SE razor recommendations

[Wulfster]

I recently cleaned up an old Gem Junior that I picked up in a lot on the Bay and decided to give it a spin. It has a brass head and black plastic/bakelite handle (smooth, six-sided). I bought some Gem blades and have been shaving with it since Tuesday this week.

Compared to the Fatboy I have been using, I have been pleasantly surprised by how close the shaves have been with the Gem. The only negative for me is that it doesn't have enough heft. It's very light compared to what I'm used to.

What would you recommend for a razor with a similar (or better) shave that has more heft? As long as it's reasonably priced, I will put it on my list for the upcoming birthday.

 

[Wingnut]

The three that come to my mind with more heft (I have all 3 of these, but don't have many other SE types, so take my recommendations with a grain of salt...) are:

GEM "Bullet Tip" Micromatic--nice heft, TTO, and a fairly forgiving razor with a guard bar, medium to mild shaver

GEM Heavy Flat Top or "G Bar"--another guard bar razor, slightly smaller overall and a flip-top type. Surprisingly heavy, with a solid metal handle. Mid to mild shaver, and probably the least expensive of the 3.

GEM Open Comb Micromatic--another TTO, and the most aggressive of the GEM stable. Feels solid and hefty in your hand. I shaved with this today, and although I'm not a fan of extremely aggressive razors (I own and enjoy a slant, and if I shave with a Slim, I prefer a setting of 6-7), I really like how close it shaves. It does need to be treated with respect, however, or it can draw blood. This model is also available in a guard bar version, called the "Clog-Pruf".

I'm sure the real SE experts will be along presently to give you some more options, but that should at least get you started. Good luck!!

 

[BillC]

Wingnut's suggestions and descriptions are all on target. The Ever Ready Streamline/Gem Jewel is the premier SE and has plenty of heft but they are getting pricey. There are several razors marked Gem Junior but I think all the bakelite handled ones have 1912 style head. The 1912 sold under several brand names and many of them had solid brass handles. I haven't weighed my razors but I think the ornate hexagonal handles are the heaviest. The 'Damaskeene' razors (called that because it says to use Damaskeene blades inside the head) are 1912 style but with a slightly curved cap. They are more substantial than the bakelite handled versions and the shave is very close to the Streamline.

Just go ahead and buy (at least) one of everything. SERAD bites hard B-)

 

[novitiate]

I just started using a GEM bullet tip and it seems much heftier than the Gillette fat boy I'd used previously. I very much like the weight and balance of it.

 

[California Cajun]

The one I have enjoyed using the most is a Gem Featherweight. It is lightweight and agile.

 

[chilliman64]

I recommend a g-bar or a 1912 - I'm not a fan of plastic/bakelite handles, they remind me too much of M3's and the like.

 

[SEnSE]

Start with either a G-bar or a milder Micromatic (bullet tip or clog pruf). All are heftier than the junior.

 

[dcobranchi]

+1 on the OCMM Built like a tank and shave great.

 

[Zagnut]

If you're really just looking for heft but like the way the Junior shaves, why don't you fill the handle with lead? Modding a razor is not a sin.

Any of the 1912s, which can be had for next-to-nothing will shave similarly to the Junior.

The Micromatic series (the Open Comb, Clog-Pruf, Flying Wing) do shave a little differently compared the 1912 heads. Not bad shaves by any stretch, but different.

One thing that hasn't yet been suggested are the Ever-Ready 1914 and 1924 models (a.k.a. the "little lather catcher" and "shovelhead", respectively) Those both have nice heft and have a remarkably close shave without being aggressive in the MMOC sense. (I wouldn't call either of them truly 'aggressive' just really close.)

 

[Mick]

Any SE razor is going to give you about the same shave with little variances in them.

G-bar and Bullet knob are going to be heavier with almost identical shaving characteristics to what you now have.

Streamline is going to be the heaviest SE you will find (also the most expensive)

 

[Zagnut]

Any SE razor is going to give you about the same shave with little variances in them.

I disagree. An MMOC and an Injector or a Cobra or a Lather Catcher aren't going to be anything alike in terms of shave performance.

