Antique store find

[thedave87]

Ever since reading through the "Magnificent SEven" thread a couple weeks ago, I've been curious about SE razors. Today, while browsing through a local antique shop, I came across a Gem that seemed to be in great condition. The shop was running a 50% off sale, so I ended up paying $2.40 out the door for it. Now all I need are some blades, and I can finally see what SE shaving is all about.

 

[Chevyguy]

Nice Featherweight at a great price. Check out your local Rite-Aid for blades.

Clayton

 

[Galhatz]

Rite Aid carries and CVS carry carbon blades, so dry then after the shave or they'd rust rapidly.
Walgreen carries stainless blades. I like those better.

 

[Klopstick]

Welcome to the world of SE shaves. The Featherweight is sort of the Chevy Chevette of the SE line, but still gives nice shaves when handled properly. I think the lack of weight changes the feel a lot. Still a nice razor! Good find!

 

[Mick]

Any Ever Ready is a good SE razor. I've had examples of all of them over the years and not found a "dud" in the group.

The blades I like the best are the PTFE coated GEM (ASR) but they are only sold in the 100 count box.

You can find blades at many pharmacies. You might want to get a dispenser of blades first before you order 100 blades online.

MAKE SURE you get shaving blades NOT box cutter blades. The grind is different. Once is ground for sharpness the other is ground for toughness and longevity under heavy use (cardboard cutting and glass scraping)

 

[Galhatz]

These blades are often referred to as ''pella'' blades because www.tedpellla.com was one of the first to offer them. Those are GEM coded 62-0165. They are indeed very good, slightly sharper, IMO than the ones sold by Walgreen. There is a difference, not night and day, but it's there.

Razorbladesandmore sells them in 10-count, loosly packaged in a ziplock bag, its ok as the edge is covered by thick paper. The best deal though on a 100 pack is offered by connaught. Connaught also sells a 10 count in a dispenser but after trying those I am not convinced it's the same as 62-0165. I could be wrong, my testing was done using my skin, but not side-by-side, I don't have the patience for such experiments.

 

[thedave87]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll give the blades at Walgreens and the carbon steel blades a go. If I don't get stellar shaves, I'll pick up an old Ever Ready to try. I'm definitely curious about SE razors, so I don't think I'll give up easily.

 

[Klopstick]

The GEM 1912 model is another that is widely available and is a top notch shaver. Good luck with the inaugural shave on the Featherweight!

 

[BowTieGuy]

The FeatherWeight that you scored can be a great little shaver. If it isn't as close a shave as you'd like, don't get discouraged regarding SEs. Some folks prefer other SEs and your model isn't as aggressive as the other GEMs. That said, it's a great way to get into SE shaving. Enjoy.

 

[novitiate]

The Featherweight is a favorite. I get a great shave from mine with CVS blades.

 

[deoxy4]

Connaught Shaving sells Gem Stainless Steel Coated blades for $22/100 shipped. Great price.

 

[thedave87]

I finally broke it out and used it the other day with some CVS blades. The aggressiveness was on par with my Tech and a mild blade. Overall, quite agreeable. I think I'll be finding at least one day a week to use a SE. Thanks again for the input everyone

 

[California Cajun]

That's my favorite SE razor, the Gem Featherweight. I seem to get better results with that one than with a 1912. I tried a Micromatic once and it irritated my face, but I'd like to give that one another try. My passion is for straights and when I'm in a big hurry I use a DE (because I know better than to rush with a SE), so SEs don't get used very often but I appreciate them as quality instruments. Someone here described them as a "straight on a stick" and I think that's a good description. The SE is set to be used at a steep angle and and when used properly they do a great job.