papabear
Blade King
Looking for one that is just right
Posts: 465
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Post by papabear on May 3, 2013 6:34:58 GMT -6
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Post by sleddog on May 3, 2013 11:36:46 GMT -6
You got a great deal on that set!! It does look NOS...if it was me, I would probably leave this one NOS and pick up another one for everyday shaving.
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Post by HoosierTrooper on May 3, 2013 12:21:13 GMT -6
I agree with Kevin. User GEM's can be had for a song, but a NOS set like those don't come around as often.Also, in case you didn't know it, that is a WWII military issue set.
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Post by willyb on May 3, 2013 13:26:59 GMT -6
Im gonna go against the grain here and say USE IT, just not with those blades. It wasnt that costly, and besides, you deserve something new and shiny dont you? Make it user grade by rubbing it across your face for the next 40 years; not someone elses.
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papabear
Blade King
Looking for one that is just right
Posts: 465
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Post by papabear on May 3, 2013 13:40:01 GMT -6
I agree with Kevin. User GEM's can be had for a song, but a NOS set like those don't come around as often.Also, in case you didn't know it, that is a WWII military issue set. I had a strong suspicion that it was a WWII set, but thank you for the confirmation. On the side of the cardboard box was a price $0.19. Amazing. I might keep look for a similar Jr. or other Gem for shaving. This one will go next to my WWI "nameless" DE razor set.
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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 May 3, 2013 20:47:33 GMT -6
PB, if you're a collector, then the razor is a great addition to the collection, unused.
Myself, not being a collector, but a user, the razor was made to be used. If it was me I'd use it lightly when I want a special shave. I had just that quandary with an AutoStrop. I solved the quandary with the same solution I just gave you. If I didn't use the AutoStrop, I would have sold it to someone who would have put it in a collection.
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norfolkdick
Master Shaver
Captain of the Razor Blades
Posts: 1,601
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Post by norfolkdick on May 4, 2013 0:23:22 GMT -6
PB, if you're a collector, then the razor is a great addition to the collection, unused. Myself, not being a collector, but a user, the razor was made to be used. If it was me I'd use it lightly when I want a special shave. I had just that quandary with an AutoStrop. I solved the quandary with the same solution I just gave you. If I didn't use the AutoStrop, I would have sold it to someone who would have put it in a collection. Greetings I echo these sentiments entirely, I personally would get many more times as much pleasure shaving with it than keeping it in virgin condition and looking at it wondering if it shaved any different from my other 1912's. I do not possess any ultra rare razors but if I was fortunate enough to drop onto one (like that wonderful GEM prototype of Tom's) the first thing I would have to do was to shave with it; and as soon as I possibly could! I accept though we are all different, the worst thing for me is when a new razor arrives in the post, (where I live the post arrives at lunchtime) and I have to wait until the following morning to try it. By the way I looked at that razor but the seller wanted 20 USD to ship it plus import duties of 5 USD, not such a bargain this side of the Atlantic. A wonderful buy for ten dollars just superb! Regards Dick.
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Post by birdlives on May 4, 2013 0:50:42 GMT -6
PB, if you're a collector, then the razor is a great addition to the collection, unused. Myself, not being a collector, but a user, the razor was made to be used. If it was me I'd use it lightly when I want a special shave. I had just that quandary with an AutoStrop. I solved the quandary with the same solution I just gave you. If I didn't use the AutoStrop, I would have sold it to someone who would have put it in a collection. Greetings I echo these sentiments entirely, I personally would get many more times as much pleasure shaving with it than keeping it in virgin condition and looking at it wondering if it shaved any different from my other 1912's. I do not possess any ultra rare razors but if I was fortunate enough to drop onto one (like that wonderful GEM prototype of Tom's) the first thing I would have to do was to shave with it; and as soon as I possibly could! I accept though we are all different, the worst thing for me is when a new razor arrives in the post, (where I live the post arrives at lunchtime) and I have to wait until the following morning to try it. Regards...Dick. I'm afraid I have to agree wholeheartedly with both Brian and Dick on this....And I also respect my more than worthy constituents so much...that If a piece that I knew would bring great pleasure to one of my lovely friends by rounding out a collection and not being used....I believe I would have to pass it on to them....But I would have to pass it on with all speed...because if left to my own devices...That lovely would be blade deep in lather & whiskers in no time...
