Lather-Catcher And Wedge Blades

[OV1kenobi]

I have an early 1900's GEM "lather-catcher" that came with a Kampfe/STAR wedge blade that is in pretty decent condition. It also came with what I would describe as a "stropping handle", for lack of a better definition.

I have been using the modern PTFE blade in it, but am curious as to what it would be like to use the wedge.

A few questions:

What is the shave like with one of these wedge blades?

How is the blade properly stropped?

Anyone on this forum have any available should I get the hang of stropping and enjoy the subsequent shave?

It would seem that my "lather-catcher", along with a wedge blade, would truly be as close as I can get to using a Str8 before actually crossing the line into that different realm altogether.

Regards,

David

 

[gearchow]

from what I've read and what I've seen from the wedge blades I have, it would require more then stropping. The edge in all likely hood needs to be honed back to shave ready condition, just like a straight. and your correct, when thinking wedge, think straight.

-jim

 

[OV1kenobi]

its kind of a novelty, the 1912 gem has the same shave without all the stroping, i had a few and 1 in mint that i sold because i didnt use them, unless u like the stroping thing then its ok to get one and use it..they shave the same to a 1912 according to me. but we all have different skins and opinions. take in the info and do you.

Yeah, I know, it would be something of a novelty. However ... there is something about the "cool factor" that I like. The notion of learning how to strop a blade; particularly a very old Kampfe/STAR wedge blade appeals to me. There is also something practical about it. That is, I would always have a shave-ready blade available if, God forbid, I am unable to acquire modern SE blades.

BTW, I also own and regularly use a 1912, a 1912 Damaskeene, an Ever-Ready 1914 and am about to own an Ever-Ready 1924. Except for the last, which I have yet to experience, I have found them all to be excellent shavers and have enjoyed them very much.

Regards,

David

 

[gearchow]

I showed these already in the Scores thread, thought you might appreciate them:

With wedge blade installed:

you can see the corrosion on the edge. This blade and probably all of the ones that come in a set, need to be honed first, then stropped back to shave ready.

-jim

 

[OV1kenobi]

Thanks, Jim for showing the photographs of your STAR. I really do appreciate it!

In fact, the razor itself, including the handle is exactly like mine.

Can you or anyone else tell me which version/model it is?

David