New/unused Gem Jr.

[datel]

First of all hello to everyone in the forum.

A quick intro.:
I am 65 and I started shaving when I was 12, yes I'm one hairy SOB.
I've used pretty much nothing but DE razors all these years, except for an occasional trial of an injector, etc. but always went back to the TTO Gillettes.

I would only use Gillette razors, and blades, as to me at that time everything else was junk.

I still lean towards Gillettes today, however, that is changing.

I just picked up a Gem Jr. (don't have it yet), that is supposed to be unused, and still in its display box.
I wrote the seller, and asked about that and I was told that yes in fact the razor is unused.

I paid what to me seemed like a lot for a Gem ($24.00 with shipping).
Just want to check in with you knowledable people to get some feedback on that purchase.
I know that things are worth what we are willing to pay, and to me for an unused Gem Jr. seemed an okay deal, but just would like some feedback, on both the purchase, and the razor.

BTW, I've never used a Gem razor, or blade before.

Thanks,
David

 

[Slivovitz]

First, these are great razors. You could have gotten a shave grade one for much less, but for a minty one in the box, $24 shipped doesn't sound totally out of line. Many people around here have probably paid a bit too much for something, anyway.

I do have a bit of a bone to pick with sellers who claim that a razor is unused when, at best, there is no way to verify whether it was ever used or not. Unless the razor has some sort of tamper-evident packaging, such as shrink wrap, or some kind of seal on the box, the best you can say is that it appears to be unused. But perhaps this seller actually does have good reason for his statement.

Anyway, enjoy the razor! If you need tips on shaving with it, plenty of people around here can help.

 

[datel]

Thanks Slivovitz.

She said her husband worked for a newspaper, and the paper had a deal of 'get a new razor with a subscription'.
The office did some remodeling, and that is when some of these razors were found.
He took some home and they sat in his closet for over 35 years, they don't know how long they sat in storage at the newspaper.

That is the story anyway, sounds logical.

I know the price is steep, as I see them all the time on eBay for around $6.00 or so used, and they look good to me.

However, I just couldn't pass up an opportunity to get a Century old razor that no has shaved with.
If when I get it I see that it is not in fact new, then so be it, it's a gamble.

 

[mblakele]

Welcome to B&B, David!

A truly NOS Gem Jr might be worth more than $24, if you found the right buyer. If I had one, I would probably leave it in the box and find a less collectible razor to shave with.

But if you do decide to shave with it, I think you will enjoy it. Gems do well with thick beards. You might be able to find some blades at a local drugstore, or you may have to order them online. I don't recommend hardware store blades.

 

[datel]

Thanks mblakele,
I do intend on shaving with it, I don't want to just look at it as that is not my style, nothing wrong with collecting, it's just not for me.

I already checked on the blades, and Walgreens has some SE Gems for shaving, if they are not good, then I'll try out some of the Pella SE blades.

 

[Haiku]

First, welcome to B&B.

The only regret people generally have when they buy their first GEM is that it took them too long to buy one.

I've paid more than $24 for an unused GEM Micromatic NIB.
You've got yourself a deal as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Skrymr]

The Walgreens Gem blades work well for me, as do the CVS blades. IMHO, the Gem Jr. is a great razor.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

First, Welcome!

Second, I do hope you post photos of that minty Gem!

 

[datel]

Thanks everyone for the 'welcome to the forum' replies.

As soon as I get the razor and see with my own eyes if it is in fact a 'minty gem',....and as soon as I get around to being a part of the 21st Century by getting a digital camera, I will post some pics.

 

[thrown.clear]

I've been eying the Gem/Ever-Ready myself today... so much so that I went looking for blades, and I just couldn't find them at any of my usual haunts. I looked for both the Gem Blue Stars and the Ted Pella Gem blades.

Would any of you kind folks be able to throw a link my way?

 

[DunEdinRanger]

I've been eying the Gem/Ever-Ready myself today... so much so that I went looking for blades, and I just couldn't find them at any of my usual haunts. I looked for both the Gem Blue Stars and the Ted Pella Gem blades.

Would any of you kind folks be able to throw a link my way?

The Blue Stars are carbon steel and they can rust rather quickly.

 

[datel]

http://www.tedpella.com/dissect_html/dissect.htm#anchor1606431

You may have to scroll up, or down to get to the PTFE SE blades.

 

[droffilcal]

The Walgreens Gem/Personna blades work great for me -- around 6 shaves per blade.......my opinion is that the only thing wrong with a Gem Jr. is to not use it !

 

[TheVez2]

I'd say that your razor is worth more than $24. I'd love to have one like that.

I use CVS blades and they are great. Cheaper than Walgreens too.

I loved DEs and fell in love with them when I discovered them a few months back. Now that I've discovered SEs, it is a whole new world. I love them even more.

Welcome to B&B.