Gem Micromatic Bullet tip first try

[niko_p]

Gents

Purchased my first SE razor this week as per the title ! Desperate to give it a go..

Having even a DE shaver for 7 years now.. Is the learning curve shallow enough to allow me to give it a spin as part of the daily ritual before work tomorrow morning OR is this a Sunday morning all the time in the world affair?

Also - any one know how to use the "guiding eye" ?

Thank you!!

Niko

 

[warhawk]

Hi Niko: I think vintage SE razors are easier to learn compared to DE razors. Of course do a good face prep prior and keep the head flat against the area being shaved. Good luck and post some pics of your SE.

WARHAWK

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[JerYnkFan]

I agree with Warhawk that SEs are much easier to learn to use as they aren't as dependent on angle as DEs and much more intuitive. I've got the Bullet Tip as well and find no use for the guiding eye. I read somewhere that it was probably just a marketing gimmick.

 

[DrumZalot]

According to the manufacturer you are supposed to lay the "guiding eye" flat against your face and begin to shave. It's a way for you to keep the razor's head flat against your face. Ironically, the older Bullet Tip models didn't have a "guiding eye" here is a picture of mine (without the guiding eye). The Bullet Tip is (in my opinion) the smoothest of the Micromatic series.

 

[santamariasteve]

The Micromatic Flying Wing aka the Bullet Tip will be an enjoyable razor for you if you have mild whiskers.

There are three Gem Micromatics:

The Open Comb is the most aggressive. It was made 1929 to 1949.

The Clog Pruf is a favorite of many "middle of the road" SE users. It has medium aggression and it was made 1941-1949.

The Flying Wing aka the Bullet Tip has the least aggression and it is best for mild whiskers. If you have tough whiskers it may not be the best Micromatic for you. It had a short production run: 1947-1948.

Mated with the proper coarseness of whisker, the Gem Micromatic line are excellent, attractive, and well made durable razors that will outlast anyone reading this post. I have and I use all three Micromatics, though my favorite is the Clog Pruf.

Let us know how your Micromatic shaves after a week of getting acquainted. As with most razors and with most faces, you will probably need 3 pasess: N to S, XTG, and S to N. Under the nose will be the biggest challenge, requiring sideways (or semi-sideways) XTG on all passes.

The "Guiding Eye" is a meaningless advertising gimmick, that I suppose was thought up to aid the complete novice who didn't know which end of the razor to apply to his face.

 

[niko_p]

Thanks for advice guys! What an incredible tool the Micromatic is!

I was done in 2 passes this morning without a single weeper or spot of irritation - more than can be said for my DE. I found the angle really easy to master - especially on my neck when going upwards which I thought would be the tricky bit.

I can't understand why these razors don't have more of a following - they have all of the appeal of a classic shaving tool and seem to get the job done more efficiently than my 34C...

Niko

 

[DrumZalot]

Excellent news Niko! I'd like to recommend a 1912 model (there are variations of this model but are essentially the same). It is a great all around SE razor. Welcome to the world of the single edge razor!

 

[niko_p]

Thanks pal - 1912 vs the flying wing... An even closer shave? I'm hitting up eBay now!