What is best or recommended single edge razor out there to shave

[alex2363]

What is best or recommended single edge razor out there to shave. im getting a few from here and want to get the best ones out there. thanks

[spinyeel]

I haven't found a bad Gem yet.:biggrin:They are all nice shavers and all models have their own personalities.:wink: The 1912 is often quoted as a good starter S/E and justifiably so.Cheap,plentiful and shaves the pants off every D/E I have ever tried.:biggrin:

[pablo_h]

What is best or recommended single edge razor out there to shave. im getting a few from here and want to get the best ones out there. thanks
What's the best DE for you and everyone else?

Everyone has their own opinion.
Some like the later models (micromatic, G Bar and Featherweight)
Some say the older the better (Lather Catcher)
Some like the ever-ready, which came in pat 1914 and pat 1924 models that GEM don't have, as well as the pat 1912 like the GEM does have.

As spinyeel said, a lot of people like the cheap and common pat 1912 model.
That's the one I found easiest to use, and the one I use myself every day.

[D.Irving79]

the one thats is a current fan favorite for the most part is the 1912.

[Bertilak]

The 1912 is a great little shaver.

I prefer the older Lather Catcher style but mostly because I like the looks.

The one thing I think Lather Catchers have over the 1912s from a functional point of view is that they are lighter weight. Others may hold the opposite opinion and prefer the little added heft of the 1912s. After all, the Merkur HD is popular because of its weight.

[VolpeVerde]

Heavy Flat Top
For me, that is. A fantastic shave every time. I have'nt use my Futur in weeks

61942

[D.Irving79]

Heavy Flat Top
For me, that is. A fantastic shave every time. I have'nt use my Futur in weeks

61942

that my friend is a g-bar :001_smile

[Robxcarlson]

I think the Gem Contour is the best... very modern in appearance and made from Stainless Steel. Very comfortable razor.

[todot62]

I would have to agree that the 1912 is tough to beat. To me, it's the SS of the SE world. Not too tame and not too wild, inexpensive and plentiful and just a great shaver to use as the standard.

Tod

[D.Irving79]

"word"



:wink: :lol:

[VolpeVerde]

that my friend is a g-bar :001_smile

Others on this very forum have referred to it as the Heavy Flat Top. Is the "G"-bar the official name Gem gave the razor?

I just call it a great shave.

[1OldGI]

I too have not had a bad shave from a Gem of any variety. That said though, the Micromatic and the other heftier Gems seem kinda quirkey to some (especially new SE shavers) I'd have to agree with the rabble that the 1912 is hands down the best SE razor for those new to SE shaving (in fact a decent argument could be mounted that this is the best razor PERIOD). I'd say find a nice 1912, master SE shaving and then pick up a nice bullet tip open comb Micromatic and eventually a lather catcher. My inaugural Lather Catcher shave is slated for tomorrow morning. Many thanks to the right Honorable Dave Irving of the Garden State of New Jersey :biggrin:

[alex2363]

I think the Gem Contour is the best... very modern in appearance and made from Stainless Steel. Very comfortable razor.

u have a pic, sounds nice

[alex2363]

I would have to agree that the 1912 is tough to beat. To me, it's the SS of the SE world. Not too tame and not too wild, inexpensive and plentiful and just a great shaver to use as the standard.

Tod

send me a pic, i think im leaning towards 1912, or heavy top, this one from the bay looks good too, its a tto...http://cgi.ebay.com/Gem-Micromatic-Safety-Razor-vintage-1930s-TTO-se_W0QQitemZ350234839641QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item518b9f8a59&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[82R100]

send me a pic, i think im leaning towards 1912, or heavy top, this one from the bay looks good too, its a tto...http://cgi.ebay.com/Gem-Micromatic-Safety-Razor-vintage-1930s-TTO-se_W0QQitemZ350234839641QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item518b9f8a59&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

The Gem TTO's are collectively known as Micromatics. You can find six of them for sale (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=102231) for $10-$11 on B/S/T right now (shipped).

- Chris

[Basset]

You definitely need a 1912. You may find others that you ultimately prefer, but I've never heard of anyone having a bad experience with a 1912.

[D.Irving79]

Others on this very forum have referred to it as the Heavy Flat Top. Is the "G"-bar the official name Gem gave the razor?

