Post by ShadowsDad on Jan 31, 2012 19:03:31 GMT -6
This is a review of the EverReady 1924. (Thanks for the info Tom)
My initial impression upon first seeing this razor was the massive shaving head. It looks even more massive in the photo because of the perspective and the lense. But then I compared it to other razors of this type and the head isn't so large after all. I think the illusion of a massive head is given because there is nothing to "break up" the outline of it and reduce it's size in the mind. It's essentially the same size shave head as on the GEM Damaskeene. The GEM Open Comb MicroMatic (OCMM) does have a slightly smaller shave head in comparison. I'm not talking huge differences, but the eye definitely sees it.
Maybe that's why it was given the name "shovelhead" but that name isn't correct. According to my source, no name has ever been given to it by EverReady.
Continuing with the shave head, Technically the comb is a closed comb, but it's of the closed comb design that allows lather to freely get through to lubricate the blade as it passes over the skin. The cover that encloses the blade has the hinge at the front and the clasp at the rear. By holding the handle with one hand, just push the clasp up with the thumb and the cover is released to pivot forward. Inserting a blade is common sense as there is only one way for it to go in. To close just hinge the cover back until it's fully closed and it locks in the closed position. That takes minimal force to accomplish.
The screw off handle is a diminutive 2 3/8" long. For me that's a plus. I dislike long handles as I think they contribute to poor technique by giving the operator leverage, and this razor requires perfect technique so it works great here. But for large hands the handle may be too short. It can be replaced very easily. I like handles that allow a slip resistant grip, that is, ones having sharp knurling or some such. This handle is great. A cross section of the handle is a generally hexagonal, but the planes forming the hex shape are concave. The corner facets of the handle are cut to allow a secure grip and since they are proud the fingers have an excellent grip. No O-rings required in the grooves of this razor to prevent it from slipping out of a light grip. If one was going to hold the razor for hours the sharpness of the "knurling" might be too much, but for 10 minutes with slick fingers it's perfect IMO.
Because of the sharp edged handle if the previous owner(s) allowed the cover to slam forward onto the handle it can get damaged. I suspect this damage is common. It can be seen in the first picture just off center to the left on the cover. Because the handle has a hexagonal cross section and where the handle comes to rest after being torqued down is due to the threads, the position of this blemish could vary over a 3/16" span. Mine happens to be left of center. To prevent this get a blade ready, and open the razor as I previously suggested using one hand. The cover will come to rest on the forefinger and never contact the handle.
Shave experience:
The head on a SE razor can be larger than a comparable DE razor and this one is just that- larger. But that's typical. It poses no unique challenges that can't be overcome if one just thinks about the way to go about things and goes easy. Shave angles are different for all SE razors as compared to DE razors, and this one is typical for SE as well. They all require a sharper angle. Basically rest the cover of the razor head on your cheek, drop the handle slightly to get the razor head off of the cheek and you pretty much have it. All SE razors of this sort of design have the same basic shaving angle. You know you have it right because in shaving the razor will talk to you. You'll hear every whisker as it's cut, and it won't be something you'll need to strain to hear. It sounds like buttering a piece of toast. This razor is quite loud with a GEM Stainless Steel coated blade installed.
Gents, this is NOT a mild razor. If you like an aggressive razor this is for you. This razor is definitely for me. If you like an OCMM you'll like the shave this razor gives. It might even be a slightly more aggressive shave. This razor will give a BBS shave with minimal effort if you're up to it. You will feel the blade, and the shave will be very very close. The shave isn't harsh for a razor this aggressive, it's just that this class of razor aggression allows one to know the blade is there waiting for the slightest mistake. For the right person it's fantastic. It requires no mistakes in technique. That includes no interruptions, for me anyway. When using this razor allow the rest of the world to disappear for a few minutes and become one with the razor for best results.
I like this razor a lot! For me it's a keeper and is right up there among the short list of my finest razors.
Note: Gents, I'm just a guy with a razor, some soap and a blade. I have no special qualifications to review anything and I'm especially weak in identification. Where I'm going with this is that if you see a mistake, and there will be plenty, let me know so that I can fix it. If you have an opinion on the razor and want to post your review in the thread, even if it conflicts with mine, that's welcome also, so don't hesitate. Sometimes there are variations in the same model and this is how we find them.
