Thread: Today's Gems.

Grabbed three SE razors today. Was given an Every Ready 1912, a Gem 1912, and a Gem G Bar by my normal guy this morning. Have them soaking and going to get them cleaned up for today's shave. Never used a SE before, but have read up on these Gem razors a bit. Should be interesting if nothing else. I'll post some pictures later!

OH MAN. Boy, is my cheek smooth. Also, it is ON FIRE. I just lathered and did one each of WTG ATG XTG. I think that I had waaaaaayyyy too much of an angle on the last two. As I was rubbing my face in amazement and putting on some balm, my cheek exploded into little seeping red dots. I take it that THIS is what razor burn is. Bad stuff. I will be more careful next time, as I did enjoy the test run and the way that the G Bar handled. But screw this razor burn.

Hello, Blockhead:

With those Gems, limit the number of strokes over the same area. That's one way of avoiding razor burn.

Even with the double edge razor, I limit my strokes over the same area to avoid razor burn. These razors are exceptionally sharp razors, with the Gems, in my experience, also somewhat harsh. Overindulgence with both types of razors will guarantee a razor burn.

Regards,

Obie

May I inquire as to what SE blade you used blockhead? (tweet,blue mountain, ted pella, gem personna)

I think better angle and less strokes will help as already stated just want to make sure you are using a quality blade too.

Have fun SE give great shaves and the 1912 is notoriouse for delivery especially smooth ones

I used Gem Personnas. I think that I liked the 1912 a bit more than the G Bar, as it felt a bit less harsh. I also picked up some old Wilkinson Swords from this guy. and plan to give them a shot today. All I have used in a DE so far has been CVS brand blades. I am enjoying giving these SE's a shot, but I am really anxious to get some straights off to be honed...

Originally Posted by blockhead

OH MAN. Boy, is my cheek smooth. Also, it is ON FIRE. I just lathered and did one each of WTG ATG XTG. I think that I had waaaaaayyyy too much of an angle on the last two. As I was rubbing my face in amazement and putting on some balm, my cheek exploded into little seeping red dots. I take it that THIS is what razor burn is. Bad stuff. I will be more careful next time, as I did enjoy the test run and the way that the G Bar handled. But screw this razor burn.

Sounds like the razor ninja's got you. In and out and cut up your face before you knew what was happening.
The seceret to SE's and Gems in particular, is very little to no pressure on the blade. Hold the thing close to the head of the razor and let the weight of the razor do the work. Also, you don't need as steep a cutting angle as you do with a DE.
The 1912 is my favorite safty razor.

I've purchase a 1912 myself and looking forward to trying it. I still use my straights on my head due partly to clogging of DE blades and I still love them. If the Gem removes that problem, I will take some time to get to know them better. Now i know, not to many pass's on the same area, a burning head is no joke.

Kind regards,