I just call it a great shave.

nah, its just what wes calls it :001_smile


I too have not had a bad shave from a Gem of any variety. That said though, the Micromatic and the other heftier Gems seem kinda quirkey to some (especially new SE shavers) I'd have to agree with the rabble that the 1912 is hands down the best SE razor for those new to SE shaving (in fact a decent argument could be mounted that this is the best razor PERIOD). I'd say find a nice 1912, master SE shaving and then pick up a nice bullet tip open comb Micromatic and eventually a lather catcher. My inaugural Lather Catcher shave is slated for tomorrow morning. Many thanks to the right Honorable Dave Irving of the Garden State of New Jersey :biggrin:

Godspeed :lol:

[alex2363]

The Gem TTO's are collectively known as Micromatics. You can find six of them for sale (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=102231) for $10-$11 on B/S/T right now (shipped).

- Chris

i need to get one.....and 1912

[erdius]

but what kind of blades can you use? Can I just use regular razor blades?

[buddydog]

This ever-ready is one of my favorite razors....Walgreen gem persona blade.

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh450/andycat60/P1040725.jpg

[michiganlover]

but what kind of blades can you use? Can I just use regular razor blades?

No, you can't. Single Edge Gems use an entirely different blade, that is not at all compatible with the double edge blades you use in a DE razor.

See here, this website pretty much stocks the full line of available blades for Gem Single Edge razors:

http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/single-edge-blades.html

There are also "Ted Pella" blades, which can be bought here:

http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/gemptcoseblt.html

[todot62]

send me a pic, i think im leaning towards 1912, or heavy top, this one from the bay looks good too, its a tto...http://cgi.ebay.com/Gem-Micromatic-Safety-Razor-vintage-1930s-TTO-se_W0QQitemZ350234839641QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item518b9f8a59&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Personally, I would stay away from the Micromatics for your first SE. These things are aggressive and can give you razor burn in a heartbeat, if you're not careful. 1912's are all over the bay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-MENS-RAZOR-BY-GEM-COLLECTORS-ITEM-OR-DECO_W0QQitemZ310108899719QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item4833ee4987&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/Razor-Gem-Ornate-Handle-419_W0QQitemZ120392672232QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item1c07f663e8&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14#ht_500wt_956

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Ever-Ready-Safety-Razor_W0QQitemZ390079371694QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item5ad28ad9ae&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14#ht_6036wt_1167

[alex2363]

No, you can't. Single Edge Gems use an entirely different blade, that is not at all compatible with the double edge blades you use in a DE razor.

See here, this website pretty much stocks the full line of available blades for Gem Single Edge razors:

http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/single-edge-blades.html

There are also "Ted Pella" blades, which can be bought here:

http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/gemptcoseblt.html


Personally, I would stay away from the Micromatics for your first SE. These things are aggressive and can give you razor burn in a heartbeat, if you're not careful. 1912's are all over the bay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-MENS-RAZOR-BY-GEM-COLLECTORS-ITEM-OR-DECO_W0QQitemZ310108899719QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item4833ee4987&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/Razor-Gem-Ornate-Handle-419_W0QQitemZ120392672232QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item1c07f663e8&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14#ht_500wt_956

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Ever-Ready-Safety-Razor_W0QQitemZ390079371694QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item5ad28ad9ae&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14#ht_6036wt_1167
thanks, im try get ever ready razor, if the gem blades dont work on my damaskees

[D.Irving79]

why would gem blades not work in a damaskeene?

[alex2363]

why would gem blades not work in a damaskeene?

i just got my damaskeene, i put cheapo blades in it. im try gems to see if i can get a good shave. im also gettin a 1912 soon..

[pablo_h]

Damaskeenes are a 1912, they were the earlier versions of the 1912.

[DunEdinRanger]

I'm sure Dave will correct me if I am wrong, but the Damaskeene is a special version of the 1912 where it says Damaskeene inside the head and the handle is knurled.

I have tried to put a Damaskeene head on the ornate handled 1912 but it doesn't work as the thread diameter is apparently different.


I believe the rest of the 1912's have the ornate handles and the inside will simply say GEM, Ever Ready or STAR.

All three companies merged at one point to become American Safety Razor, and I can not tell a difference between the shaving head of the Ever Ready and Gems.

