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Barney14
What are the advantages of using a vintage SE razor such as an Ever Ready or Gem Micromatic over a vintage DE razor
I don't think a generalized advantage exists. GEM is just another format to try where you might end up liking it more than DE (or maybe not!)
It's definitely a different shaving experience vs DE. The GEM shave is very shallow (almost parallel to your face) and the head is generally bigger than a DE head. It's a thicker blade as well!
When I tried a GEM for the first time last year, it worked so well for me that it became my favorite format.
I now own multiple GEM's both modern and vintage!
One advantage I can say about vintage GEM's is that you can pick up a working copy for a very low cost.
Buy one and try it, if you don't like it, sell it!
My suggestion is to search and read through the GEM threads here on B&B.
Good luck!
It's definitely a different shaving experience vs DE. The GEM shave is very shallow (almost parallel to your face) and the head is generally bigger than a DE head. It's a thicker blade as well!
When I tried a GEM for the first time last year, it worked so well for me that it became my favorite format.
I now own multiple GEM's both modern and vintage!
One advantage I can say about vintage GEM's is that you can pick up a working copy for a very low cost.
Buy one and try it, if you don't like it, sell it!
My suggestion is to search and read through the GEM threads here on B&B.
Good luck!
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I found that the GEM blade suits my skin consistently, if the razor has a straight bar. G-Bars and Pushbuttons for example. Not all DE blades in a straight bar DE razor do that for me.
Micromatics, with exceptions, are more aggressive because they have an open comb. Not good for me.
YMMV, of course. Having said that, give them a go. As LRod says, Vintage GEM razors can be obtained cheaply. 100 blades can be obtained at Connaught Shaving in Britain at £17, whatever that amounts to in your local currency, so the cost of blades is not prohibitive.
In short, the advantages are dependent on how they work for you.
Micromatics, with exceptions, are more aggressive because they have an open comb. Not good for me.
YMMV, of course. Having said that, give them a go. As LRod says, Vintage GEM razors can be obtained cheaply. 100 blades can be obtained at Connaught Shaving in Britain at £17, whatever that amounts to in your local currency, so the cost of blades is not prohibitive.
In short, the advantages are dependent on how they work for you.
EclipseRedRing
I smell like a Christmas pudding
There is no real advantage to any format. I have added an Ever Ready Chromium, also known as a Streamline, a Schick Injector type J, and a Feather Artist Club DX to my DE collection simply to add variety. I enjoy the different techniques that are required to use each razor. Most Ever Ready and Schick razors are inexpensive so there is little to be lost by trying them.
In my experience, vintage GEM/EverReady/ASR razors are more efficient than the vintage Gillette DE razors (at least the ones I have tried). In general, the older the GEM model, the more efficient it is. The GEM/EverReady/ASR razors were well made and I have at least one over a hundred years old and it still works like a champ. Most models can be had for $10-$20 USD if you shop around. The GEM blades are thicker than DE blades, so there is less blade flex which produces a different shave. The first few shaves on a new GEM blade can be harsh, so you probably want to cork the blade and start with a mild razor for first few shaves. As mentioned, you also use a different shave angle than with a DE (EverReady 1924 Shovel Head is an exception to that rule). With DE blades, in general, the first few shaves on the blade are not harsh but that depends on the blade and the razor (and your face prep, of course). There are fewer choices of GEM style blades in comparison to DE blades but the blades are good, especially the Personna GEM PTFE-coated stainless steel blades.
Also, there are three razors in the GEM MicroMatic line: Bullet Tip/Flying Wing (MMBT/MMFW), Clog Pruf (MMCP, two variations) and the Open Comb (MMOC). Those are mild, medium, and aggressive respectively. Some people see those at the pinnacle of the GEM razors.
Ebay, Etsy and shaving forums like this one are good places to find vintage GEM-style razors. One of my favorites is the GEM Heavy Flat Top/G-Bar. It is built like a tank and not aggressive but it is efficient.
