Thread: Genco Easy Aces

I posted a response to a VERY old thread here - just not sure if I posted in the right place or if it will be seen in a timely enough manner for me to swoop a potential deal - so sorry for the redundancy. Found one of these guys at an antiques store for $30, but want to know if I should pull the trigger.

This description is all through my untrained, newbie eye -

Scales: Clean, no cracks, tight, pins in good condition

Blade: Little-to-no wear that can be seen, centered well, no visible pitting, no visible rust. Does have some patina/tarnish to it, spine free of visible wear on top and sides

Edge: As I have no freakin' idea what I'm really looking for, I'll do my best here - no chips, no pitting, no rust. I grazed my thumb perpendicular to the blade along it's length, ran it along the thumb pad, and ran it along my thumb nail. No catching or jumping. Definitely in need of a honing.

Clearly NOT shave ready, but would it be a neat little trinket to pick up for a future project once I have some experience under my belt? $30.

Just looking to feed my newfound addiction. Thanks guys.

Absolutely yes, if you have an opportunity to buy a Genco Easy Aces, you should do it. No hesitation, just do it. Genco was one of the best American razor companies and the Easy Aces was one of their best razors. Buy it, hone it (or I'll do it for you), and enjoy every shave with it.

That was a quick and outstandingly positive response. I have Friday off - but may be able to send the little lady on a mission tomorrow. I'm sure she'd enjoy the antiques anyway.

I figure that once I have a good enough set-up and some honing under my belt it would be fun to try... it's at least 45 years old from what I found out when I poked around the internet - so that's pretty cool all on it's own. HA!

Thanks amigo!

Great Razor, buy it.

Just figured I'd pop back in with an update.

Needs some work for sure.

Some corrosion (green) around each pin.
The inside surface of the scales need to be cleaned. The scale on the mfg stamp side (opposite side of the inlay) may have had a crack ??? that was repaired which you can see - but I feel no unusual flex in that area and am unable to feel anything that would indicate a crack is there. Also - "JBJ" carved his initials into the scales - so I'll have to try to buff that out or lacquer over it or something.
The blade has some tarnish to it. Edge is dull - but seems straight as an arrow. Wouldn't even shave arm hairs.

Fun future project for when I get some more know-how. There is a small spot of rust along the top of the tang at the pivot point - but seems to be just on the surface. Here are a few pics just for fun. (Tried to embed the pics but apparently I'm technologically challenged.)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58012383@N06/5332790376/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58012383@N06/5332790412/

No need to worry if the crack was repaired well. Celluloid is virtually 'weldable' with acetone.
Should serve you well once up & running

Your razor was made after 1936 when Case acquired the razor division from the reorganized Geneva Cutlery Co and before 1955 when they stopped making razors. Then Geneva became Geneva Forge. Your razor was made by W.R. Case and Sons of Bradford. This info from GOINS'.
In my travels, the Case "Geneva's" are more pricey than the original Geneva's

Thanks for the extra info. Looking forward to playing with it once I cut my teeth on a couple of beaters that I picked up as starter projects. I figured through my stumbling around Google that it was from the 36-55 era. I've taken it to a couple of old barbers and knife guys in the area and they seem to think it has a lot of potential. I'll post an update whenever I get around to fixing it up.

smreno77,

+1 on the above advice.

My Genco Fluid Steel is my favourite straight !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

smreno,

In case you haven't yet decided whether or not to buy this razor: I prefer larger blade sizes, but my little 5/8 "Easy Aces" is among my favorite shavers. Best of luck with your buying.