Post by Alan on Feb 23, 2013 22:20:37 GMT -6
I took a day for myself today and headed down to the "Crossroads of the West" for a look see and couldn't get anywhere near it; it was packed. So as I headed home I noticed one of those antique malls where they have a zillion booths. I stopped in to see if by chance they might have any old razors. I only found one stall that had any. I was really looking for a J type injector. The only injector there was a B1. It looked pretty clean for $8.00. The loading mechanism didn't pull out but I figured it was probably just stuck so I got it. I've been following the threads here on the ER 14 and 24 and had been thinking of getting them. Well lo and behold there was one of each right there for sale (naturally I had to buy them). The 14 is in pretty good shape. It's the earlier model with the small blade stops and knurled handle, it cost $5.00. The 24 was in a small gold tin case. No velvet lining or space for blades or stropper, just spots for the handle and head. It cost $10.00. I also saw a Gem Junior that didn't have the indent on the thumb tab and since I don't have one of those I naturally was forced to buy it. It was $8.00. Here's my initial run down after I got them home for a good look.
B1
I was able to pull out the internal loading mechanism, looks OK just needs some cleaning. It probably got put away wet and forgotten when it ran out of blades. A piece of the plating on the square end of the knob came off when I pulled it out, other than that the plating looks good. One thing I missed when I was looking at it was the top of the blade cover is bent up a little on one side allowing the blade to slide forward. It may or may not slide while shaving, I'll have to try it and see. If it does maybe I can adjust that.
Junior
It's one of those anodized gold models in good shape. Cleaned up real nice. I'll try it later in the week.
24
This razor is in great shape. There was a couple of coupons for ER cream and shave brush folded up and tucked in the lid. One of them was actually stuck to it. I'm thinking someone tried this razor then just put it away. I did a quick test run on this one. It's definately different than my 1912. It seemed super agressive to me, but it probably is the way I'm using it. I probably need to get the angle right. I had no problem fitting a slotted blade in it. It held it tight.
14
I'm really eager to try this one. The mechanism is nice and tight when closed and holds a slotted blade well. The stops are almost nonexistent but the blade stays in place. This razor has a nice feel and balance to it. I'll be trying it tomorrow.
I'll see if I can remember how to post pics.
B1
I was able to pull out the internal loading mechanism, looks OK just needs some cleaning. It probably got put away wet and forgotten when it ran out of blades. A piece of the plating on the square end of the knob came off when I pulled it out, other than that the plating looks good. One thing I missed when I was looking at it was the top of the blade cover is bent up a little on one side allowing the blade to slide forward. It may or may not slide while shaving, I'll have to try it and see. If it does maybe I can adjust that.
Junior
It's one of those anodized gold models in good shape. Cleaned up real nice. I'll try it later in the week.
24
This razor is in great shape. There was a couple of coupons for ER cream and shave brush folded up and tucked in the lid. One of them was actually stuck to it. I'm thinking someone tried this razor then just put it away. I did a quick test run on this one. It's definately different than my 1912. It seemed super agressive to me, but it probably is the way I'm using it. I probably need to get the angle right. I had no problem fitting a slotted blade in it. It held it tight.
14
I'm really eager to try this one. The mechanism is nice and tight when closed and holds a slotted blade well. The stops are almost nonexistent but the blade stays in place. This razor has a nice feel and balance to it. I'll be trying it tomorrow.
I'll see if I can remember how to post pics.