Also, there are three razors in the GEM MicroMatic line: Bullet Tip/Flying Wing (MMBT/MMFW), Clog Pruf (MMCP, two variations) and the Open Comb (MMOC). Those are mild, medium, and aggressive respectively. Some people see those at the pinnacle of the GEM razors.
Ebay, Etsy and shaving forums like this one are good places to find vintage GEM-style razors. One of my favorites is the GEM Heavy Flat Top/G-Bar. It is built like a tank and not aggressive but it is efficient.
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Barney14
I thank you all for such full explanations, I have got to try one very soon.
The advantage is the GEM blade, like said in prior posts. I used a vintage SE daily with the PTFE blade. Very pleased.
I have yet to use a vintage DE.m with no plans to use one in the future.
I have yet to use a vintage DE.m with no plans to use one in the future.
Just something different in the Vintage genre, although I prefer the Gem format.
Two of my vintages currently in rotation are Ever-Readys… a 1912 and a pre-patent Shovelhead. The others are a New, three Techs, two Aristocrats, and a Super Speed.
Two of my vintages currently in rotation are Ever-Readys… a 1912 and a pre-patent Shovelhead. The others are a New, three Techs, two Aristocrats, and a Super Speed.
I am of those who prefer SE - my favorite is GEM MMOC and use it as daily driver 
I bought an Ever Ready 1912 at an antique store for a few dollars, more as a curiosity than anything else. I decided to try it, so got a 10 pack of blades from Amazon, and found that I really enjoy the shaves it provides. As a head-shaver, I find that the best razor is a Leaf loaded in all three slots with a half-DE blade. A traditional DE blade or even an AC blade just doesn't get me the same quality of shave. That is until I tried my Ever Ready for a head shave and found that it came really close.
Gem are very affordable, very well made vintage razors and worth having in the collection. I've bought two variations of Micromatic on eBay recently and can't wait to try them.
Gem are very affordable, very well made vintage razors and worth having in the collection. I've bought two variations of Micromatic on eBay recently and can't wait to try them.
First
The blade is the advantage.
WThomas0814
Off of the topic.
What do you mean pre-patent Shovel head? Patent date is 1924, correct? I do not think I have seen one that has patent date on the razor.
The Shovel head and the 1912 (squat head) are my daily drivers. Sounds like we have similar tastes in razors.
I only use Ever Ready SE’s. I do not use DE’s.
Post-1924, the year the patent was granted, the patent number is stamped on the razor (I've not seen one). Technically, anything without the patent number is a 1919 (the year the patent was filed).
Along the same line, a 1914 without an actual patent number is, as I recall, technically, a 1909.
This is what I have gleaned from my perusal of several sites regarding ER/Gem/Star history; there is consistency in these statements.
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GoodShave
Nice thread
Question?
Approximately on average, how many shaves can one get using an average DE blade?
I don’t use DE’s or DE blades. I only shave with vintage SE’s. The only blade I use is the SS PTFE. I can get 3-5 shaves using my 1912 ER squat head. I can get an additional 1-2 shaves if I switch it into my 1924 Shovel head.
Here are my average number of shaves for DE blades:
Gillette Nacet: 4
Astra Superior Platinum (green box): 3
Feather: 2
Voshkod: 4-5
Wizamet (non-vintage version): 9
Shark Super Stainless: 7
Gillette Minora: 7
PAA Strangelet: 2
Shick Super Stainless: 4
Balzano: 2
Face prep and lather can make a big difference on how long you decide to keep using a blade.
Gillette Nacet: 4
Astra Superior Platinum (green box): 3
Feather: 2
Voshkod: 4-5
Wizamet (non-vintage version): 9
Shark Super Stainless: 7
Gillette Minora: 7
PAA Strangelet: 2
Shick Super Stainless: 4
Balzano: 2
Face prep and lather can make a big difference on how long you decide to keep using a blade.
