Compare and contrast DE and SE razors.

[jhe888]

I have never used a SE razor. I presume the differences are more related to the very different natures of the razors, as opposed to the blades themselves, but I don't really know.

What are the differences, and why do people prefer one to the other?

 

[tinashubby]

I'm keeping an eye on this thread as well, my first SE should be here any day. Not too sure about blade angle...

 

[JLuger]

Also watching. I picked up a Christie SE in a lot of other shaving stuff I picked up that had some straights in it. No idea what to do with the thing.

 

[dcobranchi]

A SE is very different from a DE. Louder, for sure. The angle on an SE blade is very low, much lower than for a DE. The SE blades, to me, seem sharper and longer lasting. But, just like in moving from a cart to DE, there is a learning curve.

One big advantage to SE shaving is that the razors are not nearly as popular as DE, so prices are very reasonable, even on the 'Bay. And I think some of the early early SE razors are way prettier than anything Gillette ever made. True works of art. For instance: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ather-Catcher-1900-1901-with-two-wedge-blades or my own old GEM Jr. bar: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/291589-GEM-Jr-(Damaskeene-)-question-(with-pics)

The downside to SE shaving is that there's not really much of a selection of blades.

Why not pick up an OCMM or a Clog Pruf on the B/S/T and give it a shot?

 

[sychodelix]

Blade angle is completely different. Very close, nearly touching the face, more similar to a straight razor angle. The blades are thicker, and last longer, and IMHO some SEs shave much closer due to blade exposure.

 

[celestino]

A SE is very different from a DE. Louder, for sure. The angle on an SE blade is very low, much lower than for a DE. The SE blades, to me, seem sharper and longer lasting. But, just like in moving from a cart to DE, there is a learning curve.

One big advantage to SE shaving is that the razors are not nearly as popular as DE, so prices are very reasonable, even on the 'Bay. And I think some of the early early SE razors are way prettier than anything Gillette ever made. True works of art. For instance: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ather-Catcher-1900-1901-with-two-wedge-blades or my own old GEM Jr. bar: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/291589-GEM-Jr-%28Damaskeene-%29-question-%28with-pics%29

The downside to SE shaving is that there's not really much of a selection of blades.

Why not pick up an OCMM or a Clog Pruf on the B/S/T and give it a shot?

+1 Unfortunately for me i could not get on with the blades. i loved the razors, but not the blades. Very limited selection.

 

[tacchini]

picked up an old ever ready se with an aristocrat jr, usually i sell on the few se razors i come across, but i realy like the look of this one, it is mint after a clean and polish and i might keep it, does anyone know if you can get the blades for it in uk, there is an old ever ready blade with it, but not useable.

 

[dcobranchi]

does anyone know if you can get the blades for it in uk

http://connaughtshaving.com/gemss.html

 

[duokun]

View attachment 270433picked up an old ever ready se with an aristocrat jr, usually i sell on the few se razors i come across, but i realy like the look of this one, it is mint after a clean and polish and i might keep it, does anyone know if you can get the blades for it in uk, there is an old ever ready blade with it, but not useable.

that is a beauty! i think you will like it. its become my favorite razor. there is a bit of a learning curve, but afterwards, best shaves ever.

 

[ackvil]

I like them both. Unlike others, my SE blades (GEM PTFE) don't last quite as long as my Lords or Personna Med or Lab Blades - but only one shave less.

As others have said, the angle is different. The blades are stiffer than DE blades. You hear a SE far more than a DE. However, a DE for me provides a somewhat smoother shave.

 

[fcdiscus]

Only REAL men use SE razors!

 

[Storsven]

I started somewhat seriously with DE razors, soaps and brushes about a year ago, after decades of various double, triple whatever disposables and gel in cans Enjoyed a (far too rapidly) growing collection of all kinds of mostly vintage Gillette razors and some new razors. Liked most of them even if i my birth year fatboy is highly overrated regardless of what blade I put in. A couple of months ago I bought a GEM 1912 (damaskeene) on eBay for a few dollars because it was so cute. It sat around for a while until I decided to get some blades just try it. I was blown away! Love it. I just works for me. I never get any weepers, all of my face is still there when I'm done, no razor burn, nice and smooth every time. I quickly bought a few different single blade razors, micromatic, Schick etc. but I keep returning to 1912. Get some blades and try it. My favorite soap right now pre de provence whipped in a preheated stoneware bowl.

 

[Marcos1]

I only have one DE and a Cobra Classic which is a type of SE I guess. To me the Cobra is easier to shave with due to the blade angle. I always felt it a bit awkward in holding my DE with the handle so far away from my face it seemed to get the perfect blade angle for it. I am also more comfortable with the Cobra in tight places as well. It may have a wider head due to the size of the Artist Club blades, but the front to back dimension is much narrower allowing for more comfortable passes on areas like under the nose. I do love both though and will continue to use both for the variety.

 

[California Cajun]

The way a SE was described to me was as a straight razor with a stick. The blade is at a severe angle and you pretty much adapt to that, wheras with a DE razor you pick the angle you want to shave.

I find that I have to be more careful with a SE razor than with a DE razor, but I do enjoy shaving with one. Pick a day you are not rushed to use the SE.

 

[tacchini]

http://connaughtshaving.com/gemss.html

thanks, i will need to give it a try, i have seen the gem se razors, are they the us version of ever ready, some of them look identical, just differant name on razor.

 

[Haiku]

Generally speaking, once a person tries an SE, they won't want to turn back.

Among the very best of the bunch are the GEM 1912's. They cost next to nothing and paired with a GEM coated blade, they give some of the best shaves you'll ever have.

If you want to know more, go to the Single Edge page. Lots of posts about SE razors.

 

[Dharuma]

For me there was no comparison. I tried a SS, a Senator, a Merkur 180, and finally came to a 1981 SA. Every time I thought I was getting it, I hacked my face up the next round. I got rid of everything except the Senator (it was my great-grandfather's) and the SA. I bought an Eversharp Hydro-Magic and immediately loved it. It somehow felt like it shaved smoother with less drama. Needless to say, I'm sold on SE. I do want to try my great-grandfathers Valet soon, though.

 

[Storsven]

I bought a valet a couple of weeks but I can't make friends with it. Love the look and the but I can't shave w it. The GEM 1912 (Ever-ready) was love at first shave.

 

[Snargle]

thanks, i will need to give it a try, i have seen the gem se razors, are they the us version of ever ready, some of them look identical, just differant name on razor.

Gem and Ever-Ready SE razors are, for the most part, identical and were manufactured by the same company (American Safety Razor Co., which was a merger of Gem and Ever-Ready).

 

[Niles]

I was a late-comer to SE razors. But I now have two (an Injector and an Ever-Ready 1912). Others have done a good job of describing the differences, so I'll just say that I love using both.