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Post by wchnu on May 4, 2013 1:48:00 GMT -6
I LOVE the G-3 set. I use one for travel. I also have one that is NOS in the original shipper. I got it after i already had two user sets. That is a great shaving razor. I would say keep that set together unused. I don't think it is hard to find that razor out of the set. It is however worth getting.
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papabear
Blade King
Looking for one that is just right
Posts: 465
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Post by papabear on May 4, 2013 17:53:53 GMT -6
I LOVE the G-3 set. I use one for travel. I also have one that is NOS in the original shipper. I got it after i already had two user sets. That is a great shaving razor. I would say keep that set together unused. I don't think it is hard to find that razor out of the set. It is however worth getting. After careful consideration, I have decided to retire this set next to my great grandfather's masonic straight razor. However, all is not lost. I just won a Gem G bar and a ladies Kewtie razor. Once again my RAD has been unleashed. I have the "G" is a great shaver. Once again, I must wait to dive into the SE pool; unless, I decide to try the 1924 Ever-Ready.
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Post by HoosierTrooper on May 4, 2013 18:38:02 GMT -6
I LOVE the G-3 set. I use one for travel. I also have one that is NOS in the original shipper. I got it after i already had two user sets. That is a great shaving razor. I would say keep that set together unused. I don't think it is hard to find that razor out of the set. It is however worth getting. After careful consideration, I have decided to retire this set next to my great grandfather's masonic straight razor. However, all is not lost. I just won a Gem G bar and a ladies Kewtie razor. Once again my RAD has been unleashed. I have the "G" is a great shaver. Once again, I must wait to dive into the SE pool; unless, I decide to try the 1924 Ever-Ready. Good. The frame on the NOS is the same as most every other 1912's, which you can get very easily to use as a working razor.
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Post by razorx on May 4, 2013 18:39:58 GMT -6
Good call....If there's something about a razor that makes you feel like you want to set it off to the side as it is....cool.I have an NOS DE razor from the 1940's that I've never used because it has some sort of meaning to me and I get a rush out of seeing it in it's pristine state frozen in time in it's beautiful case with the instructions along side it as if I were there right after WWII about to use it for the first time.
Collectors are guys with lots of razors they never use,I think there's something nice about being a user who keeps a couple of special finds off to the side.
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Del
Shave Master
Posts: 123
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Post by Del on May 4, 2013 19:37:01 GMT -6
nice set--congratulations. It seems that it's nos since you mention a metal blank, but in my experience with micromatics, a cardboard piece was used. it seems that a metal piece would not be used during wartime, but Then i don't have much experience with these sets.
update: I did a little checking. the whole issue is a little confusing, but it seems like the stock number style generally conforms to what was used by the military between 1947-1949. that might explain the metal blank, assuming that metal was actually used. i also saw that Gillette had some WWII models with a similar coding system; however, I can't prove that those razors were issued during WWII only and not in later years as well. sorry if this confuses the issue somewhat, but I thought that I should bring it up.
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Post by HoosierTrooper on May 5, 2013 6:32:31 GMT -6
Good points Tim.Since his has the Bakelite handle maybe it was made later in the 1947-1949 time frame. Here is mine, it has the dull finish metal handle that Waits says came out in 1943.Since that picture was taken I have picked up a pack of the blades that says for US Armed Forces and gave it to my son who is a military buff.
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Del
Shave Master
Posts: 123
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Post by Del on May 5, 2013 8:04:32 GMT -6
thanks Tom--nice razor you have. I don't have the waits so some of this is new to me. all I've ever seen is the paper inserts. did they use metal ones as well?
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