I'm thinking of making a trial foray into the SE razor world and trying to decide on my first purchase. Would someone please sum up the major difference between a Gem 1912 and a Gem Junior - and perhaps the Ever Ready which looks much the same? Any recommendations for someone new to the SE world (but not new to DE's)?
What's the difference between a Gem 1912 and a Gem Junior?
- Thread starter Shaky
- Start date
Here are some 1912 design razors, and JR is first from left. They are somewhat similar besides the big black bakelite handle and some come in gold finish.
Here is some information from a member here.
http://forum.shavemyface.com/viewtopic.php?t=49416&highlight=1912+family
http://forum.shavemyface.com/viewtopic.php?t=49416&highlight=1912+family
- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks deoxy4 that was a great article, and it helped a lot.
Originally, GEM used the "Junior" designation to indicate that the razor took the new (at the time) non-wedge single edge blades. Thus, the first GEM Jr. (and the later GEM Jr. Bar) was an early (ca. 1901) SE lather catcher. By the time they came out with the 1912 design, "Junior" seemed to be just a label with no particular meaning attached.
In the photo above, left to right it looks like you have a GEM Jr., a Damaskeene, a GEM Jr. (lather catcher 1901 patent), a 1914 (Little lather catcher), and a 1924.
In the photo above, left to right it looks like you have a GEM Jr., a Damaskeene, a GEM Jr. (lather catcher 1901 patent), a 1914 (Little lather catcher), and a 1924.
Last edited:
I have both 1912 and Junior. I shaved with both this morning. I find the 1912 more aggressive. Both shave very well. If you like mild-moderate DE razors I would suggest you get a Junior. If you like more aggressive DE razors I would suggest you get a 1912. Like the reviewer above I find the 1912 more aggressive than the OCMM. Most people do not find this to be so. Shaving with a SE takes some adjustment in technique in that the proper blade angle takes some getting used to. It is different than shaving with a DE. With practice you will be rewarded with a great shave.
I have the 1912 and the Damaskeene. The Damaskeene is milder. I did not find the 1912 remotely as aggressive as the OCMM, which means it is a big case of YMMV.
The prices if the Damaskeene razors have gone through the roof lately. I for one thinks the hoopla around them is overrated. The 1912s are much easier to find, in better shape and for a lot less money. They shave just as well, IMO.
I actually have a bunch of the 1912 as I was looking for in great condition while keeping the price under $15.
Always a gamble on ebay (the sellers that take better pics tend to price them too high). I did get a wonderful silver shiny one, the others i might get replated.
The prices if the Damaskeene razors have gone through the roof lately. I for one thinks the hoopla around them is overrated. The 1912s are much easier to find, in better shape and for a lot less money. They shave just as well, IMO.
I actually have a bunch of the 1912 as I was looking for in great condition while keeping the price under $15.
Always a gamble on ebay (the sellers that take better pics tend to price them too high). I did get a wonderful silver shiny one, the others i might get replated.
Last edited:
View attachment 364955
View attachment 364959 I got this "Brooklyn" (originally where I'm from) off of the bay. The plating is fab and I have an original Gem blade that I dropped in. The blade is a piece of art!The handle is perfect. I'm saving this until Sunday , which is the day I like to use a different razor.I also can't wait to try the 74's, but gosh these injector blades last so long that it'll be about a week until then. Enjoy your shaves and thanks for the great info! 
View attachment 364959 I got this "Brooklyn" (originally where I'm from) off of the bay. The plating is fab and I have an original Gem blade that I dropped in. The blade is a piece of art!The handle is perfect. I'm saving this until Sunday , which is the day I like to use a different razor.I also can't wait to try the 74's, but gosh these injector blades last so long that it'll be about a week until then. Enjoy your shaves and thanks for the great info! Attachments
Great thread.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
Brother dcobranchi, I had not heard that "Junior" meant it took the more modern non-wedge baldes. That's the best explanation I have seen. Thanx for adding to my fund of knowledge.
Gem also did a Zinn razor early in the century, apparently pre the spined Gem blade we know today. It used a thin blade about 9mm wide vertically and a bit wider than a injector blade, spring clamped in position and with side tabs for positioning. It can use a modern Schick injector blade, manually positioned for height, as the clamping spring on the razor is strong enough to hold it in position. Press on the front protrusion to open the jaws of the razor to install or remove a blade. A different early 1900s lather catcher, pretty much ignored by history.
Similar threads
