Gem Contour II Comparison Pictures

[Sledgehammer39]

I got this GEM Contour II on the bay a few weeks ago. Anyway, there really was not much information, on the last SE razor produced buy ASR/GEM. As can be seen, the package included 5 blades which are vydax coated not sure what that is. There is no mention of the vydax coating on current GEM blades or even 10 year old blades. I took some comparison shots of the Contour II, GEM Featherweight, and G-Bar. I had heard that the final production Contour's had a slightly weaker spring for holding the SE blade. Upon examining the Contour II I can see that ASR did take some steps in cheaping out the flip mechanism. It seems not to have the snap that my Featherweight or G-Bar has. How long this flip mechanism will last is anyones guess. Also you can see the bracket which is attached to the metal head is plastic, the featherweight and G-Bar do not have that, they are metal which I think increases it's structural integrity. I like the length of the Contour's handle. Please see pics below.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Here are somemore pictures of the GEM razors.

 

[Slivovitz]

I got this GEM Contour II on the bay a few weeks ago.

I think that's one I was watching. Considered bidding on it if there were no other bids, but after seeing a couple of other bids, I decided my used one would be good enough for me.

Also you can see the bracket which is attached to the metal head is plastic, the featherweight and G-Bar do not have that, they are metal which I think increases it's structural integrity. I like the length of the Contour's handle. Please see pics below.

On mine, the bracket is metal. Maybe they changed that right before the end. I've used mine only for the life of one blade, but it shaved quite well. I'll probably shave with it now and again, although it won't be one of my favorites.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

I think that's one I was watching. Considered bidding on it if there were no other bids, but after seeing a couple of other bids, I decided my used one would be good enough for me.

On mine, the bracket is metal. Maybe they changed that right before the end. I've used mine only for the life of one blade, but it shaved quite well. I'll probably shave with it now and again, although it won't be one of my favorites.

Hey Slivovitz, I'm adding another picture to show you the plastic being secured to the metal head by rivets.

 

[odbonsv]

which one of the three do you like the best? thinking about pulling the trigger on one myself!

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Actually I have not tried the Contour II yet . I am gonna evaluate it for week and post my thoughts. However, I looked at the head and loaded an old blade in all three heads. There is more blade exposure on the Featherweight and G-Bar than the Contour II. I am suspecting that this is an even milder shaver than the other two. My fav so far is the 1912, and MM Clog-Pruf, and Featherweight. I would suggest the 1912 model to ease you into SE razors.

 

[odbonsv]

thanks for the help

 

[BigFoot]

I only have a MicroMatic. Just showed up yesterday. I might have to get some blades and give it a try. No plastic on it, except the case.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

I only have a MicroMatic. Just showed up yesterday. I might have to get some blades and give it a try. No plastic on it, except the case.

Good Stuff. The Micro-Matics are all metal. Which MM did you get?

 

[garyg]

Interesting on the Contour II - I found one recently as well, albeit in a "hard case" with the same instructions on a card in the back of the case. It still had the cardboard blade blank installed, with the plastic bracket also. You're right, it doesn't inspire admiration of the quality like a good Micromatic.

 

[Slivovitz]

A few more pictures. These show a slightly different version of the Contour II, where the bracket attached to the head is metal rather than plastic.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

A few more pictures. These show a slightly different version of the Contour II, where the bracket attached to the head is metal rather than plastic.

That model of Contour looks to have a better build quality than mine. I used mine this morning and I gotta say it's a nice mild shaver requiring more passes to get things cleaned up. The featherweight is aggressive compared to the Contour II. I don't think that this model will make it into my rotation. The blades supplied with this model of Contour, is much better than the current GEM blade.