Need some info on a Gem Micromatic SE Razor.

[Stroker]

Just purchased this razor as a usable antique razor and although it's in pretty nice condition I would like to clean it up. It appears it's brass or gold plated. I don't think it's gold, probably brass.
My question is can I use brasso or some brass polish on this to bring up the shine? I know I've seen some members that have referenced this razor but I can't remember who.
Second question; What is the best shaving single edge blade for this type of razor? I have seen Treet, Pal and star. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[82R100]

Congratulations on your purchase. It looks pretty nice to start with.

It's generally a good policy to avoid polishes if you can. Usually something in a tub and tile cleaner to cut the soap scum (rubbing alcohol's good too) and/or maybe a little toothpaste gently applied should get you where you need to go.

As far as locally available blades go, you're best off with Personna Gem Super Stainless blades sold in Walgreen stores.

- Chris

 

[mark_mw]

I got one for a mere pittance that was dull and green - fine steel wool cleaned it up nicely - and I use Walgreens drug store blades. They seem a bit more aggressive than the 1912 Gems, so go lightly at first.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

I would first soak the razor in rubbing alcohol and than use Blue Magic with a cotton cloth to bring a nice shine to it.

 

[BroJohn]

Put some Oxyclean in a bowl of hot tap water and soak razor. That should clean it right up. Perhaps some light brushing with an old toothbrush. Dry with soft cloth.

GEM stainless blades from Walgreens are excellent. Pal, Treet, and BlueStar are good, very keen edge, but are carbon steel and tend to rust.

These old Clog Pruf razors are a good shaving razor, enjoy.

-- John Gehman

 

[Stroker]

Congratulations on your purchase. It looks pretty nice to start with.

It's generally a good policy to avoid polishes if you can. Usually something in a tub and tile cleaner to cut the soap scum (rubbing alcohol's good too) and/or maybe a little toothpaste gently applied should get you where you need to go.

As far as locally available blades go, you're best off with Personna Gem Super Stainless blades sold in Walgreen stores.

- Chris

I got one for a mere pittance that was dull and green - fine steel wool cleaned it up nicely - and I use Walgreens drug store blades. They seem a bit more aggressive than the 1912 Gems, so go lightly at first.

I would first soak the razor in rubbing alcohol and than use Blue Magic with a cotton cloth to bring a nice shine to it.

Put some Oxyclean in a bowl of hot tap water and soak razor. That should clean it right up. Perhaps some light brushing with an old toothbrush. Dry with soft cloth.

GEM stainless blades from Walgreens are excellent. Pal, Treet, and BlueStar are good, very keen edge, but are carbon steel and tend to rust.

These old Clog Pruf razors are a good shaving razor, enjoy.

-- John Gehman

Thanks for all the information Gentlemen, I really appreciate your help. Sounds like The Stainless Steel Personna Gem blades is the way to go. I have a Walgreens in town and I hope they have them. All I have been able to find is the scraper blades which are really too dull.
I had planned on the mild toothbrushing and the alcohol soak. The finish is really in pretty good shape, just wanted to get a little more shine to it.
I'm pretty jazzed about giving it a shave. Got it for under $10. bucks!
I remember my Dad having something like this one back in the 40's. Great to hear that they are a good shaving razor. Thanks again to all!

 

[spinyeel]

Only Girl'y Men fear these razors. Go forth and shave.

 

[MrGuy]

Only Girl'y Men fear these razors. Go forth and shave.

Well said!

 

[Bit2]

Great info.
I'll be headed to Walgreen's today.
John

 

[KittensAndRainbows]

The Walgreens (Gem Personna) blades are probably the best retail option for shaving, but due to the steep cost, I'd check online vendors and of course Ted Pella if you plan on using a SE long-term. I believe CVS has the same blades as Walgreens, only with a CVS label and about half the cost. I haven't shaved with them, though, so correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[RocketMan]

These early 30's clog pruf razors are solid brass and tough as nails. No need to baby this one. Brasso or another comparable polishing compound is fine. Get a cotton cloth, some polish and go to town! It will come out looking brand new. For those of us who like to polish stuff (I have some sort of polishing disorder myself) these razors are great. No fancy paint, no thin crappy plating, just old fashioned brass.

If you just delicately soak and swish it won't get the great shine these razors are capable of.

 

[mark_mw]

These early 30's clog pruf razors are solid brass and tough as nails. No need to baby this one. Brasso or another comparable polishing compound is fine. Get a cotton cloth, some polish and go to town! It will come out looking brand new. For those of us who like to polish stuff (I have some sort of polishing disorder myself) these razors are great. No fancy paint, no thin crappy plating, just old fashioned brass.

If you just delicately soak and swish it won't get the great shine these razors are capable of.

Spent a half hour with fine steel wool and WD-40 on this oldie - when it gets dull, just polish 'er up again!

 

[Gillette4259]

Got one just like it in the same type case, sweet man you'll enjoy it.
I used brasso but think I'm going to try the steel wool too. I read somewhere to use car wax to keep silver and brasso from tarnishing so I tried it and it worked great.