clamps down on the blade. The bends also can change how the blade's edge meets the skin. So be careful.
