First shave with SE - GEM Micromatic!

[kg4ghn]

I recently got a GEM Micromatic out of the Big Box 2. Put a GEM blade in it(not sure which one, it came in the box too). Read a couple of threads here about using a real shallow angle, Micromatics being very aggressive, and general SE advice before trying it.

First pass: WOW. With one WTG pass I had a SAS shave. Way closer than one pass with any of my DEs, although I only have mild Techs and SuperSpeeds. If I was in a hurry I could have called the shave done right here, but thats no fun.

Second Pass: XTG ear to nose. Got some pulling here. I don't know if I had my angle to steep or what. I tried to correct it several times laying the head of the razor flat on my face and then just lifting it a bit but still had pulling. I could feel the razor burn start.

Third Pass: ATG. Less pulling than XTG for some reason but it was still there. Tried to keep to the basics: shallow angle, no pressure. Got through the pass and BBS. Very very smooth face.

BUT: Oh man the razor burn, and I had weepers everywhere. Almost looked like I had the chicken pox... A cold water splash stopped all but one or two from bleeding. The razor burn was so bad that even my Nivea Cooling ASB burned like crazy when applied.

I am not going to give up on this razor. The shave really was very smooth. In fact it is still smooth now, 9 hours later. I am sure with a little better technique I can calm the burn down. Also I may end up stopping at two passes instead of three and still have a CCS. If I was in a hurry one pass would suffice, I can't say that about my DEs. Another razor for the rotation between my straights and DEs.

Oh, and we need a faceturbating smilie!!

[mark_mw]

Congrats on your first Micromatic shave / survival! It sure does have punch compared to those WEENIE razors you mentioned....but look at the effectiveness, and try to get over the weeps....the next shave will be better:thumbup1:

Now, try some classic A/S like Clubman or the VEG to get that "controlled burn" feel to combat your razor burn:biggrin1:

[brianw]

Of the SE's the Micromatic is a bit too aggressive for me... 1912, 1924, injectors... now there's a shave

[Telecaster52]

Kudos on not tossing the micromatic in the bin :thumbsup: Your issue with the xtg may have been too shallow of an angle, i.e. the head dragging on your skin, which may have led to undue pressure being applied.

Put a GEM blade in it(not sure which one, it came in the box too) I would wager to guess it was a PTFE-coated Ted Pella Blade

Congrats on your first Micromatic shave / survival! It sure does have punch compared to those WEENIE razors you mentioned...the clog pruf is a weenie compared to the open comb :lol:

[Slivovitz]

Was this the open comb Micromatic? I had troubles with it at first too, similar to yours. Came back to it after getting more experience with other Gems, and had no trouble at all. Close shave with no irritation. So definitely don't give up. The Bullet Tip and Clog-Pruf Micromatics also work very well.

Now that I know the OC Micromatic can work for me, it doesn't have to be my every day shaver. I just didn't want to let it beat me.:thumbup1:

[drandall]

i've had a stormy relationship with SE's

i got a nice chain link GEM but my results were eratic and often harsh. then i tried a ever-ready. same thing. also a lather catcher....

i know so many people love them to death, but i find them far more ornery and temperamental than a standard DE.

shame too, cause they're cool. maybe it's my technique or maybe there is some combination of my skin type, the razor angle and my beard growth pattern that isn't complementary.

[kg4ghn]

It is an open comb!

The blade says GEM on it and came out of a gray plastic dispenser.

I am still smooth now, but my face is a little sore still. Definitely gonna cut back on the passes until I get the hang of it.

As far as the veg, SWMBO can't stand anything that smells like an "old man" scent so I seriously doubt she would think I was one of the chosen. Plus I shave at night right before bed so a scented AS is overkill, I usually just use unscented balms and occasionally some Lime Skin Food.

[Jaymo]

The only thing I dislike about my Gems, besides lack of blade selection, is the fact that it's harder to maneuver under my nose for a WTG pass, than a DE.
Other than that, I wonder why they quit making them.
I shaved with my bullet tip micromatic last night. I, too, shave before bed. It gives my face time to recover before work the next day, and I'm much more awake, coordinated at night than I am first thing in the morning.

[mark_mw]

Kudos on not tossing the micromatic in the bin :thumbsup: Your issue with the xtg may have been too shallow of an angle, i.e. the head dragging on your skin, which may have led to undue pressure being applied.
I would wager to guess it was a PTFE-coated Ted Pella Blade
the clog pruf is a weenie compared to the open comb :lol:

....and the G-Bar and Contour are also SE weenies - they should have stopped with the open comb!:biggrin1:

[mark_mw]

It is an open comb!

The blade says GEM on it and came out of a gray plastic dispenser.

I am still smooth now, but my face is a little sore still. Definitely gonna cut back on the passes until I get the hang of it.

As far as the veg, SWMBO can't stand anything that smells like an "old man" scent so I seriously doubt she would think I was one of the chosen. Plus I shave at night right before bed so a scented AS is overkill, I usually just use unscented balms and occasionally some Lime Skin Food.

Not only did I use the VEG today, but the soap was made with an "Old Spice" scent, The Razor was an Ever-Ready 1912 pattern, and the floral decorated mug was a century old:lol:

[Telecaster52]

....and the G-Bar and Contour are also SE weenies - they should have stopped with the open comb!:biggrin1:
of the closed-comb SE's, the G-bar seems to be the most aggressive

*prepares for flaming of epic proportions*

IMO, all DE's (with possible exception of the mighty slant) are weenies compared to even the lowly 1912 or Contour

*goes to hide under desk :scared:*

[mark_mw]

of the closed-comb SE's, the G-bar seems to be the most aggressive

*prepares for flaming of epic proportions*

IMO, all DE's (with possible exception of the mighty slant) are weenies compared to even the lowly 1912 or Contour

*goes to hide under desk :scared:*

....and Gems everywhere quake at the sight of The Henkles (after 2 shaves I've left it alone):ohmy:

[Darjeeling Express]

It is an open comb! I found the open comb Micromatic to be a bit vicious. Do Not Give Up On SEs! I too would recommend the 1912 head, or the G-Bar or the Bullet. But surely, you owe it to yourself to try the straight bar Micromatic. All of these are great shavers.

[alex2363]

Gotta love those micro's