What can you tell me about my two razors?

[Horned Owl]

I've recently come into possession of two single edge razors, of which I know nothing.
I would like to know something about them, like which one is the more aggressive, how I should use them (pressure, no pressure, like a DE or a cart, and so on) and if there is anything I should keep in mind when I try them out.

As you can tell, I am not much of a photographer. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Wingnut]

Congrats on snagging two really fine examples of Schick injector technology!

From your photo, I'd say that the razor on the left is a Type E, and the one on the right is a Type L3 nicknamed "The Schick Grip" because of having a tennis racket style handle. Both are excellent shavers, but the E Type is definitely the more aggressive of the two. If you'd like to know a bit more about them, just go to http://www.safetyrazors.net/schick/schicktech.htm and have a look around. It's the best site for IDing Schick injectors.

As far as technique goes, it's much closer to a DE than a cart, but there are some differences. Perhaps the biggest is finding the correct blade angle. Because the blade is not bent like a DE blade is when correctly loaded, the handle angle is more shallow than what you're probably used to with a DE razor. You will still have to control blade angle yourself, and, just like a DE razor, lack of pressure still holds. When you shave with it for the first time, you'll notice that it's also louder than a DE--if you've ever shaved using a SE razor, it's about equivalent to that sound. Most folks find that injector blades, while about twice as expensive as DE blades, also last about twice as long.

Personally I love shaving with an injector--once you get the hang of the basics, I find them to be much easier to use and much less prone to nick you because the ends of the blade are protected by the blade stops. I'm jealous--that Schick Grip is the razor that my Dad used to shave with, and I've been looking for one in the wild for a while now to have a memorial shave to my Dad, who died 16 years ago. Sadly, I didn't save his razor after his death, but I sure wish I had done so.

In Sweden, I'm guessing your only option for replacement blades would be via the web. There are Chinese Schick blades (the only ones that I've tried) available widely online, which I find to be just fine. You can also buy blades from Ted Pella and Personna online.

Good luck with them, and happy shaves!!

 

[Oscroft]

Wingnut has pretty much said it all - you have two excellent injector razors there. I have a few injectors and I use an E-type regularly (though it's a shame I'm only able to say that about the razor, not the Jag!). It's a fine shaver - the small heads of the injectors make them very good for getting under the nose.

As for blades, in addition to being able to get Chinese-made Schick blades from various Amazon sellers, Connaught in the UK has Personna blades. For me, the Schick blades seem to be sharper, but I've had some quality control issues with them and have had a few very bad individual blades. The Personna blades feel smoother on my skin, and are still pretty sharp. Some people have problems with the plastic boxes breaking, but I don't - if you're not too rough with them, they seem fine. Overall then, I prefer the Personna blades. And yes, I find an injector blade lasts about twice as long as a DE blade.

So, all that remains is for you to get some blades, then tell us what you think when you have tried your new razors

 

[Horned Owl]

Thanks for the replies. I got blades and have tried them both now. Once each. The E was really rough on my face, but the L3 seemed a little too mild, I felt like it really didnt provide as close a shave as my DEs or even my TracII. I dont blame the razor for this, odds are that it's my technique that's lacking. It felt like finding the right angle was more difficult than I had expected.

 

[Wingnut]

Once each just isn't enough time for you to get used to the different angle required, I'd say. Be patient with them, and they will both reqard you with close and comfortable shaves.

 

[Horned Owl]

But the right angle is supposed to be head against the skin and then lower the handle a little to create a little angle, right?

 

[Wingnut]

In general, that's correct, but ultimately you should be able to find the correct angle FOR YOU by beginning your stroke with the head flat against your skin and then "rolling" the handle down just until you start to hear the blade beginning to cut whiskers. Fine tune from that point, and you should be good to go.

 

[Horned Owl]

I'll keep trying. And see which of them turns out to be my favorite.

 

[Wingnut]

Lycka till! (Google translate is a wonderful thing!)

 

[Oscroft]

Thanks for the replies. I got blades and have tried them both now. Once each. The E was really rough on my face, but the L3 seemed a little too mild, I felt like it really didnt provide as close a shave as my DEs or even my TracII. I dont blame the razor for this, odds are that it's my technique that's lacking. It felt like finding the right angle was more difficult than I had expected.

That squares with my experience - I have an E and an L1, and the L1 is quite a bit milder.

