Need new razor. What to get?

[Toucan]

So I sold my old Weber and have yet to buy a new razor. I have some questions, and need your final opinion.

I'm going to either get a Tradere Open Comb or a Single Edge GEM.

If you've had experience with both, which do you recommend? Which is more aggressive?

If you're pretty experienced with SE's, what's your favorite? Could you give me reviews of the following razors that have caught my eye?

Cobra Classic
GEM 1912
GEM Micromatic Open Comb
Ever-Ready 1914
Ever-Ready Streamline
Price is not an issue up to $170

 

[Porp]

So I sold my old Weber and have yet to buy a new razor. I have some questions, and need your final opinion.

First of all: What is the difference between a Single Edge Razor and an Injector Razor?
My understanding is an Injector just refers to the Schick Injector, which is just a brand of Single Edge razor. Or am I totally off?
Either way, I'm willing to try something new, and have no experience with either Injector or Single Edge, so if anyone has any good ideas, if you would refer me to one, that would be amazing! (So far, that Cobra Classic offered by Classic Shaving has caught my eye)

Now I'm willing to remain with the Double Edges as well. I'll only settle for Stainless Steel.
That whole Above The Tie is amazing, but a little too pricey. Definitely not iKon (I keep OCDing about the "double edge" thing - I'm more of a symmetry kind of guy) and definitely not the more expensive things along the lines of Feather of Pils. I've tried a Weber and wouldn't mind something new? Perhaps more aggressive, maybe even with an Open Comb?

So does that just leave Tradere, or am I missing something? Also, how does the Tradere OC compare to Muhle R41 in terms of aggression?

Also, is 3 months with a Merkur 180 and 1 week with a Weber with consistently smooth shaves enough experience for an aggressive razor? I'm somewhat scared to move on, but am also excited to progress.

Give me your ideas/preferences/favorites/reviews!
Thanks!

I will comment on the question about aggressive razors. It all depends on how well your technique evolved during your time with a DE. Is your skin prone to nick/cuts? Iam relatively new to traditional shaving, started in Feburary, and am totally in love with my 2011 R41, it is now my favorite razor by a large amount. I have 4 vintage Gillettes, a Feather travel and a Merkur 33c. For my technique, and skin type, the Muhle puts them all to shame. Don't fear aggressive razors, or sharp blades, but rather treat them with respect, and realize that when used correctly, produce an amazing result.

 

[CGW409]

Gem Micromatic Open Comb,great shave and generally easy access to blades in brick and mortar locations.
Also have the advantage of common as dirt in the wild (at least here in the Chicago area) so you can pick them up on the cheap,got my near NOS GMOC in box with the paperwork for about 25.00.

 

[chilliman64]

I strongly recommend a G-bar

 

[Toucan]

Looking at the micromatic open comb

Went for it
Got one for $23

Hopefully it's aggression won't turn me away from SEs (my only other razors have been a Weber and Merkur 180)

 

[Gary H]

The Cobra Classic is a very good razor but a little pricey.

 

[tm3]

You may find this thread useful

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/342432-Comparing-various-pre-Depression-era-Gem-E-R-SEs

I have no experience with the Tradere but have just begun using the SEs and believe that they are great bang for the buck if you lean towards more aggressive shaves instead of the milder side.

edit: I am curious what you did not like about your Weber?

 

[Toucan]

You may find this thread useful

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/342432-Comparing-various-pre-Depression-era-Gem-E-R-SEs

I have no experience with the Tradere but have just begun using the SEs and believe that they are great bang for the buck if you lean towards more aggressive shaves instead of the milder side.

edit: I am curious what you did not like about your Weber?

Nothing at all! Or, everything, I should say - depending on how you interpret it. The Weber was AMAZING and I have no regrets about it - I am new to this and my only other razor was a Merkur 23c. The Weber is a huge step up. If you are considering one, I can't recommend it enough.

As for the reason I sold it, I decided to go for something more aggressive just out of curiosity. Let's see where that decision takes me, hmm?

 

[Toucan]

Screw it - i decided. Carpe diem. I bought the Tradere OC as well on a whim. Please don't make me regret this ;D

 

[ateace]

Screw it - i decided. Carpe diem. I bought the Tradere OC as well on a whim. Please don't make me regret this ;D

Well done, sir!

 

[tm3]

Screw it - i decided. Carpe diem. I bought the Tradere OC as well on a whim. Please don't make me regret this ;D

Experimentation is one of the fun things about this hobby. Let us know how it works for you!

 

[Mick]

So I sold my old Weber and have yet to buy a new razor. I have some questions, and need your final opinion.

I'm going to either get a Tradere Open Comb or a Single Edge GEM.

If you've had experience with both, which do you recommend? Which is more aggressive?

If you're pretty experienced with SE's, what's your favorite? Could you give me reviews of the following razors that have caught my eye?

Cobra Classic
GEM 1912
GEM Micromatic Open Comb
Ever-Ready 1914
Ever-Ready Streamline
Price is not an issue up to $170

If you are even remotely considering the Cobra, just cut to the chase and avoid all the heartache in between.

I've used all of the razors in your "thinking about it" list. Some I still have. Some I don't.

The Cobra razor is my single favorite of all I have tried. I must FORCE myself to NOT use it, otherwise I would not use any of my other razors and I enjoy the variety of using a different razor every day (even if I don't get as close and comfortable of a shave that I would had I used the Cobra).

that said... I used my Cobra today and am thinking about selling everything else once again so it must get locked back up where I won't be see it for a while

 

[Mick]

Screw it - i decided. Carpe diem. I bought the Tradere OC as well on a whim. Please don't make me regret this ;D

Whoops... sorry... Did not see this latest post from you.

Disregard my previous post and enjoy your Tradere.

 

[Barbarian]

Why limit yourself to one? Razors are like women.

 

[rockviper]

There's a RAZOR LOAN thread available to contributors to try out various razors. Sounds like a very affordable alternate to buying a new razor and then finding out it's not for you.
Even though you've bought already, it's still good to try other ones out.

 

[Toucan]

Whoops... sorry... Did not see this latest post from you.

Disregard my previous post and enjoy your Tradere.

No!! I specifically said "Please don't make me regret this!"
lol it's all right. I hope Tradere offers a comparable shave then ^.^ I guess at least I know what my next great monetary escapade will be.

Also, I don't understand your preference of variety over a single good razor. It seems to me if you like something, go for it! Don't hold back
Also, while I was looking through responses toward the Tradere performance, I saw that you specifically posted something about it being one of the only few razors you used twice consecutively - the other being an R41 with a custom handle made by some guy named Bob. Is the Cobra really that high above such a standard?