I've been scouring through the thrift stores and antiques shops locally for a year or so, and I always see the Gems in there. I know of some really nice ones in a few of the shops, but never really was inclined to try out a single edge. Lately I've been considering trying one out, but info on them is more scarce than the Gillettes. So I thought I'd ask here for a few quick tips on what I should and shouldn't look for in picking one. Any pointers that you all can give me? The ones I've seen range from around $12-$30.
Gems... what should I know about them to pick the right one?
- Thread starter dustinm
- Start date
The best shave I've ever had was with a GEM 1912. Triple pass with no touch ups required. Total BBS. Compared to the popular and collectable Gillettes they are very cheap. I'm looking at getting the whole set of GEM over time. At the moment I've got a 1912, a Junior (with the fat bakelite handle), a mint in box gold Micromatic and a couple of the more modern push buttons. I'd look for a good condition 1912 as a good starting point. Just give a good look over. If it looks in good condition with little or no plate loss then give it a go. As I said, they are well priced so you don't need to buy one that isn't in good condition.
I second the recommendation for a Gem 1912. At this point, the only one I would avoid is the Open Comb Micromatic. It's the most aggressive of the Gems, and not the Gem you should start out with, unless you like to rip your face up.
All kidding aside, the OC Micromatic is a great razor, but it requires great care to use; no speed shaving, and no sleep shaving either.
+ one on the above recommendations. As far as the prices you mentioned, [thread=127684]check this out[/thread]. IMO the GEM would be a nice one to start with. I have no connection to the seller, but I do have this type of razor and have no hesitation recommending it to you.
Good luck,
jim
Redbike, that was a very gracious referral. The Micromatic/"Clog pruf" was the first Gem I tried and it sucked me right in. But as noted above the 1912 head is equally amazing, though a completely different design. Dustin, do some searches on B&B to get an idea of what the 1912 head looks like and go from there. Here's a start
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=115023&highlight=1912
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=115023&highlight=1912
Actually the 1912 is my least favorite of the GEM/Ever-Ready razors. I have not been able to get as good a shave with it as with my other GEM razors. My Clog-Pruf is in my current rotation, and it competes with my "bulls-eye" Micromatic for favorite status. So I typically recommend those razors for those wanting to try out a SE.
I highly recommend the 1912. In my opinion, the shave that it provides is only surpassed by it's predecessor, the 1900/1901 patent, Gem Jr. Bar Razor.
I've been wet shaving since the early 50's and I've tried many different razors, but I feel that the high point in razor design was reached about 110 years ago with the Gem Jr. Bar. Use it with a good blade such as the "Gem by Personna" PTFE coated stainless blades and I wouldn't be surprised if you get hooked.
Regards,
Tom
I've been wet shaving since the early 50's and I've tried many different razors, but I feel that the high point in razor design was reached about 110 years ago with the Gem Jr. Bar. Use it with a good blade such as the "Gem by Personna" PTFE coated stainless blades and I wouldn't be surprised if you get hooked.
Regards,
Tom
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I agree that the GEM 1912 give a fine shave. That said though, I have not tried any of the other GEMs to compare with it. One tip, SE is not DE and the angle etc. is slightly different, so just take your time.
As with DE, blades are important, try a few and see what works for you.
As with DE, blades are important, try a few and see what works for you.
I have 3 Gems. 2 open comb 1912 and a closed comb clog proof Micromatic TTO. Pat 1739280-1773614. Used it yesterday for 1st time. I hate to admit it, and all apologies to Gillette, but I got the best or very near best shave I have ever received in over a year of WS. I am very new to Gem and am dragging my feet because I love my Gillettes, but the shaves are great and the razors look good too.
If you do not need an aggressive blade get this clog proof . You may love it.
If you do not need an aggressive blade get this clog proof . You may love it.
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- Thread starter
- #10
Thanks for all the replies. It's raining like crazy today, but I might try to get out to some of the stores and see what models those razors were for what prices. I'm gonna keep yours in mind, Darjeeling Express, in case all the prices locally are too high. I want to look around locally first though, in hopes of encouraging these people to look for more razors to stock in their stores.
Another +1 on the 1912. They give a fine shave.
DL
DL
Very occasionally you'll find one with a broken or missing blade stop. The blade stops are located at either end of the comb/bar and serve to position the cutting edge of the blade. The very ends of the cutting edge (at the corners of blade) actually rest under or against these stops.
To be clear, the razor should be symmetrical. If you see something on one side that's not on the other side of the razor head that is a problem.
- Chris
To be clear, the razor should be symmetrical. If you see something on one side that's not on the other side of the razor head that is a problem.
- Chris
I am going to recommend a GEM Featherweight. I am waiting for mine to arrive after I nabbed it off the bay for $3. I have come across quite a few reviews for the featherweight and they where all great. Never heard a single bad word about the featherweight, whereas people often complain about the micromatic or others trying to take their face off. I will let ya'll know how the featherweight actually works for me after I get it.
Here are 7 reviews for the featherweight.
Here are 7 reviews for the featherweight.
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I would also recommend the 1912. The other GEMs are different and, better or worse, they don't give quite the same shaving experience as the 1912s, which is what most people with an opinion recommend.
That said, I think the biggest factor is the SE blade and the type of SE razor is a secondary, but still a noticeable, factor.
That said, I think the biggest factor is the SE blade and the type of SE razor is a secondary, but still a noticeable, factor.
Get the 1912 gem.@its the best performing safety razor I have ever used, hands down.
