Thread: Gem Micromatic Open Comb (MMOC)

Just got this Gem Micromatic in the mail this morning. I have to thank Rolodave for sending it to me after telling him I could not find one in decent shape locally.

Gave it a quick clean, slapped in a Personna Gem stainless steel coated blade with a few shaves on it and lathered up with MWF. Wasn't disappointed as I got a very smooth, extremely close and comfortable 3 pass shave from it. The Gems I have used have all shaved right up there with the SRs. If you are looking for bang for your buck in a SE disposable blade razor these are tough to bet.

Just two caveats if you want to try one for the first time.

1/ The proper angle to use is with the top cap nearly flat on your face, not at all like most DEs you may be used to.

2/ Do yourself a big favour and use only the Personna Gem stainless steel coated blades. These are just so much better than the other blades available for these razors.

Bob

While I like gem single edge razors they can be brutal if you aren't careful.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

While I like gem single edge razors they can be brutal if you aren't careful.

For sure, that is why the note on blade angle. I think that is where most people make a big mistake at first. Just shave and treat it like a straight razor. I think that is why they shave so well.

Bob

I've got a couple of 1912 pattern SE razors and can vouch for them as giving the best shaves of any safety razor, but as Ed observed, you've got to be a bit careful; you can't treat them like a plastic Bic or you'll be in for a world of pain. I buy the GEM Personna stainless blades from Connaught Shaving in the UK. I don't think there are any retailers handling them in Australia unfortunately. Apparently in the US you can still buy SE blades at the chemists.

You virtually can't buy SE blades in a brick and mortar retail store in Canada either. The SE blades I have bought in the US at drugstores/chemists have not been the Personna Gem stainless steel coated but just plain carbon steel ones which can't hold a candle to the former in terms of performance. If you are going to use an SE the Personna stainless steel coated blade are the only way to go imho. As a bonus you should be able to get more shave per blade than with a DE.

Bob