I've been thinking about giving a Gem 1912 a try. What blades would you recommend? Currently I use Feathers in a Ranger Tech and 47 SS. Many thanks for your advice.
What blades for a 1912 Gem?
- Thread starter Above The Tie
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To buy blades locally, you can likely find "Gem by Personna" coated stainless blades. Most Walgreens and some other retail stores generally have these. I personally like these blades as well as the similar Gem coated stainless blades sold in bulk quantities by companies such as Ted Pella. There are other blades available which are made from carbon steel rather than stainless. Some of these do a fine job but, generally, they don't provide as many quality shaves as the stainless blades do and, as you might expect, they can rust if left in the razor wet.
Your 1912 loaded with one of these blades should provide you with the best shave you are likely to ever find from any safety razor. Just experiment with the angle at which you hold the razor. You should be able to tell from the sound when you have the correct angle and it is cutting the whiskers properly.
Regards,
Tom
Your 1912 loaded with one of these blades should provide you with the best shave you are likely to ever find from any safety razor. Just experiment with the angle at which you hold the razor. You should be able to tell from the sound when you have the correct angle and it is cutting the whiskers properly.
Regards,
Tom
Blades choices for the Gems are quite slim compared to a DE razor.
You have four main choices:
-Gem stainless blades, sold through Walgreens.
-Ted Pella PTFE coasted stainless blades, sold through Ted Pella in bulk, who is a distributor of scientific/ medical equipment.
-Treet carbon steel blades. Sold through Rite Aid. Being carbon they quickly rust if not properly dried between shaves.
-Pal carbon steel blades, sold at some Family Dollars.
That's about it for blades that are sharp enough to actually use for shaving.
You have four main choices:
-Gem stainless blades, sold through Walgreens.
-Ted Pella PTFE coasted stainless blades, sold through Ted Pella in bulk, who is a distributor of scientific/ medical equipment.
-Treet carbon steel blades. Sold through Rite Aid. Being carbon they quickly rust if not properly dried between shaves.
-Pal carbon steel blades, sold at some Family Dollars.
That's about it for blades that are sharp enough to actually use for shaving.
I just started using a 1912 that I've had for years...after reading so many post on these I had to give it a try...I picked up the Gem blades at walgreens..I am very impressed with the shave!!!
I've had great shaves from the Treet (Carbon Steel) blades from Rite-Aid.
Like Tom said . . .
You will enjoy!!
Like Tom said . . .
You will enjoy!!
BTW....they make a damn fine head-shaver!!! I have always used my big fellow simply because the long handle (and of course the New Improved head) make for a great head shaver.....but I am really impressed with the SE....never thought I would say that! (I'm a Gillette guy ya know!) Guess I'm gonna have to fire up my lathe and make a long handle SE for shaving my melon! 
- Thread starter
- #7
Thanks for all the good advice. I will pick up some Gems tomorrow. There is a Walgreens, it's just down the road from me.
I forgot to mention it, but I have found, that often times my Gems give me a closer, easier shave than my DE razors do. I like variety, so I shave with a little bit of everything.
You should be in for some great quality shaves with your 1912.
You should be in for some great quality shaves with your 1912.
