An Open Comb Damaskeene

[Spang]

I offer this as conclusive proof of the adage that sometimes it really is better to be lucky than good.

Last weekend my wife and I took in an outdoor antique fair, mostly just as a way to spend a beautiful early fall day together. She likes to browse the assortment of vintage stuff; I of course am on the lookout for razors and such. But based on previous experience at this event, I had low expectations in that department, until I came across this.

I spied the case, which was closed. peeking inside, I found this Damaskeene. It was pretty grungy, and I could see that there was quite a bit of plating loss on the cap. But the mechanics checked out; blade stops intact and spring in working order. And the honest truth: in the course of this quick evaluation of condition, I failed to even notice that this was an OC. I thought I'd found a garden variety Damaskeene. I inquired as to the price, and the vendor responded with what I thought was a fair price for a user grade Damaskeene, with the case being pretty much a total loss. I won't quote the price, but let's just say it was in the low double digits. I vacillated, thinking I really don't need another Damaskeene. Ah, what the heck, I decided it would be fun to go home with at least something in hand. Deal.

Once home, I tossed it in to soak and promptly forgot about it for a couple of days. Upon fishing it out and taking the toothbrush to it, I noticed that the underside of the tray was completely flat; unlike any other Damaskeene I've ever seen. This prompted a closer look and ... Holy (expletive of your choice)! This is an OC! In a case where neither seller nor buyer knew what they had, blind luck (for me) carries the day.




I'm looking forward to taking her for a spin tomorrow.

 

[Graydog]

NICE FIND YOU LUCKY Razor hunter , Post us about the shave ,I have been looking for one . Great Find

 

[TobyC]

Must be a factory defect, I'll do you a favor and take it off your hands at no charge to you!


That's a beauty bubba, congrats!

 

[pjgh]

Put a second spine underneath the spine of your blade to get the angle more correct. These are mild shavers otherwise. Have a lot of fun! It's a lovely looking set.

 

[Rwoodreno]

Put a second spine underneath the spine of your blade to get the angle more correct. These are mild shavers otherwise. Have a lot of fun! It's a lovely looking set.

The spine on current Gem aluminum spine blades is only about 0.035" thick maximum. Original early blades had spines in the 0.065" to 0.085" range I have measured, depending on brand and age.

 

[pjgh]

The spine on current Gem aluminum spine blades is only about 0.035" thick maximum. Original early blades had spines in the 0.065" to 0.085" range I have measured, depending on brand and age.

... so to get the absolutely correct angle we'd want half of a modern spine underneath.