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Post by ordinaryshaver on Dec 16, 2018 22:43:40 GMT -6
Here is the first in what I hope to be many many many more videos. It is the introduction and brief over view of the GEM MicroMatic. Nothing fancy in the video, just a shave and a 10,000 foot overview of this model of razor. I am sure I missed some things, got some things right, and some things wrong.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy, and please stick around to see the rest of the series.
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Post by jayaruh on Dec 17, 2018 8:09:58 GMT -6
Interesting shave. I was wondering if you were going to shave with that collared shirt on. As it turns out, you did. The Micromatic series was the MMOC, MMCP, and MMBT. The G-bar was something different altogether. The Micromatics were twist to open razors. The G-bar (Flat Heavy Top) had a different head from the MMs. It shared the same head as the Featherweight and Pushbutton.
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Post by ordinaryshaver on Dec 17, 2018 8:44:40 GMT -6
Interesting shave. I was wondering if you were going to shave with that collared shirt on. As it turns out, you did. The Micromatic series was the MMOC, MMCP, and MMBT. The G-bar was something different altogether. The Micromatics were twist to open razors. The G-bar (Flat Heavy Top) had a different head from the MMs. It shared the same head as the Featherweight and Pushbutton. Thanks for the information Jim! It will make this history series easier! I did shave with the shirt on, just had to improvise and make it work! I hope to do thaes razors justice when I do this series.
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Flintstone
Lather Catcher
Scraper Blade Shaver...
Posts: 908
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Post by Flintstone on Dec 17, 2018 8:51:30 GMT -6
Interesting shave. I was wondering if you were going to shave with that collared shirt on. As it turns out, you did. The Micromatic series was the MMOC, MMCP, and MMBT. The G-bar was something different altogether. The Micromatics were twist to open razors. The G-bar (Flat Heavy Top) had a different head from the MMs. It shared the same head as the Featherweight and Pushbutton. That was always my understanding of the Micromatic line as well (open comb original, clog-pruf, and flying wing). All 3 have the word Micromatic inside the head (I think), and all are TTO. That said, I have heard more than a few folks refer to the G-Bar as a Micromatic as well. Maybe because it came after the MMBT? Perhaps it still makes sense in the history/comparison context to include the G-Bar since it is the immediate descendant of the Micromatics, and ultimately represented the start of a new "generation" of models. And in that context it becomes the introduction to the Featherweight, Pushbutton, Contour lines. It is kind of the bridge between the two different opening mechanisms; and I think people are interested in the potential performance differences between the models. Just my neophyte take on framing the historical discussion....please carry on.
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rayr
Blade King
Posts: 427
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Post by rayr on Dec 17, 2018 16:50:12 GMT -6
The Micromatic was not on the market in stores until the last quarter of 1930, probably by Christmas time the razor was available to customers in most markets. The public introduction was scheduled around September 1, 1930 which was just after the final patent was approved on August 19th. The patents were not only for the razor but for the blades too. The exact blades we use today with the center hole and the notches cut out on each side are the result of the Micromatic blade patent. Micromatic razors couldn't use the old style GEM style blades and ASR was ready to fight off in court any competitive blade manufacturers violating their new patented blade design. The even warned dealers that if they sold blades to fit the Micromatic that weren't made by ASR that they would take legal action against the dealers.
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Post by jayaruh on Dec 17, 2018 17:08:12 GMT -6
Woo-hoo! The razors have been delivered.
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Post by ordinaryshaver on Dec 17, 2018 19:48:43 GMT -6
On my way home now. I will get them shortly.
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Post by ordinaryshaver on Dec 17, 2018 19:49:51 GMT -6
The Micromatic was not on the market in stores until the last quarter of 1930, probably by Christmas time the razor was available to customers in most markets. The public introduction was scheduled around September 1, 1930 which was just after the final patent was approved on August 19th. The patents were not only for the razor but for the blades too. The exact blades we use today with the center hole and the notches cut out on each side are the result of the Micromatic blade patent. Micromatic razors couldn't use the old style GEM style blades and ASR was ready to fight off in court any competitive blade manufacturers violating their new patented blade design. The even warned dealers that if they sold blades to fit the Micromatic that weren't made by ASR that they would take legal action against the dealers. Hey, this is awesome!!!! Thanks for letting me know. I am doing the best I can and I am sure I will get things wrong. Any information that all yall have is welcome and appreciated!
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rayr
Blade King
Posts: 427
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Post by rayr on Dec 18, 2018 9:46:48 GMT -6
Here's the press release to the trade...
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Post by ordinaryshaver on Dec 18, 2018 10:42:15 GMT -6
rayr thanks! That was awesome to read!
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Post by jmudrick on Dec 18, 2018 12:27:45 GMT -6
The Micromatic was not on the market in stores until the last quarter of 1930, probably by Christmas time the razor was available to customers in most markets. Having researched this pretty well, I don't believe the Micromatic was on shelves before January-February 1931. Obviously ASR wanted the razor out in the fall 1930 but contemporary evidence indicates they ran into delays and missed their release target.
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Post by wchnu on Dec 19, 2018 15:18:59 GMT -6
Just a super thread going here. I have stated that I am not the research type at all when it comes to history of these great razors. I will be watching with interest.
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luv2shave
SE Super Freak
Always have a Micromatic , Williams and a boar brush handy and ready to roll !
Posts: 64
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Post by luv2shave on Dec 21, 2018 2:28:26 GMT -6
Wow ! The intent and the emotion in the letter is holding strong even today. We dare not use anything other than the Personna (American Safety Razor Company) Gem PTFE blades for shaving with their vintage razors !
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Post by wchnu on Dec 21, 2018 6:07:52 GMT -6
Wow ! The intent and the emotion in the letter is holding strong even today. We dare not use anything other than the Personna (American Safety Razor Company) Gem PTFE blades for shaving with their vintage razors ! I only use carbon steel myself. They did make their point though.
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