There has been quite a bit of interest in Gems and other SE razors lately on the forum. The general opinion seems to be that the best SE is a 1912 or a lather catcher.
Now take this for what it's worth but I would disagree. I have two 1912s and they do give very close shave, but for me it is not the closest. For that I turn to one of the following: a G-bar, a pushbutton, or especially a Micromatic.
The G-bar is a wonderful razor. Getting the right angle is the most natural thing in the world. It just seems to find its way to the best angle for a great shave. It looks amazing to boot.
The pushbutton is another great tool. I don't think I could nick myself with this razor if I tried. Smooth, easy, and comfortable shaves every time.
Now for my favorite. The Micromatic is amazing. BBS shaves everytime. No irratation, and for me no learning curve. Just put a blade in and go to town. Once wtg once atg and done. I've read some post in which people have said the Micromatic can be a shredder. For me this is far from true. The razor just can't be beat.
I've been wet shaving for years now. Most of that time I used a Feather popular. I also have a Merkur HD. But nothing comes as close as a Gem.
So I guess this just goes to show that it is true YMMV. The 1912s are good razors, but you may want to give one of the other SE styles a try. They are cheap enough that if you don't like them you aren't out much, and that just means more for me!
Now take this for what it's worth but I would disagree. I have two 1912s and they do give very close shave, but for me it is not the closest. For that I turn to one of the following: a G-bar, a pushbutton, or especially a Micromatic.
The G-bar is a wonderful razor. Getting the right angle is the most natural thing in the world. It just seems to find its way to the best angle for a great shave. It looks amazing to boot.
The pushbutton is another great tool. I don't think I could nick myself with this razor if I tried. Smooth, easy, and comfortable shaves every time.
Now for my favorite. The Micromatic is amazing. BBS shaves everytime. No irratation, and for me no learning curve. Just put a blade in and go to town. Once wtg once atg and done. I've read some post in which people have said the Micromatic can be a shredder. For me this is far from true. The razor just can't be beat.
I've been wet shaving for years now. Most of that time I used a Feather popular. I also have a Merkur HD. But nothing comes as close as a Gem.
So I guess this just goes to show that it is true YMMV. The 1912s are good razors, but you may want to give one of the other SE styles a try. They are cheap enough that if you don't like them you aren't out much, and that just means more for me!