spidey9
Lather Catcher
All SE all the time!
Posts: 641
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Post by spidey9 on Dec 25, 2014 19:24:02 GMT -6
Someone took me to task in another forum because my "vast" (his word, not mine) collection did not include any Kampfe Star Lather Catchers (I have only Gem and Ever_Ready). Well, I could not let that stand. So, look what Santa brought me. (Okay so it was the mailman yesterday. But he was wearing a Santa hat.) Here is a closer look: And a closeup of the top: The razor is in pretty good condition, with minimal brassing. The tin has seen better days. Unfortunately, the stropper is long gone. Here is a closeup of the markings on the back: And the bottom markings: After studying Waits, I believe that the little sunburst thingy between "Kampfe" and "New York" (as opposed to a "K" in a box) and the "New Model" marking indicate that this is an HR-14A circa 1902. The blades have the 1905 3 star trademark, but it seems likely that they are not the original blades. One of them certainly isn't, since it only came with one. Speaking of blades, of course I had to see if modern blades could be used with this model. Here is a comparison, with the wedge blade on the left: Woohoo! The Gem blade seats firmly, and doesn't even look like it will be overly aggressive. I'll find out tomorrow. Speaking of blades: Is the cutting edge supposed to be curved like that, or are these blades just worn out? Then there is the tin: And the side view: Does anyone know of a way that this can be cleaned without further damaging the paint? So, that's my newest toy. I would really appreciate any corrections or additional that anyone can provide regarding this razor. Merry Christmas! --Bob
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Post by drumzalot on Dec 25, 2014 20:51:42 GMT -6
I have the exact same set Bob. Unfortunately, one of the blade stops on my 1902 is pretty worn down. As for cleaning the tin. I decided to clean the gold blade holder with hot water and Scrubbing Bubbles. The process actually stripped the finish of the blade holder yikes! My razor's tin is pretty grimy. The old tin's paint seems pretty delicate so I personally decided just to leave it be. This link might help you: theoriginalsafetytoo.com/thread/503/kampfe-bros-star
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ShadowsDad
Gem Star
None boring shaver!!
"It's not the bow, it's the Indian"
Posts: 4,534
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Post by ShadowsDad on Dec 25, 2014 22:53:54 GMT -6
Nice razor! The first thing to run though my mind was, "Does it take a spined blade?". Thanks for answering that for me.
I wouldn't touch the tin either. I'd leave it alone and allow it to show the age and the fact that it has survived.
I doubt the blades are supposed to be curved. I bet you could get the edge straight again. Check the recent thread about my adventures with the rolls razor. There is a technique in there that will allow you to do it at home. Jut go with a much coarser paper to start out.
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spidey9
Lather Catcher
All SE all the time!
Posts: 641
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Post by spidey9 on Dec 25, 2014 23:13:38 GMT -6
Thanks Joe, for the info and for the link. Too bad about your blade stop. I noticed that the blade stops on these are pretty small and fragile to begin with. Mine are showing some wear, but there still seems to be enough there to secure the blade.
I've read several of the threads in this sub-forum, but I had not seen the one you linked. Wow - I thought I was putting up a lot of pics. Lots of good info there, too.
I didn't even use Scrubbing Bubbles to clean the razor itself - just warm water and dish soap. If I try anything at all on the tin it will be that, using a very soft brush.
--Bob
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Post by mjclark on Dec 26, 2014 6:17:58 GMT -6
Superb! You must be so pleased with that set And yes those blades should have a straight edge - perhaps a previous user honed them that way for comfort at the edges or to get a smile (some people prefer it that way). It's a lot of fun getting OEM blades up to speed and you start to appreciate how well these razors are designed. In the Empire, Valets etc GEM blades do work but do not do justice to the superior shaves available from the original blades. I will happily hone blades for any member of this forum, so PM me if you're interested.
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spidey9
Lather Catcher
All SE all the time!
