First single edge shave

[gmgaj]

Today was my first SE shave using a Gem 1912 style with a gem personna blade from walgreens. What a super little razor! The shaving angle is very intuitive, and it shaved my lower neck area with very minimal irritation. The only real problem area was under my nose. I normally have problems under my chin ATG, but the gem went right through it.


I also have a similar Gem Jr to try tomorrow. The interesting part is that the Jr model has the same head, but a longer handle and is heavier than the regular.

 

[Niles]

Glad you like the 1912. I've had one for a little while and I'm starting to get used to it.

 

[cryhavoc]

The 1912 is my favorite SE!

 

[DunEdinRanger]

If you loved the 1912 you should try the Damskeene. Oh, and then the MicroMatics.

 

[gmgaj]

I have a MMOC on the way, but haven't tried it yet. Can't wait to try it out.

What exactly is the difference between the Gem and the Gem JR? Is it possible that the handles are on the wrong razor? My junior has a long, heavy handle on it compared to the regular.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

I have a MMOC on the way, but haven't tried it yet. Can't wait to try it out.

What exactly is the difference between the Gem and the Gem JR? Is it possible that the handles are on the wrong razor? My junior has a long, heavy handle on it compared to the regular.

I've never been able to determine why ASR called some of the 1912 razors Juniors. It looks like Junior was used first on the 1907 model which was also the first to use a modern style SE blade instead of the wedge blade. Why 20, 30 years later they still stamped some with the Junior designation and others without we'll probably never know.

 

[gmgaj]

Good, I'm glad I wasn't missing something obvious about the Jr. Wouldn't be the first time, though.

I used the Gem Jr this morning and got the same good result. I believe I'm going to have to find blades in a larger package than they have in Walgreens. I need to find blades that are less than 49 cents each if these are going into my rotation. Unless I can get twice the life from the single blades than I do from doubles.

 

[Disburden]

Single edge blades are known for lasting longer. I know some guys on here go 15 shaves with a single blade.

 

[razorx]

Good, I'm glad I wasn't missing something obvious about the Jr. Wouldn't be the first time, though. I used the Gem Jr this morning and got the same good result. I believe I'm going to have to find blades in a larger package than they have in Walgreens. I need to find blades that are less than 49 cents each if these are going into my rotation. Unless I can get twice the life from the single blades than I do from doubles.

200 GEM Coated Stainless Steel Blades Shipped to my home from the UK cost me $36.45 I think that's about 19 cents a blade.I get 14 shaves per blade but even getting half that many shaves is inexpensive.I get SS blades here: http://connaughtshaving.com/gemss.html

 

[pipskicks]

200 GEM Coated Stainless Steel Blades Shipped to my home from the UK cost me $36.45 I think that's about 19 cents a blade.I get 14 shaves per blade but even getting half that many shaves is inexpensive.I get SS blades here: http://connaughtshaving.com/gemss.html

Well if you buy feathers that's a deal.

 

[gmgaj]

Got the MMOC in, and used it today. Definitely more aggressive. I got a dfs from it, but it just wasn't as pleasant as the Gem. I can't say why, but I definitely like the 1912 much better. I'll come back to it and see if I like it in the future.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Got the MMOC in, and used it today. Definitely more aggressive. I got a dfs from it, but it just wasn't as pleasant as the Gem. I can't say why, but I definitely like the 1912 much better. I'll come back to it and see if I like it in the future.

Maybe stick with the 1912 awhile and then try the Micromatic again in the future, or do the first pass with the Micromatic and then followup passes with the 1912 until you get a feel for it.

 

[razorx]

In my lowly opinion I think the closed combs in the Micromatic family are so much easy to start with than the MMOC or the 1912.

Yes true in some ways,but the 1912 types provide fantastic feedback that IMO is easier to hear and feel than that of anything in the Micromatic family.I believe this contributes to a quicker learning curve.