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Taming the gem razors, particularly the 1912s.

I like mild razors and can use the Micromatic just fine. Even with a brand new blade. With the right technique back to back comfortable shaves are possible. I have the first version of the Micromatic.

I use both the Featherweight and the Micromatic. Plus a variety of other vintage and modern GEMs.
 
I like mild razors and can use the Micromatic just fine. Even with a brand new blade. With the right technique back to back comfortable shaves are possible. I have the first version of the Micromatic.

I use both the Featherweight and the Micromatic. Plus a variety of other vintage and modern GEMs.
Well, I can do daily comfortable close shaves with my modifications, and my face feels so good.
 
I honestly have had less difficulty shaving with my 1912 unshimmed than with my other GEMs. For me, it's the most "DE-like" of the GEMs, in that it wants you to float the angle a little bit. It's certainly the mildest-feeling of my GEMs.
 
Simply put, yes, you'll bloody up your arse until you get the hang of the Gems. Practice, shallow angle, less pressure than 90% of the DEs you'll encounter.

I learned with a Valet Autostrop, getting into DEs about 2 years later.

If you want to use the Gem blade effortlessly, the Blackland Sabre is really the only way to go. The Chinese Shield copies are ok, but not nearly as smooth as the Sabre.
 
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