Lather Catchers- please enlighten me

[T Rick]

Okay, I already have one. The 1908 GEM Junior Bar (simply gorgeous!) is one of what we refer to here as lather catchers. But I see others occasionally, and IIRC, some are meant only to take wedge blades? And some only the single edge GEM type blades? how do I know which takes which, so I might add another LC or two to the collection? (I only buy razors I will shave with at least as few times, possible exception being a very minty Valet Auto Strop I just got, though I did pick up some blades for it in an earlier lot...).

Thanks in advance for the education!

 

[D.Irving79]

Okay, I already have one. The 1908 GEM Junior Bar (simply gorgeous!) is one of what we refer to here as lather catchers. But I see others occasionally, and IIRC, some are meant only to take wedge blades? And some only the single edge GEM type blades? how do I know which takes which, so I might add another LC or two to the collection? (I only buy razors I will shave with at least as few times, possible exception being a very minty Valet Auto Strop I just got, though I did pick up some blades for it in an earlier lot...).

Thanks in advance for the education!

the earlier ones (1870ish and later) take wedge blades. around 1900, ER/superior were among the first to accept SE blades. kampfe star followed suit not long after. SE gem razors start roughly around 1905/06. as for the star razors, the models in the 1902 catalouge could take both wedge AND SE blades.

 

[T Rick]

Okay, I guess I need to get specific . I picked up one on eBay today, this one. Wedge, or SE?

Normally, I don't bid unless I'm pretty sure of what I'm seeing. But I was feeling a bit cocky today. Probably means I screwed up , and will now need to find some wedge blades, a hone and a strop, and learn how to use them all. Verdict?

And again, thanks for the response (both above and any future wisdom).

 

[napoleon]

Wedge.
Usually, when they have a flap and bigger "rests" for the blade near the comb, they take SEs, when they have that kind of twisted "spring" to hold the blade- they tahe wedge blades.

 

[D.Irving79]

Okay, I guess I need to get specific . I picked up one on eBay today, this one. Wedge, or SE?

Normally, I don't bid unless I'm pretty sure of what I'm seeing. But I was feeling a bit cocky today. Probably means I screwed up , and will now need to find some wedge blades, a hone and a strop, and learn how to use them all. Verdict?

And again, thanks for the response (both above and any future wisdom).

that takes both

 

[T Rick]

that takes both

Beginner's luck strikes again.

 

[napoleon]

that takes both

But whem I put a SE into mine, it slips off the little things that the blade rests on

 

[D.Irving79]

But whem I put a SE into mine, it slips off the little things that the blade rests on

its not as quite a snug fit as a wedge blade, but it will hold for a shave. if yours is loose, they may be worn down for some reason.

 

[Bertilak]

But whem I put a SE into mine, it slips off the little things that the blade rests on

You are flipping the little tab in the back forward, right?

 

[T Rick]

Mine got here today, and for the record I see what Napoleon means. I've not tried loading it yet, but the spring tab in back unhooks when lifted upward, providing forward pressure. One side spring clip on mine is a bit loose, pretty sure a gentle bend will put proper tension back into it. I think it'll hold just fine!

Dave, any good intel on the date of manuf. of this one?

 

[D.Irving79]

1902 id say.

 

[T Rick]

1902 id say.

Thanks again Sir! The open comb is a bit uneven, I suppose I'd better get it pretty level before I take it for a test drive. Looking forward to giving it a go!