Manufactured by the American Safety Razor Company between the 1920’s to 1940’s, the GEM Micromatic is a all metal twist-to-open single edge (SE) razor. The model I have – thanks to a generous PIF from a fellow shaver – is a Micromatic Clog Pruf that was introduced ca. 1934.

The Micromatic takes standard GEM single edge blades, and like all TTO’s changing blades is a breeze – just drop them in and close the hatch

It is perhaps the best performer of my small selection of SE-razor, but like the GEM 1912 and the Ever-Ready 1914 extra care has to be taken with the angle of the razor. As with the other SE-razors I got the best results when the top of the head was flat or almost flat against my skin.

The Micromatic is made out of plated brass, as far as I can tell. While mine is assuredly ‘user grade’, the plating still allows for a smooth slide over the skin, meaning it’ll work well with pretty much any lather I have.

Can I recommend a Micromatic? Oh yes – I think it’ll makes for a very nice introduction to the world of single edge shaving, as long as you remember to watch the angle.

Made by the same company – American Safety Razor Company – as the GEMs, the Ever-Ready 1914 was called the 1914 due to the patent date. It is also sometimes referred to as the “little lather catcher”.The razor hinges at the rear of the head and closes with a metal leaf spring to hold the blade down. It has “lift here” imprinted on each side of the cap.

The 1914 uses standard GEM single-edge blades, but due to the fact that it was originally designed for blades without the cut-outs on the sides they don’t sit very secure until the lid is snapped shut.

The first time I tried my 1914, she bit me pretty badly, but the next time she behaved. I’m not sure if itwas a dud blade, or my improved technique, but for those who – like me – are more used to DE-razors extra care has to be taken with the angle of the razor. This time I got the best results when the top of the head was flat or almost flat against my skin.

 

The GEM 1912 – which came to me as part of a generous two razor PIF – is an early single-edge razor design offered by The American Safety Razor Company. According to my sources it was available from, presumably, 1912 until the 1920’s, when it was replaced as GEM’s premier razor by the Micromatic series of razors.

The head flips up via a notch on the back of the head, allowing for easy insertion or removal blades – although not as easy as the GEM Micromatic – but slightly easier than my Ever-Ready 1914.

It is a pretty solid performer, but for those who – like me – are more used to DE-razors extra care has to be taken with the angle of the razor. I got the best results when the top of the head was flat or almost flat against my skin.

The surface of the 1912 is pure brass with no plating – this makes it slide across the skin less easily than a plated razor, but picking the right lather negates that minor issue.
Can I recommend the GEM 1912? Yes; it’s a fun shave, but keep in mind that it’s – in my opinion – a little trickier to use than a ‘normal’ DE razor.