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Post by sleddog on Oct 14, 2012 14:20:31 GMT -6
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RocketMan
Gem Star
RazorAddict
Welcome To The Sharp Side!
Posts: 4,167
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Post by RocketMan on Oct 14, 2012 16:30:06 GMT -6
You have a done a terrific job of a photo essay on this classic Kampfe razor. Well done!
The razor you have is a 1902 patent Star, as can be seen on the razor frame. Also note that it indicates 'New Improved'. This likely relates to the fact that there was a change in the Kampfe razor frame to not have blade adjustment screws on the frame. These typically were used to hold the blade firmly and were either mounted on the side or back of the frame. This model however exclusively uses a spring loaded frame blade holder system.
The blade carriers your blades are inserted into, referred to by Kampfe as 'carrier frames', had been in use for some time and all had the 1895 patent stamped on them. Before the regular use of the rectangular tin in in the early 1900s (patent granted 1899, first use likely 1900 or 1901) blades came set in the carrier frames in separate blade cases/holders. They continued however to sell separate blade holder tins. While the rectangular separate blade holder tins were available as early as 1900, I have yet to see an earlier rectangular tin - so perhaps the carrier frames were designed but yet to be used. The circular tins were still very popular in the late 1800's.
While I am not sure when the New Improved initially hit the stores, there are advertisements of an earlier version out in 1901. The 1902 patent version you have was marketed perhaps only up until 1907 when the next version came out which had a different method of forming the spring loaded frame blade holders . Note that yours have circular 'rivets' on the sides of the razor holding the springs - this marks them as an earlier spring version which was pretty much replaced by 1907.
The question remains when your razor would have been sold. If we assume that the stropper is the correct model, that would place it at least late 1905 or 1906. Waits, who must be thanked for his in depth historical work regarding these razors, reproduced a 1906 model catologue in his encyclopedia which has a virtually identical set to yours. It was likely sold in 1906 - give or take.
Your set looks entirely authentic - correct razor, correct strop handle, correct blades - all in the New Improved tin. Maybe a Christmas present in 1905 or 1906?? : - )
One last note - you should be pretty successful loading a modern blade in that frame and enjoying a great shave!
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Post by razorx on Oct 14, 2012 16:44:53 GMT -6
Beautiful pictures of a fantastic piece of shaving history...
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Possum
Master Shaver
Cast Iron Marsupial
Look out you "Fuzzy" wabbit!
Posts: 1,274
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Post by Possum on Oct 14, 2012 18:51:19 GMT -6
Beautiful razor and should shave very well with a modern blade. Speaking of blades that is one cool wedge blade you have there. I like that it has the name and the stars cut out of the blade. It is a keeper for sure.
Enjoy your great shaves with it.
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Post by sleddog on Oct 14, 2012 21:17:41 GMT -6
Thanks guys!!! And thanks RocketMan for the history lesson and narrowing down the date, that was excellent info, appreciate it. Had a great shave with the Star tonight, used a Gem SS blade
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Post by wchnu on Oct 14, 2012 21:29:09 GMT -6
Wonderful razor. Another style on my list.
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RocketMan
Gem Star
RazorAddict
Welcome To The Sharp Side!
Posts: 4,167
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Post by RocketMan on Oct 14, 2012 22:05:12 GMT -6
Ahhhhhhh...... a little Lather Catcher love!!! Now THATS shaving!!
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Post by willyb on Oct 15, 2012 0:18:08 GMT -6
somehow saying this set is breathtaking is almost insulting. Im not sure what to say to describe it, besides JEALOUS!
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Post by wchnu on Oct 15, 2012 0:19:51 GMT -6
I used a 1911 Gem last night before work.
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RocketMan
Gem Star
RazorAddict
Welcome To The Sharp Side!
Posts: 4,167
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Post by RocketMan on Oct 16, 2012 0:13:26 GMT -6
I used a 1911 Gem last night before work. Is that the model with the stropper in the handle you refer to?
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Post by wchnu on Oct 16, 2012 1:01:18 GMT -6
It has a two piece handle. The stropper attached to one of them.
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RocketMan
Gem Star
RazorAddict
Welcome To The Sharp Side!
Posts: 4,167
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Post by RocketMan on Oct 16, 2012 18:50:24 GMT -6
It has a two piece handle. The stropper attached to one of them. The one in your SOTD then. ok
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Post by wchnu on Oct 16, 2012 19:49:40 GMT -6
That be it. It is a 1911 right?
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