Thread: Gem SE fear

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.

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.