looking into SE

[Lowkeyberserk]

hi, some of u know me i already have/shave with 4 DE razors and now im looking at some SE razors... are there any advantages/disadvantages? who makes blades, and whats good? (there doesnt seem to be as much of a 'culture' surrounding SEs as there is around DEs and str8s)

thx

 

[DFrancis]

There are actually a fair number of SE users around here, and from what I've heard they tend to prefer the SE to the DE. SO there will be plenty of guys along in a bit to point you in the right direction.

 

[KittensAndRainbows]

I've tried a fair number of SEs, and I definitely prefer them to DEs. A Gem "Clog Pruf" Micromatic is a pretty good model to start with, in my opinion. It's not as aggressive as an open comb micromatic, but more aggressive (and easier to clean) than a featherweight. I personally am not a big fan of the 1912 Gem/Ever-ready (I find them very aggressive), but YMMV. As far as blades go, Personna blades are usually available at Walgreens and CVS, and Treet blades at Rite Aid. There really isn't much selection compared to DE blades, but check out Ted Pella blades if you decide to invest in it long term. They sell in quantities of 200, so not something to just jump into. The Single Edge PTFE coated blades at Ted Pella

 

[HoosierTrooper]

The GEM/Personna stainless steel blades are very good. I used Treet brand blades the last two days and really, really like them.

The G-Bar and Featherweight models have a safety bar and might be considered less "aggressive" than the various 1912 and Micro Matics. I used a G-bar Wednesday and a 1912 GEM Jr today and can't tell a difference. They both gave me great results.

Also consider an injector. They give very good shaves and are fairly easy to find.

There's always some available in the B/S/T area for good prices, and they seem to show up in a lot of antique stores as well. Get a couple different models and try them out, if you don't like them sell em to someone else.

 

[BBrad]

My rotation consists of both DE and SE razors . . . but my #1 "Best Shave Ever" razor is my Gem Junior. Both the Junior and the 1912 are essentially the same head. The shave is smooth, close, and absolutely without irritation. I can shave in the morning and still have virtually no shadow at bedtime!

Right now I am using Treet blades that I purchased at Rite-Aid. They are a carbon steel blade, but perform quite well. I just have to be sure and dry the blade well and don't try to get more than three or four days from it, as they do tend to rust. The Gem branded blades (Walgreen's) are stainless and don't rust as quickly.

There are quite a few SE enthusiasts here who are more than happy to share their joy of these lesser-known beauties.

 

[Slivovitz]

I recommend one of the 1912 models to start out with. Don't know about aggressive; I find them a very forgiving and easy to use razor. Also widely available. Even on eBay you should not have to pay very much for a good one.

If you have a Walgreens near you, these blades are great to start with. If you like them, then you have some other options for saving money by ordering in large quantities.

 

[Shave Cat]

In regards to razors, I hesitate to use the term aggressive. To some guys, aggressive means a razor's going to rip your face to shreds, while others mean the razor is capable of mowing down a heavy beard. I prefer the patent 1912s, because they give me a close shave without tearing my face up. IMHO, the G Bar shaves just a little bit closer, but I like the way the 1912 feels in my hand. Lately, I've been using the Treet SE blades which, I believe, are carbon steel rather than stainless. To me, they seem a tad sharper and smoother. Not being stainless, they may not last as long though. I've been trying to go seven 3-pass shaves on them and by shave seven, there's definitely a loss of sharpness. Then again, my grey beard destroys most blades quickly.

-Clarke

 

[brianw]

Used DE's for a couple of months, now almost exclusively SE's injectors and Str8's. I get my second best shaves (str8 is #1) with a 1912 Ever Ready and Walgreens Gem Blades....Try it you will like It !!!!! I am going to PIF a open Comb Micromatic and a Gem featherweight within a week... Keep your eyes open

 

[tom myers]

I would agree that the best place to start your SE experience is with a 1912 patent model (The tradename doesn't matter . . . they were all made by American Safety Razor under several different names) and the "Gem by Personna" blades which can usually be found at Walgreens and some other drug stores.

No matter what razor you have been using, this combination of razor and blade is capable of giving you a better shave.

Regards,
Tom

 

[michiganlover]

I have had great results with a Gem 1912 as well. Once you get accustomed to the different angle used with the razor (a few degrees off of flat against the face), I believe they provide a closer shave than a DE razor, and with less effort: 3 passes with a DE gives me pretty good results, the same results can be had with 2 passes with a Gem, or Injector.

 

[gaj90027]

i have had great results with a gem 1912 as well. Once you get accustomed to the different angle used with the razor (a few degrees off of flat against the face), i believe they provide a closer shave than a de razor, and with less effort: 3 passes with a de gives me pretty good results, the same results can be had with 2 passes with a gem, or injector.

+1

 

[Sledgehammer39]

GEM 1912 is a great razor and I did not find them aggressive at all. I found them to be smooth and crisp. GEM blades are availabe at any Walgreens or CVS store. Also an L-type Schick Injector is a good middle of the road razor in terms of aggressiveness. I enjoy rotating my SE/DE.