#1

Member
Ohio USA
(This post was last modified: 06-20-2020, 02:19 PM by Knothead.)
I'm expecting 4 vintage razors this week and I have some questions before I use any of them. I would imagine that you need to sanitize them prior to use, but wanted a little guidance on that.
1. Is it necessary to boil them?
2. Should I use a brush and use alcohol to clean them with?
3. Should any of the twist mechanisms be lubricated and if so, with what?
4. Do you recommend that the blade be removed after each shave? (haven't done that before, but maybe I was wrong in not doing it)

Looking forward to getting these and want to do the correct procedures and maintenance required for something that has lasted this long, to insure they are here for a lot longer.
Thanks for the advice.
#2

Merchant
San Diego CA
1. Definitely not.

2. Only a soft brush and dish soap to clean. Alcohol dip if you’re really worried about it.

3. Not usually necessary, but a little oil won’t hurt if the mechanism is sticking.

4. At least loosen the razor after use to let the blade dry to prevent the blade from rusting.

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#3
(This post was last modified: 06-16-2020, 12:41 AM by jmudrick.)
It's unlikely your Micromatics will require lubrication. I have a dozen,never lubed any of them.

Soak in Dawn. Light flitz polish or gentle toothpaste if desired. Scrubbing Bubbles if there's gunk after Dawn but your Gem set doesn't appear at all funky.

Don't boil.

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Knothead likes this post
#4
(06-16-2020, 12:33 AM)Knothead Wrote: I'm expecting 4 vintage razors this week and I have some questions before I use any of them. I would imagine that you need to sanitize them prior to use, but wanted a little guidance on that.
1. Is it necessary to boil them?
2. Should I use a brush and use alcohol to clean them with?...

About an hour or so like this usually does it.  Wink


[Image: iLhvN1d.jpg]

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#5

Member
Ohio USA
(This post was last modified: 06-20-2020, 02:19 PM by Knothead.)
I received the razors I purchased on an auction site. They are exactly what the seller described, so that's a plus. Copied is the sellers description from the site: (Hope it's not too long, but it gave me some information and a little history)
The two Gem gold tone plated razors have the 'turn to operate' mechanism at the end of the
3 1/4” long handle. They close tightly and open easily. Both have superficial scratches on the covers of the head. They both look to have barely IF ever used. The open comb one has a small circle on the cover where the surface coating has been roughed away. The teeth on the comb are even. When the cover is opened, on the top of the base it reads: “GEM MICROMATIC, trademark” and on the underside of the base, it reads: “MADE IN USA, PAT. NOS. 17380-1773614.” There may be more numbers where the handle is attached to the head in the first set of numbers - the 173 being on one side of the handle and the 80 on the other side. There is one bump on the base to secure the blade. The closed comb one has the bullet tipped handle and three “bumps” on the base to secure the blade. On the top of the base is engraved: “GEM MICROMATIC, MADE IN U.S.A.” From what I could find, this razor is from the 1930s to 1940s.

The third razor is a TTO Gem, open comb chrome plated razor which is clean, shiny; and looks to have been barely used. It does have surface scratches on the blade holder cover and the handle is 3 1/4” long. I would date this razor to the 60s. On the underside of the base of the head, there reads: “MADE IN U.S.A.PAT. NOS 1739280-1773614”. On the base of the head, when the cover is opened, you see three bumps for the blade and engraved there is: “GEM MICROMATIC, REG. US PAT. OFF.” It is in very nice condition with even teeth.

The fourth razor is an antique silvertone STAR closed comb from 1912. The spring on the cover on the head is secure and clamps shut. On the base of the head, when the cover is opened, there is engraved: “STAR, MADE IN U.S.A.” On the back of the head is engraved: “STAR”; and on the head, where the handle screws into the head, there is engraved: “PAT’D 1912”. The heavy handle is in six sections with a beading like pattern along the edges on each of the six sections. There are surface scratches and some washing away of the finish on the head and the handle .

After inspecting and cleaning them thoroughly, I noticed a small cylindrical impression on the Bullet style razor. Similar to an embossed bullseye. Is this for identification of the style? I believe that I made a pretty good first purchase for the $12.95 I paid for all four. Will most likely only use 2 of the 4, and save the Star and Nickel GEM for collecting purposes.
#6
(This post was last modified: 06-20-2020, 03:50 PM by jmudrick.)
(06-20-2020, 02:18 PM)Knothead Wrote: I received the razors I purchased on an auction site. They are exactly what the seller described, so that's a plus. Copied is the sellers description from the site: (Hope it's not too long, but it gave me some information and a little history)
The two Gem gold tone plated razors have the 'turn to operate' mechanism at the end of the
3 1/4” long handle. They close tightly and open easily. Both have superficial scratches on the covers of the head. They both look to have barely IF ever used. The open comb one has a small circle on the cover where the surface coating has been roughed away. The teeth on the comb are even. When the cover is opened, on the top of the base it reads: “GEM MICROMATIC, trademark” and on the underside of the base, it reads: “MADE IN USA, PAT. NOS. 17380-1773614.” There may be more numbers where the handle is attached to the head in the first set of numbers - the 173 being on one side of the handle and the 80 on the other side. There is one bump on the base to secure the blade. The closed comb one has the bullet tipped handle and three “bumps” on the base to secure the blade. On the top of the base is engraved: “GEM MICROMATIC, MADE IN U.S.A.” From what I could find, this razor is from the 1930s to 1940s.

The third razor is a TTO Gem, open comb chrome plated razor which is clean, shiny; and looks to have been barely used. It does have surface scratches on the blade holder cover and the handle is 3 1/4” long. I would date this razor to the 60s. On the underside of the base of the head, there reads: “MADE IN U.S.A.PAT. NOS 1739280-1773614”. On the base of the head, when the cover is opened, you see three bumps for the blade and engraved there is: “GEM MICROMATIC, REG. US PAT. OFF.” It is in very nice condition with even teeth.

The fourth razor is an antique silvertone STAR closed comb from 1912. The spring on the cover on the head is secure and clamps shut. On the base of the head, when the cover is opened, there is engraved: “STAR, MADE IN U.S.A.” On the back of the head is engraved: “STAR”; and on the head, where the handle screws into the head, there is engraved: “PAT’D 1912”. The heavy handle is in six sections with a beading like pattern along the edges on each of the six sections. There are surface scratches and some washing away of the finish on the head and the handle .

After inspecting and cleaning them thoroughly, I noticed a small cylindrical impression on the Bullet style razor. Similar to an embossed bullseye. Is this for identification of the style? I believe that I made a pretty good first purchase for the $12.95 I paid for all four. Will most likely only use 2 of the 4, and save the Star and Nickel GEM for collecting purposes.
The "Guiding Eye" on the early Bullet Type (aka Flying Wing) was just marketing and reminder to keep the cap flat on the face while shaving. 1947.[Image: 4f41725a7d0bb7aad4e0cf931a77053f.jpg]

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#7

Member
Ohio USA
Thanks Jmudrick....should have waited to see this prior to using it. Apparently I was shaving "blind" without the "eye". Blood loss to a minimum now..........(just kidding). After using it, I now remember what a close shave these can produce. Haven't had a tingly feeling for some time. Appreciate the post.....

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#8
An ultrasonic bath will help to clean out areas inside the razor that are not accessible normally.


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