Hey guys, where can I purchase some single edge blades for my Gem razors?
I am looking for some that are carbon steel and sharpened for shaving, not for a utility knife.
Thanks, :)
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Hey guys, where can I purchase some single edge blades for my Gem razors?
I am looking for some that are carbon steel and sharpened for shaving, not for a utility knife.
Thanks, :)
Ted Pella stainless coated are quite good, not sure about the carbons
https://www.tedpella.com/dissect_htm...m#carbon-steel
I got some at a local Rite Aid. I have heard that CVS has them also but not at mine. I was also able to find them at a locally owned drug store and supermarket. Try-A-Blade has them online.Quote:
Originally Posted by randydance062449
What GEM Razor do you have?
Sent from my phone using some app
Bullgoose has a couple of GEM flavors:
https://bullgooseshaving.com/collect...r-of-10-blades
https://bullgooseshaving.com/collect...es-pack-of-100
:) Darned if I know! It is a gold tone TTO. I just started using it the other day and realized I need some blades for it. I will also be ordering some DE blades for my Gillette DE razors.Quote:
Originally Posted by GarnerPW
Thanks for the suggestions, :)
Gents,
The ONLY GEM blades to use in a Vintage GEM, Star or similar razor are the stainless steel PTFE coated ones. They don't make carbon steel blades meant for shaving as far as I know - the PTFE coating is really important and as far as I know they don't make carbon blades with this coating.
Here is a link from Ted Pella:
https://www.tedpella.com/dissect_htm...#anchor1606431
There are multiple blades on that page, look for item number 121-3.
GEM makes a lot of different razor single edged razor blades that pretty much look the same, though shaving performance isn't the same.
Ted Pella sells them in the quantity of 200 at $35.60 and shipping is about $10. You can order a few to try at tryablade or pm me and I'll send you a few at no charge.
A light palm stropping with these blades before the first shave makes them smoother.
Also, the vintage GEM razors require more skill than a regular double edged safety razor. Don't be discouraged if you get some weepers / nicks on the first few shaves.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
Just spoke with tedpella. They said I have to sign for the blades and they know nothing about using them for shaving. The problem is that I broke my leg last Sunday so it is very difficult for me to sign for anything. I have to look elsewhere.
I got some at walgreens the last time i bought them. In the sha e secion.
Thanks, I ordered thru Bullgooseshaving. He knew his products.Quote:
Originally Posted by SemperFi
I glad you were able to find some. Enjoy the shave.Quote:
Originally Posted by randydance062449
Sent from my phone using some app
Good decision. I was just going to say that those Personna GEM PTFE coated stainless steel blades are the only way to go. Smooth, sharp, last a long time as in 10 - 12 shaves for me and do not rust. You will be happy with them.Quote:
Originally Posted by randydance062449
Bob
Glad you are set. The pack of 100 from the Bull Goose site are the exact same ones offered by Ted Pella.
I would rather purchase from an easy to work with shaving small business than Ted Pella, a scientific supply house, that is risk averse to the point that they require a signature for razor blades in the event that a young person brings in the mail.
Good to know that Bull Goose has them.
Why did you do that Randy ?:thinking:Quote:
Originally Posted by randydance062449
Well keep you in my prayers for a quick and complete recovery :angel:
Glad Phil was able to take care of you, and I hope you heal quickly and with ease! :)
:) At the age of 68 I have now realized that my cat like refexes are also nowhere to be found! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
I was doing some gardening. Digging holes in a terrace to plant some bushes. The retaining wall was 5 ft high. I lost my balance and fell over backward. I fractured the tibia ( shinbone). I was very lucky it was not a break and now after 5 days I nolonger need any sort of pain meds. Estimated 30-90 days to heal.
Sorry to hear this. If you need help finishing the planting let me know.
OSHA says that over 4 ft you need a harness......:D
Now we know! May the healing go well.
Take it easy, Randy! You now have a good excuse! ;)
I'm glad that you weren't worse than you were and hope for a speedy recovery. I'll tell you what, those falls are different now from when I was 18.
TryABlade has a small variety blades - carbon steel, SS, and PTFE coated SS. For a larger order of PTFE coated, Connaught is your best bet. I can get 100 shipped to here in the states for under $20.
Ted Pella has had several people complain about their service of ordering a small amount, most notably shipping charges being changed to a higher amount than the original amount.
Another vote for Connaught Shaving. Those guys know what the blades are going to be used for and give great customer service.
Indeed, Connaught is the way to go. I bought about 8 boxes from them. As I use them mostly when travelling, I imagine they should last me a life time.
My intro to classic shaving occurred when I received OneBlade as a gift. The oneBlade folks were charging $1 per blade for Feathers that lasted only one or two shaves. You couldn't get them from other sources if you lived in the US.
Someone discovered that you can take a GEM blade, remove move the spine by squeezing the corner with a pair of pliers and get a great shave with the GEM in the OneBlade.
Everyone made the point to get the one with PTFE coating. Having said that, sometimes conventional wisdom isn't correct.
I'm glad to know there are other sources than Ted Pella. As has been shared, they aren't easy to work with and they add every possible service offered by the post office which makes shipping for a small package far too expensive.
As some of you may know there are 3 or 4 new SE razors that have come out which utilize Gem blade. Above the Tie, Rocnel, Blackbird, and another that I can't recall. So I had a few Ted Pella coated stainless blades and got out my old Gem G Bar and shaved.
It had been a long time since I had shaved with a Gem, years as a matter of fact, and I did so a couple of weeks ago to see if I wanted to look into one of these new SEs. The results were alright, but not good enough to stimulate me to buy another Gem type razor.
The shave reminded me of a straight that had been honed on a coticule. The edge being gentle, sharp enough, but not as efficient and long lasting as a DE with a Kai, Feather, or Gillette Yellow for example.
If you like the shave you get from a Gem that is fine, but for me there are better options. YMMV.
I have tried a variety of SE razors, and they do vary greatly. My two favourites are the Gem Micromatic and the Ever-ready Streamline. I find they shave much closer and better than any DE razor I have tried.
I had a Micromatic and a Gem 1912 that I gave away. As the old saying goes ......... YMMV ......... :chapeauQuote:
Originally Posted by Badgister
Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
Not sure how old it is, but it most definitely is overused.
Still works great for me ........ :rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Badgister
Jimmy,
It may be that the GEM's aren't a good fit for you. Having said that, here are two things that can make a big difference.
The specific GEM blade that both myself and other folks I know like is the PTFE coated stainless blade. Ted Pella sells all of GEMs blades, thus you may have a different one.
Next, Gems are a bit rougher for the first 2-3 shaves unless they are palm stropped.
I also know guys that have done both of these things and still don't like them.
Those are the blades I have. I don't say they are not a good shave, just that I get better with other SEs and DEs. I learned a long time ago, when it comes to shaving, what is good for the goose isn't necessarily good for the gander. We all end up using what works for 'us' once we figure out what it is. If I'm shaving with an SE I'd opt for a Mongoose or ATT SE-1 with a Feather Pro blade over a Gem. Different strokes for different folks. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete123
I totally agree that we all decide what we like and no one is wrong. Plus, we all have different skin, whiskers, facial structure, etc...
This thread inspired me to pull out my old 1912 (Personna blade) and shave on a Saturday. Thanks!