New (to me) Open comb micromatic

[BrooklynSalt]

It is shocking!

The MMOC is at the top of the GEM efficiency pole, it's going to be hard to beat.

Are you agreeing with me?

I’m curious how one with a safety bar would compare.

I now also want to try a Schick injector, but I digress.

 

[Esox]

I’m shocked more guys don’t use these. 1) they are bizarrely smooth and efficient
2) the razors are dirt cheap compared to DEs, and built like tanks;
3) zero razor chatter possible;
4) the narrowed down razor selection is sort of a blessing in disguise.
5) they look badass

Now I want another. What do you guys recommend.

I've not used a better razor, period.

Buy a gold plated MMOC and call it good lol. The gold plated ones can also be replated, but no one wants to strip the chrome ones before replating them, that I know of.

The GEM Bullet Tip doesnt compare. My Fatip Grade is as efficient, but the Bullet Tip is smoother because of the thicker blade and easier to use because of less blade exposure. My MMOC is twice as efficient as my Grande and is pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it.

 

[rabidus]

Are you agreeing with me?

Absolutely!

For me, the Clog Pruf will get me the same level of BBS, it just takes a few more strokes to get there.

With the right technique, all GEM are great, it's all about the right amount of pressure.

 

[jmudrick]

Absolutely!

For me, the Clog Pruf will get me the same level of BBS, it just takes a few more strokes to get there.

With the right technique, all GEM are great, it's all about the right amount of pressure.

This one arrived today, paper blade insert still in the head. The gold wash they used is pretty crappy, so thin you best not even look at it wrong.

 

[Twelvefret]

You guys are rock stars.

 

[Twelvefret]

This one arrived today, paper blade insert still in the head. The gold wash they used is pretty crappy, so thin you best not even look at it wrong.

I was watching this one. Good purchase. So original.

 

[rabidus]

This one arrived today, paper blade insert still in the head. The gold wash they used is pretty crappy, so thin you best not even look at it wrong.

Nice! That one has more teeth than the majority of Clog Pruf's and will probably be slightly less efficient/smoother, the gap between the teeth are smaller because there are more in the same amount of space.

 

[jmudrick]

Nice! That one has more teeth than the majority of Clog Pruf's and will probably be slightly less efficient/smoother, the gap between the teeth are smaller because there are more in the same amount of space.

An astute observation, indeed the teeth are different from my chrome CP. I like the looks of this one.

 

[rabidus]

An astute observation, indeed the teeth are different from my chrome CP. I like the looks of this one.

My guess is that yours is a later model/V2 of the Clog Pruf since the others have the same amount of teeth as the MMOC.

 

[Ron R]

This one arrived today, paper blade insert still in the head. The gold wash they used is pretty crappy, so thin you best not even look at it wrong.

I was bidding on the same one from _bay and you beat me on that one, I ended up buying one without the case and it's in the mail bouncing around the mail system.

 

[jmudrick]

I was bidding on the same one from _bay and you beat me on that one, I ended up buying one without the case and it's in the mail bouncing around the mail system.

It's ridiculous how little these go for. I didn't realize this one has different teeth than my chrome Clog-Pruf , thus can I justify the purchase retrospectively.

 

[BrooklynSalt]

It's ridiculous how little these go for. I didn't realize this one has different teeth than my chrome Clog-Pruf , thus can I justify the purchase retrospectively.

Yup. My MMOC was basically free. On a FB group, a guy was selling a pre-war tech and the MMOC for $10 with shipping. I didn’t realize it was two for one and bam, I had a Gem.

 

[jmudrick]

My guess is that yours is a later model/V2 of the Clog Pruf since the others have the same amount of teeth as the MMOC.

Yep. case matches the very short lived 1946 "Peerless" edition. Pretty fancy stuff. $1.25.

 

[Ron R]

It's ridiculous how little these go for. I didn't realize this one has different teeth than my chrome Clog-Pruf , thus can I justify the purchase retrospectively.

When you use it, tell us if you notice a difference in the two razors. One has 17 nips and the newer version 12 nibs on the safety bar. I would say you got a bargain and shipping in the USA is a lot cheaper than international mail. If you get a great shave who cares how many nips are on the safety bar!

 

[rabidus]

One has 17 nips and the newer version 12 nibs on the safety bar.

Since the MMOC has 12 nips, my guess is that the 17 nips is the newer version!

 

[jmudrick]

Since the MMOC has 12 nips, my guess is that the 17 nips is the newer version!

I'm pretty certain you're right : Gem changed presentation cases often, mine matches the '46 ad (only gold being advertised) and the razor was discontinued after '46 or early '47. And s one year limited production would explain the scarcity of this toothy model.

 

[Ron R]

Since the MMOC has 12 nips, my guess is that the 17 nips is the newer version!

You are correct I believe, I researched a 1941 clog pruf and it had 12 nibs the first year it was introduced. Hard to count the nibs on the bar from the picture they provided (Waits razor compendium book) but it's not 17nibs like version 2 for sure.
A Safety Razor Compendium: The Book

 

[jmudrick]

Nibs porn for those so inclined.1940-42 (12)/1946 (17)

 

[Twelvefret]

Nibs porn for those so inclined.1940-42 (12)/1946 (17)

I love getting into the weeds with old shaving stuff. Thanks for the discussion.

Of course, whichever one is more rare, that's the best, the most aggressive, and the most expensive....LOL!!

 

[Ron R]

Nibs porn for those so inclined.1940-42 (12)/1946 (17)

Great photo @jmudrick, I would like to use it for a reference on Clog pruf GEM models if that is OK with you.