J.A. Henckels Rapide SE

At Chappy's request, here are some more shots of my Rapide -  originally supplied with a wedge blade and stropper, I use it only with the modern GEM SS blades.  Never could get those old wedge blades sharp enough to suit ..

First the whole kit - no strop survived, I have another Rapide that was found with an Autostrop leather ..



The Rapide with original blade in place ..



The modern GEM blade I use to shave with ..



A shot of the back of the head with the wire blade clamp screwed up to hold the modern blade ..

Thank you garyg, that is one interesting razor!  The additional pictures help tremendously in understanding how it works.  Again, thank you!

That is a nice example Gary.  Very clean, and the box in-tact.  Amazing. 

I always wondered about these -

How's the shave compared to, say, a '1901' Gem?

(10-01-2021, 01:11 PM)norton Wrote: That is a nice example Gary.  Very clean, and the box in-tact.  Amazing. 

I always wondered about these -

How's the shave compared to, say, a '1901' Gem?

Thanks Norton - I actually have had a couple of them over the years.  I don't have a 1901 GEM, only a couple I believe are 1902's, I'd say the Rapide is comparable if not a little more aggressive due to the extra heft.  That's both using modern GEM blades

Gary, thanks for sharing your photos and knowledge about this rare bird. Much appreciated.

(10-01-2021, 01:57 PM)garyg Wrote:

(10-01-2021, 01:11 PM)norton Wrote: That is a nice example Gary.  Very clean, and the box in-tact.  Amazing. 

I always wondered about these -

How's the shave compared to, say, a '1901' Gem?

Thanks Norton - I actually have had a couple of them over the years.  I don't have a 1901 GEM, only a couple I believe are 1902's, I'd say the Rapide is comparable if not a little more aggressive due to the extra heft.  That's both using modern GEM blades

Nice - thanks for the reply - those early lather catchers do shave very well, and it makes sense that the weight would kick up the aggression a notch.