Opinion, please: GEM Micromatic and STAR blades?

[moshulu]

I've been reading here about GEMs and am getting ready to take the plunge, but I need some advice from the experts. A couple of weeks ago I was in Bombay for work, and I picked up a Micromatic "Clog-Pruf" razor at the picturesque "Thieves Market". After returning home, by chance, I scored a box of STAR SE blades (see picture). They describe themselves as "for tough beards" and each blade is nicely wrapped, with no sign of corrosion. Each box of 4 blades is labelled "fits all EVER-READY and STAR razors". So I'm asking: is this a good brand? Should I go ahead and try my first shave with one of these, or should I save them for scraping paint? Are they old? new? What's the story?

The razor cleaned up beautifully but, frankly, it scares the hell out of me. I'm normally a Rocket HD man, or Aristocrat #66, i.e., I'm used to something mild and forgiving. So somebody - please - give me some advice!

P.S. Also attached (sideways, for some reason) is my other Thieves Market score: a carving of a temple guardian three-eyed deity. It's scary too.

 

[TheBigL]

I don't know about the blades you have, but they look vintage. Did you get a box or the whole box? If they are vintage, they might not be "as good" as a modern blade could be.

I've been using some Pal blades I got at a local grocery store in my clog-pruf. They are sort of blued but I don't have any rust problems. I rinse them well and shake dry. Before use, I give them a little palm stropping.

 

[moshulu]

I don't know about the blades you have, but they look vintage. Did you get abox or the whole box?

I'm the owner of 144 blades...

 

[82R100]

I honestly don't know what to say. They obviously are sold as shaving grade blades and the boxes look to be in good shape. "Star" was an ASR brand but I don't recall them selling Gem-style blades under that name. I have some Blue Star blades that are carbon steel that shave well enough but need to be dried after each use, due to rust concerns.

If it's any consolation, the Clog-Pruf is less agressive than the more common open comb Micromatic. I get excellent shaves from either, with a good blade.

Don't shave with the head flat against your face.

- Chris

 

[Telecaster52]

If i look close at the top of the open box, i can make out "Ever Ready... Star..." what does that say exactly?

 

[moshulu]

If i look close at the top of the open box, i can make out "Ever Ready... Star..." what does that say exactly?

It says: "fits all EVER-READY and STAR razors"

 

[D.Irving79]

dont use anymore blades from that case. full case = rare.

 

[Slivovitz]

I'd shave with modern blades, such as the Walgreens Personnas, until you are confident that you know how SE shaving is done. Then if you're curious, you could very carefully try the old blades, but I wouldn't be surprised if they had lost their fine edge through oxidation. Also, as D.Irving noted, just having a completely full case of them might make them worth something as a collectible, although I really don't know.

 

[TheBigL]

I'd shave with modern blades, such as the Walgreens Personnas, until you are confident that you know how SE shaving is done. Then if you're curious, you could very carefully try the old blades, but I wouldn't be surprised if they had lost their fine edge through oxidation. Also, as D.Irving noted, just having a completely full case of them might make them worth something as a collectible, although I really don't know.

I'm not sure that Walgreens Personnas are all that readily available in France.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Are those Carbon Steel Blades?

I'm the owner of 144 blades...

Gross!

 

[moshulu]

Are those Carbon Steel Blades?

It says "CRU steel". I'm not sure what that means, but CRU is a metals consulting company that was founded in the late 60s, which may say something about the vintage.

I'm very grateful for the replies, and I will put the STAR shaving experiment on hold. I can't get new SE blades where I live, but I have a meeting in London next week and should have time for a quick Jermyn Street raid on the three Ts. I'll take the GEM with me and see if they can point me towards some modern blades.

 

[Slivovitz]

I'm not sure that Walgreens Personnas are all that readily available in France.

Hmmm, yes, must note where people are posting from.

 

[nwman]

Don't shave with the head flat against your face.
- Chris

hi chris, can you tell us a little more about what angle you use with the micromatics and any other insights? thnx v much

 

[82R100]

I'd recommend starting at least 5° off of the the face. Short, gentle strokes. You should be able to hear the whiskers shearing. Increase the angle until you hear that. You need only apply enough pressure to get the blade to the roots of the whiskers. If you feel uncomfortable pulling, find yourself a sharper blade. If the comb's leaving foam stripes, you're probably angling it too much.

That's about all. I'm afraid I never had a problem with the Micromatic, so I can't offer a story of pain and redemption. Make sure you have a good lather figured out before you get going with this.

- Chris

 

[MrGuy]

hi chris, can you tell us a little more about what angle you use with the micromatics and any other insights? thnx v much

I already linked my post today, but what the heck. You can check out some of my tips on this thread. I also mentioned that I've been toying with the idea of making a short video demonstrating my grip, if you guys are interested let me know and I'll get it going.