Thread: Gem SE fear

Originally Posted by medicevans

Which GEM was it? The 1912s are very mild, but the Open Comb MicroMatics are pretty aggressive.

The 1912 is a GREAT beginner SE and really a great all around razor.

I totally agree. But I have had great shaves from my open comb MM. The blade must be fresh, your beard prep good, and no pressure on the razor. Come to think of it, that's like a straight...

Originally Posted by RoyceH

I totally agree. But I have had great shaves from my open comb MM. The blade must be fresh, your beard prep good, and no pressure on the razor. Come to think of it, that's like a straight...

Nice. Yes, it is an open comb micromatic, and it is a lot like a Straight shave.

I will try to post some pictures when I get home this evening, it is in beautiful shape, and I thought, "It's just sitting there not getting any attention, let's try it!" When I don't have quite enough time for a straight shave I usually reach for my Fatboy, but Saturday I had about 15 minutes, it took me nearly the entire 15 minutes to do all three passes(I am slow, it takes me a good 25-35 minutes to do a full 3 pass straight razor shave). I can speed it up a touch by face lathering, but I don't enjoy that quite as much. I am just glad that I didn't rip my face off, a DE blade is somewhat flexible, an SE blade is not!

The first time I ever picked up a Merkur slant I approached it with fear and trepidation. Within a couple of passes it became my favorite DE and remains so 4 years later. I rarely shave DE but if I do that is my tool of choice. As to the SEs, I have a few Gems and I've shaved with them some. Even with the Ted Pella blades, arguably the best of the SE blades, they are not as 'good' as a DE blade, such as a Feather or a Gillette Swede. At least IMHO.

A pic of my Gem's. Three 1912's, a Micromatic open comb' a Damaskeene and a Gem Jr. All of them wonderful shavers but will let you know if you lose concentration.

I had 3 Gems, I couldnt use them to save my life gave two to friends saved one. A very bloody affair. Tried, failed, tried again, lost a chunk of skin on my adams apple. But recently I used one to touch up a spot and wow I got it right! since then I have become comfortable and can shave with out irritation! I am now wishing I had the other two back lol

This is the GEM, sorry I couldn't get you a nicer picture, but it's tough to get a good picture using the camera phone. Anyway, I didn't go back to her today, went with a Simmons Hardware "Barber's Pet," this morning. I am going to use her again tomorrow morning though, and we shall see what kind of love she can return, especially since I found her covered in green crud and gave her lots of love and attention to bring her back to the beautiful golden lady she once was.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

The first time I ever picked up a Merkur slant I approached it with fear and trepidation. Within a couple of passes it became my favorite DE and remains so 4 years later. I rarely shave DE but if I do that is my tool of choice. As to the SEs, I have a few Gems and I've shaved with them some. Even with the Ted Pella blades, arguably the best of the SE blades, they are not as 'good' as a DE blade, such as a Feather or a Gillette Swede. At least IMHO.

For me, the opposite is true. I get closer, more comfortable, and longer-lasting shaves from my SEs than from my DEs. They are what got me interested in straights.

I have a young man working for me(21) and I have been urging him to take up straights. He declines, of course! I have gifted him with a Gem Micromatic, a pack of Gem blades from walgreens, a puck of Williams, mug and brush. After 2 weeks he is still amazed with the shave! I showed him this thread and asked if he wanted to try a less aggressive model as described above. He declined! Said he is fine with it! From 5 blades to one! How cool is that?
I will get him to try a straight eventually, I think!~

I tried an OCMM several times and never liked it ( I wanted to, but I just didn't). My 1912 and 1912 Damaskeene, OTOH I love them both. So, as in so many things, which SE razors a person likes are a very personal choice.

I learned to shave with the old 1912 model Gem when I was 13, I ventured into the Gillet double edge but always went back to my old Gem, my family knowing of my shaving habits repeatedly bought me other Gem and Ever ready razors and so at 28 I have a box full from travel models in boxes to razors floating loose. Though im learning to use a straight razor I still keep my trusty Gem in its pot as a just in case.

Give the 1912 a go and dont be afraid, it doesnt bite!