Gem 1912

[cosmo]

Greetings all,
I am a complete newb so excuse my ignorance.

I have a very coarse thick and wiry beard with sensitive skin confounded with ridiculous hair growth patterns (WHY!!!) and very prone to burn and bumps.

3 weeks ago I found this site, put down the mach 3 and the canned goo.
I started with the recommended Merkur HD 34C. I know my experience was definitely skewed with poor technique, but regardless the results were poor. I found myself requiring way too many passes and adjustments to get a close shave leading to mucho burn/irritation.

I moved up to a Merkur slant 37G, the results improved with closer shaves in less passes (WTG, XTG, ATG + adjustments) but still not ideal with irritation.
The improvement was likely due to the slant razor as well as slow gradual improvement in technique.

I have learned through this forum that in addition to mastering technique, the wetshaving experience appears to be in part a trial and error effort and "YMMV" with regards to razors/blades/cream etc. To explore further and feed my rapidly progressing aquisition disorders, I am on the lookout for purchasing Vintage Gillettes (Red tip, and Slim adjustable) as well as the GEM 1912.

Are there any other suggestions on razors? The 1912 seems like it would be a good choice for beards such as mine. How about the GEM micromatic? And is there any difference in the GEM 1912 vs GEM 1912 tuckaway set?

BTW, blades I have been working with include Feather, crystal and Astra.
Kyles prep. Creams/Soaps include Proraso, TOBS Avocado, Mama Bear.
Post shave - Alum block, witch hazel, Nivea Sensitive balm.

Cheers,

 

[Chuakar]

I also have the wire brush beard with wierd growth patterns, and my favorite razor is the 37G.
The blades seem to make all the differance for me. I've been using Derby with good results but not perfect. About a month ago I slipped in a Sharp blade that I got as a sample pack with an order and have not had a nick and very little burn since.
I ordered more to see if it was a fluke and also ordered Shark and Feather blades to try.

What has also helped me was to add another XTG. I do WTG, nose to ear then, ear to nose, then ATG making sure to do the everything same on my neck. The trouble spots are easier to clean up and the irratation goes away or is at least reduced to a minimum.

It seems like a pain to add the extra pass, but it's made things much more pleasant for me so it's certainly worth it. As a matter of fact, since I've started the extra pass I've had a couple unintentional BBS shaves.

As far as the razors go, I have both the 1912 and the Micromatic and they do a good job as do the Gillettes, but I get the best results with my 37G.

Good luck

 

[T Rick]

+1 on adding the 4th pass. Extra passes shouldn't nec. equal extra irritation, as long as you follow the basics (angle, NO pressure, keeping lather where you will go with the razor, don't go back over an area without reapplying the lather). Like it said in a post I learned from, think reduction, not removal. You'll get a bit more each time.

I suspect you'll like the 1912. I like them a lot. Haven't tried the smaller versions yet, but they should shave the same. Biggest difference I could see would be balance/handle length.

The 1912 is a really great razor, and they are cheap and abundant (not uncommon to get them for under $10 shipped and in great shape on the 'Bay if you shop well). I think every Wet Shaver should try one!

 

[82R100]

The 1912 seems like it would be a good choice for beards such as mine. How about the GEM micromatic? And is there any difference in the GEM 1912 vs GEM 1912 tuckaway set?

I believe the 1912 tuckaways tend to have slightly shorter handles, but 1912 handles tend to be pretty short anyway.

I get along very well with my open comb Micromatic. They're available everywhere for very little and are quite durable. I get my most consistently close shaves with the Micromatic. There are some who have problems with them, so their reputation isn't spotless. Those of us who like them like them a lot.

- Chris

 

[valmara1971]

I believe the 1912 tuckaways tend to have slightly shorter handles, but 1912 handles tend to be pretty short anyway.

I get along very well with my open comb Micromatic. They're available everywhere for very little and are quite durable. I get my most consistently close shaves with the Micromatic. There are some who have problems with them, so their reputation isn't spotless. Those of us who like them like them a lot.

- Chris

I tried my Micromatic once and that was enough for me however as ever YMMV

 

[Klopstick]

The standard 1912 (or the Junior) or one of the Ever-Ready versions is worth a try. Good blades are the real key to making these work, as well as getting used to the somewhat different technique needed.

I have yet to try a Micromatic, but they do seem to be trickier for most people, so give the regular 1912 a shot first. They are cheap, readily available, and work like a champ.

