Sounds like a contradiction in terms, but today I learned that GEM introduced a single edged blade in 1948 – although some sources states that it was sold during WW2 – that had two edges. Be basic idea was that you could flip it over once one edge was dull, in effect giving you two blades in one.

A little bit of searching on line has so far not revealed how they shaved, but the fact that they would only fit the Micromatics and we can’t get them no more seems to indicate that they wasn’t a run away success.

Everyone who have a modicum of interest in the history of wetshaving knows the Gillette Khaki Set from the Great War – there is even a very good modern version being offered by Spearhead Shaving Company – but how many today knows of the  GEM Khaki Service Outfit? I didn’t until I started perusing vintage razor advertisements.

While the blades a doughboy got in the Gillette Khaki Set were for all intents and purposes disposable, the GEM Khaki Service Outfit came with a separate handle for stropping the seven blades it came with. So while the Gillette offered vendor lock-in and future costs, the GEM could arguable be seen as a one time investment – if you had a strop, that is.

Ask for the GEM at your dealer, or the Post Exchange, Camp Canteens, or Quarter-master’s Depot.

…however I fear that if you went to a US PX today they would be out of stock.I still want one though.

Just a few pictures I found online, extending on what I posted two days ago:

While inherently “simpler” than the animated display I showed on Tuesday, these clocks would also draw the eye – the movement of the pendulum and minute hand – and would also give the time.