Good shaving guys!
My initial impression upon first seeing this razor was the massive shaving head. It looks even more massive in the photo because of the perspective and the lense. But then I compared it to other razors of this type and the head isn't so large after all. I think the illusion of a massive head is given because there is nothing to "break up" the outline of it and reduce it's size in the mind. It's essentially the same size shave head as on the GEM Damaskeene. The GEM Open Comb MicroMatic (OCMM) does have a slightly smaller shave head in comparison. I'm not talking huge differences, but the eye definitely sees it.
Maybe that's why it was given the name "shovelhead" but that name isn't correct. According to my source, no name has ever been given to it by EverReady.
Continuing with the shave head, Technically the comb is a closed comb, but it's of the closed comb design that allows lather to freely get through to lubricate the blade as it passes over the skin. The cover that encloses the blade has the hinge at the front and the clasp at the rear. By holding the handle with one hand, just push the clasp up with the thumb and the cover is released to pivot forward. Inserting a blade is common sense as there is only one way for it to go in. To close just hinge the cover back until it's fully closed and it locks in the closed position. That takes minimal force to accomplish.
The screw off handle is a diminutive 2 3/8" long. For me that's a plus. I dislike long handles as I think they contribute to poor technique by giving the operator leverage, and this razor requires perfect technique so it works great here. But for large hands the handle may be too short. It can be replaced very easily. I like handles that allow a slip resistant grip, that is, ones having sharp knurling or some such. This handle is great. A cross section of the handle is a generally hexagonal, but the planes forming the hex shape are concave. The corner facets of the handle are cut to allow a secure grip and since they are proud the fingers have an excellent grip. No O-rings required in the grooves of this razor to prevent it from slipping out of a light grip. If one was going to hold the razor for hours the sharpness of the "knurling" might be too much, but for 10 minutes with slick fingers it's perfect IMO.
Because of the sharp edged handle if the previous owner(s) allowed the cover to slam forward onto the handle it can get damaged. I suspect this damage is common. It can be seen in the first picture just off center to the left on the cover. Because the handle has a hexagonal cross section and where the handle comes to rest after being torqued down is due to the threads, the position of this blemish could vary over a 3/16" span. Mine happens to be left of center. To prevent this get a blade ready, and open the razor as I previously suggested using one hand. The cover will come to rest on the forefinger and never contact the handle.
Shave experience:
The head on a SE razor can be larger than a comparable DE razor and this one is just that- larger. But that's typical. It poses no unique challenges that can't be overcome if one just thinks about the way to go about things and goes easy. Shave angles are different for all SE razors as compared to DE razors, and this one is typical for SE as well. They all require a sharper angle. Basically rest the cover of the razor head on your cheek, drop the handle slightly to get the razor head off of the cheek and you pretty much have it. All SE razors of this sort of design have the same basic shaving angle. You know you have it right because in shaving the razor will talk to you. You'll hear every whisker as it's cut, and it won't be something you'll need to strain to hear. It sounds like buttering a piece of toast. This razor is quite loud with a GEM Stainless Steel coated blade installed.
Gents, this is NOT a mild razor. If you like an aggressive razor this is for you. This razor is definitely for me. If you like an OCMM you'll like the shave this razor gives. It might even be a slightly more aggressive shave. This razor will give a BBS shave with minimal effort if you're up to it. You will feel the blade, and the shave will be very very close. The shave isn't harsh for a razor this aggressive, it's just that this class of razor aggression allows one to know the blade is there waiting for the slightest mistake. For the right person it's fantastic. It requires no mistakes in technique. That includes no interruptions, for me anyway. When using this razor allow the rest of the world to disappear for a few minutes and become one with the razor for best results.
I like this razor a lot! For me it's a keeper and is right up there among the short list of my finest razors.
Note: Gents, I'm just a guy with a razor, some soap and a blade. I have no special qualifications to review anything and I'm especially weak in identification. Where I'm going with this is that if you see a mistake, and there will be plenty, let me know so that I can fix it. If you have an opinion on the razor and want to post your review in the thread, even if it conflicts with mine, that's welcome also, so don't hesitate. Sometimes there are variations in the same model and this is how we find them.
Good shaving guys!