It does take a bit of experimenting to get the best angle, and Wingnut's advice is spot on. I find I need a pretty shallow blade angle myself - shallower than with a DE. But since I found it, I get great smooth shaves with the E.

 

[MrLara]

where do guys buy your blades for the injector on the left (yellow handle)?

i found some some at drugstore.com. but the shipping is $5, and the blades are only $4. i don't really want to buy in bulk because i'm not sure i'm gonna like the razor.

any other site where the blades are a bit cheaper?

 

[Wingnut]

George, if there's a Lowes Foods store near you they generally stock injector blades (which will fit ANY injector, BTW). You might want to do a bit of sleuthing in your area, as sometimes local pharmacies will also stock them. Good luck!

 

[MrLara]

Hey, Wingnut.

Unfortunately there are only stores in NC, SC and VA. Guess i'll have to do some sleuthing.

 

[Wingnut]

Hey, Wingnut.

Unfortunately there are only stores in NC, SC and VA. Guess i'll have to do some sleuthing.

Good luck! You'll probably do better in smaller mom & pop type pharmacies rather than chains or big box stores.

 

[MrLara]

Good luck! You'll probably do better in smaller mom & pop type pharmacies rather than chains or big box stores.

thanks for the good luck (it paid off), i just called a pharmacy about an hour ago and they carry them!! downside is that the place is about 30 minutes away. but it's all good.

 

[Wingnut]

Nice! Just see if there are any antique stores on the way, and you might wind up getting twice lucky!!

 

[Chadao]

Congrats on snagging two really fine examples of Schick injector technology!

From your photo, I'd say that the razor on the left is a Type E, and the one on the right is a Type L3 nicknamed "The Schick Grip" because of having a tennis racket style handle. Both are excellent shavers, but the E Type is definitely the more aggressive of the two. If you'd like to know a bit more about them, just go to http://www.safetyrazors.net/schick/schicktech.htm and have a look around. It's the best site for IDing Schick injectors.

As far as technique goes, it's much closer to a DE than a cart, but there are some differences. Perhaps the biggest is finding the correct blade angle. Because the blade is not bent like a DE blade is when correctly loaded, the handle angle is more shallow than what you're probably used to with a DE razor. You will still have to control blade angle yourself, and, just like a DE razor, lack of pressure still holds. When you shave with it for the first time, you'll notice that it's also louder than a DE--if you've ever shaved using a SE razor, it's about equivalent to that sound. Most folks find that injector blades, while about twice as expensive as DE blades, also last about twice as long.

Personally I love shaving with an injector--once you get the hang of the basics, I find them to be much easier to use and much less prone to nick you because the ends of the blade are protected by the blade stops. I'm jealous--that Schick Grip is the razor that my Dad used to shave with, and I've been looking for one in the wild for a while now to have a memorial shave to my Dad, who died 16 years ago. Sadly, I didn't save his razor after his death, but I sure wish I had done so.

In Sweden, I'm guessing your only option for replacement blades would be via the web. There are Chinese Schick blades (the only ones that I've tried) available widely online, which I find to be just fine. You can also buy blades from Ted Pella and Personna online.

Good luck with them, and happy shaves!!

Wingnut, I sympathize. I was lucky that way. My dad used the E and I now have two with the amber handle I remember so well. And I acquired them after some encouragement from you.

 

[Horned Owl]

Been using the injectors now a bit, when I wasnt testing the F-II or MR3 that is. The E keeps making my face raw and I have to be very careful with it. The L is mild. Very mild. I have to do almost 4 passes and then touch-ups on the neck to get a good shave. So I had two razors, one too aggressive and one too mild. What to do?

Of course I got one with a letter in the middle of them, or decently enough in the middle. A type I. After some trouble getting the balde in (it was a lot harder than both the E and the L combined) I lathered up with proraso and tried it and... smooth. Very smooth. It was an enjoyable shave, no nicks or cuts no irritation. Three passes (WTG, XTG, ATG) and minor touch up on my neck (always a trouble spot for me regardless of razor, concave on both sides of the adams apple) and I got a... BBS, I'd say. Remarkable. Now I'm going to see how long it holds up before I feel stubble again, but if it can keep up for an entire shift and then some, I'm happy.
The I-type, that's where it's at for me! Or so it seems.