What does the 1914 have to offer me?

mos6502 · Dec 1, 2012

I spotted a pretty good, but not perfect, Ever Ready 1914 at a local antique shop. Priced at $12 I teetered back in forth on whether or not I should grab it, and walked away without it. I already have a Gem Junior 1912, which is my favorite Razor. I've tried a few other SE razors, but found the 1912 worked best for me. Does the 1914 deserve a try? Does it have anything the 1912 doesn't? It is the version with the damaskeene-like round handle, if that indicates any difference in the head itself.

Give me your thoughts 14ers!

Mick · Dec 1, 2012

I get great shaves from all the old SE razors I own (GEM and Ever Ready).

the 1914 is one that I DO NOT own.

It appears to have the same style comb as the 1912 but it has a snap down lid like the 1924 model not the spring closer of the earlier models.

I always thought that it would shave similar to the 1912 or damaskeene but never had enough curiosity to get one and find out.

Now I'll be waiting to see how wrong my thought process is on this model :001_smile

HoosierTrooper · Dec 1, 2012

Absolutely worth a try, and for only $12 you can always resell it on the BST and get your money back if you don't like it. If it has the round, knurled handle then it's one of the early ones, around 1920 or so they went to a smooth hexagon shaped handle. One thing to look at is the blade stops. On the early ones they are just tiny little nubs, on the later ones they are much bigger and the blade actually slips under them like on the 1912's. just make sure the blade stops aren't worn away.

I really like the 1914 ER's, in fact that's what I used this morning.

razorx · Dec 1, 2012

Nice pick up,they are the best kept secret in shaving:

The later version of the Ever-Ready 1914 with a hex handle has improved (larger) blade stops but the original round handle 1914 is an outstanding razor.Make sure the blade is securely in place against the the stops and that the blade cover had snapped down tight.

The Ever-Ready 1914's in general are imo one of the best razors of all time.I would gladly shave with either an Ever-Ready 1914 or Streamline for the rest of my life and prefer both over the GEM Damaskeene etc,etc and definitely over any double edge.

The 1914 offers a LOT of tactile and audio feedback,it feels "alive" in my hand making it an incredibly fun razor to shave with.It's curved blade cover enables me to effortlessl dial in the exact shaving angle (level of aggressiveness) I desire.It is an extremely efficient razor,use it well.

(edit) was busy,this took me forever to type,didnt see Tom's post so some of mine is a bit redundant...

mos6502 · Dec 1, 2012

I guess I will head back on monday and pick it up. And as already stated if it does not agree with me I'm sure I can get my $12 back on BST, so I don't really have anything to lose.

HoosierTrooper · Dec 1, 2012

The '14 ER is a really cool looking razor, nicknamed the Little Lather Catcher.

Haggises · Dec 3, 2012

1914 is my favorite SE, last 2 shaves reminded me why.
I find it smoother than the 1912. That for me can get a little tuggy, especially with longer growth. The 1914 whisked through 3 days growth like it wasn't even there. A little quieter than the 1912 but still great audible feedback.
Maybe a slightly steeper angle for the sweet spot but more intuitive, at least for me.

The only things I don't like:
The flip top of the 1912 is just easier.
I get a bit of stubble/soap buildup under the blade, whereas the 1912 has a curved bottom for better rinsing.

While I love the 1912.....I'd gladly marry the 1914 and have its babies.