OK, the RAD is still upon me. I received a GEM 1912 on Monday (held out for the long art deco handle, great finish, delivered for $8.57 -- WOOT!). Shaved on Tuesday (FANSTASTIC!). Now looking at the ER 1914. For those who have tried both the 1912 and the 1914, did one win your affections? Please describe the love affair. Thanks! S
I'd say the 1912 hands down. The 1914 has absolutely massive blade exposure but I don't think it is as aggressive as it looks. The blade lays parallel and sits very closely to the comb. That is probably the reason for it's mildness compared to say the 1924 which is slightly away from parallel to the guard bar and has more gap (despite having less blade exposure). It also looks to me that the '14's cutting angle is bigger than the 1912. I don't like that. I also don't like the round head. I like the flat head that acts as a guide for the ideal angle by using it flat against the face. The best I could get with the 1914 was DFS and with more irritation than the 1912. In short the 1912 is more efficient and gives more comfortable results. YMMV.
I have several of both, the early GEM Cutlery Damaskeene version of the 1912 is my all time favorite razor, and would call it a wash between the 1914 and the later 1912 models.
