so, i've enjoyed a bunch of vintage gillettes and merks, but thanks to D.Irving, i decided to try a GEM. i found a decent 1912 on ebay for $5 and it arrived yesterday.
first of all, i couldn't believe how well it cleaned up. it looks phenomenal and took very little effort. for something this old. either i got very lucky or the plating on these things is incredibly thick and durable.
anyway, i lathered up with my floris JF cream and my B&B limited brush. adjusting to my best attempt at the proper angle, i began with light short downward strokes. the "blade cutting whiskers" sound was incredibly prominent followed by a metalic schwiiing sound like a knife being sharpened. the first WTG pass was effortless and when i rinsed off, i was completely presentable. i could have stopped and gone on to work right there.
another WTG pass and a half ATG pass under my chin and i had my first excellent GEM shave. no muss, no fuss, no drama. one little weeper on my chin where i was a bit clumsy, but that's all.
i see now why the GEM has such a passionate fanbase. they're different and a bit scary looking but they really are the sweetness.
i'm looking forward to tomorrow's shave when i have more time and can really see what this razor can do. big thumbs up on this model
a few pics for the interested.....
first of all, i couldn't believe how well it cleaned up. it looks phenomenal and took very little effort. for something this old. either i got very lucky or the plating on these things is incredibly thick and durable.
anyway, i lathered up with my floris JF cream and my B&B limited brush. adjusting to my best attempt at the proper angle, i began with light short downward strokes. the "blade cutting whiskers" sound was incredibly prominent followed by a metalic schwiiing sound like a knife being sharpened. the first WTG pass was effortless and when i rinsed off, i was completely presentable. i could have stopped and gone on to work right there.
another WTG pass and a half ATG pass under my chin and i had my first excellent GEM shave. no muss, no fuss, no drama. one little weeper on my chin where i was a bit clumsy, but that's all.
i see now why the GEM has such a passionate fanbase. they're different and a bit scary looking but they really are the sweetness.
i'm looking forward to tomorrow's shave when i have more time and can really see what this razor can do. big thumbs up on this model
a few pics for the interested.....