Got 2 gold micromatics and a fliptop (assuming this is a 1912??) so any tips or advice? Which should I start with, thanks! 
Just received my first SE's!
- Thread starter Manco
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Start with either one. My first SE shave was with a 1912 and drugstore blades. The angle is substantially different from a DE, so watch the technique. In my opinion, the MM is a little more aggressive than the 1912 (YMMV). Either should give you a great experience.
Welcome to the world of the Gemocrats.
Welcome to the world of the Gemocrats.
Both are good shavers, but I'd start with the 1912.
If you like aggressive DE razors, slants, etc. and are good with using them technique-wise then the OC Micromatic should be no problem for you. However, if you are used to the milder DE's, then proceed with caution when first using an OC Micromatic. (I'm assuming you have the open comb version)
DD
If you like aggressive DE razors, slants, etc. and are good with using them technique-wise then the OC Micromatic should be no problem for you. However, if you are used to the milder DE's, then proceed with caution when first using an OC Micromatic. (I'm assuming you have the open comb version)
DD
I'm a Micromatic Maniac -- they're my primary razors. However, they do take a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of using them you'll find that they give a terrific shave. I use both the open comb and the "Clog-Pruf" models and find the latter to be a tad less aggressive, but not significantly so. I don't find the 1912 to be significantly different from the Micromatics. However, I am an old guy who has been wet-shaving for 40+ years, so my skin is rather leathery and rarely experiences razor burn or nicks, which means I'm not the best judge of what constitutes an aggressive razor. All I'm really sure of is that the Micromatics are my favorite razors!
Start with the 1912 and remember NO PRESSURE!!!!
SE's are loads of fun and super good shavers.
SE's are loads of fun and super good shavers.
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- #6
The micromatic I have is a clog pruf by the way.
My first foray into SE shaving was with a Gem 1912. As I was going along, I was keenly aware of how smooth cutting it was compared to DE's ... until I got sloppy on technique and angle. I think I ended up with 4 nicks. Still, I loved it for a first experience!
My favorite of the Micromatic line. Great razor. It probably doesn't matter which you use first. Flip a coin and give each one a couple days use and see if you favor one over the other.
They are both great razors. 
I feel the Micromatic is slightly more aggressive than the 1912. That is not a bad thing!
Try one, then the other. It doesn't matter which one you use first because they will both be kept in rotation.
I feel the Micromatic is slightly more aggressive than the 1912. That is not a bad thing!
Try one, then the other. It doesn't matter which one you use first because they will both be kept in rotation.
This is a very good day in your life. My favorite razors are Gem SE's. My only regret is that i got rid of my MM before I really learned to shave with it. Still have my beloved 1912 though. These are wonderful shavers and I'm sure you'll enjoy them as much as I've enjoyed mine.
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- #11
So yeah I bought one described as fliptop on a whim, and it is a 1912. Happy oh so happy.
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- #12
I am astounded with the quality of the razor. Am I the only one who questions the intentions of shaving companies nowadays. Plus, thanks to DougR for wonderful service and communication, he's a good guy!
Manco,
I am convinced superior marketing trumped a superior product in the case of Gillette vs. GEM (aka ASR).
The Clog Pruf is one I don't have. AFAIK, and I could be wrong, it is less agressive than a Open Comb MicroMatic, bur still allows for copious amounts of lather to pass through.
You may wonder what you should do with your DE's after this...
I am convinced superior marketing trumped a superior product in the case of Gillette vs. GEM (aka ASR).
The Clog Pruf is one I don't have. AFAIK, and I could be wrong, it is less agressive than a Open Comb MicroMatic, bur still allows for copious amounts of lather to pass through.
You may wonder what you should do with your DE's after this...
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- #15
For some reason I liked DE's but always wished they only had ONE side, I always felt they were kinda.. finnicky. Anyways, after searching around I've found the SE's. And now I'm off to shower, and then the 1st shave with the 1912 fliptop. But clog pruf for the shave after that. Wow they are gorgeous razors....
No need to assume. If you look at the very bottom of the head, where it screws on to the handle, a 1912 will have "PAT'D 1912" on it.
If you look under the blade you'll see large openings for the lather and hair to pass through in order to prevent clogging. Clog pruf was the model name some marketing guy came up with. By the way, what exactly does the term "Micromatic" mean? I get the 'matic, but what's Micro about it?
I have what I guess would be described as a medium heavy beard and the CP just seems to offer the medium between the open comb aggressiveness and the bullet tip's mildness, at least for me.
The original Micromatics came out around 1930, the Clog-pruf model came out about 10 years later, and was marketed as a "new and improved" version of the original but retained the same working mechanism. I really, really like Micromatics, and have taken one apart just to see how they work and discovered that they're really rather complex. One of the things I like most about the brass (gold-toned) Micromatics is how their coloring responds to regular use. To me, they just appear to have a warmer, more aesthetically pleasing look than the chrome. And you can always take a little polish to them and have them looking brand new. And I find that the Clog-pruf is a tad milder than the OC, but they both give great shaves though they do require a little bit of a learning curve.
You are still plugging that crazy razor line eh HT??
You know it Rocketdood! You still using the ones Columbus set sail with?
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