Although I always state that I'm a user rather than a collector of razors I am slightly guilty of having collected more than I can use on a regular basis. This was however done in the search for the ideal combination. A complete collection of all obscure SE models in number probably wouldn't come close to Mark's TTO collection. Even so there are only half a dozen or so distinctly different head designs just differing in terms of colour, handles and/or brand names. In any case here's my modest quiver of SEs. From left to right:
GEM 1912 travel razor
GEM Baton (identical head to above)
Ever Ready featherweight
Ever Ready Streamline
GEM Micromatic "Flying Wing" (daft name and is generally known as the Bullit Tip)
GEM Micromatic "Clog Pruf" (another daft one but given that this somewhat obscure Germanic name is stamped in the inside of the head it's kept it's name)
GEM Micromatic Open Comb (the only one I never use)
GEM Push Button (referring to the opening and closing mechanism)
I've put o-rings on the Clog pruf and Bullit Tip for ease of use. Both weigh a fair bit. The micromatics are all TTOs the rest, with the exeption of the Push Button, are spring loaded flip tops.
The only ones I'm missing are examples of the early Lather Catchers which have distinctly different head designs. Most of these don't use available SE blades but wedge shaped proprietry blades which are basically slices of straight blades and similarly need sharpening and stropping. From an historical perspective SEs, particularly Lather Catchers, are "straights on a handle" and as such were the first safety razor. The current crop of SEs evolved from there.
In terms of value and collectibility the Streamline (GEM did an identical one known as the Jewel) is up there as it wasn't produced for many years and has a build quality second to none. Even so you'd be able to pick one up for $50-60. The rest you can generally find for $15-20. Anyhow, that's my story.
GEM 1912 travel razor
GEM Baton (identical head to above)
Ever Ready featherweight
Ever Ready Streamline
GEM Micromatic "Flying Wing" (daft name and is generally known as the Bullit Tip)
GEM Micromatic "Clog Pruf" (another daft one but given that this somewhat obscure Germanic name is stamped in the inside of the head it's kept it's name)
GEM Micromatic Open Comb (the only one I never use)
GEM Push Button (referring to the opening and closing mechanism)
I've put o-rings on the Clog pruf and Bullit Tip for ease of use. Both weigh a fair bit. The micromatics are all TTOs the rest, with the exeption of the Push Button, are spring loaded flip tops.
The only ones I'm missing are examples of the early Lather Catchers which have distinctly different head designs. Most of these don't use available SE blades but wedge shaped proprietry blades which are basically slices of straight blades and similarly need sharpening and stropping. From an historical perspective SEs, particularly Lather Catchers, are "straights on a handle" and as such were the first safety razor. The current crop of SEs evolved from there.
In terms of value and collectibility the Streamline (GEM did an identical one known as the Jewel) is up there as it wasn't produced for many years and has a build quality second to none. Even so you'd be able to pick one up for $50-60. The rest you can generally find for $15-20. Anyhow, that's my story.
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I have about 3 now that are used as spare parts due to being damaged during delivery but they have come in handy none the less... quite time consuming getting them shave ready, but once you do, that are awesome!