Just bought my first SE

[red zeppelin]

I never thought too much about SE razors, have been happy with my Gillette slim until now. Was in an antique store and found an Ever Ready in its original case. I need to clean it up and check it, but when I looked in the store, I couldn't see any damage to the comb or anything. Now I am anxious to try it after ready about all the good shaves they are responsible for!

I will get pics of it as soon as I can, but in the meantime, is there a good place and brand for SE blades? I know there are advocates for all the brands of DE blades, but I don't know anything about SE.

 

[smalltank]

http://www.emsdiasum.com/microscopy/products/preparation/blades.aspx

scroll down to PTFE coated blades..or stainless..where I get my wifes blades from ;-)

 

[Axebreaker]

Ted Pella has them in a bigger box too, but I chose to order them from the site above. If you just want a tester Walgreens or WestCoastShaving have the gem Stainless 10 packs. Carbon blades are everywhere but I'd recommend the stainless first.

Basically all SE blades of shaving quality are made by ASR/Personna, all the carbon are the same, and all the stainless are the same but for coated or not. Feather makes some blades but they don't work in all gems without modification and are more for fans of the Valet Auto-Strop.

This question comes up all the time, sticky discussion is here:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/292388-Single-edge-blade-guide

 

[mftoms59]

I'd recommend checking out Hoosiertrooper's Thread; http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/292388-Single-edge-blade-guide
Most B&B participating Vendors carry the 5 blade dispensers, you might want to try them before ordering bulk.

 

[red zeppelin]

thanks for the site recommendations, I definitely want to get a smaller amount to try it out before I buy 100 blades. Anyway, here are the initial shots of it, not cleaned yet.



Also, if anyone can help identify the model and age range of this particular one that would be awesome. Thanks!

 

[mftoms59]

It's an Ever-Ready Shovel Head, I think it was produced 1918-1924 range, someone more knowledgeable on the Dates can verify. IME, a Moderately Aggressive Razor that rewards patience with very close shaves.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Sweet Haul!

 

[Haiku]

One of the best. Loud loud loud. Congrats, beautiful.

 

[Deano]

Great find, congratulations !

 

[red zeppelin]

Sweet Haul!

Do you mean literally loud? If so is it due to the hollow head?

 

[jmacak]

Yes. It is pretty loud as you shave. Probably due to its hollowness as you say and no really heavy components in its head.

Loud is good.

This model needs an extra shake after rinsing though. It tends to hold on to the water.

Good shaver though.

 

[red zeppelin]

Here are quick pics of it cleaned up.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

Good looking razor. Those are generally referred to as the 1924, they didn't have an actual model name. made from around 1924-1930.

 

[red zeppelin]

So I finally got around to ordering SE blades and I am planning to try this out tomorrow for the first time - wish me luck! I usually shave with Arko or Cella, but I have Castle Forbes lavender as well, any suggestions for the first SE shave?

 

[Haggises]

Can never go wrong with Arko.

Go with your most familiar one - easier if you eliminate that variable.
Good luck!

 

[red zeppelin]

I used the Arko, tried and true. Unfortunately I had a horrific shave. My face was both irritated/razor burned as well has having a massive amount of very tiny cuts, unlike I have ever had from a shave. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to stop them once it got going. Truly awful.

 

[Haggises]

Oh my. That's not good. What blades did you use?

 

[Haggises]

Also, might want to check that the blade is seated properly against and under the front stops. Something [/]must be wayward to get that bad a shave.

 

[incuso]

Good looking razor. Those are generally referred to as the 1924, they didn't have an actual model name. made from around 1924-1930.

The "PAT APP'D FOR" points out to the beginning production years.

 

[red zeppelin]

It was a GEM blade. I tried to be particularly careful of the angle; I know when I started paying more attention to that with my DE it made a world of difference. Maybe its related to that. Face is still sore and irritated today!