I found a Star SE razor a couple of months ago. I picked it up for $10 and it's in good shape. It's got a gold finish over what appears to be a chrome or nickel plating. I finally got around to picking up some Personna SE blades for it and I'm going to use it tomorrow morning. Since I don't know how to use it, any advise? I figure that I'll just wing it, bit maybe I should ask for advice first. This should be fun!
I'm not a big fan of SE razors, but my Star is a very nice shaver. Not sure if my advice is the best but here goes. Above all, have fun! A very shallow angle; put the top nearly flat against you face. You'll get lots of feedback and, IMO, it will not feel as smooth as a DE. But the results will be fine. Remember, no pics? It never happened.
Well, I'll take that advice. It's 1:20am here in New Jersey right now and I can't sleep and I'm on this forum thinking about that shave. Only another 6 hours till then. Flat to my face? Well, it will be fun no doubt. I'll let you know how it goes. I'll be sure to include pictures.
NEARLY flat. I start with it flat and to it until I feel blade and stop there. It's a completely different feel than a DE. Take it slow and enjoy.
Well, it's done! My first shave with a SE! It was different that's for sure. I held it almost flat and just lifted the back end up slightly. The razor cut just fine. Working around my nose was a challenge, with lots of pulling and stretching, but I did okay with that. I suffered one very small nick and came away with a respectable shave. It was also an enjoyable experience. I had fun with it. I don't think I'm trading in my fatboy over it, but I will use it again soon. Thanks Herm!
Your fondness will grow dear after a few uses!!!! Welcome to SE shaving. I use both SE and DE, using SE more and more.
Thanks. I used it again yesterday morning and got a DFS with no nicks. I picked up another 10 pack of blades at my local chain drugstore, so I think I'm sold on SE razors. I'll use it again this weekend. It really adds a fine variety to my den.
Well this is a first. You've just had your first shave on the first production DE razor ever made..congrats!..
Thanks. Too bad I'm going into NB '16. I could see myself adding more SE razors to my den. Wait! Is NB '16 just for DE razors?
Yes. Before know it, fat boys will be going for $2 on eBay. Darkbulb will really be addin to his inventory in 2016!
The Star he used is an SE, not a DE, and it is unlikely that he has the first production model. That would have been from 1875 or thereabouts and likely he would have been asking for advise on how to load it. That was one of the most beautiful razors ever made, but kind of tricky to load. Most likely he has a 1912 version, which was made for a few years from that date forward.
Sounds like a Star 1912 variant you have there...There is a Huge array of SEs out there including Injectors...Glad you enjoyed it... Billy..
The razor shows the 1912 patent on it. Either way, I'm quite happy with the shaves out of it. Also, regardless of the age, it's a very unique and beautiful razor. It makes for a vey interesting shave and is surely unique compared to DE razors and I get a DFS from it. I actually can't wait to use it again. It's very cool! What's comparable to the star? I know the gem is similar.
I have a Gem 1912,Gem Featherweight and a Gem Micromatic Clog Pruf that I use, I belive they are quite similar.
The New Improved 1912 variants like the one you have were made by the American Safety Razor Company ...That is to say...Star, Gem & Ever Ready etc...They shave pretty much the same...An Ever Ready 1914 & 1924 would be the next step up in terms of aggression...They are far smoother than the 1912 as well... Billy..
Does anyone know the evolution of the Kampfe Star razor from 1880-1900? When was the hinged lid introduced? Was it 1896?
Does anyone know the evolution of the Kampfe Star razor from 1880-1900? I am particularly interested in when the guard that flipped up for easy cleaning was introduced. Was it 1896?
Yeah..According to Waits Safety Razor Compendium it was 1896..Before that they were one piece like the Comfort Lather Catcher..Waits has all the Intel..I use mine with a Hollow Ground Blade.. Billy..
