New to TOS, and to GEM

[chuckbarnes]

Fellow Shavers:

I am new here. Today was my first shave with a GEM 1912, which I found on the Bay for $0.99. An outstanding shave, given that I had been accustomed to Gillette multi-blade razors.

The razor is in good condition, but some of the shiny bits are worn away to a dull brass-like color. Has anyone had experience with replating old razors?

Yours,

Chuck

[rocketman]

Welcome Chuck!! Both to SE shaving and to TOS!!!

You paid .99cents for your Gem - I like you already!

You could replate such a razor as a 99 cent Gem, but they are not too hard to find in good condition for much less than you could have it replated for. Unless of course, you do it yourself - and I haven't a clue really how to do that.

If you hire someone to replate it, you can find quite a spread of prices charged - and quite a spread of quality as well. A good replate can be done by most jewelers, but they charge a pretty penny. That said though, they can do a fabulous job. I got my grandfathers NEW replated because it really means something to me and it was in pretty crappy shape. It was definately worth it - but it cost me almost fifty dollars to get it done right. I wouldn't spend that coin on too many razors. Maybe someone around here will have more useful advice than me.

Welcome to TOS and enjoy the Gem!!!!

[wchnu]

First off welcome.. second I think there are laws against replating 1912 Gem's. You can find them in good shape fairly easy for less then a replate. I am in the crowd that is against replating. Enjoy the shaves.

Fuzzy

[Possum]

Chuck,

Welcome to TOS! I agree that you can find a 1912 GEM in much better condition much cheaper than a replating job.

As for replating I don't really like the idea for several reasons. First it takes away from the character of the razor. Second some guys have done that and the razor ends up on eBay as a mint razor. Third, if I would replate a razor it would be one that I intend to hang on to and last, if I replate a razor I would have it marked as such so that after I am gone my heirs could not sell it as mint.

Look around on eBay and in the various shave forums buy,sell, trade forums and see what you can find. That would be the best way to get a much nicer razor at a reasonable cost.

[chuckbarnes]

Thanks all, I feel very welcome. Looks like it would be a minimum of $50 to get a replate done, and, as my face and girlfriend attest, the razor seems perfectly functional, so I'm going to come down in favor of "character" and keep it as is, saving my money for other pogonotomic treats.

Chuck

[cmur12]

Welcome, Chuck!

That was a very fortunate buy of a good razor. I have the same razor, in similar condition, but I paid quite a bit more for mine.

- Murray

[sargon]

sounds almost exactly like my experience. a good condition 1912 with a couple minor brassing spots for I think ti was 6 bucks, INCLUDING the shipping.

I only have that and the micromatic, due to being broke. I'd love to try some pella blades ( I just use the ASR walgreens ones, which are close to but alegedly not quite as good as a pella)or a lather catcher, when I have the cash for them, though.

[sffone]

Welcome, Chuck, glad to have you among us. Once you get comfortable with that Gem, you need to try the Gem Micromatics -- a whole 'nuther experience!

[alcx77]

Welcome to the forum. This is my first day posting as well. My SE razor is the contour II and is not much to look at but has a solid place in my rotation along with an injector and several DEs. I suppose it better since I just picked up 200 121-3s and 100 injectors from Ted Pella!

[srd]

Welcome Chuck! ;D

[bladerunner]

Whoa, got done by a grave digger.