Posts: 641
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Post by spidey9 on Dec 26, 2014 16:02:39 GMT -6
Time to see how it shaves. I loaded a new Gem Blue Star carbon steel blade, because putting a stainless steel blade in this razor Just Seems Wrong. I decided to go with Krampert's Finest soap and AS, using a L'Occitane Plisson brush. While these are new products, I could visualize the original owner of this razor conceivably lathering up with a Plisson brush and finishing with a splash of Bay Rum. My collection includes a few Gem and Ever-Ready lather catchers but they are all later models designed to use modern spined blades. This would be my first shave with a razor originally designed to use the wedge type blades. I had heard that such razors tended to be seriously aggressive. I had heard correctly. My first impression was that the Kampfe is quite light. It is, weighing in at 1.2 oz with a blade installed. This is entirely due to the hollow brass handle, as the head weighs about the same as a 1912. The blade extends nearly as far as the comb, so when using a shallow angle the comb really doesn't do much at all. I could definitely feel the blade against my skin. This is a loud razor with plenty of the “buttering toast” audible feedback. I proceeded very slowly and deliberately, trying to remain completely focused. I discovered that the lather catcher, surprise, catches lather. I usually rinse the razor every stroke or two (a holdover from my DE days), but I could do almost an entire pass without rinsing. The result: as close to BBS as I've ever achieved, no nicks or weepers, and only a slight bite from the alum block. I attribute this partly to the razor, which really is an excellent shaver, and partly to my going slowly and concentrating more than usual. Now I'm dying to find out how it will do with the wedge blades it was designed to use. @brian: Thanks for the tips. I've been following your thread on the Rolls razor. Restoring the blades sounds like a lot of work. BTW, your new soap is outstanding. @marcus: Thanks for the info and the offer. I'll be in touch. --Bob
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Post by drumzalot on Dec 26, 2014 18:18:59 GMT -6
It's unique how everyone has a different experience with different razors. I don't know how you compare the 1902 to an ER LC. The 1902's are only slightly rough on my skin; however, the ER catchers are quite rough.
I should have mentioned that my original Kampfe wedge blade has a straight edge as well. The good thing is that you will always be able to use a modern blade in your 1902. This particular handle design looks quite majestic.
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spidey9
Lather Catcher
All SE all the time!
Posts: 641
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Post by spidey9 on Dec 26, 2014 20:46:27 GMT -6
The 1902 actually impressed me as a smooth shaver, but quite aggressive (if that's even possible). My Gem Junior Bars are quite a bit less aggressive. It's been a while since I used one of the Ever-Ready lather catchers, and to be honest, I'm drawing a blank (getting old sucks). Guess I'll just have to break one out for a shave. --Bob
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Post by mjclark on Dec 26, 2014 21:30:36 GMT -6
Thanks for a great review of what sounds like a great razor.
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spidey9
Lather Catcher
All SE all the time!
Posts: 641
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Post by spidey9 on Dec 27, 2014 17:21:32 GMT -6
Day two with the 1902 and another super-close BBS shave. It went a little faster today. I'm getting as close a shave as I've ever had with any razor, but I constantly have the feeling that if I get the least bit careless I will pay a price. The only thing I can compare it to aggressiveness-wise is an early (VB1 or older) Auto Strop. Fortunately I didn't get careless today, and the result was no nicks or weepers and only the slightest bite from the alum block. I think I'll go with something less demanding tomorrow. Maybe a Featherweight. --Bob
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spidey9
Lather Catcher
All SE all the time!
Posts: 641
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Post by spidey9 on Dec 28, 2014 18:20:49 GMT -6
I decided to revisit one of my Ever-Ready Lather Catchers and jog my memory. I find it to be less aggressive than the 1902, but not by much. The little ebonite (whatever that is) handle makes it even lighter than the 1902, but also quite maneuverable. Next time I use the 1902 I may leave off the handle extension. A comparison of the business end is interesting: It can be seen that the comb on the Ever-Ready (on the right) extends out in front of the blade significantly more than on the Kampfe. In this image the blade gap appears larger on the Ever-Ready, but that may just be a result of camera angles. The curved blade holder on the Kampfe (to accept a wedge blade) can be seen as well. --Bob
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