Who hates the Micromatic?

[simon1]

Seems that there has been a surge in interest in SEs, and that's good!

I was wondering if anyone had comments on the Micromatic Open Comb.

I got one along with a Gem 1912 and an Ever Ready Lather Catcher off of BST (Thanks Joe), and the first time I used it I really didn't get a close shave and so I thought...meh.

Then I used it a few more times...got used to it a bit...and now I get amazing shaves from it. Must have been a little cautious the first time due to the posts I've seen about it being vicious, but it hasn't bit me yet.

Now I'm not sure which one of the SEs shave better. As a matter of fact, I have a blade loaded in it for tomorrow.

Now if I can only find some of the Feather blades that will fit the Auto Strop so I can try that one out.

 

[Straight Arrow]

I love the Micromatic. What I am trying to figure out is why the Micromatic hates me so much.

 

[SirWhiskers]

It's more like the Micromatic hates me, I tried it and it chewed me up. I love DE open combs otherwise and they love me back.

 

[Oldguy]

I don't hate my Micromatic but I do respect it. A lack in concentration can result in w weeper if you're not careful. It is aggressive and does take the right technique to get a good shave.

Len

 

[Slivovitz]

I had bad initial results with an Open Comb Micromatic, which was the first SE I tried. It wasn't a total bloodbath because I had the sense to finish with another razor after the first half dozen nicks.

Then I learned to get great shaves with a number of other SE razors, including the Bullet Tip and Clog-Pruf versions of the Micromatic.

Eventually I returned to the Open Comb, and discovered that, with the technique I'd learned on other SE razors, I had no further problems. My angle must have been way off the first time.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Once you get the angle right, the OCMM delivers consistently great shaves.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

First few times with an MMOC were a little rough, but after some practise they now deliver fantastic shaves. I have a couple open combs and bullet tips but my favorite model, hands down, is the Clog Pruf. The "semi-open comb", for lack of a better term, just seems to suit my beard type perfectly.

I have a silver and a gold MMOC and I honestly believe the gold one works better. I can't find any obvious defects in the silver one, and it may all be my imagination, but the gold one is my favorite.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

First few times with an MMOC were a little rough, but after some practise they now deliver fantastic shaves. I have a couple open combs and bullet tips but my favorite model, hands down, is the Clog Pruf. The "semi-open comb", for lack of a better term, just seems to suit my beard type perfectly.

I have a silver and a gold MMOC and I honestly believe the gold one works better. I can't find any obvious defects in the silver one, and it may all be my imagination, but the gold one is my favorite.

+1 - I have a few extras for when the shavepocalypse occurs!

 

[DonOhio]

In my case I wouldn't call it hate. I'd call it a well-earned dislike.

 

[Deltaboy]

I gifted all my Open combs, they eat me up regardless of how I use them.

 

[chuckbarnes]

Had my first Micromatic open comb shave this morning. Am fairly new to SE shaving (1 month), and had been learning proper technique using the excellent Gem 1912 (in the words of the Beastie Boys, "Hello Brooklyn").

All the talk about the Micromatic's aggressiveness made me extra careful. Getting the angle right without cutting one's face seems to be the challenge; the Micromatic does not forgive using too much pressure.

Gem Micromatic open comb
Walgreens Gem blade (2nd shave)
Omega shaving cream (tube)
eShave Fine Badger brush
T.N. Dickinson Witch Hazel

 

[chuckbarnes]

Forgot to mention above: for me, MMOC was a DFS.

 

[Zumkopf]

I've never tried a lather-catcher, but the 1912 is about as close to perfect as a razor gets -- very close shaves, very gentle when used right. You can get even closer with any of the Micromatics, but they're progressively more aggressive (open comb more than clog-pruf). But with the right technique (it helps A LOT to learn on a 1912), you can get BBS out of an OCMM every time. Blood-free, not always, but a BBS every time.

 

[Vladbkf]

I have picked up two Micromatics off ebay recently: OC & G-bar. Now, hearing from all of you guys how very aggressive MMOC is, I decided to start with the G-bar. I am still plucking up my courage - the razor is already loaded with a GEM blade & sitting in the rack for my 'rotation' razors. I was hoping to see a video on youtube or elsewhere of someone actually shaving with a SE razor (not just simulating a shave without blade & lather). If anyone can provide a link - I will appreciate it.

ON a side not, I am a DE shaver & get consistently good shaves with safety bar & OC razors, however I feel a peculiar attraction to OC razors - could be a primeval challenge to "tame the beast".

Cheers.

 

[BJC]

Well,
After 3 years of DE shaving, I finally decided to give a SE razor a shot. While browsing antique stores the other day, I found a OCMM (silver) in very nice condition. I picked up some PAL and GEM blades to give it a try. From the first shave - it was love at first feel!
The OCMM provided a close, smooth, comfortable shave. Yes, there were two small weepers. Yes, there was a little irritation on the neck. BUT THE SHAVE WAS AMAZING! My face has never been so smooth! Even my wife, who rarely comments on my shaving hobby, said that was the best shaving razor I had.
The second shave was even better and I'm looking forward to more in the future. Now, I just need to determine which blade I like better. To me, it seems the Gem blade tugged a little more than the PAL - but I will continue testing.

Thanks for expanding my ADs

 

[Jaymo]

I don't have the open comb version, but I do have a silver bullet tip Micromatic and I love it. You definitely have to respect them and pay attention, but they give great shaves.

 

[Dennis]

I heart my 1912. Never tried a Micromatic. The fellow I turned on to DE shaving now shaves with a MM and swears by it though.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Who doesn't love their MicroMatic. It still boggles my mind that men selected Gillette razors over this masterpiece of the shaving art.

 

[Chester]

Who doesn't love their MicroMatic. It still boggles my mind that men selected Gillette razors over this masterpiece of the shaving art.

I am here to keep your mind a-bogglin' I'm not a fan of the micromatic.
-- Chet

 

[DunEdinRanger]

I am here to keep your mind a-bogglin' I'm not a fan of the micromatic.
-- Chet

Pray tell good sir, why?