Single Edge Fans

Don · 05-13-2008, 04:19 AM

Are there any single edge fans out there. If I do not shave with a straight which is rare I use a Single Edge Gem GBar or a Schick Injector j model

crichton · 05-13-2008, 04:34 AM

I have a late 40's Gillette Super Speed that I use every now and again. I also collect a wide variety of DE and SE razors. I really like the style of the old Injectors but haven't had the chance to use one yet. I purchased quite a few in the last couple of months - once I get them cleaned up I'll give them a try. The last one I bought arrived with a pack of fresh blades, so I should be good to go....

Smithee · 05-16-2008, 03:02 AM

I never have been able to get consistent shaves with an injector, maybe I don't use it enough. I do use a GEM or Eveready SE reasonably frequently and like them. The G-Bar gets good reviews, but I don't personally get along with it that well. I do like a Micromatic and one of the old 12-24 Evereadys with a big lather catcher. I think the SE shaves much like a straight, maybe because of the more rigid blade, and is about as difficult to use around the nose and on the chin. Using a good blade makes a difference, and I get very good results with the Ted Pella blades.

Don · 05-16-2008, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smithee

I never have been able to get consistent shaves with an injector, maybe I don't use it enough. I do use a GEM or Eveready SE reasonably frequently and like them. The G-Bar gets good reviews, but I don't personally get along with it that well. I do like a Micromatic and one of the old 12-24 Evereadys with a big lather catcher. I think the SE shaves much like a straight, maybe because of the more rigid blade, and is about as difficult to use around the nose and on the chin. Using a good blade makes a difference, and I get very good results with the Ted Pella blades.

I use pella blades also

iron maiden · 05-16-2008, 05:31 AM

I like a Gem Micromatic every now and then.

Dewey · 05-16-2008, 05:53 AM

I don't use it much but I love my Gem 1912 - my favorite blades are the ASR brand at Walgreens or Treets. It's funny, I really enjoy using my Gems (I've got about 20 of them) but I nearly always use a straight.

fateagk · 05-17-2008, 10:05 PM

I love my gems, but especially my micromatics. I use an older open comb model the most, and keep it in constant rotation. I have taken to using the pella blades, mostly because the Treets that give me a good shave rust after a day or so! So, now I use the pella coated.

These are fantastic razors, way under-rated and so cheap on ebay. It took a couple shaves to figure them out, but once I got angle and pressure right, they are fantastic shavers!

The only GEMs that I have and don't use that often are the juniors. I have a few of these, even an entire sales display box of unopened NOS ones (I got them for $15 on ebay!). These razors are a bit too "vocal" for me, giving a ringing sound from the head of the razor, which is made from a single curved/bent sheet of metal. It also has a different feel in the hand when shaving that doesn't feel as solid as something like the micromatics. But they do look very cool!

Andrew

spinyeel · 05-23-2008, 07:42 AM

G'day from Oz. This is my first post and I am an avid Gem user.Can't see why they are not more popular.

I regularly use a Micromatic,1912 Junior and a Damaskeene with Blue Star blades.I get fantastic results but only get 2 shaves per blade.I know there are better alternatives such as Ted Pella's but I can't justify buying 200.

Cheers Phil.

AFDavis11 · 05-26-2008, 06:47 PM

Welcome! I've always had a passing interest in trying an injector but was worried about being able to consistently get my hands on blades.

Bill S · 05-26-2008, 07:38 PM

I think that the injector razor is a great alternative to a straight. I haven't done an actual shave with one for a while, but use one regularly for a touch up, if needed. I like the adjustable Schick (M, I think) or one of the old bakelite/plastic handled models. I use either Schick blades or cut down Feathers.

Don · 05-27-2008, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill S

I think that the injector razor is a great alternative to a straight. I haven't done an actual shave with one for a while, but use one regularly for a touch up, if needed. I like the adjustable Schick (M, I think) or one of the old Bakelite/plastic handled models. I use either Schick blades or cut down Feathers.

how do you do the feathers just break them in half? Would like to try that when I used DE's Feathers were my favorite blade and still have a bunch

Bill S · 05-27-2008, 01:45 AM

You need the Feather Artist Club blades. To cut them you can just use tin snips. The better way is to use a dremel cut off wheel and shorten the blade. If you need some Feathers to play with I have some I can give you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don

how do you do the feathers just break them in half? Would like to try that when I used DE's Feathers were my favorite blade and still have a bunch

norman931 · 05-27-2008, 01:49 AM

I just started with the Gem razors. So far, my favorite is the safety-bar Micromatic. I'm using the drugstore Gem blades, which aren't bad, and have some Pellas on the way.

scruffy · 05-29-2008, 08:12 PM

I use an injector for those times when I am in a rush. I put on some brushless cream. Do 3 Injector passes without needing to mix lather, rinse or relather. When I am done I just wash my face and I am done. It takes between 5 and 10 minutes.

alabamalawyer · 05-31-2008, 07:04 PM

I use an injector periodically. Nice shave. I use some NOS Schick blades (ones made in US). I found a supply at an old drug store here in town and stocked up. Have enough to last for quite awhile.

Iron_Beard · 06-02-2008, 06:14 AM

Although I've gone almost exclusively to str8s my quick-n-dirty-in-a-hurry blade is a Rolls Razor. A nice heavy blade that never has to be replaced and comes in the coolest case ever. Also good for on the road when you don't want to deal with bringing a separate strop.

Don · 06-03-2008, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Beard

Although I've gone almost exclusively to str8s my quick-n-dirty-in-a-hurry blade is a Rolls Razor. A nice heavy blade that never has to be replaced and comes in the coolest case ever. Also good for on the road when you don't want to deal with bringing a separate strop.

Closest thing to a straight you can come.