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Wednesday SOTD Thread - November 27th, 2024 (#535)
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this post was submitted on 27 Nov 2024
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GEM Days 11a/14: Heavy Flat Tops, or G and E-Bars – Wed 27 Nov 2024
This is shave 21 of my run through all 14 generations of GEM-style razors, and I have reached the E-Bar/G-bar, or Heavy Flat Tops, or the better-made Featherweight
The E-Bar/G-Bar
The Heavy Flat Top is to the Featherweight what the Streamline is to the 1912: It's the same razor, but built heavier and arguably prettier, except that they only changed the handle this time around. They retain the 1912 style mechanism, the Micromatic Flying Wing base plate-geometry, but they ditch the hollow plastic handle for a heavy cast handle (I'm guessing brass, given the weight?). The GEM version (a.k.a. G-Bar) has a shiny bluish-bright chrome-plating, while the Ever-Ready (a.k.a. E-Bar) has a duller yellow-tint nickel plating.
The two versions of this razor were packaged in almost identical display cases.
Compared to yesterday's Featherweights it is visible that both the British and the American Version have the same head this time around, and it's the one of the Ever-Ready Featherweight, with the lower outline of the top cap and the thicker base plate (as befits the name Heavy Flat Top).
I don't know whether the GEM version was produced at much higher volumes, but nowadays, the G-Bar version can be found relatively easily while the E-Bar is rarer than a Streamline in my experience. I have referred to them as Elusive-Bar in my vintage safety razor self help group with u/EldrormR, u/Semaj3000 and u/VisceralWatch and it took me a long time watching eBay to source one.
The shave
Perfect boozy shave with Peaches + Scream, Peach & Cognac, and the E(lusive)-Bar. This razor has a nice heft to it and the little hook at the end of the handle is a surprisingly nice touch and gives a strong feeling of control when resting the tip of the ring finger on it. The head being identical to the Ever-Ready Featherweight's, this thing is an efficient and intuitive razor (the "Natural" Angle in the name isn't all marketing speak).
The timeline
Similar to a Flying Wing?! Sounds like I need a G-Bar in my life.
I thought the conclusion would be the exact opposite 🙃
If they shave the same but the Flying Wing is a glorious Micromatic, and this one is a regression to the dark ages, why not stick to the Micromatic?
Because more is better!
Did Eld, Semaj, and VW source these razors as well?
I think Semaj has one, and mine was found by VW. I don't think Eld ever wanted one