Ok gem s/e shavers guys, what am i doing wrong

[alex2363]

i just got my damaskeene gem, i put in a dollar store brand blade and nothing, it ujust didnt cut hairs. i had to use my newly aquirred old type to shave what the gem left behind. what did i do wrong here. please help!

[amishmotorboat]

I am not fit to say anything here, but I had problems with my first attempt with a gem the other day, and got the advice to fix it in this thread here.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=101770

[spinyeel]

Sounds like incorrect angle combined with bad blade.Get some Personna stainless or Pella blades and work on your angle of attack.Try shaving your sideburn area first.Everything will come together with a little practice.:wink::biggrin: Cheers Phil.

[r0ckrat]

put in a dollar store brand blade

I would guess that was part of the problem - probably a blade designed for scrapers. For around $2, I found Treet blades at my local Rite Aid, will be trying this next week in my Gem TTO.

[pablo_h]

You shave with the razor cap lifted off the face, not sliding it along by the top.
You don't use cheap blades, only the GEM stainless steel blades are worth bothering with.
ie: These: http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/gem-superstainless-single-edge--5-p5.html The retail small packs that anyone trying SE for the first time can buy at walgreens etc to see if they like SE.

or these: http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/gemptcoseblt.html The so called Ted Pella blades that come in bulk packs of 100 which some people are willing to resell in smaller amounts. This is the blade that some SE shavers buy in bulk to save money as it works out cheaper than buying the retail personna packs

I didn't like anything else after trying all the sample packs. Most SE shavers agree if you search this and other forums, almost everyone agrees the stainless GEM (Ted Pella or personna) are the best.

[alex2363]

I would guess that was part of the problem - probably a blade designed for scrapers. For around $2, I found Treet blades at my local Rite Aid, will be trying this next week in my Gem TTO.

ok, i did get the cheapo blades, im try the treets at rite aids, hope that works.

[pablo_h]

Don't bother, they are crap.

[wizard]

ok, i did get the cheapo blades, im try the treets at rite aids, hope that works.

The Treets are a better choice then the blades you picked to use first. I get a OK shave from them. The Gems at Walgreens give a better shave.
In fact I'm not sure the Treets are even Stainless as they discolor after the first use!

[pablo_h]

Treets are carbon, as are the PALs and the GEM blue stars. That's why I said the only blades worth buying are the stainless GEM by personnas and the GEM "ted pellas" blades. They are your only two choices for reliable easy shaves.

Now if you wanted to keep dipping your blades in alcohol and were a regular stropper, then the carbon blades by treet, bluestar and PAL may be OK. But if you wanted to use a GEM just like you do a DE, only the two stainless models I've mentioned are worth buying.

[alex2363]

ok, so mi try those gems from walgreen, see wat happens....

[Fairway Ray]

You were misinformed. The single blade razors are useless. I'll do you a big favor and take it off your hands.:wink:

Seriously, GEM's are great razors. When you get the hang of shaving with one, your DE's might just be gathering dust in your cabinet. I find shaving with a SE very satisfying. The thicker blade cuts with more authority than the thin DE's. For me, shaving with my G-Bar GEM is easy and very comfortable. Despite what I was afraid of, after one week I have yet to cut myself and irritation is nonexistent.

Keep at it, if your experience is anything like mine, you'll be very happy you did.

[DunEdinRanger]

Alex,

I sent you two Ted Pella's. Use those! Those are the best blades out there.

[D.Irving79]

Treets are carbon, as are the PALs and the GEM blue stars. That's why I said the only blades worth buying are the stainless GEM by personnas and the GEM "ted pellas" blades. They are your only two choices for reliable easy shaves.

Now if you wanted to keep dipping your blades in alcohol and were a regular stropper, then the carbon blades by treet, bluestar and PAL may be OK. But if you wanted to use a GEM just like you do a DE, only the two stainless models I've mentioned are worth buying.

the treets sold in stores here are stainless. at least rite aid.

[Robxcarlson]

the treets sold in stores here are stainless. at least rite aid.

The Treets I bought recently rusted miserably after one shave. I didn't get mine at Rite Aid, but are there really more than one type of Treet blade?

[pablo_h]

the treets sold in stores here are stainless. at least rite aid.
Ah OK.
The Treets I bought online were carbon. Not only that, they were the worst blade for me too, I found PAL and Blue Star carbon blades better.

edit: These ones: http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/treet-super-carbon--single-edge-blade.html

[D.Irving79]

yeah the one in most stores is totally different. i agree with you on the blue stars and PAL being better.

[DunEdinRanger]

Alex,

I just shaved with my Damaskeene, and have a thick stubble. These Single Edge razors are really incredible in how much stubble the knock off and how smooth they are.

Don't hold it flat against the face, instead try with the handle almost parallel to the face. By the sound it makes, you will know when you get the right angle.

[soapbox]

I had a good shave with the "Ted Pella" single-edge blades last night. I'm giving SE shaving another shake after a relatively poor first attempt (I was an inexperienced DE/SE shaver at the time, over a year ago). I found that yeah, you can't hold the flat of the razor head parallel to your face -- it just won't cut much at all. I'm by no means an SE expert or devotee, but I enjoyed my shave last night and think it would be a nice addition to my rotation.

