Thread: Single Edge Fans

Gems rock but then you already know how I feel about the Gems Don.

I like injectors but I wish I could get a better shave with them than I do.

At first I was a big fan of the Micromatic but gave the one I had been using away and picked up a different one and the shave on it was way to aggressive. My favorite gem now is the 1901 version that looks like the Kampfe, the big difference between it and the Kampfe is the hinge on the Kampfe. The hinge can be a little dangerous it swung back and bit me once so now I don't use it for shaving any more just the Gem version. My wife has even been known to borrow it some times to shave her legs, she is good about letting me know so that I can change out the blade.

I have a couple of other razors, they just don't get a lot of play lately (found one or two straight I like a LOT-and seem never to remember to break out the other stuff)
I have a Japanese type O injector I used to carry on det (Personna blades) as well as an adjustable injector and a brass magazine repeating razor (also an injector and possibly the coolest one). Also some Gems.
I have a couple Rolls Razors, and they were great right up to the point I cut the strop by positioning the blade wrong, and then upon buying a new one, I cracked the hone. Apparently I am bad luck for fragile things....

Variety makes this stuff fun.


John P.

I've been using Gem Personna stainless steel blades in my 1912 Junior for the last three days.Wow! these blades are superb.No rusting,and a sensational irritation free shave.Very impressed.

Hi All,
Quite a while back, I spent six months or so using only injectors. Started with the older short handled 'E' and 'G' types, went through the 'J' and 'L' types, tried the NWC 'O' clone, and a few others. I bought 4-5 different blades, and found a few that worked ok. I also found one other additional blade that was amazing for my face. They're unavailable for sale now, as they were NOS from the 70's. I ended up with an 'M' (adjustable) type schick being my favorite razor.
I have long since moved on to a DE, and my technique with that is good. My shaves are almost always the type where it's difficult (or impossible)to actually feel the blade cutting. The razor I use is a fairly heavy one , and the weight (plus a sharp blade) allows it to do all the work. That weight (or maybe it's the way that weight's distributed) also dampens the feedback from the razor's handle and head. I much prefer to have no 'chatter' or vibration when holding that handle. To me, the perfect shave is heard, rather than felt. Yeah, listening to the blade is the only guide I want when shaving.I just kinda smoothly and effortlessly guide the razor where it's supposed to go, and listen to the results. No feeling of any sorta 'pull'.........zero. Just that sound of whisker whacking going on, letting me know how my shave's going.
Anyway although I get excellent DE shaves, there's nothing I've tried that's better than an injector for a truly BBS shave......on my neck. I use techniques like blade buffing and 'J' hooking with the DE, but it still leaves tiny bits in a few small areas. Nope, the injector results in the closest, most amazing job with a problem neck like mine. My beard pattern is similar to crop circles in some areas there, and only the injector totally mastered that problem for me. Plus, it was almost (or maybe even as good) as nice a shave on my face as a DE is.
It does take a few minutes less shaving time, but really not much. You still need to pay attention when using these things, and there IS a technique to learn (as you might imagine). Seriously, it's gonna take at least half a dozen shaves to get the feel of what works and why. I paid my dues with razor burn and small nicks till I caught on. Plus, as it turned out, those early models I started with were the exact WRONG type for my face. For you members who enjoy an aggressive shave, these are the babies for you.
If I was still using an injector, I'd definitely try the feather blade. I use those blades regularly in my fatboy, and can see how wonderful they could be in a schick. Yeah, it's a bit of pain to size em, but I'd think the shave would be worth the effort. A good second choice would either be the german schicks, or some members like the blades from Ted Pella. The US made schick blades have the best rep, but are extremely difficult to find NOS.
One of the things about injectors is there's some pressure needed when shaving. Yeah, because they weigh so little,you kinda need to bear down sometimes..........help the blade along a little in rough spots. This pressure is a part of the technique to figure out, otherwise razor burn can occur.The feather would probably minimize that a lot, if I had to guess. Hehe, then you'd REALLY have to pay attention to detail......wouldn't wanna go sideways with them things.
For anyone interested in using an injector for touch ups or fun, I'd recommend two inexpensive models ($20 or less in good shape) to try first. Both the 'J' and 'L' types are excellent shavers, and will give you a good idea of what an injector can do. They both have the identical head design, so the shave should be the same. The adjustables are a nice feature ('M' type), and they really work like a DE as far as changing the settings noticeably. Problem is they can be pricey, but sometimes you can get lucky. I shaved with an 'L' type for months and loved it.
Well, that's plenty for now, and I hope my long winded post helped in some way.
Martin

Gem razors work for me.

I am very fond of the 1912 loaded with Treet or Pal carbon steel blades.

I like GEM and Schick both, they each provide a nice shave for me. Each type has their own characteristics which I enjoy. But I can't get a weeper free shave with my Micromatic, I've finally given up on that one. The GEM Junior doesn't do that to me.

Originally Posted by _JP_

I like GEM and Schick both, they each provide a nice shave for me. Each type has their own characteristics which I enjoy. But I can't get a weeper free shave with my Micromatic, I've finally given up on that one. The GEM Junior doesn't do that to me.

Not sure what Gem I like it is the one with the little foot

Originally Posted by RayD

At first I was a big fan of the Micromatic but gave the one I had been using away and picked up a different one and the shave on it was way to aggressive. My favorite gem now is the 1901 version that looks like the Kampfe, the big difference between it and the Kampfe is the hinge on the Kampfe. The hinge can be a little dangerous it swung back and bit me once so now I don't use it for shaving any more just the Gem version. My wife has even been known to borrow it some times to shave her legs, she is good about letting me know so that I can change out the blade.

interesting take on the micro. usually people seem to say the opposite about them. either that or that they are very tricky to use correctly.

Originally Posted by Don

Not sure what Gem I like it is the one with the little foot

The one with the little foot is the G-Bar Gem.

I just got a micromatic in the mail yesterday so hopefully my ted bellas will come soon and I'll post a review.