Injectors?

[roboboticus]

Curious about injectors. I hear some high praise for them lately. I was initially turned off by the way they look, but if they're all that, I'd like to know more. What kinds are there. Are (were) they all made by Schick? Are there any that don't look.., um..., ugly?

 

[blackfoot]

Okay, now here is something I know a few things about. Here is a list of all the ones manufactured by Schick. There were some made by Pal, but I know nothing of these. I hope to eventually. If you can get past appearences, these are great shavers.

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

. There were some made by Pal, but I know nothing of these. I hope to eventually. If you can get past appearences, these are great shavers.

The PAL's are nice but mild shavers. A Schick J or L gives a great shave. Smooth and close.

 

[Swampfox]

Okay, now here is something I know a few things about. Here is a list of all the ones manufactured by Schick. There were some made by Pal, but I know nothing of these. I hope to eventually. If you can get past appearences, these are great shavers.

Personally, I think they look pretty cool. But then, I'm weird.

 

[blackfoot]

Personally, I think they look pretty cool. But then, I'm weird.

I actually agree, but that is personal preference and YMMV.

 

[Swampfox]

I actually agree, but that is personal preference and YMMV.

You agree that I'm weird?

 

[brianw]

You agree that I'm weird?

I think we all do !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Swampfox]

I think we all do !!!!!!!!!!!!!

That custom title isn't helping me any, is it?

 

[blackfoot]

That custom title isn't helping me any, is it?

 

[brianw]

That custom title isn't helping me any, is it?

Actually I think it helps

 

[Slivovitz]

. . . What kinds are there.

In addition to the wiki page linked by Blackfoot, there is this.

Are (were) they all made by Schick?

Pal made the InjectoMatic, which shaves okay, but is not one of the better ones, IMHO. They also made an adjustable which could be a good choice, except that there seems to be a good chance of getting a defective one.

Personna made one model that I know of, and even Gillette briefly came out with some in the 1970s.

Are there any that don't look.., um..., ugly?

None of them look ugly to me, although some are plain and functional. I like the retro look of the Es and Gs, which are also great shavers. The Personna has an attractive sleek modern look, but I'm told it's a very mild shaver. The Pal adjustable looks similar, but I already mentioned the possible QC issues. For shave quality, you won't go far wrong with a Schick E, G, I, J, or Schick adjustable. For looks and price, you'll have to decide for yourself.

 

[johnmrson]

I really like the shave you get from an injector. Both Pal and Schick are great shavers but I really dislike the blade loading / changing system. It's well worth picking up one or two though. If you're patient, they can be picked up for very little money.

 

[michiganlover]

You can view photos of all of the Schick models here:

http://www.safetyrazors.net/schick/schicktech.htm

If you have never tried an Injector, you need to just so you can experience what the offerings of the other players were; Vintage shaving was not all Gillette.

 

[johnmrson]

I forgot to add, Personna did an injector as well.

 

[pspdonatelli]

I've had better shaving experiences with injectors than with DE razors. BBS shaves are the norm for me now.

argggggh a pirate icon

 

[DGS]

I don't think they're ugly, either, and they are great shavers. They almost make me feel guilty about how easily I get a great shave from them. I have two, an L (Paul Revere model, certainly not ugly), and a J (Golden 500, again not ugly at all). I just stocked up on 15 packs of Schick blades from Hocks (to go with my NOS blades); that's how much I like these razors.

 

[The Last Chimney]

Has anyone tried the O type injector, the newer Japanese one? I wouldn't call it actually good-looking, but it's not as ugly as the older injectors.

 

[hypo_style]

I'm curious what it is about the styling of injectors that lead some to consider them ugly. No judgment, just curiosity.

This seems like a very subjective thing of course, and we all have our pre-conceptions of beauty. For instance, as far as Gillettes go, I'm most fond of some of the razors from the 40s through the early 60s, but dislike many of the older models. For me this has a lot to do with my interest in mid-century design. At the same time, I know there are others who much prefer razors that might be considered more "Victorian" or "Edwardian" in appearance.

 

[DGS]

I'm curious what it is about the styling of injectors that lead some to consider them ugly. No judgment, just curiosity.

This seems like a very subjective thing of course, and we all have our pre-conceptions of beauty. For instance, as far as Gillettes go, I'm most fond of some of the razors from the 40s through the early 60s, but dislike many of the older models. For me this has a lot to do with my interest in mid-century design. At the same time, I know there are others who much prefer razors that might be considered more "Victorian" or "Edwardian" in appearance.

I'm a fan of mid-century (i.e. mid-20th century) design as well, and of course, design should suit function (the even earlier 20th century Bauhaus ideal). When it comes to shaving, OTOH, if it works for me, it could have curlicues and gargoyles dripping from it, for all I care.

The OP might be interested in the Cobra Classic if he wants an injector-style razor that is sleeker in appearance (and takes Feather blades only, BTW). But it's damn expensive ($125) and seems to get some mixed reviews when it comes to price -vs- performance (plus the fact that if Feather ever discontinues those blades, you're screwed).

 

[roboboticus]

It certainly is a subjective thing. I'm turned off by coloring/materials in a lot of the injectors I've seen (cream, off-white plastic, brass), and I dislike contours on many that blend the head into the handle. I like the distinct 'T' shape of the DE's, and really go for the machined, chrome look of a superspeed, EJ89, etc.

Most of the newer cartridge razors look (to me) like tacky/Hollywood attempts at alien technology, and I guess the injectors look (again, to me) like precursors to that, like old star trek aesthetics.

Of course, as the Dude would say, that's just, like, my opinion, man

And I still am eager to try some out. Anything for a great shave!