So I had my first DE shave today, it wasn't bad but not great. I've been looking into schick injectors but with all the different versions and letters I am just beyond confused. Do they even make modern injectors? Like Edwin jagger does for safety razors? What would be a good simple injector razor.
Good injector for a beginner?
- Thread starter Sonofaboyd
- Start date
There are usually some nice Hydro-magic razors on ebay. They are particularly nice shavers.
I don't think injectors are still being made. The last ones I believe were sold in Japan a few years ago. I would just keep an eye out at local flea markets and yard sales and see what turns up.
The only modern injector is the Cobra Classic:
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/6873469.htm
It is expensive and takes Feather Pro blades instead of Schick/Personna injector blades. It's not a true injector since the blades aren't injected but it's the same idea.
There are a bunch of vintage injectors. I'd say any of the Schick injectors should be fair game. I've heard about some issues with Pal adjustable injectors so I'd stay away from those. Personally, I really like my Type G Schick injector; it provides a nice shave but isn't quite as aggressive as the Type E.
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/6873469.htm
It is expensive and takes Feather Pro blades instead of Schick/Personna injector blades. It's not a true injector since the blades aren't injected but it's the same idea.
There are a bunch of vintage injectors. I'd say any of the Schick injectors should be fair game. I've heard about some issues with Pal adjustable injectors so I'd stay away from those. Personally, I really like my Type G Schick injector; it provides a nice shave but isn't quite as aggressive as the Type E.
+1 on the advice on the Pal adjustables! I bought one from BST and it's the worst razor i've ever used. Doesn't cut anything, regardless of the setting.
The Japanese one mentioned above is nice looking, but I can't find one anywhere in Japan..... blades are for sale but I can't find a razor! Annoys the hell out of me!
I have an L3 that is mild compared to my E3
I have an I2, as well as an E2. I think the newer models are generally "less aggressive". The I2 hydromagic seems to be pretty well rated.
You'll hear it over and over, "It's like cheating to get a good shave using an Injector!"
All razors benefit from the recommended preparation and procedures with good creams and shaving soaps, but Injectors just work like magic. They shave closely with minimal effort. The G's and I's shave very similarly, and my own E model is essentially the same, to me. It is my understanding that after the J's, or perhaps while the J's were in production, minor changes to the head design resulted in a milder razor thereafter. I cannot confirm it.
Whatever it is that sets it apart, I enjoy using the I-model Hydromagic the best of the four that I have.
All razors benefit from the recommended preparation and procedures with good creams and shaving soaps, but Injectors just work like magic. They shave closely with minimal effort. The G's and I's shave very similarly, and my own E model is essentially the same, to me. It is my understanding that after the J's, or perhaps while the J's were in production, minor changes to the head design resulted in a milder razor thereafter. I cannot confirm it.
Whatever it is that sets it apart, I enjoy using the I-model Hydromagic the best of the four that I have.
With injectors, it's really personal preference. There are many different styles of vintage Schicks, but they are all pretty close in head design. The difference between many of them is just the handle design. I do like the older styles (Type E & G) with the smaller handles a bit better. But the shave from all of them is pretty similar. I don't think you can go wrong trying any of them out. The Hydro Magic is nice an easy to clean, but you can find others cheaper.
Here are some of mine:
Here are some of mine:
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I prefer my schick dial adjustable among the 4 that I keep. My experience with the PAL was not that great, but I picked up another one recently in hopes that it will behave differently. My suggestion is to NOT start with a PAL.
Hope it helps,
-- Chet
Hope it helps,
-- Chet
It seems to me there were non-adjustable Personna handles for injector blades that worked as well as the real thing did; it was when it stopped being a Personna and became a Pal that the results became less certain.
I have looked on eBay and a few 'net places for images of this "other" Injector, and only the Gillette clone looked a bit familiar . . after 50 years, though, things that far back really get vague.
I have looked on eBay and a few 'net places for images of this "other" Injector, and only the Gillette clone looked a bit familiar . . after 50 years, though, things that far back really get vague.
I have a Personna injector, but it is still fresh from the antique store and hasn't been cleaned up for me to use yet.
Remember Alex's admonition, it didn't happen without the pictures.
My vote goes to the L type.
I2 Hydro-Magic!!!
For the win!
I've got an I2 Hydromagic, and between that and my Personna (non-adjustable), I think I like the Personna better for some reason. Just seems a smoother shave.
