RocketMan
Gem Star
RazorAddict
Welcome To The Sharp Side!
Posts: 4,167
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Post by RocketMan on Jun 1, 2016 22:43:25 GMT -6
I know some folks out there prefer to use a shim with certain of the vintage razors. I have heard of various ways to shim and am wondering if those of you who have used this technique successfully might share your thoughts on the topic.
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Post by birdlives on Jun 2, 2016 4:28:29 GMT -6
Billy Fergie has a thing about removing the spine from a new GEM Stainless blade. Then bending it back and forth til it pops into, along the back. Now you have two pieces of spine or two shims. He did alot of measuring and found that one of these (we will call 1/2 a shim) when put under the spine of a new GEM Stainless....recreates the blade angle in the Damaskeenes, ER 1914, 1924 ect.to the Micromatic (but not for the micromatic since from that razor on, the razors were designed for the new blades) almost exactly.
But that 1/2 shim pretty much duplicates the blade angle of the older blades....and in pre Damaskeen lather catcher type razors needed a whole shim or more...depending on the razor....
I have an ER 1914 that is more aggressive than any razor I have...But I still love it....But I tried the Hill-Fergiebilly Shim in it and it did seem to smooth it out...alot more than I expected...I love the shave with that razor, with or without the shim. But with it, I could throw caution to the wind and race around my face with reackless abandon...
But I've only tried this with one blade for like 3 shave...definitely not very scientific....I need to do more test piloting.....
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Post by mpf9ret on Jun 2, 2016 9:07:07 GMT -6
Hi, I too have been using what is called a "fergiebilly shim", in a Damaskeene, 1912,1914 &1924. Fergie of this forum thought it up, and put his thoughts into print in another Forum.
As the previous contributor says, with use of a 1/2 spine shim a modern blade assumes a similar angle to the original thicker spined blades. Over last few days have used both 1924/1914 with a shim and had smooth /close Shaves. Not to everyones liking, but I get good results. I have used a Full Spine Shim in a Star/Kampfe but that was an isolated foray.
Currently a lot of folk are getting original blades and making them shave ready, a bit beyond me. Decided that I am a little long in the tooth to learn Honing / Stropping techniques. Have enough on my hands using SE & Injectors with modern blades.
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spidey9
Lather Catcher
All SE all the time!
Posts: 641
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Post by spidey9 on Jun 2, 2016 9:38:49 GMT -6
I understand the concept and I've tried it a few times, but generally I don't bother. While it may be a step in the right direction, I don't feel that it duplicates the old blades because the shimmed blade still has a modern 3 facet bevel. Besides, lately I've been getting some great shaves from 1912's, 1914's and 1924's, no shim required. --Bob
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Post by wchnu on Jun 2, 2016 17:25:04 GMT -6
I have never tried a shim. But I do not see any reason to change the way my razors feel. So until something very solid comes up I will wait and watch.
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Post by birdlives on Jun 3, 2016 14:26:58 GMT -6
I tried that same 1914 I was talking about above, with a new GEM stainless today, with no shim....It may have been a tad more aggressive....but hey....I like it that way too...It was still smooth....Got an incredible BBS....so I think it falls into the catagory of something fun to play with but maybe not necessary....
But if I had a vintage GEM, ER, or lather catcher that I was having a hard time with I wouldn't hesitate to try it...
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spidey9
Lather Catcher
All SE all the time!
Posts: 641
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Post by spidey9 on Jun 3, 2016 18:32:45 GMT -6
My feelings exactly.
I've been playing with an Ever-Ready 1914 and 1924 this week. The 1924 has been a tad harsh and might benefit from a shim, but I cannot imagine anything improving the 1914 shave, which pretty close to perfect as is, no shim needed.
--Bob
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Post by graydog on Jun 5, 2016 6:18:33 GMT -6
I have never tried a shim and really do not find it necessary to get a nice close comfortable shave but My experiences have been limited to 1912s,1914s and 1924s and they give me wonderful shaves with out
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Post by birdlives on Jun 9, 2016 5:41:35 GMT -6
Tried my new Damaskeene today without the shim......and I can't see how the shave could have been anymore perfect.......It was like....nirvana just the way it was...I don't want a better shave....i'm not worthy of the amazing shave I got today...any better than that and I'd feel quilty......};^D
This might be my favorite razor.....too soon to tell.....but definitely a contender....
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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 Jun 11, 2016 7:44:16 GMT -6
Hmmm, interesting.
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