The box confuses me as it says the gem but its not mentioned on the razor. I will be shaving with it later and am interested to see how it performs.
What are you using for a blade?
I'm sure the wedge needs a good stropping at least. I use mine with a modern blade and don't remember any issues (But it has been a long time since I used it)One of the original wedge blades.
I would say i
I'm sure the wedge needs a good stropping at least. I use mine with a modern blade and don't remember any issues (But it has been a long time since I used it)
The box confuses me as it says the gem but its not mentioned on the razor. I will be shaving with it later and am interested to see how it performs.
Be far from the first old razor placed in a later box. How many ebay listed razors are in the incorrect box?
The box confuses me as it says the gem but its not mentioned on the razor. I will be shaving with it later and am interested to see how it performs.
Beautiful! Just don't shave with the stropper on the handle.
Congratulations! You are the proud owner of an 1896 Kampfe Bros. Star Lather Catcher. The case is probably original, as this razor was sold in a boxed set with two blades called "The Gem." At the time there was no confusion, as Gem Cutlery Co. would not be founded until 1898.
One of the founders of Gem Cutlery Co. was Jeremiah Reichard who had previously been an employee of the Kampfe Bros. Who knows, perhaps he had a hand in the naming of this set and being really fond of the name "Gem" later used it for his own company.
The wedge blades are carbon steel and the edges deteriorate over time. They will definitely need to be honed in order to get an acceptable shave. They should be stropped before and after each use.
These razors are indeed quite aggressive. Keep in mind that their original owners had probably previously used a straight razor.
These sets are quite rare. Enjoy!
--Bob