I thought I was set with my DE...

[TripleB]

About a month ago I decided that I had hated shaving long enough (40 years with an electric which brought no enjoyment) and decided to take the plunge into wet shaving. I did my research, posted way too many questions, read hundreds of reviews, asked all my friends, and decided to get a Rockwell 6C and a '67 Gillette Super Speed. Got all my supplies, mapped out my hair growth, and started my wet shaving journey...learning more and more with every shave and every spot of blood.

Then the other day I was minding my own business when an add popped up for a Supply SE. What is this? This isn't a double edge safety razor. Single edge? Well what the heck is that and how in the world did I not come across it in all my research (or maybe I did and didn't realize what I was looking at)?

I obviously started reading up on single edge shaving and it's a whole other world - with razors that have injector blades, half blades, breaking regular blades in half, etc. And then I start looking at how many different models there are: Supply SE, Supply Pro, Leaf Twig, Leaf Thorn, Parker Solo, OneBlade, etc.

Now I'm wondering, if I would have discovered single edge shaving during my initial research, would I have went down that road instead of the double edge shaving path?

What advantages does single edge wet shaving have over double edge wet shaving, specifically for someone new to wet shaving? Do you feel there are drawbacks to a single edge for a newbie to wet shaving? Am I better off just sticking with what I have and possibly exploring single edge shaving in the future at some point?

After some reading it appears that the Supply razors (SE and Pro) and the Leaf razors (Twig and Thorn) are pretty highly regarded by a lot of users. I know they are different blades systems (injector system and half blade), but it seems like both are are geared towards newbies like me (although I've seen more than one review that says the Thorn can be pretty aggressive for newbies).

Can anyone comment on either of these razors (or possibly other SE newbie razors) and how they would compared to the Rockwell 6C or vintage Gillette Super Speed?

Thanks for any help and advice.

TripleB

 

[kingfisher]

Injector blades are thicker and have more structural integrity than DE blades, which makes them easier and probably a little smoother for most, especially beginners. I don't think a half-DE blade razor offers any substantial benefits over a regular DE. But the injector might suit you very well.

 

[EclipseRedRing]

As well as mainly DE razors, I include an Ever Ready SE and Schick Injector, as well a coulle of as Weck razors, for variety which keeps things interesting. Plus there is the challenge of trying to get a good shave with a variety of different vintage tools. That said, the half DE blade razors do not interest me in the least.

 

[Tanuki]

With Gem blade razors, injector razors, and AC blade razors the blades choices are more limited and blade prices are higher. That said, I am a fan of both vintage Schick injectors and vintage ASR Gem blade razors. Good ones can be found in the $10 to $20 range at vintage stores in my area.

Gem Micromatics are a popular choice, plus their blades stops and TTO mechanisms are durable and convenient.

The only half DE razor I use is the Focus Slim shavette. It is a fine razor but shavettes are a far cry from safety razors.

My bottom line is simple: Try to find an inexpensive way to see whether you like the SE blades you choose before spending a lot on modern SE razors.

 

[Whiterook]

Bear in mind that the Supply SE is a mild razor. If this does not appeal then the Pro would be a better choice. The Parker adjustable is an inexpensive way to try injector shaving so do look into that option.

 

[TripleB]

Bear in mind that the Supply SE is a mild razor. If this does not appeal then the Pro would be a better choice. The Parker adjustable is an inexpensive way to try injector shaving so do look into that option.

Thank you for this information!

With their sale going on ($59 SE, $79 Pro), and my wife asking what I would like for Christmas, I was seriously considering one of these in order to try an injector type razor. I believe they have a 100 day return policy so that would give me some time after Christmas to try it to see if it was something I liked. The Pro is adjustable so I could dial it down to the lowest setting in order to get a milder (ie: safer for me) shave. But I don't think it has the 'nick guard' like the SE does...so maybe just to be safe I should be looking at the SE if getting one of the Supply razors.

Does anyone have any experience with either of the Supply injector razors?

Are the Gem Micromatic razors a good choice (in "good", I mean safe) for someone new to wet shaving? Do they make an open comb version and a closed comb version? From what I've read a closed comb is safer (meaning I'm less likely to cut my face).

Thanks to everyone's help and advice. It's interesting to hear about all the possible single edge razor offerings.

TripleB

 

[Whiterook]

Does anyone have any experience with either of the Supply injector razors?

I have both, prefer the Pro. SE is too mild for me.

Are the Gem Micromatic razors a good choice (in "good", I mean safe) for someone new to wet shaving? Do they make an open comb version and a closed comb version? From what I've read a closed comb is safer (meaning I'm less likely to cut my face).

I would start with the "Bullet Tip", which has a solid bar. I think the Micromatic Open Comb is too aggressive for a beginner.

Dave

 

[Quaznoid]

Injector? There’s only one choice: Schick. Pick up an E, G or J, $15-35, on the Web or at an antique shop or flea market near you. Use only Chinese Schick blades in the yellow package. Greatest razors in the world.

 

[abies]

I only have experience with a vintage Schick injector. I liked it, I'd describe it as the closest I've experienced to a hybrid between cartridges and DE blades, in a good way. The Supply looks nice but I might look into vintage Schicks or maybe PAL or adjustable Parker — they're probably better made and cheaper (I think? although the Supply head has the comb so there's that).

