I have now seen a couple of old Lather catcher razors with sheared off blade stops. One a Gem and the other a CV Heljestrand second generation lather catcher, the first generation with blade stops. I have also read about this on other old lather catcher razors here on B&B.
Looking over these, they have all had the spring loaded flipper that presses on the top of the blade to hold it in position against the blade stops. I strongly suspect the blade stops have been damaged and eventually cut off by owners giving the top tab or flipper a flip so it impacts the blade repeatedly, causing it to gradually cut deeper and deeper into the blade stop notch. Remember we are dealing with a razor sharp hardened steel edge and relatively soft brass blade stops on these old razors.
If using these old razors I strongly recommend easing the flipper down on the blade to prevent potential damage to the razor. They have lasted for any where from 80 to almost 120 years or more so do not be the one responsible for destroying the usefulness of a piece of history.
Rich Wood
Looking over these, they have all had the spring loaded flipper that presses on the top of the blade to hold it in position against the blade stops. I strongly suspect the blade stops have been damaged and eventually cut off by owners giving the top tab or flipper a flip so it impacts the blade repeatedly, causing it to gradually cut deeper and deeper into the blade stop notch. Remember we are dealing with a razor sharp hardened steel edge and relatively soft brass blade stops on these old razors.
If using these old razors I strongly recommend easing the flipper down on the blade to prevent potential damage to the razor. They have lasted for any where from 80 to almost 120 years or more so do not be the one responsible for destroying the usefulness of a piece of history.
Rich Wood