So what is it with the SE razors that you guys like? I don't quite get it. Aside from the looks which, for some reason, don't do it for me, why would you prefer a single edge on your razor over a double edge? Is it a novelty thing, or is there actually a different feel to it? enlighten me!
What's the deal with SE?
- Thread starter HokieGeek
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Shaving with an SE definitely has a different feel to it, just as different model DEs have a different feel. I've been a shaver for over 45 years and have tried every type of razor except a straight. For me, an SE gives the most consistently comfortable shave. From the popular 1912 patents:
To the last model, the Contour II:
They just shave smoothly.
-Clarke
To the last model, the Contour II:
They just shave smoothly.
-Clarke
They are a BBS machine.
+1... closest thing to a straight shave without the straight.... My DE's are gathering dust...1912 and straights 13 out of 14 days
garyg
B&B membership has its percs
My 2 ¢ is that they perform more like a straight due to the much greater stiffness of the blades compared to a DE. As others have said, once the angles are figured out they give a very close shave. Prices are reasonable. The downsides are that
- the choice of blades is very limited,
- if you are a gotta have it New type they aren't, and
- as someone here once said, they "shave like a shovel" under your nose ..
When the operator does his part right they give incredible shaves. I think the limited blade choice is a plus, just one less thing to deal with. I prefer the Treet blades over the GEM stainless, so that's what I use. Easy to find locally at a good price. I'm still looking for some PAL's or Blue Star's to try, but if I don't it's no big deal.
SE's also include injectors. They also perform very well for most guys.
SE's also include injectors. They also perform very well for most guys.
Can't say I understand them either. One of the worst shaves I've had. Plenty of folks like them.
That is my only complaint with my SEs. Granted, my first shave with one resulted in a lot of blood and swearing. The learning curve was steep, but worth it. After figuring out the angles I get a much closer shave more easily with any of my SE options than most of my DEs.
Although I continue to aquire DEs, my SEs spend more time in my active rotation.
The combination of the 50% thicker blade and overall design makes the Gem type SE razors very effective, albeit at the cost of learning how to deal with them. The blades are not inexpensive, but the razors for the most part are overlooked and available at great prices - so it is easy to acquire and try one out
The combination of the 50% thicker blade and overall design makes the Gem type SE razors very effective, albeit at the cost of learning how to deal with them. The blades are not inexpensive, but the razors for the most part are overlooked and available at great prices - so it is easy to acquire and try one out
This is true. SE blades are more expensive per blade than DE blades, but they also stay sharp for roughly twice as many shaves as DE blades. Also, if you buy them in packs of 100 or 200 (ie. Ted Pellas) instead of 10, they DO become inexpensive! I just picked up a pack of 100 Gems through the recent group buy for $18. That's only 18 cents per blade!
- Thread starter
- #11
I was thinking that it would be very similar to a straight razor. Intriguing. Could it be considered, perhaps, a stepping stone to straights? Is the learning curve similar?
Love my SE, but still have problems getting under the nose.
People have different techniques for dealing with this, but I've learned to handle it by going horizontally, slowly and carefully. That's what I did this morning shaving with a Gem. Of course, Injectors are easier.
Have shaved with everything except a straight but preferred safety razors to cartridges. For me, Injectors have given me the best shaves with Open Comb SEs rating close but more difficult in hard-to-shave areas. Open Comb DEs have given me better shaves than Techs or Superspeed regardless of their head configuration.
It's easy when you have a full Van Dyke, only half a face to shave!
I can't speak for GEM razors, but Injectors give a great shave with the simplicity of a cartridge razor. You can't get the angle wrong, the shave is irritation free and the results are as good as those of a DE shave. The price of the blades speaks against them, and they are difficult to get here in Europe.
+100 (as long as you've got the right blade)
Me, too, once upon a time...I had the bad luck of finding a 1912 and a Micromatic at Goodwill, before I ever found this board, had ANY real prep or technique, etc. Went out and bought the only shave-worthy (I thought) SE blade I could find at that time, the Gem. I bled, a lot, even after several tries. Got rid of them razors quick and swore off SEs for almost a year. Now...
As with injectors, SEs are picky how they're paired with blades. With the right razor/blade combo - and it does take some experimentation - your DEs will gather some dust.
You're about to get a PM.
It's a shaving thing. once you try SE you may never go back to DE razors.
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