My first SE

[JamesBlades]

Howdy Gents,

After reading about how much many of you enjoy your SE's, I've long wanted to try one. I heeded some advice that I read on here to not look on eBay, but rather, check out the local antique stores. I'm very glad I did, because, in the first antique store I tried, I walked out with three old razors, one of them a GEM 1912 that I picked up for $8. Of the three razors, I was most excited to try the SE, so I went to CVS and bought a couple packs of blades as I didn't have any SE blades and really wanted to try it the next morning. The following morning, good God man, I had a rough shave with that thing. I know there's a learning curve to anything new in this field, but this just didn't feel right. No matter how I seemed to hold the razor, which seemed to be in perfectly good condition, it felt like it was scraping across my face. I didn't get any razor burn, but it was very uncomfortable.

At this point in time, I'm blaming the blades. Has anyone else had problems with CVS brand blades?

Also, does the "1912" that's printed on the razor mean it was made in 1912?

 

[Niles]

I am relatively new to SEs but I really enjoy my GEM. 1912 does mean that it was made in that year.

 

[TheVez2]

No it does not mean it was made in 1912. It means the design of that razor was patented in 1912. That razor design was made for a couple decades so it is near impossible to date it to a very specific timeframe. Many folks like the CVS blades, many do not. There are a few other options. You might try the ones from Walgreens or Rite Aid if you have those stores nearby.

 

[lowjax]

I think that with Stainless SE blades, often the first shave will be harsh and the next 10 or so will be smoother.

Another thing to keep in mind, the blade angle is totally different with a SE than it is with a DE. The best way to start is to lay the head flat against your face and then tip it up until you can feel the blade cutting. Maybe a 10 or 15 degree angle is all. If you hold it the same angle you do for a DE, it will scrape across your face, no mater what the blade is.

 

[JamesBlades]

I think that with Stainless SE blades, often the first shave will be harsh and the next 10 or so will be smoother.

Another thing to keep in mind, the blade angle is totally different with a SE than it is with a DE. The best way to start is to lay the head flat against your face and then tip it up until you can feel the blade cutting. Maybe a 10 or 15 degree angle is all. If you hold it the same angle you do for a DE, it will scrape across your face, no mater what the blade is.

The CVS blades don't seem to be stainless. I noticed a layer of rust across the top of the blade yesterday evening after getting home from work. I just figured I'd take the blades out and dry them after every shave from now on. I normally just leave the blades in my razors after washing them off because I've never had a DE blade rust at all.

Thanks for your advice on the blade angle.

 

[JamesBlades]

No it does not mean it was made in 1912. It means the design of that razor was patented in 1912. That razor design was made for a couple decades so it is near impossible to date it to a very specific timeframe. Many folks like the CVS blades, many do not. There are a few other options. You might try the ones from Walgreens or Rite Aid if you have those stores nearby.

Thanks, I'll pick up a pack from Walgreens and try those for my next shave.

What SE blades are y'alls favorite?

 

[JamesBlades]

Dennard: 10,000 posts man! That's awesome!

 

[HoosierTrooper]

The CVS blades are definitely carbon steel, and they will rust quickly if left wet. I like the stainless blades, but much prefer the carbon blades, and have never had a problem with the CVS brand. The 1912 was made well into the 40's, they can't usually be dated to a specific year, but certain handles can give a general idea of when a particular one was made.

 

[santamariasteve]

Your 1912 Gem is an excellent single edge razor, and the CVS blades are fine.

I would suggest this:

Clean the razor thoroughly with warm soapy water and an old toothbrush, and shine it up. I think that can be helpful psychologically.

Install a new CVS blade, in case there was a factory problem with the previous blade. Make sure the blade is set properly in the 2 tiny "hooks" at the 2 lower corners of the razor. This is very important, as there is nothing worse than an unstable blade that has been improperly installed. Also make sure the door of the razor is tightly holding the blade. Sometimes the spring is weak and the door will not hold the blade firmly.

Wash your face thoroughly in warm soapy water. Lather with your favorite shaving soap, and let the lather set on your face for a minute or two while your beard absorbs the moisture. Re-lather. You are now ready to shave.

Place the front of the face of your razor flat against your face, and then tilt the top of the razor very slightly away from your face by perhaps 5 degrees or so. This is the correct angle for your blade to attack your whiskers. Maintain that angle throughout your shave.

Shave with SLOW, gentle, and short strokes. Do not apply any presure and maintain that 5 degree angle.

Do a traditional 3 pass shave: north to south, sideways from ears to center of face, and if you like finish with a south to north shave. Shave sideways or semi-sideways under your nose, and you might do several passes under the nose in various sideways directions. This is the most difficult area of the face for a single edge razor to address.

Some folks remove the blade and dry it after each shave. I find it easier and just as effective to shake out thoroughly any loose water, and then take a hair dryer on medium setting and give the razor head and installed blade a 10 second blast of warm air. Store the razor and blade outside of the bathroom, as moisture will corrode and degrade the sharpness of the carbon steel blade.

BTW I get 5 to 7 quality shaves on each CVS single edged blade.

All this advice should give you a good single edge shave, but remember it often takes several shaves before a razor and the correct technique is mastered.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Please let us know how it goes. Good luck and best wishes.

 

[InfernoOrangeSS]

Excellent advice!

 

[JamesBlades]

Just wanted to update y'all.

I waited until this Saturday morning to retry my SE. I installed a new CVS blade and lathered up some TOBS Mr. Taylor's. I use this cream when I need to be absolutely positive it's not the lather that hindered an otherwise wonderful shave. My face feels a little tight right now, but I'm highly satisfied with my shave and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was much more comfortable than the first shave, and after 3 passes, I'm BBS and nick free. I see myself and SE razors having a long and happy future as they become a part of my regular rotation.

I thank you all for your advice.

 

[TripleG]

Great update James!

 

[InfernoOrangeSS]

Glad to hear it went so well! I absolutely love shaving with my ER1912. So much so, that I haven't gone back to my previous all time favorite Gillette Single Ring.

 

[beisler]

Glad to hear it went so well! I absolutely love shaving with my ER1912. So much so, that I haven't gone back to my previous all time favorite Gillette Single Ring.

William--Wait to you try your streamline