Stick to it for a few more shaves!

[alex2363]

Alex,

I just shaved with my Damaskeene, and have a thick stubble. These Single Edge razors are really incredible in how much stubble the knock off and how smooth they are.

Don't hold it flat against the face, instead try with the handle almost parallel to the face. By the sound it makes, you will know when you get the right angle.


I had a good shave with the "Ted Pella" single-edge blades last night. I'm giving SE shaving another shake after a relatively poor first attempt (I was an inexperienced DE/SE shaver at the time, over a year ago). I found that yeah, you can't hold the flat of the razor head parallel to your face -- it just won't cut much at all. I'm by no means an SE expert or devotee, but I enjoyed my shave last night and think it would be a nice addition to my rotation.

Stick to it for a few more shaves!
well, im trying out the gem blades and i did take a lil chunk of meat out, but i do like the ease of shaving with these s/e razors, im keep trying to master it with out taking out too much meat,lol

[michiganlover]

well, im trying out the gem blades and i did take a lil chunk of meat out, but i do like the ease of shaving with these s/e razors, im keep trying to master it with out taking out too much meat,lol

I am on about shave 15 with my Gem SE razors, and still had a total bloodbath of a shave today. It happens to all of us at some point. :eek::lol:

[alex2363]

I am on about shave 15 with my Gem SE razors, and still had a total bloodbath of a shave today. It happens to all of us at some point. :eek::lol:

LMAO:biggrin:

[_JP_]

well, im trying out the gem blades and i did take a lil chunk of meat out, but i do like the ease of shaving with these s/e razors, im keep trying to master it with out taking out too much meat,lol


I am on about shave 15 with my Gem SE razors, and still had a total bloodbath of a shave today. It happens to all of us at some point. :eek::lol:

In both cases it sounds like a blade angle issue to me. And the angle can vary slightly between the models of GEM razors. Some of them were designed so that the head is used flat against the face, while others are raised at a very slight angle from the face. You almost can't go wrong with the head very slightly raised. Just be extra aware of the blade angle as you navigate around your beard and use short strokes.

I find GEM blades very acceptable for shaving, and saving for paint scrapers later on.

[alex2363]

In both cases it sounds like a blade angle issue to me. And the angle can vary slightly between the models of GEM razors. Some of them were designed so that the head is used flat against the face, while others are raised at a very slight angle from the face. You almost can't go wrong with the head very slightly raised. Just be extra aware of the blade angle as you navigate around your beard and use short strokes.

I find GEM blades very acceptable for shaving, and saving for paint scrapers later on.

ok, i will try that. hopefully i get better. i love the way this gem just cuts my stuborn whiskers. but im gettin alota cuts..lol:eek:

[spinyeel]

I hope things work out for you Alex.:smile:I do find it hard to get my head around you cutting yourself repeatedly though.:eek:Gems are milder shavers than most D/Es imho.:confused:

[NickedUp]

I do find it hard to get my head around you cutting yourself repeatedly though.:eek:Gems are milder shavers than most D/Es imho.:confused:

So far, I'm having similar issues- Gem 1912 w/ Walgreens Gem blades, good lather and prep, head held a few degrees off the face, very little pressure, etc. It certainly *sounds* and feels like it's cutting something, but I feel a lot of pulling and razor burn seems hard to avoid. I get to DFS faster and with less worry with a Super Speed (red tip) at this point.

I know it can be done, but I think I'm doing something wrong. I want to reach SE nirvana!

[alex2363]

So far, I'm having similar issues- Gem 1912 w/ Walgreens Gem blades, good lather and prep, head held a few degrees off the face, very little pressure, etc. It certainly *sounds* and feels like it's cutting something, but I feel a lot of pulling and razor burn seems hard to avoid. I get to DFS faster and with less worry with a Super Speed (red tip) at this point.

I know it can be done, but I think I'm doing something wrong. I want to reach SE nirvana!

true, i just took a shower and prepped with my vulvix badger brush,prorraso cream, i passed one time and heard the blade cutting but when i looked and felt my beard, nothing, just a little bit went off. i dont want to get too eager so im just keep trying til i get it. slowly but surely....i hope

[DunEdinRanger]

Are you guys hearing the blade cutting? It makes a loud noise. As you adjust the angle, the acoustic feedback changes. You can tell the right angle by the sound - almost as if the blade is singing an aria, "Barber of Seville" :biggrin:

[D.Irving79]

So far, I'm having similar issues- Gem 1912 w/ Walgreens Gem blades, good lather and prep, head held a few degrees off the face, very little pressure, etc. It certainly *sounds* and feels like it's cutting something, but I feel a lot of pulling and razor burn seems hard to avoid. I get to DFS faster and with less worry with a Super Speed (red tip) at this point.

I know it can be done, but I think I'm doing something wrong. I want to reach SE nirvana!

your angle may be too far off the face.

