Old Sarge Introduction

[GAW9576]

I know some people palm strop. I used to run the edge of the blade just barely into a cork or a Styrofoam packing peanut to take down the harshness a little. Now if I want to reduce the harshness of a new blade I just use it in a particularly mild razor for the first shave or two. A Gem featherweight is an excellent option for this. I prefer the first Gen Featherweight to the second Gen. The differences are small though. I believe all Featherweight Deluxes were 1st Gen. In case you aren't familiar the Deluxe is the one with the Gold endcap on the handle. This makes them super easy to ID. I Can't remember if the discussion was on here about the difference between first Gen. And second Gen. It may have been on Tost2 if you or anyone else is interested I can dig up pictures and post it here somewhere.

I'd appreciate it if you dig up the info on the differences between the 1st/2nd Gen. I've seen comments on the inter webs that these are good shavers. I did know that there was one version with a gold cap on the handle, but didn't know any further details. I remember handling a couple when I first started hitting the antique stores, but at that time I knew nothing about SE razors and just kept on moving.

I had also saw a post, I think by Mantic59, about corking blades. I like your idea of using a mild razor to mitigate the harshness!

I'll look for those pictures tonight. I have A LOT of pictures on my phone so no guarantees I'll find them tonight. Once I do I'll post here or somewhere appropriate and tag you.