There are some exceptions, but more often Ever-Ready are British and GEM American. mine are both American, but I still like the "Brooklin" head style Star more. The Brooklin head is wider.
Last edited:
Thanks much. Mine arrives today.There are some exceptions, but more often Ever-Ready are British and GEM American. mine are both American, but I still like the "Brooklin" head style Star more. The Brooklin head is wider.
Are Ever-Ready ones British? How can one tell if it is Brit or American? Don't know if these are the same questions.
The majority of Ever-Ready 1912's are the "Improved" model introduced by ASR in 1930, one of which is pictured below. Also aiding in the dating, the "NRA" marking on the box stands for "National Recovery Administration." This was one of FDR's New Deal programs that was introduced in 1933 and thrown out by the Supreme Court in 1935, indicating that this razor was likely made during that period.
Note that there is no "Brooklyn, New York" on this one. The fact that yours has it, together with the flared ends on the comb, indicates that yours is a somewhat less common earlier model, probably circa 1925.
Most of the 1912's made at that time carried the Gem branding.
--Bob
If you're nervous, start with the Featherweight - it's a very mild-mannered forgiving little razor. Also, if you're using the Gem stainless steel blades they can be a bit harsh the first couple of shaves. This is less noticeable in the Featherweight.
Just use a shallow shaving angle (start with the cap almost flat against your face) and minimal pressure and you'll be fine.
I sometimes use a Featherweight or Pushbutton (another mild razor) for a couple of shaves to "break in" a new stainless blade before putting it into something more aggressive.
--Bob
Got the blades in today. First shave tomorrow morning View attachment 588984
Those are exactly the blades you want - don't let the "For Industrial Use" scare you. They have been on a shelf for a while - that is the older style packaging - but that's okay because they're stainless.
I have over 700 of these blades (heard a rumor that ASR might be discontinuing them) and shaved with one this morning in a 1912.
But don't take my word for it. Razor Blades and More, a wetshaving supplier, sells these blades specifically for shaving:
https://www.razorbladesandmore.com/content/100-gem-stainless-steel-coated-single-edge-blades
Enjoy your shave!
--Bob
I have over 700 of these blades (heard a rumor that ASR might be discontinuing them) and shaved with one this morning in a 1912.
Enjoy your shave!--Bob