I actually thought loading a DE was easier than an injector, for what it's worth, which is one reason I don't use an injector regularly. I did like the shave from the injector though, it felt very efficient and smooth but "safe". I think if I were going to get a SE I'd gravitate toward an AC SE razor, probably because it would load more like a DE, I haven't tried it yet , and I think the head geometry would have something to offer in terms of maneuverability.

 

[The Coffee Bandit]

I don't think you made a mistake starting with DE. You probably would have simply gotten curious and tried DEs eventually anyways, and I don't think many would argue that DE shaving is the foundation of most peoples wet shaving paradigm.

I have and use injectors from time to time and enjoy them just fine when I use them, but that's generally when I'm just in the mood for something different and want to change things up.

Same with Single Edge razors, Shavettes and traditional straights... I have no regrets exploring any of them...but after every exploratory/honeymoon phase I always end up coming back to DEs.

Most wetshavers are "DE mains", for lack of better phrasing, for a reason.

 

[Lurking_Grue]

My "gateway drug" to "advanced" shaving was with the Leaf products.

I have both the original Leaf and a Twig. I was one of the people who jumped on board with their Kickstarter so I was there for the very beginning of Leaf.

I found the Leaf products to be... unsatisfying. The head design is questionable, and I find them hard to maneuver in tight areas of the face. The material they use is also questionable -- I dropped my original Leaf from a very short height, and the head bent and the hinges actually broke. To their credit, Leaf replaced the razor, but they must be made of Zinc or something equally weak.

In spite of this, I still used my Leafs for a long time, because I hate the idea of cartridge razors, and I'm not thrilled with electric razor results -- but I was not in love with them. I assumed there was a degree of operator error on my part, and I kept trying to modify my shave. Shaving with the Leafs remained a chore, and I never got great results but lots of unpleasant feedback.

I somehow got hold of a Henson at one point, and it was like the heavens parted -- a total revelation. I put the Leaf razors away that day, and have had no interest in taking them back out again. I don't use the Henson as my daily driver, but I would not consider returning to the Leaf.

In my opinion (and it is only that), I wouldn't lose sleep worrying that you missed a great opportunity with the Leafs at least.

 

[slackskin]

I tried the vintage single edge razors but they did not produce a close enough shave for me. Then tried the Supply SE and was rewarded with much closer shaves. Now I shave with the Supply SE and various DEs in rotation, just to have some variety. I think Supply is pointed toward guys who are transitioning from cartridge to traditional shaving, but I find that the SE does a fine job for me as a 79 year old sho has been on DE for many moons. If you are thinking in terms of a Christmas present, I recommend the Pro because you can dial it up or down to fit your desires.

 

[Frito Ray]

I’m going to be the Debbie Downer and point out that there are plenty of us that went through buying sprees only to realize years later that our second or third razor are now our “forever” razors.

But then again only after going through a few can we decide what is right for us.

 

[Chandu]

Injector blades are thicker and have more structural integrity than DE blades, which makes them easier and probably a little smoother for most, especially beginners. I don't think a half-DE blade razor offers any substantial benefits over a regular DE. But the injector might suit you very well.

The Supply with the open comb, the cheap one, is my best Injector format razor by a ways. There is NO blade feel. The shave is the equivalent for me of something like a DE89 or Henson +.

One can easily get 10+ shaves from a blade. I've run over 20 before. My beard is old man tough, but I'm sure some are more wire like.

and +100 1/2 of a DE blade does not an SE make.

 

[kiwicamper]

I tried the vintage single edge razors but they did not produce a close enough shave for me. Then tried the Supply SE and was rewarded with much closer shaves. Now I shave with the Supply SE and various DEs in rotation, just to have some variety. I think Supply is pointed toward guys who are transitioning from cartridge to traditional shaving, but I find that the SE does a fine job for me as a 79 year old sho has been on DE for many moons. If you are thinking in terms of a Christmas present, I recommend the Pro because you can dial it up or down to fit your desires.

I have just purchased a Supply Pro. What number on the dial did you start with?

 

[slackskin]

Well, it depends. The main variables, in my view, are the length of the stubble, the thickness, and how wiry are the individual hairs. And it depends on what you want: some guys want a close shave while others do not because they prefer a stubbly look at the end of the day. In general, I would start out with a middle setting, stick with it a few days while you get used to the razor, then go up or down according to how close a shave you desire. All settings should be comfortable for you, of course.

 

[Gafer]

Coming up on 18 years of wet shaving here and in that time I have tried a lot of razors. I mean, just about everything it seems. Even straight razors for a time. What I will say is this, whatever razor you are considering, just get one and try it for a few weeks or months. In the end, what works for you will be uniquely you. I’ve gotten rid of lots of razors that reviewers claimed “best razor ever” because I got absolutely lousy shaves from them (e.g.Mergress). Similarly, razors that many found lacking (Twig) or challenging (slants) I have loved. Again, you will never know what works for you without trying it so don‘t rely too much on the advice from the well meaning members here. Really all they can offer you is their personal experience which actually has little to do with what your experience will be. In the end, whatever it is, just give it a try.