Are there any single edge fans out there. If I do not shave with a straight which is rare I use a Single Edge Gem GBar or a Schick Injector j model
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Are there any single edge fans out there. If I do not shave with a straight which is rare I use a Single Edge Gem GBar or a Schick Injector j model
I have a late 40's Gillette Super Speed that I use every now and again. I also collect a wide variety of DE and SE razors. I really like the style of the old Injectors but haven't had the chance to use one yet. I purchased quite a few in the last couple of months - once I get them cleaned up I'll give them a try. The last one I bought arrived with a pack of fresh blades, so I should be good to go....
I never have been able to get consistent shaves with an injector, maybe I don't use it enough. I do use a GEM or Eveready SE reasonably frequently and like them. The G-Bar gets good reviews, but I don't personally get along with it that well. I do like a Micromatic and one of the old 12-24 Evereadys with a big lather catcher. I think the SE shaves much like a straight, maybe because of the more rigid blade, and is about as difficult to use around the nose and on the chin. Using a good blade makes a difference, and I get very good results with the Ted Pella blades.
I like a Gem Micromatic every now and then.
I don't use it much but I love my Gem 1912 - my favorite blades are the ASR brand at Walgreens or Treets. It's funny, I really enjoy using my Gems (I've got about 20 of them) but I nearly always use a straight.
I love my gems, but especially my micromatics. I use an older open comb model the most, and keep it in constant rotation. I have taken to using the pella blades, mostly because the Treets that give me a good shave rust after a day or so! So, now I use the pella coated.
These are fantastic razors, way under-rated and so cheap on ebay. It took a couple shaves to figure them out, but once I got angle and pressure right, they are fantastic shavers!
The only GEMs that I have and don't use that often are the juniors. I have a few of these, even an entire sales display box of unopened NOS ones (I got them for $15 on ebay!). These razors are a bit too "vocal" for me, giving a ringing sound from the head of the razor, which is made from a single curved/bent sheet of metal. It also has a different feel in the hand when shaving that doesn't feel as solid as something like the micromatics. But they do look very cool!
Andrew
G'day from Oz. This is my first post and I am an avid Gem user.Can't see why they are not more popular.:confused: I regularly use a Micromatic,1912 Junior and a Damaskeene with Blue Star blades.I get fantastic results but only get 2 shaves per blade.I know there are better alternatives such as Ted Pella's but I can't justify buying 200.:) Cheers Phil.
Welcome! I've always had a passing interest in trying an injector but was worried about being able to consistently get my hands on blades.
I think that the injector razor is a great alternative to a straight. I haven't done an actual shave with one for a while, but use one regularly for a touch up, if needed. I like the adjustable Schick (M, I think) or one of the old bakelite/plastic handled models. I use either Schick blades or cut down Feathers.
I just started with the Gem razors. So far, my favorite is the safety-bar Micromatic. I'm using the drugstore Gem blades, which aren't bad, and have some Pellas on the way.
I use an injector for those times when I am in a rush. I put on some brushless cream. Do 3 Injector passes without needing to mix lather, rinse or relather. When I am done I just wash my face and I am done. It takes between 5 and 10 minutes.
I use an injector periodically. Nice shave. I use some NOS Schick blades (ones made in US). I found a supply at an old drug store here in town and stocked up. Have enough to last for quite awhile.
Although I've gone almost exclusively to str8s my quick-n-dirty-in-a-hurry blade is a Rolls Razor. A nice heavy blade that never has to be replaced and comes in the coolest case ever. Also good for on the road when you don't want to deal with bringing a separate strop.:tu
Rolls No2 reporting for duty:D
Oh! my mothers dad uses/used one too I've just been told:D
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.
When I'm in a hurry, my go to razor is an Eversharp G1 injector with a Pella teflon blade. This razor will always give me a BBS shave no matter how hurried I am:).
I have 3 Gems (Micromatic, Junior, and G-Bar), the Junior is the most forgiving. I haven't used any of my Gems lately, they're probably feeling neglected. I have a lot of Pella teflons for these razors but they are collecting dust.
When I travel I typically take my trusty Rolls, very convenient and like you said Don, it is the closest shave compared to a straight.
I love them all, but when I have the time to relax and take it easy, I always go to the straight razor. Usually I make the time, it's well worth it in the long run.
I am a daily straight shaver. When pressed for time as this morning I use a Gillette TTO with either a Merkur or Gillette blade. The shave is fast and close.
Satisfaction rests with the straight however. I have a GEM that I never used, I'll have to buy some blades and try it.
The Gem G bar shaves as well as a straight!:tu IMO.
The GEM micromatic turned out to be a fantastic shave experience. I used a TREET "Made in the USA" blade with it this morning. It was a BBS shave with no effort. I did three passes (W, X & ATG) that glided throughout with narry a nick.
Thanks Don for bringng the topic up. The Micromatic is definitely comparable to straight and a good choice when pressed for time.
I have a Gem Junior 1912 with the black handle and it's my daily shaver. I've got a bunch of Gillettes, a Schick Injector and a Schick Krona. Also have a Merkur HD, but I keep going to the Gem.
I do not like the Gem Blue Star blades. They rust up and dull up too fast. Plain old Gems worked better for me. Like others have said, I'd like to try the Pella PFTE..PTFE...whatever, but can't see popping for 200 right now.
Kev
I've had a Gem G-Bar in a drawer for awhile. Got it out last week and used it for the first time -- nice shave. I might have to begin to work it in more in the rotation.