If you've gotten used to a 1912 head, then switching to a G-Bar head will feel like shaving without a blade. Conversely, if you've become accustomed to an Injector, trying a Cobra will feel like a straight shave.

 

[razorx]

I disagree. An MMOC and an Injector or a Cobra or a Lather Catcher aren't going to be anything alike in terms of shave performance.

If you've gotten used to a 1912 head, then switching to a G-Bar head will feel like shaving without a blade. Conversely, if you've become accustomed to an Injector, trying a Cobra will feel like a straight shave.

I believe Turtle didn't mean "SE razors" in the general way,I think he means GEM,ER etc,etc... Not injector blades or Feather Pros...and if he does,I agree with him...

A Cobra doesn't "feel like a straight shave" compared to a Shick E 2

 

[ackvil]

Wingnut's suggestions and descriptions are all on target. The Ever Ready Streamline/Gem Jewel is the premier SE and has plenty of heft but they are getting pricey. There are several razors marked Gem Junior but I think all the bakelite handled ones have 1912 style head. The 1912 sold under several brand names and many of them had solid brass handles. I haven't weighed my razors but I think the ornate hexagonal handles are the heaviest. The 'Damaskeene' razors (called that because it says to use Damaskeene blades inside the head) are 1912 style but with a slightly curved cap. They are more substantial than the bakelite handled versions and the shave is very close to the Streamline.

Just go ahead and buy (at least) one of everything. SERAD bites hard B-)

The Steamline is my favorite SE. It is a great razor and looks great, too.

 

[Wingnut]

Jim, did you HAVE to post such a pretty picture of that Streamline?! I was just fine not having one until I saw that thing. Now I want one!!

 

[shavefreak]

I have most razors mentioned and the Stream line or Gem jewel is the only way to go. the gem 1912 is very good but a runner up. G bar and micro's are on the mild side and not even close to the quality feel of a streamline when in the hand.

 

[retturn2blades]

Recommending a $90-$150 razor to a new SE user makes no sense. The Streamline is out in left field due to its difficulty to find (mostly on UK Ebay) and at many pounds (dollars). I bought one and wish I hadn't but that's my story.

Start with a Gem Clog Pruf for $10 and move up.

 

[Zagnut]

So a bit of heresy here but...I think the Streamline/Jewel is inordinately over-hyped. I bought one (Streamline) just as it was starting to explode. It shaved OK. Nothing special, really. 'Put it back on eBay.

It's a vicious circle with the Streamline, just like the Fat Boy in the DE world. Right now, it's not a razor, it's a small profit opportunity. I feel sorry for the chump in the future who buys one at a high price right before the fad ends with the intent to re-sell.

 

[retturn2blades]

So a bit of heresy here but...I think the Streamline/Jewel is inordinately over-hyped. I bought one (Streamline) just as it was starting to explode. It shaved OK. Nothing special, really. 'Put it back on eBay.

It's a vicious circle with the Streamline, just like the Fat Boy in the DE world. Right now, it's not a razor, it's a small profit opportunity. I feel sorry for the chump in the future who buys one at a high price right before the fad ends with the intent to re-sell.

Well said.

 

[deoxy4]

Well you know you like the shave from a Junior. I have a GEM Junior that shaves really fine. I have both the plastic handle and the brass handle. I greatly prefer the brass handle with its added heft. If you can find an inexpensive brass handle on the Ebay, Etsy, yard sale, you may be good to go. If you like a more aggressive razor, I think the 1912 is more aggressive. I found that I really need to pay attention using the 1912 with a new blade. I use a new blade in the Junior and when I shave with the blade for 5 shaves or so, I can switch the blade over for use in the 1912. The link below has a pretty comprehensive review of the 1912 family. Note that all 1912 family handles are not interchangable. A 1912 handle won't fit a Junior. Generally, for daily shaving I grab the Junior. If I have not shaved for two days I grab the more aggressive 1912. I have not felt the urge to move on to a Damskeene or Streamline. I have a OCMM but rarely use it. I prefer the 1912 and Junior. YMMV. Good luck.

http://shavenook.com/thread-se-razor-review-the-1912-family

 

[HUF]

If you have a heavy handle, you can screw in a 10-32 set screw like one in the picture and use it with your GEM Junior for added weight.