GEM 1912 Jr Angle

[Blooze]

I tried my first shave with my newly aquired Gem Jr.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=151127

and had a few problems, noticeably major razor burn on my neck and lightly on one cheek. I believe a lot of the problem was using the wrong angle with pressure, maybe too steep (blade parallel to skin)? I've scoured the forums and there seems to be all sort of conflicting suggestions on "proper angle". Some say just off of flat with the rear of the head barely off the skin (wear the blade is just starting to cut) and others say more like this pic for the Ever-ready

or this old intruction sheet for the 1912

.

Any suggestions for this newbie would be greatly appreciated, as I really would like to use this razor more than once a week

 

[Shave Cat]

Too many guys make too big a deal about blade angle. Personally, I use the most shallow angle that cuts comfortably. For me, that's with the head just off my skin. How much is just off? You'll have to do some experimenting. For SE shaving, a slippery lather and NO PRESSURE is important. IMHO, the Gem blades from Walgreens should work fine.

 

[D.Irving79]

those are directions for a 1924 ever ready on the top. thats a pretty funky SE razor for a lot of people, so you might wanna give that a read if/when you pick one up.

as far as the 1912, +1 to what clarke said. lay the head flat on your face and lift off until the angle feels right.

 

[dcrosso]

I use a nickel plated 1912 GEM razor and Ted Pella blades

(1) Prep your face well. Use hot water and wash your face with a good soap

(2) Use the hot wash cloth to soften and steam the beard.

(3) Prepare a proper cream lather made with your choice of shaving soap or cream

(4) Apply the prepared shave soap/cream to the face

(5) Remember, use no pressure and go slowly. Let the weight of the razor and blade cut the beard.

(6) To start the SE shave find the correct angle by taking short strokes (1/2 inch to one inch strokes) on a flat of your face. Listen for the cutting sound/singing of the blade. Once you hear the distinctive sound you have found the optimum cutting angle for the SE razor.

(7) Try to maintain the cutting sound over all the surfaces of your face.

(8) Flat surfaces shave easier and once you perfect the correct angle/sound you can take longer strokes on the relatively flat areas of your face.

(9) Slow down, take shorter strokes when shaving the rounded areas. (chin, mouth and upper lip)

(10) Continue the 2 or 3 pass shave until you do not hear the blade singing. When you do not hear the blade as it cuts the beard, the beard has been reduced for a BBS shave.

(11) Because the SE razors/blades generally shave closer then DE's, make sure you use effective after shave products. (Alum block, Witch Hazel, aftershave or a balm.) I use a Alum block, aftershave of choice and Vaseline face and body lotion.

Much of the above can also apply to DE razor shaves, but the SE's are particularly sensitive to pressure and angle.

I hope this helps someone just starting out with a SE. I am no expert, but I think I'm getting great shaves without any weepers, nicks or blade rash. When I first started, it took me about a week of shaving with the 1912 to get it right.

 

[onotoman]

I just replated a half dozen Ever-Ready and Gems - early ones and decided to give one a go this morning, I have to admit that I didn't give technique much thought and just went for it (gently though, no pressure). It may have been luck but for never using one of these before, I got a great shave without any discomfort - they are great razors.

 

[Blooze]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll probably try to give it go again tomorrow morning as I have the day off and can really take my time.

 

[Dave Deluxe]

It seems for the 1912 model, about a 5-10% angle off the face is about optimum. If you are new to it, go slow at first with less angle (the head being closer to being flat against your face). As you get more comfortable with it increase the angle until you are in the optimum range.

One other important thing is to check to see that the blade is "seated" properly. Be sure to use light pressure, especially around moles, or any other facial bumps you might not want sheared off.

That's about it, before you know it, you'll be getting the best shave of your life and it is likely the 1912 will become your favorite razor. . . . It's my favorite.

DD

 

[aimsport]

I found that the most shallow angle that will still cut is the best. Try it. You will love it.

 

[Blooze]

Retried the Jr. this morning with better results. Just slight discomfort on my right cheek a bit that some Thayers took care of, but that one was where I was trying to get the angle down, so it got a little more abuse. Did a two pass WTG and a little cleanup and it's closer than I get with my disposables for sure. I'm hoping with some practice it will only get better.

Thanks again for all the advice and encouragement.

 

[Jaymo]

Once you get used to shaving with that Gem, you'll wonder why in the world they quit making them. With a good blade, they give unbelievably close, comfortable shaves. I love mine.