Gem Razor

[mjsanta83]

Found a Gem Razor a few days ago at an antique shop. Looks to be in good shape and appears to have unopened blades in the box.

Not very familiar with these as I use double edge razors, but I figured I would rescue it and maybe give it a try.

Any way to date this? Where can I get blades, or should I just snap double edge blades in half?

 

[Tanuki]

I still see Gem blades hanging on pegs in drugstores. Connaught in the UK is a popular spot for trays of 100. The PTFE coated stainless blades are the usual standard for shaving.

That is a 1912 head. They were produced for decades. Check out the various Gem threads for the many models. Micromatic Monday is a SOTD thread for all ASR Gem blade razors, not just Micromatic TTOs.

 

[Psychtec]

Take the advice from knowledgeable others to use the modern PTFE blades designed to be used with this razor. Any SE user will tell you there are few GEM blades to use, and the GEM PTFE’s are the most used and the most recommended. With my 1912’s, using those blades I get 3-4 good shaves. Others get more.

This is one of the go to SE razors recommended for those new to vintage SE shaving. Just know the shaving angle is different than DE’s. For SE’s, place the razor flat on the skin, then lift it a little until you feel hair being cut. Maintain that angle throughout your shave. The angle it built into the razor. Use very little pressure.

Share your first shave if you make the decision to try this razor out.