[D.Irving79]

it just advertised their blades at the time. so yes, in a way it is special :001_smile

[pablo_h]

I'm sure Dave will correct me if I am wrong, but the Damaskeene is a special version of the 1912 where it says Damaskeene inside the head and the handle is knurled.

I have tried to put a Damaskeene head on the ornate handled 1912 but it doesn't work as the thread diameter is apparently different.


I believe the rest of the 1912's have the ornate handles and the inside will simply say GEM, Ever Ready or STAR.

All three companies merged at one point to become American Safety Razor, and I can not tell a difference between the shaving head of the Ever Ready and Gems.
There's many different types of later handles and a slightly different head profile in some as well. But my point was the damaskeene is a Pat 1912.
I was just saying to alex (the OP) that they already have a 1912 if they have a damaskeene

[kingfisher]

So, no love for the Schick or Eversharp-Schick injectors in this thread? Is this a thread for Gem's only, or are any SE shavers welcome?

If the latter, I nominate the 40s injectors with the bakelite handle. If this thread is for Gem's only, I withdraw the nomination.:wink2:

[82R100]

Why not? It just hadn't been brought up. :smile:

I honestly haven't gotten quite as nice a shave with an injector razor as with a Gem, but I'm still very early in that learning curve.

The injector razors (particularly the older ones) are very light and agile. If you have any concerns about head size fitting under your nose, an injector razor is positively cartridge-like in terms of head size.

One advantage of injectors over Gem blade types is that there are adjustable models out there. To my knowledge there is nothing comparable for Gem blades.

- Chris

[Fairway Ray]

Heavy Flat Top
For me, that is. A fantastic shave every time. I have'nt use my Futur in weeks

61942

That's the one I have and I love it. It is the only SE I have ever used, so my experience is limited. All I know is this razor is my new best friend. :biggrin:

[D.Irving79]

So, no love for the Schick or Eversharp-Schick injectors in this thread? Is this a thread for Gem's only, or are any SE shavers welcome?

If the latter, I nominate the 40s injectors with the bakelite handle. If this thread is for Gem's only, I withdraw the nomination.:wink2:

injector = not a SE razor

[michiganlover]

injector = not a SE razor

Just what is it then?? It seems to have only a single cutting edge? :lol::lol:

[D.Irving79]

Just what is it then?? It seems to have only a single cutting edge? :lol::lol:

so does a DE blade :001_smile

i break them all up into:

SE

injector

DE

wedge

straight

proprietary

[alex2363]

Damaskeenes are a 1912, they were the earlier versions of the 1912.


There's many different types of later handles and a slightly different head profile in some as well. But my point was the damaskeene is a Pat 1912.
I was just saying to alex (the OP) that they already have a 1912 if they have a damaskeene

true, my says damaskeene inside, and GEM cutlery NEW YORK outside..heres a pic....

[Robxcarlson]

I think the Gem Contour is the best... very modern in appearance and made from Stainless Steel. Very comfortable razor.


u have a pic, sounds nice

Here you are. Side by side with a g-bar:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii130/robxcarlson/PICT8852.jpg

It's longer than a g-bar and the handle and head are stainless. It opens with a push button and the plastic grip makes it very comfortable to hold. There's not much said about this razor on the forum.

[highball]

Here are my best Gems and Stars

[spinyeel]

Here are my best Gems and StarsLots of S/E goodness in that lot.:001_tt1::001_tt1:

[alex2363]

Here are my best Gems and Stars

that is awsome dude, great collect

[alex2363]

Here you are. Side by side with a g-bar:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii130/robxcarlson/PICT8852.jpg

It's longer than a g-bar and the handle and head are stainless. It opens with a push button and the plastic grip makes it very comfortable to hold. There's not much said about this razor on the forum.

where can you get one, they look sweet.

[Haiku]

The Ever Ready Streamline is top of the line for me.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=14992

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=14990


http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=14993

[BrightFutur]

I would have to recommend a 1912 or a featherweight.

The 1912 was easier for me to find. The featherweight is a superlative shaver without feeling dangerous (Like my OC Micromatic)

Both can be had for a song, here or on 'da bay'. Got a set of 4 for about $10 shipped.

[alex2363]

The Ever Ready Streamline is top of the line for me.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=14992

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=14990


http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=14993

those are sweet, i just got 2 over the weekend, cant wait for them to get here.