papabear
Blade King
Looking for one that is just right
Posts: 465
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Post by papabear on Jun 11, 2013 7:24:44 GMT -6
My bride and I went spent a long weekend away from rat race of the DC area. We went back to my small hometown in upstate PA. It was there I had a chance to try shaving with a ER Lather Catcher on loan from ShadowsDad (Brian). After four shaves, here are my observations.
Once you get over the look of a fully exposed blade, the razor, IMHO, is somewhat on the milder side. Although it is more agressive than many of DE razors, if fits somewhere between my 1912 Gem and my HFT. It is nowhere near aggressive as the OCMM. On the other hand, this little beauty does shave extremely nice with patience and proper technique. Besides, who doesn't get a kick out of using a razor from the late 19th or early 20th century? One other thing I noticed about the LC, was a slight flexing during the shave. It was not a great amount, but due to the open "C" design probably accounts for some movement. Nothing drastic mind you, but as an engineer, it was perceable to me.
Would I add one to my shaving collection? Based upon the uniqueness of the razor, I would in a heartbeat.
I would like to extend a big thank you to Brian for his generosity of sharing his wonderful lather catcher with me. With out his help, the review would never have been possible. Thank you Brian.
Next up, a MM Clog-Pruf, unless my oder of injector blades come in then it will be my Golden 500. Until then my friends, having shaving.
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Post by InfernoOrangeSS on Jun 11, 2013 11:13:50 GMT -6
I love all my E-R LCs. Your description is very similar to what I reported, though I never noticed any flexing, (I will have to pay attention next time.) It looks like a beast, but shaves more like a pet. I also love shaving with something from so long ago. It was the biggest part of me getting into this hobby/luxury in the first place. I hope you succeed in getting one of your own. I was fortunate enough to find a few, and now I am on the look out for some old GEM and Kampfe LCs. Thanks for your impressions!
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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, 2013 15:44:01 GMT -6
You're welcome! It was my pleasure, plus I like to read reviews that others write. :-) Thanks!
I was immune to the flexing until Brian Sharspine pointed it out to me, now I feel it every time. It's not off putting to me, it's just there.
FWIW, the GEM JR LC I find to be at least as mild as a HFT or FW, maybe even milder. I just thought you should know. I love the look of them, but I gave mine away (same as I paid... $0) and the gent who has it now loves it.
:-) I have a buddy who tells me that they (LCs) are butt ugly. He likes aggressive razors, maybe even more than I do, so I loaned him my butt ugly Kampfe '13 "Cru-steel" LC. He called me back awhile later telling me how he had to eat some crow. He still thought they were butt ugly, but he wanted me to find one for him. He does grudgingly accept that it's the way they look that makes them work so nicely, so maybe they aren't so ugly after all.
I find them gorgeous and intriguing BTW and always have.
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papabear
Blade King
Looking for one that is just right
Posts: 465
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Post by papabear on Jun 11, 2013 17:44:52 GMT -6
The looks of all the lather catchers are in my opinion works of art. The scroll work in the metal just screams beautiful to me. I think that is what first attracted me to SE razors. Even the handles have unique designs that leave DEs far behind.
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Post by drumzalot on Jun 11, 2013 18:38:52 GMT -6
I think it's great that you found the aggressiveness to be in between the 1912 and the Heavy Flat Top. That means (to my positive experience with the OCMM) it's mild lol. I hope you do find one for a good price and in good condition I dig your reviews. Good luck in your hunt for one!
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papabear
Blade King
Looking for one that is just right
Posts: 465
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Post by papabear on Jun 11, 2013 18:56:20 GMT -6
Thank you Drumz, for your kind comment. I hope to add one on the Clog-Pruf this weekend.
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Post by InfernoOrangeSS on Jun 11, 2013 20:18:30 GMT -6
The looks of all the lather catchers are in my opinion works of art. The scroll work in the metal just screams beautiful to me. I think that is what first attracted me to SE razors. Even the handles have unique designs that leave DEs far behind. I couldn't agree more. Those old razors are works of art. I love them.
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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 Jun 17, 2013 9:39:33 GMT -6
Of all my SE razors my favorites are a couple of my lather catchers. An '06 GEM Jr Elite and an '07 GEM Jr Bar. So glad you enjoy the lather catchers. Nothing in the SE world can compare to them.
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Post by birdlives on Jun 17, 2013 13:09:01 GMT -6
If I was doing a coffee-table book on safety razors of all kinds....I know the Gem Junior Bar would be on the cover...Thats just such a work of Functional Art...Looks like perfect to me...although I have seen a couple of other Lather Catchers that come close....I also love how the razor is held in place from the back and with the bar...and of course the wooden-handles have always knocked me out aswell...Point is...I think the LC's capture so much of the romance that is TWS...
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