Thread: Single Edge Safety Razors

Walgreens does carry Gem SE blades. For some reason though the CVS SE blades were alot like shaving with a broken beer bottle. SE razors are very agressive and definitely take some getting used to. The Micromatic (top heavy, open comb and really aggressive) is a love it or hate it proposition as are the newer Featherweight (a bit too light and mild for my tastes). I've always found the 1912's to be a good consistent shave but the big dog on the block is my 1910 Gem Lather Catcher. This thing is on par with any straight razor I've ever used. I can count on a great shave every time I touch this thing. There was a time when these razors were all go to (used them most days) and only occasionally handled a DE. Then I started shaving with straights and that all changed. Safety razors of both types became a once in a blue moon thing. These days, time constraints force me to reach more and more for safety razors but I must confess that I don't often reach for my old SE buddies, not sure why. I suspect it has something to do with this new Merkur 37C

I have a 1924 Ever Ready SE open comb that is just a great shaver. Yea, I would say it is aggressive and reminds of shaving with an adze. You really have to watch your angle, probably good training for using a straight. Had to go across the border to buy blades, none available here at pharmacies.

Bob

Hey Guys!

I'm glad I have found a subject I can actually contribute to.

I'm a LOSER (Lover of Single Edge Razors) and here's my HO:

As a general rule, your average SE will be more agressive than your average DE. However, some of them like the "push button" Gems are pretty gentle.

The 1912 Gem and Ever Ready are both fairly gentle. You can ID this model by the 1912 patent on the bast of the razor head. Lots of different handles for these razors.

The Gem Open Comb Micro Matic (OCMM) has quite the reputation was being aggressive but it's a great shaver. The MM comes in the OC version, the Clog Pruf, and the Bullet Tip which has a tapered handle end. All are fine shaving tools!

One of the true under rated SEs is the '24. AKA Shovel Head. AKA Flip Top. It's the one that's hinged on the front and flips forward to load the blade. Great razor and you can buy all the above really cheap compared to DEs.

The last SE that I'm going to throw out for you now (this isn't a perfect complete list but will get you started at least) is the infamous Ever Ready Streamline. This razor is legendary. It's the rolls royce of SEs and it's not just all hype. The finish is very nice. Heavy aggressive razor. But in my opinon one reason that it's so legendary is that the aggressiveness is not all that obvious. It's a phenominally great shaver, but it's smooth. It has wonderful manners. They are hard to find and expensive when you do.

A few guys prefer a carbon blade. The vast majority prefer stainless steel Gems. Take my word for it -- I almost quite SE shaving until a friend sent me some Ted Pella PTFE coated stainless blades to try. There aren't many choices but they are my hands down favorite. I had no trouble getting TP to ship right to my door, but many guys like ordering them from Caunaughts (spelling!?) and say it's very cost effective.

When mentioning SEs one would be lax if the injectors were left out. While they do take a "special key" to load them the key comes with any blades that I've ever seen for sale and is in fact an incorporated part of the blade box. It's quick easy and even fun to load blades in an injector. Be warned that an old antique store blade may be a little tough to get out and may dull the new blade when putting it in. You may have to cycle a few through to free up the mechanism. Good idea to keep a few dull used ones around to assist freeing up an old razor.

When buying injector blades don't waste your money on anything but the Chinese made Schick blades. They rock!

One other thing to be aware of with SE is that while the blades initial cost is more up front per blade, they easily last 3-4 times as longer than a DE blade. 14 days with an SE is not uncommon at all. One could argue that they are a better value than SE blades when you figure in the blade life.

These have been my experiences YMMV, but not as much as with DEs. Blade choices are limited but these classic super-cool razors are fun to collect and use and no true shave geek's collection would be complete without trying them. They might even displace your DEs as your go-to razor.

Enjoy!

John

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Ted Pella coated were considered about the best of the bunch some years ago. Not sure about now. I hear through the grapevine that they will only ship to a business address now but don't know how accurate that is. I imagine you can still get that style blade at home depot if you're looking for industrial grade.

Dissection Tools, Scissors, Blades, Forceps, Scalpels, Spatulas

Thx jim,Just ordered from Pella,120 single edge injectors,I do not shave with them,cannot find them at walgreens or CVS or anywhere in my local,use them in my leather skiving knives.

This reminds me that you can buy blades that fit Durham Duplex razors at Home Depot etc. They are not "sharp" but I wonder and have yet to try honing and stroppingl ike the thicker blades of the past.

Funny you should mention the Durham Duplex. It was supposed to be one of my transitional steps into the straight razor world. The carpet knife blades at Lowe's fit like a champ but jeepers creepers I never had a worse shave in my life!

Originally Posted by 1OldGI

Funny you should mention the Durham Duplex. It was supposed to be one of my transitional steps into the straight razor world. The carpet knife blades at Lowe's fit like a champ but jeepers creepers I never had a worse shave in my life!

I can't say it was a bad shave when I tried but i suppose it was so dull I couldn't cut myself.... This could turn into another thread/contest to see who could make those things work. I am going fishing for the weekend and will think about it. See you guys on Monday!

Originally Posted by johna2231

Hey Guys!

I'm glad I have found a subject I can actually contribute to.

I'm a LOSER (Lover of Single Edge Razors) and here's my HO:

John my friend!!!

Man, I guess they hit a subject you like... I've NEVER seen you write so much in a single note!! @WOW@

Good to see you my friend, even if it's just in letters!

HammeR

Ck out Dissection Tools, Scissors, Blades, Forceps, Scalpels, Spatulas
I ordered the Microslicer injectors,20 blades for 5 bux,for my use that is cheap.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Ck out Dissection Tools, Scissors, Blades, Forceps, Scalpels, Spatulas
I ordered the Microslicer injectors,20 blades for 5 bux,for my use that is cheap.

His coated blades for the Gem, Prod No. 121-3 are the best available SE blades for Gem types I'm aware of.