I am an SE newbie. I just got a nice vintage SE Gem and need some blades designed for shaving and not stripping paint off windows. My internet searches lead me to believe that there is only a handful of candidates out there....I'm wondering what your preference is and where they can be obtained. Should I be cautious about buying very old blades that I often see for sale, ones that were made many decades ago? Wouldn't these blades have disintegrated (or compromised) over so much time?
SE Blades...is there much of a choice?
- Thread starter mastinomaven
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There is not much of a choice. If you're looking to get going quickly (and you live in the U.S.) you can pick up Personna Gem Super Stainless at Walgreens and they'll do just about as well as any out there.
Others will chime in with the alternatives, but often large quantities or shipping costs are involved.
- Chris
Others will chime in with the alternatives, but often large quantities or shipping costs are involved.
- Chris
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Hello and welcome to the wonderful world of SE shaving! I can't comment on the older blades but I'm sure someone else will chime in. Ted Pellas and Gem/Personna blades (those found at pharmacy stores) seem to be the most preferred or at least the most talked about on these forums. Personna's have worked fine for me. I get about 5 shaves with each blade.
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I spoke to a rep at Ted Pella and she said they do not market their blades for shaving but that (quote) "in general the carbon steel blades are the sharpest and would give the closest shave but these only last one or two shaves. The stainless steel and stainless steel coated blades will not shave as close but will give a more comfortable shave and will last much longer." Do you fellows have a preference? My sense is that the carbon blades would rust pretty quickly?
Most people on the board only have experience with the Gem Stainless PTFE coated SE blades sold by Ted Pella. I don't know of anyone who has bought the carbon steel blades, and as you indicate they will rust pretty quickly if not properly cared for after a shave (Treet and Pal make SE carbon steel blades for shaving; both are made by Personna, who also makes the Gem blades).
I have been using Treet carbon steel blades recently and realy, really like them, but they do only last for two good shaves. I dry them and then dip them in alcohol which seems to slow the rusting down but they just seem to lose their sharpness quickly.
You don't need a choice.
The Pella PTFE coated stainless blades are all you need. They are called the Dog's Bollocks blades by S/E aficionados for good reason. Non of the other choices even come close as an every day blade. 
The Pella PTFE coated stainless blades are all you need. They are called the Dog's Bollocks blades by S/E aficionados for good reason. Non of the other choices even come close as an every day blade. 
"I have been using Treet carbon steel blades recently and realy, really like them, but they do only last for two good shaves. I dry them and then dip them in alcohol which seems to slow the rusting down but they just seem to lose their sharpness quickly."
I've been using the carbon steel blades as well, I only get a couple shaves per blade, as I prefer the blade to be sharp as possible. This morning I tried for a third shave with one, but it was un-acceptable. So I started the shave over with a fresh blade. Once I get through the carbon steel's that I have, I'll be going with the stainless steel coated versions that everyone else uses.
Nothing beats an SE shave with a fresh sharp blade, the only DE shave that I've had that equals it, is a EJ DE89, with a fresh feather blade.
DD
I've been using the carbon steel blades as well, I only get a couple shaves per blade, as I prefer the blade to be sharp as possible. This morning I tried for a third shave with one, but it was un-acceptable. So I started the shave over with a fresh blade. Once I get through the carbon steel's that I have, I'll be going with the stainless steel coated versions that everyone else uses.
Nothing beats an SE shave with a fresh sharp blade, the only DE shave that I've had that equals it, is a EJ DE89, with a fresh feather blade.
DD
I've found that the second shave with a Pella is better than the first.
, and the next 5 or 6 shaves are excellent. I think a week of good shaves out of one blade is more than acceptable.
, and the next 5 or 6 shaves are excellent. I think a week of good shaves out of one blade is more than acceptable.
if you keep on the lookout you might find them in places you wouldn't expect I found gem SE blue stars(I like these,but they rust/get dull fast unless you take care of them drying etc.),gem personnas and injector blades at a locally owned grocery store for decent prices.
I've found that the second shave with a Pella is better than the first.
I notice that too, unless I palm strop before the first shave as per Dave's video. I usually strop after each shave, (may or may not help but I like to do it) but there is a pretty big difference in the first shave quality if I don't.
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You can also get blades in bulk from this company too. I have not purchased from them yet, but they do offer the blades in (100) pieces min. qntys. instead of the (200) min. purchase from Ted Pella.
< http://www.emsdiasum.com/microscopy/products/preparation/blades.aspx >
The blades you'll want to investigate from them will be listed under item (D.)
DD
< http://www.emsdiasum.com/microscopy/products/preparation/blades.aspx >
The blades you'll want to investigate from them will be listed under item (D.)
DD
Here in the uk we have a very limited choice of blades, in fact only 1 place i know where i can get some which are gem blades which i find are really good blades, i did try some eveready and another blade which i cant remember but threw them out they were that bad.
Although there are not many to chose from, the few that are available are excellent choices. You really need look no further than the Gems at your local drug store. Unless, of course, you want to buy in bulk. That's where Ted Pella comes in! 
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