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Gem G-Bar

I've wanted to start using a straight, but funds are a little low for the initial investment of one, so to keep the excitement of exploring new things, I pulled the trigger on my first single edge razor. I think it's a Gem G-bar. Now I'll have to just order some blades... I've tried to search for info on it, and I guess the terms I use are too general, or maybe no one started a thread specifically about this razor, so do you guys have any info about the razor to share?
 
I use Gem blades in mine. Gem G Bar is very easy to get the hang of from the first shave with it , very user friendly..
 
I liked the ptfe coated blades best (never tried pure stainless). I got mine from Connaught Shaving. I also tried GEM Blue Stars - I really didn't care for having to dry the blades.
 
Google is my friend...:001_rolle

Shawn, sometimes it is better if you get feedback and info from experienced users. The social interaction can lead to better answers and people prefer the back and forth exchange. Most questions are better answered this way too. I always ask questions no matter how dumb they seem to me. I prefer the social interaction and that is why people join social forums. :wink2:
 
Shawn, sometimes it is better if you get feedback and info from experienced users. The social interaction can lead to better answers and people prefer the back and forth exchange. Most questions are better answered this way too. I always ask questions no matter how dumb they seem to me. I prefer the social interaction and that is why people join social forums. :wink2:
I googled only Gem G-bar stuff from this site for that very reason. :thumbup:
 
The G bar is a beautifully made razor, very much from the the atomic space age style of vintage Americanna. They are typically seen in great condition as they were so well plated. That said they are a mild SE shave, milder to me than a 1912 and much milder compared to the everr eady streamline or gem jewel which is really the ultimate SE razor.
 
I've wanted to start using a straight, but funds are a little low for the initial investment of one, so to keep the excitement of exploring new things, I pulled the trigger on my first single edge razor. I think it's a Gem G-bar. Now I'll have to just order some blades... I've tried to search for info on it, and I guess the terms I use are too general, or maybe no one started a thread specifically about this razor, so do you guys have any info about the razor to share?

The GEM G bar was manufactured in 1933-34 1950's in USA/NY. They are mid aggressive single edge shavers. The razor has a G in the handle area so it called the Gem G/Heavy Flat Top. There are two variations, one has a different knurling on handle.

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The G bar is a beautifully made razor, very much from the the atomic space age style of vintage Americanna. They are typically seen in great condition as they were so well plated. That said they are a mild SE shave, milder to me than a 1912 and much milder compared to the everr eady streamline or gem jewel which is really the ultimate SE razor.
Wow! I like the look of the Jewel. You guys are just adding to my RAD.
 
The one on the top of the picture (with the bare line down the center) is the one I acquired alex2363. Thanks for the info! So this will be my oldest razor now...
 
I like the G-Bar as it was my first SE. Nice smooth shave. I've used both the GEM SS and PTFE blades and both work well. Didn't care for the carbon steel ones as much as they dragged something awful.
 
The G-bar was one of the better-made GEM razors. I had one for a while and just never fell in love with it. I'm old-skool, though. The 1901 Junior Bar is my favorite razor, ever.
 
When I first saw that picture of the Ever Ready in Waits, I assumed it was just a Gem mismatched to an Ever Ready box and a bit of sloppiness by Mr. Waits (a rare bit of sloppiness). My opinion was bolstered by the inclusion of the pamphlet "Instructions for Improved Ever Ready Safety Razor." The "Improved Ever Ready Safety Razor" was the designation given to the 1930's era 1912-style Ever Ready. If you look at Waits page ASR12, right hand column, you'll see what I mean. I think the box with the NRA symbol paired with the G-Bar in the Waits picture is actually for that razor. Just my opinion, of course. I'm open to correction. We know that the U.S. G-Bar is a contemporary of the Gem Feather Weight, marketed together in the 1950's and the razor certainly has a 1950's sci-fi presence..
 
When I first saw that picture of the Ever Ready in Waits, I assumed it was just a Gem mismatched to an Ever Ready box and a bit of sloppiness by Mr. Waits (a rare bit of sloppiness). My opinion was bolstered by the inclusion of the pamphlet "Instructions for Improved Ever Ready Safety Razor." The "Improved Ever Ready Safety Razor" was the designation given to the 1930's era 1912-style Ever Ready. If you look at Waits page ASR12, right hand column, you'll see what I mean. I think the box with the NRA symbol paired with the G-Bar in the Waits picture is actually for that razor. Just my opinion, of course. I'm open to correction. We know that the U.S. G-Bar is a contemporary of the Gem Feather Weight, marketed together in the 1950's and the razor certainly has a 1950's sci-fi presence..
Kevin, i agree with you. Many time there was a question asked and not a consensus was reached. Waits and Krumhlotz do have errors, and with our more advanced research we can correct them.

I too agree with you that it looks like a 1940's to 50's razor and from now on it should be noted that way. We will reference the Waits error as a new update on the age of the G-bar razor. It shall be updated to a 1950's era produced razor.
 
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