While the French Famex razors bear a passing resemblance to the Le Coq "caged head" razors well known to collectors, they are in fact very different beasts. The key to the Famex design is that its fully enclosing and flexible cage enables the user to adjust blade gap with a small twist of the handle which compresses or releases compression of the cage as desired. Fully compressed, the Famex is a relatively mild shave. With a slight twist the Famex becomes much more aggressive. However it is adjusted it is a superb shaver. The handle pictured above I believe to be a L'Essor , not an original.
The French Famex patents were issued in 1929 and 1933. As can be seen from the patent drawings and instructions accompanying the razor, despite modern users' varying claims the proper orientation is with the cage opening facing the blade. Presumably some handles were tossed over the years by users positioning the cage upside down. (A patent was issued in 1937 for another design with fewer teeth and the cage reversed) Link to patent documents: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BylTR_fxv0rzVFZCQ2hPdHJrUGM
Unique design. I like it! With the limited and long ago production they aren't readily available. Produced in France so not many made it to the U.S. I wonder why no one has reproduced the design with modern materials. Tom @twhite might could magic one of these up!
Well. I will have to noodle this one. I will need to see how I can make it with what I have available. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Some razors of the same design were branded "SOS" and Autofix (Germany). Others with seven teeth were branded RazVite and Famex. (Above images from the French rasage-traditionnel forum)
Yep..I haven't expanded this thread to include the European razors but certainly could... http://theshaveden.com/forums/index.php?threads/55229/
Famex adjusted to its mildest setting with a fresh BIC is still so efficient I was able to skip my usual shave oil touch up after one pass. Vive La France. Piccolo handle, AOS Sandalwood. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
jmudrick this is very cool looking razor. I've never seen anything like it. Thanks so much for sharing.