Thread: Gem SE fear

"SORRY, THIS WAS A DOUBLE POST FROM MY PHONE!" And I am yelling 'cause I am not sure how far away you are.

Ok, I have been using a DE, then a straight for the last several months, and today I decided to bust out the GEM SE. I'm not sure about anyone else's experience, but I found it much scarier than even straight razor shaving, as the blade touched my skin, I could feel the bite. I used no pressure whatsoever, ans was totally unnerved at the entire experience. Is this just me, our are they really that aggressive? Now, I didn't cut myself, but the whole time I was anxious because it felt like the razor was going to eat me. There was a tiny bit of razor burn, but I did end up BBS.

I don't know when I may try this again, but it may be a while. Back to the straights for now.

A to the type, it was the tensioned GEM. Not the flip down, that one scares me even more. Anyone else unnerved by these things?

Ok, I have been using a DE, then a straight for the last several months, and today I decided to bust out the GEM SE. I'm not sure about anyone else's experience, but I found it much scarier than even straight razor shaving, as the blade touched my skin, I could feel the bite. I used no pressure whatsoever, ans was totally unnerved at the entire experience. Is this just me, our are they really that aggressive? Now, I didn't cut myself, but the whole time I was anxious because it felt like the razor was going to eat me. There was a tiny bit of razor burn on my lower neck, but I did end up BBS.

I don't know when I may try this again, but it may be a while. Back to the straights for now. I can end up well shaved and not trembling by the end.

A to the type, it was the tensioned GEM. Not the flip down, that one scares me even more. Anyone else unnerved by these things?

Don't be skeered! What Gem are you using is it a twist to open or a manual, spring loaded affair? Pics would help but practice, practice, practice would be my recommendations. In my experience the Micromatic is a bit more aggressive than the others and is not very forgiving of technique errors. For a newbie SE shaver, I would recommend the 1912.

You're not wrong about the Gem's being aggressive, but they can be wonderful shavers. As GI said, practice. Keep the blades as flat to the skin as the head of the Gem will allow. Use zero, or even a slight negative pressure.I found that it helps to hold it with just three fingers at the very tip of the handle.

I just bought one of those 1912s at the flea market yesterday on a whim. Looks like nickel played maybe, no wear on it. Paid 4 bucks. I'll be interested to see how it shaves.

The only SE I have is an Ever Ready 1924 and that thing gives closer shaves than my Fat Boy DE. The first time I used it I was a little nervous but if you treat it with respect it is one fine shaver. Yea, you need very little angle on the blade and next to no pressure either. Kinda reminds me of using an adze with the angle of the head to the handle. Just love the tiny power house.

Bob

Sorry but I had to laugh...I can picture your anxiety through the whole process and that alone makes me never want to try this daunting task.

Glad you made it out alive. Can you post a pic of said razor of doom?

Those SE's just look scary!

lol...cool post. I don't have a Gem but I do have a Rolls and a Valet. When first using them I do remember a slight anxiety..but that goes away and all is good

If a regular Gem scares you, you might not want to try one of the old "Lather Catchers" where the blade just sort of rides piggy back on top!

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.