[alex2363]

Are you guys hearing the blade cutting? It makes a loud noise. As you adjust the angle, the acoustic feedback changes. You can tell the right angle by the sound - almost as if the blade is singing an aria, "Barber of Seville" :biggrin:

yes, i heard the band singing. lol. but it takes several tries judst to get there.

[NickedUp]

This morning I awoke on a mission to "get" the whole GEM fascination and take the time to learn its charms (and not injure myself). I was extra careful with getting good lather and was very meticulous with pressure and angle, short strokes...

The biggest surprise was when I realized the importance of the loud aural feedback- it became second nature to rely on it to know when an area was really smooth. I guess I've never really hit BBS until today, 'cause I'm used to a bit of residual hair-cutting noise on my final pass with my Gillettes. Maybe I've been impatient.

Anyway, the shave was super-close, no irritation, not a hit of burn with the AV splash... I GET IT. Awesome.

[alex2363]

This morning I awoke on a mission to "get" the whole GEM fascination and take the time to learn its charms (and not injure myself). I was extra careful with getting good lather and was very meticulous with pressure and angle, short strokes...

The biggest surprise was when I realized the importance of the loud aural feedback- it became second nature to rely on it to know when an area was really smooth. I guess I've never really hit BBS until today, 'cause I'm used to a bit of residual hair-cutting noise on my final pass with my Gillettes. Maybe I've been impatient.

Anyway, the shave was super-close, no irritation, not a hit of burn with the AV splash... I GET IT. Awesome.

so that feedback is key? i hear it too, it sounds too wierd, i am not sure if that was normal. i only hear that cutting noise when i scrape stuff off walls ect. but now i will try to go with that sound to see if it helps, i am gettin better.

[Mycon]

It might just be my sensitivity to tones, but I found that if your angle is too steep it makes a higher-pitched sound than the correct one.

I got my pack of Treets at Rite-Aid and they rust up after 1 PASS for me!
I would recommend either the GEM/Personna blades (most Walgreens have these) or possibly the Ted Pella which I haven't tried yet.

[alex2363]

It might just be my sensitivity to tones, but I found that if your angle is too steep it makes a higher-pitched sound than the correct one.

I got my pack of Treets at Rite-Aid and they rust up after 1 PASS for me!
I would recommend either the GEM/Personna blades (most Walgreens have these) or possibly the Ted Pella which I haven't tried yet.

it does make a variation of sounds, each sound corresponds to the different pass, im just not that good at the technique just yet, thats why im open to advise, this is a great site to learn for such tips.

[BatNastard]

I'm having trouble too. Can we say that if we have the razor pointing down like we're about to do a N-S pass, and we have the head flat against the face, the correct angle is to lower the handle and increase the angle of attack by ~10 degrees? Or should the blade be almost perpendicular to the face?

[Shave Cat]

I'm having trouble too. Can we say that if we have the razor pointing down like we're about to do a N-S pass, and we have the head flat against the face, the correct angle is to lower the handle and increase the angle of attack by ~10 degrees? Or should the blade be almost perpendicular to the face?
I usually shave with a SE with the razor's head just slightly off my skin. If the blade is perpendicular to your skin, you will be scraping your skin same as if you do that with a DE. I really don't pay any attention to number of degrees whether I'm using a SE or DE. I just use whatever works and gives me the most comfortable shave.

-Clarke

[BatNastard]

Problem is, you don't know what works until you know what works :wink: I don't use a DE in such a way that the blade is perpendicular to my skin, though.

I thought I had tried it this way, and not gotten a very close shave. It's weird, I seem to get better results with the head pretty far off my face for pass 1 and 2, and then almost flat for pass 3 (ATG). My whiskers tend to lie pretty close to my face, though.

Tomorrow I'll try the "nearly flat" again and see if I can't find this so-called nirvana.

p.s. Apologies for the hijack

[alex2363]

Problem is, you don't know what works until you know what works :wink: I don't use a DE in such a way that the blade is perpendicular to my skin, though.

I thought I had tried it this way, and not gotten a very close shave. It's weird, I seem to get better results with the head pretty far off my face for pass 1 and 2, and then almost flat for pass 3 (ATG). My whiskers tend to lie pretty close to my face, though.

Tomorrow I'll try the "nearly flat" again and see if I can't find this so-called nirvana.

p.s. Apologies for the hijack

today i got off to the wrong start. i angled it but went too fast and sliced a chunk off between the nose my lip. i was ready to call the red cross for blood. after i used half roll toilet tissue to stop the blood. i took my time and it worked a little better. but im still not gettin that smooth shave yet, im keep tryin til it kills me..lol

[BatNastard]

im keep tryin til it kills me..lol

I hope not literally :) Hey, at least you got it to cut, though!

[DunEdinRanger]

today i got off to the wrong start. i angled it but went too fast and sliced a chunk off between the nose my lip. i was ready to call the red cross for blood. after i used half roll toilet tissue to stop the blood. i took my time and it worked a little better. but im still not gettin that smooth shave yet, im keep tryin til it kills me..lol


Well if you suddenly stop posting we will know what happened. :001_tongu

[alex2363]

Well if you suddenly stop posting we will know what happened. :001_tongu

oh oh:eek: