Injector Advice

[TheFlyingFrenchman]

Evening Ladies and Gents

So far on my journey of classic shaving I have tried out a good handful of all examples of DE's and I have three straights that I use regularly. However tonight I realized that I have yet to try an injector razor. Furthermore I know very little about them or their blades!

I was wondering if a kind member would please point me in the right direction for starting with an injector.

Thanks all

 

[dpm802]

Injectors pop up fairly often here on the BST forum, and you can find them on popular auction sites as well. They are also easy to find at antique malls. Since most wet-shave shoppers are looking for DE and Straight razors, they leave the injectors behind.

One thing to keep in mind about injectors is that loading them is a little tricky the first time ... the first blade you put in may be difficult to insert, and will wind up crooked. This is normal. The key to success is to be prepared to waste that first blade, and follow it immediately with another one, which should load easily and seat itself in place properly.

 

[DerFly]

So that's why the NOS cartridges have a blue steel "blank" on top of the stack!

 

[GentsInstinct]

Any Schick injector will do but if you want the vintage old school, I'd suggest an E, F or G model and the Ted Pella injector blades.

Schick model info: http://www.safetyrazors.net/schick/schicktech.htm

Blades: http://www.tedpella.com/vibratome_html/100acces.htm#anchor240491

When I use an injector, I use a Schick G1. This is what I consider my "cartridge" razor for when I'm in a hurry. Many DE shavers have a Mach3/Fusion type for when they are in a hurry. When I'm in a hurry, I use my Schick G1. Nice, close shaves with no issues.

 

[PhatMan]

Hi,

I use an 'E' model Schick; a lovely razor

I am currently using Schick NOS blades, but have a big pack of Persona Injector blades coming. Be intersting to see how they compare.

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

L1, shaves great! Use it for my morning shave. Evening shave with DE.

 

[taffy]

Always nice and cheap ones pop up here on the bst, thats your best option, though over here in the uk they pop up cheap on the bay as well, far cheaper than any gilette, post in the want to buy, and good luck.

 

[TheFlyingFrenchman]

Wow! Thanks for all the advice everybody. I had seen an injector at a local antique mall but I didn't like the pricing. I had seen then on the bay but I didn't know if any particular model was better to start with.
Since most or the time I straight shave, my open comb single ring is my fast razor LOL. I'll have to see if I don't throw an injector in the mix.
Thanks for the tips about first time loading as well. You are all gentleman thanks B&B

 

[Slivovitz]

. . . One thing to keep in mind about injectors is that loading them is a little tricky the first time ... the first blade you put in may be difficult to insert, and will wind up crooked. This is normal. The key to success is to be prepared to waste that first blade, and follow it immediately with another one, which should load easily and seat itself in place properly.

Not saying this is incorrect, since after all, experiences vary widely, but I have never seen this happen. Perhaps only certain models of injector, and then only some of the time. I have had the experience that occasionally a blade will seem to go in a little too far, and I've had to push it back slightly.

For the OP, there are a lot of good models, but if you want to pick one up cheaply while still getting a great shave, the E and G models are your best bet, probably followed by the I and J.

I recommend starting with the Schick brand blades, and saving the empty magazine once you're done with it. I get more shaves out of these than with the Pellas or other Personna rebrands, but if you want to buy the economy blades later, it is possible to load them into the metal Schick magazine. The part plastic magazine that the Pellas come in is junk, although you can make it work.

 

[soapbox]

+1 to Ted Pella blades; they're great.

Also +1 to E type injectors -- modestly priced and work well.

Injectors are so easy to shave with it's almost like cheating. A very good first step for someone who isn't sure about leaving cartridges behind (like one's wife... )

 

[JPDyson]

I have a G type and love it; I picked up Schick blades from Hocks.com because I heard there are problems with the plastic case on the Pella's. Only blades I've tried so far, and I love 'em. Great shaves w/this setup.

 

[soapbox]

I have a G type and love it; I picked up Schick blades from Hocks.com because I heard there are problems with the plastic case on the Pella's. Only blades I've tried so far, and I love 'em. Great shaves w/this setup.

There are indeed potential problems with the plastic case on the Pellas. You have to be more careful with them. The blades are great though.

 

[Swampfox]

+1 to Ted Pella blades; they're great.

Also +1 to E type injectors -- modestly priced and work well.

Injectors are so easy to shave with it's almost like cheating. A very good first step for someone who isn't sure about leaving cartridges behind (like one's wife... )

Speaking of, I have almost got my wife convinced to give an injector a try.

 

[michiganlover]

There are indeed potential problems with the plastic case on the Pellas. You have to be more careful with them. The blades are great though.

If you are super careful, you can load the Pella blades into the much superior all metal Schick injector cartridge. A pair of needlenose pliers, and a small screwdriver will be required. Viola, problem solved!!

 

[soapbox]

If you are super careful, you can load the Pella blades into the much superior all metal Schick injector cartridge. A pair of needlenose pliers, and a small screwdriver will be required. Viola, problem solved!!

I look forward to trying this. I lost some face as I tried to load a Ted Pella into Mrs. Soapbox's minty Lady Eversharp the other day. I learned a bit about the injector feed mechanism that day...

Thanks for the tip!

 

[DGS]

I have a Golden 500 (which I think is just an L model, really) that I really like, and also a Paul Revere model that is milder than the 500 but also delivers a beautiful shave. I use NOS Schick blades, and I just ordered some CHinese Schicks from Hock at a great price with free shipping.

 

[Swampfox]

If you are super careful, you can load the Pella blades into the much superior all metal Schick injector cartridge. A pair of needlenose pliers, and a small screwdriver will be required. Viola, problem solved!!

I need to do this with the keyless Personna injectors I have. How do you do this?

 

[michiganlover]

I need to do this with the keyless Personna injectors I have. How do you do this?

1) First of all you need an empty Schick all metal Injector cartridge.

If you don't have one, buy some Schick Injector blades from Drugstore.com

2) Partly slide a blade out of the Pella plastic Injector. Grab blade with needlenose pliers, and proceed to slide the blade the rest of the way out.

3)Move to the empty Schick cartridge. Use the screwdriver to depress the spring slightly.

4) Grasping the blade firmly with the needlenose pliers, gently insert it into the empty Schick cartridge (paying attention that the edge is facing the correct direction.)

5) Continue to slide the blade into the Schick cartridge, you may need to move the screwdriver back further towards the opposite end of the cartridge.

6) Repeat the process for the rest of the blades in the Ted Pella cartridge.

 

[Swampfox]

1) First of all you need an empty Schick all metal Injector cartridge.

If you don't have one, buy some Schick Injector blades from Drugstore.com

2) Partly slide a blade out of the Pella plastic Injector. Grab blade with needlenose pliers, and proceed to slide the blade the rest of the way out.

3)Move to the empty Schick cartridge. Use the screwdriver to depress the spring slightly.

4) Grasping the blade firmly with the needlenose pliers, gently insert it into the empty Schick cartridge (paying attention that the edge is facing the correct direction.)

5) Continue to slide the blade into the Schick cartridge, you may need to move the screwdriver back further towards the opposite end of the cartridge.

6) Repeat the process for the rest of the blades in the Ted Pella cartridge.

I'm going to have to try this. Thanks!

 

[DerFly]

I must say that I'm pretty much underwhelmed by the performance of the blades that come in the half plastic injector. Are other brands besides the Pellas sold in this form? Wondering if I got something else