1st shave with a (minorly broken) SE: My new 1912

[Storm]

Well, after being quite proficient these days with a double-edged razor (go-to: Merkur HD/Feather), and inspired by the little lather catcher gift to me last week, I decided to try the next frontier: a single-edge shave.

After reading up, I figured I'd start not with my 1914, but instead purchased a 1912 on the bay. Today, I loaded a CVS blade in it, and learned that one of the notches to hold/secure/align the blade was missing. Now, this may sound silly, but I was enthusiastically anticipating this shave, so I sallied forth, regardless. I pushed the blade against the remaining notice, and eyeballed the alignment across to ensure that the blade was straight. Gently pushed the spring-head down, and lathered up with some Proraso cream (for added old-time experience -- next time I'll try a soap like Arko).

A couple of minor weeps, but the scriiiit scriit sound was expected but still startling. Is my angle right? Am I pushing too hard? My normal 3-4 passes and I was done.

Result? BBS (mostly) and the experience was a tiny bit rough. I'm not sure if that was due to the minor misalignment or just the razor. After the Aqua Velva has settled down, I have smooth skin and am generally happy. Was the experience owie-free, compared to my HD? No, but I'll chalk it up to a small learning curve before I blame it on the notch (should it matter that it's missing?).

Maybe in a week I'll give the 1914 a try!

 

[craig87c]

Glad to see another SE user. I'd be wary of that broken blade clip- there was a thread a while ago about fixing one, actually.

The scriiit sound is really strange, but it helps to let you know how much you have left to shave! I personally need only 2 passes to get a DFS as opposed to only getting a CCS with a DE on two passes.

 

[global_dev]

.. I'll chalk it up to a small learning curve before I blame it on the notch (should it matter that it's missing?).

i have a micromatic OC that is missing part of a blade stop. i don't think it affected the shave, since my first shave was like yours, but second and thrid were vastly superior. And believe me i really tried to move the blade around with my fingertip to make sure it wasn't moving. it didn't..

it's quite a different shave in my book... a bit too close for comfort, but that might be my eccentric tastes since i like less aggressive DEs, but love straights.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

If the spring is still good and the door closes tightly down on the blade you're probably OK with the broken blade stop. I wuld just check it after each pass to make sure the blade stay straight. I have a 1912 with a very weak spring and it's unusable because the blade moves backwards after each pass.

I've used the CVS blades and they work fine, but you might want to try some of the Gems from Walgreens or the Treets from Rite Aid. One of them might work a bit better for your skin type and technique. The YMMV thing.

The key with single edge's, as it is with all safety razors, is no pressure. If you think you're using light enough pressure, you're probably not. Use less. And then even less.

Give the 1914 a whirl, I think you'll really enjoy it. For me, the round head is the icing on the cake. And they just look awesome!

 

[michiganlover]

Today, I loaded a CVS blade in it, and learned that one of the notches to hold/secure/align the blade was missing. Now, this may sound silly, but I was enthusiastically anticipating this shave, so I sallied forth, regardless. I pushed the blade against the remaining notice, and eyeballed the alignment across to ensure that the blade was straight.

I have not tried it, but it has been said one can create a new blade stop with either some JB Weld, or some solder. After this dries, you can use a file to shape it. Although I have not tried this, I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't work. Give it a shot.

 

[simon1]

A couple of minor weeps, but the scriiiit scriit sound was expected but still startling. Is my angle right? Am I pushing too hard? My normal 3-4 passes and I was done.

Maybe in a week I'll give the 1914 a try!

If you can hear the scritch scritch your angle is probably about right. The sound can be a bit discerning at first, but it's just your razor telling you that it's cutting hair.

The key with single edge's, as it is with all safety razors, is no pressure. If you think you're using light enough pressure, you're probably not. Use less. And then even less.

Give the 1914 a whirl, I think you'll really enjoy it. For me, the round head is the icing on the cake. And they just look awesome!

+1 on the NO pressure, even less than you use with your DE (if you're not already doing that).

And a big +1 on trying the 1914, especially if the blade stops are good on it...and now that you have the first shave over with on a new blade.

 

[Storm]

Random thoughts:

I think the lack of a blade stop on the 1912 is causing the corner of the blade to protrude from one side. Why? I keep getting SCRATCHES on my neck. I have never had this happen with a DE.

Even if I eyeball the blade and align it laterally (side-to-side), it seems this still happens (though less). Is this just my technique, a particular hazard to SE shaving, or something that cannot be helped with a broken notch?

Other note: I tried what Amazon calls "carbon steel blades" and even one light WTG pass actually hurts and tugs. Cheap as they are, are these somehow not suitable for shaving?

Finally, if I have to resort to the smoother CVS SE stainless steel razor blades (smooth when not scratching), the rust will cause them to be expensive. At $4 a box of 10, and if I need to use 3 a week bc of rust, this starts getting more expensive than cartridges.

 

[craig87c]

The carbon blades rust if not dried or dipped in alcohol. Stainless blades last longer. Are you sure the carbon blades are even meant for shaving? They might just be meant for cutting carpet...

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Random thoughts:

I think the lack of a blade stop on the 1912 is causing the corner of the blade to protrude from one side. Why? I keep getting SCRATCHES on my neck. I have never had this happen with a DE.

Even if I eyeball the blade and align it laterally (side-to-side), it seems this still happens (though less). Is this just my technique, a particular hazard to SE shaving, or something that cannot be helped with a broken notch?

Other note: I tried what Amazon calls "carbon steel blades" and even one light WTG pass actually hurts and tugs. Cheap as they are, are these somehow not suitable for shaving?

Finally, if I have to resort to the smoother CVS SE stainless steel razor blades (smooth when not scratching), the rust will cause them to be expensive. At $4 a box of 10, and if I need to use 3 a week bc of rust, this starts getting more expensive than cartridges.

Is there a sharp edge from the broken blde stop that could be contacting your skin? Is the actual corner of the blade exposed and digging in?

The blades from Amazon are made for paint scrapers and aren't sharp enough for shaving.

I dry the carbon steel blades on a hand towel when I'm done and haven't really had a rust problem. They develop some dark areas on the sides but the edge itself is fine. They do seem to dull after 3-4 shaves though. Can you get some of the stainless Gem blades from Walgreens, the Personna website or from Ted Pella or EMS?

 

[willyb]

i love the treet blades from rite aid, and keep mine in a little ziplock back with a little babyoil btwn shaves, as hoosier said they will get some black tarnish, but not rust, the key is to keep it dry btwn shaves, oil of course keeps it dry.

in regards to pressure, if the blade is actually touching your face, you are using too much pressure. A joke of course, but you get the point.

Once you get the hang of SE, there really is nothing else.

Now that i have a MM clogpruf and a 1912, i MUST get a 1914!