If you could buy your first SE all over again.

[Archer808]

What would it be?

I'm hoping to dip my toe into the SE world just to give it a shot. I have several DEs and one Straight that I keep in a regular rotation and I would really like to add a SE to the mix.

I would like to get a really nice (but not OVERLY expensive) SE in the hopes that a really nice one will keep the RAD from striking again should I really enjoy the SEs. I'm looking for nice user grade or NOS, not overly ornate or an heirloom or anything extremely rare.

Was thinking:

Gem 1912 Damaskeene
Ever Ready Streamline
Ever Ready Shovel Head

Wondering what those of you with a lot of SE experience think. Thanks,

 

[dcobranchi]

Gem 1912 Damaskeene
Ever Ready Streamline
Ever Ready Shovel Head

I don't have a lot of experience. That said...

The 1912 is a fantastic razor and the Streamline is beautiful. The Shovel head isn't my favorite, as the loading mechanism seems a bit clumsy. It provides a very nice shave, though. If money is no object, I'd go with the Streamline. If it is, then the 1912.

Of course, if you check my signature, you'll see what I'd really rather buy.

 

[Mick]

I find that I like my 1924 travel SE the best of all. It may be that it is just an exceptional shaving example but that one seems to rock my boat

 

[BillC]

Streamline is going to be harder to find and pricey if you do (I want one of those myself)

Shovelhead is a fine razor but doesn't shave me as well as a lot of my other SEs

Even without your list I would have suggested a 1912 - whether a Damaskeene or not. You can easily pick up a really nice 1912 for under $20 and the shave is fantastic. I'm also a big fan of the older Autostrop model that can use a despined SE blade (and of the ornate lather catchers) but if I were going to start with one, it would be a nice 1912.

 

[InfernoOrangeSS]

I would suggest the 1912 as your first. Very easy and inexpensive to pick up. It's a great intro to SE shaving as well. It's what I learned SE shaving with, and still use it.
They are just amazingly great designed razors.

 

[beisler]

I would suggest the 1912 as your first. Very easy and inexpensive to pick up. It's a great intro to SE shaving as well. It's what I learned SE shaving with, and still use it.
They are just amazingly great designed razors.

+1---The 1912,while not my favorite SE is a great razor to learn on---Mid class aggressive and a great shave

 

[razorx]

What would it be?

I'm hoping to dip my toe into the SE world just to give it a shot. I have several DEs and one Straight that I keep in a regular rotation and I would really like to add a SE to the mix.

I would like to get a really nice (but not OVERLY expensive) SE in the hopes that a really nice one will keep the RAD from striking again should I really enjoy the SEs. I'm looking for nice user grade or NOS, not overly ornate or an heirloom or anything extremely rare.

Was thinking:

Gem 1912 Damaskeene
Ever Ready Streamline
Ever Ready Shovel Head

Wondering what those of you with a lot of SE experience think. Thanks,

The best shave for the money is the GEM Open Comb Micromatic,if your RAD is based on shaving performance,the performance of the OCMM is awfully close to nipping at the heels of my Streamlines.The OCMM doesn't feel as good in hand and isn't as pretty as my Streamlines,but it's one of the best single edge shaves available.

Looks and Performance RAD Stopper: Get an Ever-Ready Streamline

* For whatever it's worth the Cobra Classic has been a major RAD stopper for many experienced wet shavers and has provided the best shave I've ever experienced.

* Wildcard: Shick injectors can provide outstanding shaves,like many razors the more modern they get,the milder the shave.

 

[TripleG]

I'm glad that I started with the Damaskeene because it is smooth yet aggressive, easy to use with great results. It is now my daily razor. I've also purchased an Ever Ready 24/14 and while it is well built, the results aren't as good as the Damaskeene.

I'm intrigued to try out the Micromatics and other forms of the 1912 but I really doubt there is going to be much gained.

However, I do have a Streamline being shipped to me right now . Expectations are high!

 

[cpool222]

Let's talk cost:
Streamlines are gonna cost between $40 - $50 without a case, and between $60 - $90 with a nice case.
You should be able to get an uncased shovel-head for between $8 - $14
1912 for $8 - $15, plan to pay between $5 - $10 extra for the 1912 DAMASKEENE model

Be warned that the Open-Comb Micromatic is among the most aggressive models of all, especially if you aren't used to an SE, so only go there if you're looking for a really aggressive razor. On the other hand, you could get a little GEM Featherweight for between $5 - $8 and get a good inexpensive SE shave, so as you see, lots of options, depending on what you want and what you're willing to spend.

 

[Haggises]

A 1914, 1912 +/- damaskeene, Gbar
In roughly that order...

 

[RABIDMONKEY]

g-bar , 1912 ,or a micromatic closed comb bullet tip

 

[tjg5181]

I dont think that I would....

I picked up my first SE at the Antique store for $5, and it is a gold 1924 Shovel head... Can't beat the razor or that price. My second one was off BST here and also cheap money, a Gem MM Clog Pruf....

Happy with my purchases and the way they have shaved thus far...

 

[KindestCutofAll]

I would recommend any of these 5. All have varying degrees of agressive and smooth. Very close in results.

I personally would recommend them in this order for me:

Valet AutoStrop (Great combination of Agressive yet Mild a truly fine shaver) It gives my closest SE shave!
1912 Ever-Ready (Agressive and smooth with great feedback)
Gem Clog Pruf Micromatic (Great weight just edging out the Gem Open Comb)
Gem Open Comb Micromatic (Great weight very aggressive)
1924 Ever-Ready Shovelhead Long Handle (None better for feedback both in feel and audible)

 

[santamariasteve]

A Schick Injector, all things considered the finest razor ever invented in my opinion.

My favorite for my medium tough beard is the Type G. The most aggressive is the Type E (shave slowly and lightly), and the lesser aggressors are the Type I, Type J, and Type L, and Type M. They are inexpensive on ebay and elsewhere. Excellent made-in-China blades are available on Amazon and elsewhere.

 

[maxman]

If I had a time machine I would know to skip the others and start with the Damaskeen.
It's the smoothest, most comfortable SE.
Now I love the G-Bar just as much, but for different reasons.

The G-bar gives me a touch closer shave, but I wouldn't have wanted to start with it.

 

[cryhavoc]

I would suggest my favorite SE, a 1912 followed by an Ever Ready 1924.

 

[Niles]

I would suggest my favorite SE, a 1912 followed by an Ever Ready 1924.

+1

 

[kcb5150]

I would probably still get the g bar I started with. It's sort of right in the middle leaning towards mild in the se world and the handle really forced me to use the correct angle wtg and atg.

 

[kcb5150]

I went g, gem junior 1912, 1924, OCMM. I rate OCMM, g, 12, 24. I really appreciate the g bar's ability to plow through growth like any other se but be mild about it.

 

[Cynomys]

My first SE was a Gem Jr. which I picked up for $8 at an antique shop in Snohomish, WA. Since then I've purchased a few other SEs, including 2 off the BST, but the Gem Jr is still my favorite SE. I can't recommend it for looks, but it's a great shaver.