The Famex razors

Discussion in 'Safety Razors' started by jmudrick, Oct 18, 2017.

  1. jmudrick

    jmudrick Type A Man

    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.






    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]

    The handle pictured above I believe to be a L'Essor , not an original.
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2017
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  2. TobyC

    TobyC Well-Known Member

    Nice looking example!
     
  3. jmudrick

    jmudrick Type A Man

    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)

    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]

    Link to patent documents:

    https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BylTR_fxv0rzVFZCQ2hPdHJrUGM
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2017
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  4. Jim99

    Jim99 Gold Water Shaver

    That's an interesting razor. Simple design, yet ingenious.
     
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  5. RyX

    RyX DoH!

    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!
     
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  6. twhite

    twhite Peeping Tom

    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
     
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  7. jmudrick

    jmudrick Type A Man

    For comparison, here's the (non-adjustable) Le Coq.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2017
  8. clint64

    clint64 Blind Squirrel

    Does the Famex require proprietary blades?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  9. jmudrick

    jmudrick Type A Man

    Nope, standard DE.
     
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  10. jmudrick

    jmudrick Type A Man

    Some razors of the same design were branded "SOS" and Autofix (Germany).

    [​IMG]

    Others with seven teeth were branded RazVite and Famex.


    [​IMG]

    (Above images from the French rasage-traditionnel forum)
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2017
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  11. Jorvaljr

    Jorvaljr Operation Daytona 8000

    Sign me up for that testing.
     
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  12. sdguero

    sdguero Well-Known Member

    Very interesting.... looks amazing! Thanks.
     
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  13. SharptoothC

    SharptoothC I bite..........

    Another one I have never seen. Thanks for sharing!

    Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
     
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  14. Knox

    Knox Well-Known Member

    Ok - that is one cool looking razor.
     
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  15. RyX

    RyX DoH!

    From the Art Deco era. Beautiful & functional!
    arrival-in-utopia-by-lipatov Famex razor.jpg
     
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  16. jmudrick

    jmudrick Type A Man

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  17. LOOT

    LOOT Well-Known Member

    I'm down. Looks fun.

    Thanks for the write up OP.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
     
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  18. jmudrick

    jmudrick Type A Man

    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.[​IMG]

    Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
     
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  19. john zeiger

    john zeiger Well-Known Member

    jmudrick this is very cool looking razor. I've never seen anything like it. Thanks so much for sharing.
     
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  20. Jayaruh

    Jayaruh The Cackalacky House Pet

    Supporting Vendor
    Very cool razor. Very cool, indeed...
     
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