MyCleanRed creado por nentab de SoporteMyBB.

I hadn't used one of my Lather Catchers in a while and so have been using my Ever Ready 1907 for the last couple of shaves. I forgot what an incredible shave this gives. Tomorrow it will be my STAR.

Is there anyone else who uses one of these from time to time? I'd really like to know your thoughts on these compared to straights, DE razors and, especially other SE razors.

I like the wood on that top razor, Freddy. I will say, however, that they are some scary looking razors! What is the idea behind a "lather catcher"? Is the idea behind the name supposed to mean that the lather doesn't concentrate where the blade goes, but rather where the rounded area is?

(11-26-2011 06:05 PM)andrewjs18 Wrote:  I like the wood on that top razor, Freddy. I will say, however, that they are some scary looking razors! What is the idea behind a "lather catcher"? Is the idea behind the name supposed to mean that the lather doesn't concentrate where the blade goes, but rather where the rounded area is?

Yes, the Ever Ready (the one with the wooden handle) is my favorite. It feels good in the hand.

Basically, your theory for the name is what I have heard, as well. As for it being scary, they really aren't. They give a beautiful smooth shave and the neat thing is they make the blade "sing" the way a straight razor would.

I will say that there are a few designs and angles for the various LC's out there and some of those angles just don't work for me. The two that I show here, which are very similar, do a beautiful job and make for a very nice change of pace from my DE's or even my Injector.

Freddy, how do you angle those on your face? Do you lay them flat, or just find that right angle that works for you like a DE?

(11-26-2011 09:34 PM)Ecosse Wrote:  Freddy, how do you angle those on your face? Do you lay them flat, or just find that right angle that works for you like a DE?

Honestly, Gary, I do exactly what your second idea is. That is, I found the right angle that works for me. It's second nature now and I don't even think about it. However, some lather catcher designs don't work for me. These are usually from the late 1800s.

Here are two examples, both Kampfe Bros. STAR. The short handle razor has its earliest patent listed as August 7, 1888 while the earliest patent on the long handle razor is July 31, 1895. If you look at where the handles come out of the heads, the angles on each of these is very different. I could not get comfortable using either one.

The extension on the long handle is for holding a wedge blade so that the blade could be stropped. In those days everything was made to last!

Thanks Freddy.

Great shots, Freddy! I used to have a LC - an Ever Ready with the pimpled handle - not sure what else to call it...LOL...looks kind of like pimples or small pox on the handle. I wound up selling it, and have kicked myself in the butt ever since. I got good shaves from it, as I do from the Gem 1912 SE razor. But just on coolness factor alone I wish I hadn't sold it. I found that one on Craigslist, too.... I did come across a wooden handled one in an antique store, like the one in your first set of pictures, Freddy, except it had a skinny wood handle instead of the fat wood handle. That one went to Special_K - he's big into the lather catchers and wedges...

Matt, Kevin once very graciously tried to sharpen the best of the three wedge blades that I have but it just couldn't get up to shave ready. The wedge blade intrigues me because I see it as somewhere between a straight and SE shaving experience.

I have about 8 or 9 lather catchers and even though some are no longer fit for use and some I just can't get the hang of (see above), I couldn't part with any of them. They hold an interest for me more than any of my other razors, though I have many types that shave beautifully. I'd really like to get a lather catcher with the long wooden handle. Oh well, someday.

I'll keep you in mind Freddy, if I ever come across another one. I'm sure there must be someone around here who might be willing to attempt to hone the wedge blades. I've got a Wilkinson Sword wedge set that needs some work done on the wedge blades before I can use it.

(11-27-2011 05:19 PM)Truckman Wrote:  I'll keep you in mind Freddy, if I ever come across another one. I'm sure there must be someone around here who might be willing to attempt to hone the wedge blades. I've got a Wilkinson Sword wedge set that needs some work done on the wedge blades before I can use it.

Thanks.

Tomorrow, I plan on shaving with my GEM 1912 SE which, I think, shows the beginning of the evolution from a full lather catcher to what became the modern SE razor.

WOW freddy some super S/E razors thair my friend i have a few but nothing like the one,s you have.i have used them but did not do well so stoped.i really should give them a go .the last one i used was one i bought of truckman a 1912 S/E.the shave was no to bad a few little nick,s but i have not ventured again with it .but they ar pieces of ART to look at thanks for the pick,s.