GEM Damaskeene ID?

[MSstrahan]

Hi, I got this GEM Damaskeene stropper and razor in a box of other razors I picked up. I haven't seen a GEM razor with the wooden black handle before. Is the handle correct, or is it from something else? From what I can tell, the stroppers came with a black wooden handle, while the razors came with a metal handle. This razor has a black wooden handle. The stropper handle will fit on the razor, so maybe the razor handle is from a different model stropper?

Any idea what I have?

Thanks!

 

[MSstrahan]

Forgot to include a picture of the back of the head.

 

[dcobranchi]

The one on the stropper looks correct. I haven't seen the razor handle before.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

I don't believe that handle is original. Since the frame is stamped GEM Safety Razor it was made after the 1919 merger with ASR and I don't believe they were putting out anything with wooden handles by then. I gotta admit I do like the way it looks.

 

[Sled Dog]

I agree that the stropper handle looks correct but not the razor.
The razor handle does look old, it may have been changed many years ago.
Very unique looking in a good way, I would keep it the way it is.
Cool set!!

 

[MSstrahan]

Thanks. It is neat. I'm considering refinishing both handles in flat or satin black, but I'm not sure a newly painted handle would look good with the patina of the metal heads.

I bought some SE blades at CVS, and will give it a try someday. It'll be my first SE shave. Also in the box was a Valet Autostrop, with two NOS blades. The first version, with the slide in blade. Gonna modify some SE blades to fit it, and give it a try someday, as I hate to use those cool Valet stamped blades.

 

[MacDaddy]

The handle looks like a Star handle that I've seen before... Here you go! Found this example from an older thread here:

I'm considering refinishing both handles in flat or satin black, but I'm not sure a newly painted handle would look good with the patina of the metal heads.

If it is that same Star handle I don't think it was painted originally. It'd be a shame to paint over a nice wood finish that could just be rejuvenated.

 

[Sled Dog]

If it is that same Star handle I don't think it was painted originally. It'd be a shame to paint over a nice wood finish that could just be rejuvenated.

I agree with not painting the handles, just clean and oil them

 

[MSstrahan]

I agree with not painting the handles, just clean and oil them

The finish appears to be a black stain with a clear coat of some sort. The clear coat is mostly gone. Any idea what it could be, and how to restore it?

 

[MSstrahan]

Well, I shaved with it today, BTW. It sure makes a lot of noise, probably because of that wood handle, but I got excellent BBS in 3 passes. May be able to do it in two passes now that I've got the angle figured out. You need to tip the head just slightly off your skin to get the most efficient shave, but if you put any pressure on it at all, it gets irritating. I think it did a better job on my neck and chin than any razor I've ever used. I'm using CVS blades. Not that I was unhappy, but any better ones?

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Well, I shaved with it today, BTW. It sure makes a lot of noise, probably because of that wood handle, but I got excellent BBS in 3 passes. May be able to do it in two passes now that I've got the angle figured out. You need to tip the head just slightly off your skin to get the most efficient shave, but if you put any pressure on it at all, it gets irritating. I think it did a better job on my neck and chin than any razor I've ever used. I'm using CVS blades. Not that I was unhappy, but any better ones?

The SE's are all very noisy, that's part of the fun! The other blade of choice are the stainless Gem/Personna sold at Walgreens or online. I actually prefer the carbon steel blades over the stainless, but other guys prefer the stainless.

 

[MSstrahan]

The handle looks like a Star handle that I've seen before... Here you go! Found this example from an older thread here:

If it is that same Star handle I don't think it was painted originally. It'd be a shame to paint over a nice wood finish that could just be rejuvenated.

Thanks for the ID of the handle, MacDaddy. I am amazed that you figured it out.

I'll probably just leave the handle finish alone, and shave with it on occasion. Next order is to find a strop that works.

 

[RocketMan]

That Star handle is rosewood.