First shave with a Gem, Part 2

[Oldguy]

Two days ago I used the Gem Micromatic razor, my first shave with a Gem. I received the Gem 1912 today, shaved with it, and was able to compare it to the Micromatic. First the comparison of the two razors, mechanically. The Micromatic is an open comb design. It is TTO and has a little nub that aligns the blade horizontally. The 1912 has a spring loaded cap which opens by pressing down with your thumb. The spring is pretty strong. There is no chance the cap will open. Both razors have stops which fix the blade to the guard. The 1912 has a strange comb which is actually open to your face but curls down and is closed. This keeps the comb teeth always aligned. I also marveled at how shiny the chrome, or nickel, plated head was for it's age.

Here's the 1912

View attachment 64368

Now to the shave.
The 1912 is clearly less aggressive then the Micromatic. But it is more aggressive then the '40's Super Speed, the '34 Aristocrat or the New. I find it less aggressive then the New Improved head.
The sound of the 1912 is different from the Micromatic. It has a slightly higher pitch, when cutting, like maybe the head has less damping versus the Micromatic with it's thicker comb teeth.
I find the 1912 gives a wonderful, close and smooth shave. I found that two passes were fine with only a light buff at the end. It will not replace my Gillette's but it certainly has found a place in my rotation.

Len

 

[michiganlover]

It's awesome to hear you had a good experience with the Gem 1912.

I honestly think the Gems perform better than my DE razors, but I like variety, so I use a little bit of everything.

I have 6 Gems, and have found the Open Comb Micromatic to be the most aggressive of them.

 

[Uncle Shakey]

I have three Gems. I have to admit that they really shave great. There is a temptation to use them only but I love my DEs too. Like you said I will keep them in my rotation.

 

[pal]

What brand of razor blade did you use? Where is a good place to find them?

 

[Oldguy]

What brand of razor blade did you use? Where is a good place to find them?

I bought a 10 pack of Gem stainless steel blades at Walgreen's for $5.29.

Len

 

[pal]

I bought a 10 pack of Gem stainless steel blades at Walgreen's for $5.29.

Len

Thanks Len. I just bought two Gem Micromatics and am raring to try them out.

 

[llancaster04]

You should try the Pella SE blades. Phil at BullgooseShaving.com sells them for $1.25 for and they are IMO a lot sharper than the ones you get at either Walgreens or CVS. I have three 1912s, one of which was a $1.00 flea market find. They are not going to replace my FatBoy, but they definately give you a great shave and have a permanent home in my rotation.

Do you guys have an opinion as to which is better the 1912 or the Micromatic?

 

[Oldguy]

You should try the Pella SE blades. Phil at BullgooseShaving.com sells them for $1.25 for and they are IMO a lot sharper than the ones you get at either Walgreens or CVS. I have three 1912s, one of which was a $1.00 flea market find. They are not going to replace my FatBoy, but they definately give you a great shave and have a permanent home in my rotation.

Do you guys have an opinion as to which is better the 1912 or the Micromatic?

Thanks for the tip on the blades. As far as the Micromatic versus the 1912, it's the 1912 hands down. I found the Micromatic was too aggressive for my taste. Even though I didn't cut myself or get any irritation, I just wasn't comfortable shaving with it. I didn't enjoy the shave.

Len

 

[tom myers]

Please note that not all Micromatics are the same. There were noticeable differences over the years. That said, for my personal taste, I would much prefer the 1912 over any of the Micromatics. My real preference, however, is for the predecessor to the 1912, the "lather catcher" style, bar razor. My go-to razor is this old design first patented in 1900/1901.

As far as the blades, I am currently using the coated, stainless Gem blades sold by Ted Pella, but I really feel that the "Gem by Personna" coated stainless blades usually available at Walgreens are the very same blades as the ones from Pella. The blades are incrementally less expensive from Ted Pella, but you have to buy them in lots of 200 which is something of a pain in the . . . wallet, and they do insist that they be shipped "signature upon delivery" which is a little unhandy for some folks. The other advantage for some people to the "Gem by Personna" is that they come in a dispensor pack with a built in used blade bank, whereas the blades from Pella come bulk packed in two trays of 100 each with a cardboard wrap to protect each blade. (Some would say this is the "greener" method of packaging however).

Regards,
Tom