 

[BroJohn]

The standard 1912 (or the Junior) or one of the Ever-Ready versions is worth a try. Good blades are the real key to making these work, as well as getting used to the somewhat different technique needed.

I have yet to try a Micromatic, but they do seem to be trickier for most people, so give the regular 1912 a shot first. They are cheap, readily available, and work like a champ.

Good blades *are* key to success with a GEM, that, and a light touch. Prep well. Use short, deliberate, unhurried strokes, and a light delicate touch. You'll be rewarded with a fine, comfortable shave.

-- John Gehman

 

[rodd]

For a starter GEM I would say a 1912 or a G-Bar would be a great way to go.

 

[cosmo]

Thanks everyone!

I will try adding a 4th pass XTG and see if it helps.

And I am in the process of purchasing a GEM 1912 and will report back once I give it a shot.

 

[Jim]

Cosmo,
Congratulations on your fine progress, I would caution you to make changes to your routine much more slowly. You are on your third razor in 3 weeks! multiple blades soaps and creams are also in the mix.If you settle on one razor and blade one soap/cream and use them uninterrupted for 60 days straight- you will progress much faster to shaving Nirvana.

 

[rodd]

Cosmo,
Congratulations on your fine progress, I would caution you to make changes to your routine much more slowly. You are on your third razor in 3 weeks! multiple blades soaps and creams are also in the mix.If you settle on one razor and blade one soap/cream and use them uninterrupted for 60 days straight- you will progress much faster to shaving Nirvana.

but that is so hard to do!

 

[T Rick]

but that is so hard to do!

Agreed. I made it 3 weeks, same razor/blade combo. At that point, I had so many cool razors to try, I could no longer restrain myself. I knew I'd be sacrificing technique progress, but it still comes eventually. In the mean time, having a ball experimenting!

(One advantage I had too, was lather making for over a month first with a Bump Fighter/Twin 2 set up, so soaps/creams/brush were not so much an issue).

Try what you want, but if you get discouraged, do as above and buckle down to one platform for at least a few weeks

 

[cosmo]

Indeed, it has been quite tough to hold back .

I know my progress would be served further by staying the steady course and minimizing variables, but man is it hard.....

I got a fever, and the only prescription is more shaving gear!

 

[John C]

I love all of my GEMs, however the 1912 is the place to start.
The open comb micro matic is an awesome shave, but every time I go to use it I have the great urge to play a Wagnarian Opera (ride of thr Valkieries) on the stero.......
Once more unto the breach.......

 

[MisterA]

I recently bought a nice little gem junior on ebay and it came with original box with instructions and some blades. I initially bought this as a nice little prop to put in my shelf and since I usually shave with a straight razor I hadn't planned on using it, but after seeing it on the shelf every time I shaved I finally decided to try it out. So one day after work I put a razor in the gem and after lathering up I started shaving. Only problem was the blade doesn't seem to get any kind of contact with my face. I tried all different kind of angles, but no luck. It just scrapes off the soap. Not one hair is shaved off. I have even tried using some force, pushing it closer to my chin while I drag it downwards.. What am I doing wrong? Could I have the razor blade placed wrong in the gem? There seems to be only one way to insert it. Any tips?

Here's the Gem:

 

[Disburden]

IF you decided to use a GEM (and you should!) make sure to read my thread on how to grip the razor to avoid burn, cuts, weepers, etc. The way to hold and angle a GEM is completely different than a DE like Gilette or Merkur. I use the Ted Pella blades.


Great pic BTW.

 

[82R100]

Could I have the razor blade placed wrong in the gem? There seems to be only one way to insert it. Any tips?

You do have the corners of the blade seated under the little hooked things, right?

 

[MisterA]

You do have the corners of the blade seated under the little hooked things, right?

Yes, that's why I feel so silly. I even looked at the instructions. He, he..
I tried again today to drag it against my chin from all kinds of angles using all kinds of different grips and pressure but the blade doesn't even touch my beard.. Only the "comb" makes contact.

Maybe I really do need to use only genuine gem blades.. Maybe this is one gem that was meant to stay on my shelf for viewing

 

[Disburden]

Get Ted pella blades, the stainless coated ones, they'll last forever. I can't see anything wrong with the razor so if the blades aren't what the problem is then it must be the angle.

EDIT: Here is an instruction manual for the 1912:

http://theoriginalsafety.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=tv&action=display&thread=5

 

[Disburden]

Also try holding the top of the razor flat to your face and slowly lowering it until the comb and the blade lay on the same plane on your face.