Vintage Single Edge - They're pretty good!

Well maybe they aren't as modern as some of the stainless SE models out there, but I got to give it to Gem/Ever Ready on these vintage razors. Over the past few years as I have pursued better quality shaving experiences, I took the plunge on a Cobra Classic. After finding the shave a bit too aggressive, it was sold, and I went further into my journey (even tried a few Kamisori's-I don't like pink lather!). After experimenting with a bunch of different models,  the ATT R1 and the Gillette Fatboy/Red Tips came out on top and are my daily drivers.

The last couple of weeks I've gone into the vintage SE's, first with a GEM OCMM, then a Countour, a Featherweight, and now a Damaskeene. Reading the info on these pages from all the experienced users helped me a lot. So far the Gem Damaskeene is tracking well for a smooth shave. Here's a few pix - please note I haven't tried the Ever Ready yet. The Gem is in pretty darn good shape, as I don't have good idea of when it was produced. The Ever Ready has bracing on the handle, as well as the underside of the cover. Got both the stainless steel blades with PTFE, as well as the CVS Gems of uncoated carbon steel. Jury's still out on the blades, but I am leaning to the stainless w/PTFE.

Both nice razors. I like the Damaskeen but ER-1914 has a firmer grip on the blade and an angle of attack that works very well for me.
Enjoy.

The fact that your Damaskeene says "GEM SAFETY RAZOR CORP" rather than "GEM CUTLERY CO" indicates that your razor was manufactured after the 1919 merger of Gem Cutlery Co. with American Safety Razor Corp. so it dates circa 1919-1921.

Regardless of the date, it is a smooth shaver and a classic razor. You will likely find the 1914 to be a bit more aggressive, but also a smooth shaver.

--Bob

Thanks guys!

Welcome to the sharp side. My personal favorites are the GEM MicroMatic Clog Pruf & the EverReady 1914, aka the Little Lather Catcher. 

Enjoy the original safety razors!

Thanks Brian. So the Ever Ready should be pretty good too!

I've tried more than a half dozen Gem and EverReady SE's and most of them give an excellent shave. 
The only downside IMO is lack of variety with blades. 

These razors can be had very cheaply and for the most part, with care, they will continue to give great shaves for another hundred years.

Only problem area is under my nose - the razor shape is a bit big

If you can ever score an open comb Damaskeene.....that's a wonderful smooth shaver!


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(06-15-2016, 07:51 AM)Mitchcumsteen Wrote: If you can ever score an open comb Damaskeene.....that's a wonderful smooth shaver!


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+1

My absolute favorite single-edge razor, some of the old lather catchers come close, but I will always have an OC Damaskeene on hand (currently have four )

I've got that Zenith too!

(06-14-2016, 05:53 AM)willc Wrote: II've tried more than a half dozen Gem and EverReady SE's and most of them give an excellent shave. 
The only downside IMO is lack of variety with blades. 

These razors can be had very cheaply and for the most part, with care, they will continue to give great shaves for another hundred years.

Exactly!

(06-15-2016, 09:34 AM)blzrfn Wrote:

(06-15-2016, 07:51 AM)Mitchcumsteen Wrote: If you can ever score an open comb Damaskeene.....that's a wonderful smooth shaver!


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+1

My absolute favorite single-edge razor, some of the old lather catchers come close, but I will always have an OC Damaskeene on hand (currently have four )

Wow that OC looks great

I'm rather fond of my Open Comb Damaskeene.



--Bob

All my SE's are vintage and all are fun little razors; GEM 1912, Ever-Ready 1914, GEM Micromatic Glug-Pruf... I suspect that the only way I could be tempted by a brand new SE was if it used the GEM blade

I'm with you Hans-the blade is more rigid for effective use in these old razors.

The Ted Pella coated blades are great for my Gem 1912.