Dancin' with Who Brung Me

[1OldGI]

Recently I've been on a bit of a Micromatic kick. My 1912's are unquestionably fantastic shaves but the understated Micromatic was my first traditional shaving tool. At one point, it seemed the 1912's would rule the roost but after the last couple weeks I'm just not sure that will be the case. I'd have to say it's a dead heat. Both great shaves but they have a very different feel to them and depending on the kind of feel I'm looking for I'll either reach for one of the 1912's or one of the Micromatics.

The Micromatic has a very hefty feel to it. I would imagine very similar to a large wedge straight razor. The 1912's on the other hand have a bit less weight and are a bit more agile (straight razor guys, think of a 5/8's hollow ground). I can't say which of the two I will use tomorrow but I can say with a rotation including both, I seem to have all the bases covered...at least until I can score a lather catcher

 

[pablo_h]

I've just added a 1929/30 micromatic to my den to jostle for position with the 1914, 1924, and 7x 1912s I have.
I'm looking forward to giving the new guy a chance soon.

I don't know about it being heavier than the other GEMS though, my 1912 roman column razor is almost the same weight, it has a small but very thick/heavy handle.
My extended ornate late model british 1912 style that came in a set with a stropper is heavier than my micromatic too.

 

[pablo_h]

I just realised, was the GEM micromatic the worlds first TTO?
Even if it's not, it's a very impressive pice of engineering, but it would be even better if it was the first.
Gillette = made something, kept playing with it to sell more or improve it.
GEM = made stuff right the first time, kept making it for decades.

 

[82R100]

I'll agree with you in the function and feel department. I'm very impressed with the Gems. In terms of visual sex appeal, I'm afraid the folks at Gillette really knew their stuff.

For all the years that the Micromatic was in production, it didn't vary much stylistically and they didn't seem to do special prestige models.

- Chris

 

[MrGuy]

Recently I've been on a bit of a Micromatic kick. My 1912's are unquestionably fantastic shaves but the understated Micromatic was my first traditional shaving tool. At one point, it seemed the 1912's would rule the roost but after the last couple weeks I'm just not sure that will be the case. I'd have to say it's a dead heat. Both great shaves but they have a very different feel to them and depending on the kind of feel I'm looking for I'll either reach for one of the 1912's or one of the Micromatics.

The Micromatic has a very hefty feel to it. I would imagine very similar to a large wedge straight razor. The 1912's on the other hand have a bit less weight and are a bit more agile (straight razor guys, think of a 5/8's hollow ground). I can't say which of the two I will use tomorrow but I can say with a rotation including both, I seem to have all the bases covered...at least until I can score a lather catcher

I've told ya' before, I always tend to stick with the heft of the Micromatics.
I think the heftier head parts make for a heavier feel compared to a 1912. The MM's definitely feel heavier during the shave, they give me a more "satisfying" shave experience. They sound better too