Dumb question: Why SE?

[yaderhey]

OK, I'm not immediately gonna jump and buy a fifth razor, but having just purchased two Injectors, can someone tell me why one might want to shave with a single-edged razor?

I do find the Injector experience quite different (and perhaps more pleasant) than the EJ89 and Merkur Slant feel. Is SE just like this, but without the cool loading mechanism?

In a nutshell, what's the deal with SE? Are these razors made anymore? They look more ornate, but how are they different/same than the other stuff I've tried?

[Dennis]

OK, I'm not immediately gonna jump and buy a fifth razor, but having just purchased two Injectors, can someone tell me why one might want to shave with a single-edged razor?

I do find the Injector experience quite different (and perhaps more pleasant) than the EJ89 and Merkur Slant feel. Is SE just like this, but without the cool loading mechanism?

In a nutshell, what's the deal with SE? Are these razors made anymore? They look more ornate, but how are they different/same than the other stuff I've tried?

Looks like you answered your own question. No, the razors are not made anymore as far as I know. For single edge razors, there is the injector/Schick style and the GEM style. I prefer GEMs myself. The blade is thicker, no flex to it, and heavier and that seems to give many people better shaves than DE razors.

[Telecaster52]

now's the perfect time to try one, there's a monster sale on BST right now $10 for an SE and 10 blades

The blade is thicker, no flex to it, and heavier and that seems to give many people better shaves than DE razors.
+1
I find the thicker blades to be more forgiving, since the more a blade flexes, the more likely it is to catch on a facial speedbump :thumbup1:

[yaderhey]

Maybe time to pounce. What's another $10 in the grand scheme of things?

Are those razors listed in the BST all about the same?

[drews50]

1. The razors are inexpensive
2. The blades are inexpensive and are good for more shaves
3. They are underrated and give superior shaves, BBS my friend

[Greyfox]

I use them in rotation with my DE's to keep the experience fresh and exciting. Adds a lot of variety. And of course they give great shaves.

[yaderhey]

Sold. Just bought #5, the Micromatic TTO.

Maybe I am addicted to this shaving thing.

[drews50]

Sold. Just bought #5, the Micromatic TTO.

Maybe I am addicted to this shaving thing.

You'll love that OCMM, congrats.

[Slivovitz]

Although occasionally you'll hear a rumor of an injector or SE razor still being made somewhere in the world, basically, you're talking vintage razors for both. Blades for both types are easy to find on line, but injector blades may be harder to find in brick and mortar stores.

My favorite SE razors, Gem 1912s and a 1907 Gem Junior Bar, are about as user friendly and effective as my best injectors. I use the injectors more often, but enjoy the SEs as well. If you're satisfied with your injectors, the main reason for trying the SEs would be that you just want to. Of course, if you do try them, you might find that you like them even better; peoples experience do vary.

A good quality Gem, Ever-Ready, or Star SE razor should be easy to find for $15 or less, and you may find a good one for less than $5.

[Edit] Oh, you bought a Micromatic while I was typing this. Those are good, too. Which type? Open Comb? Bullet tip? Clog-Pruf?

[yaderhey]

It's #5 on this list:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=195885

Any thoughts on what I just bought for $10? Age? Aggressiveness compared to what I'm used to?

[Slivovitz]

It's #5 on this list:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=195885

Any thoughts on what I just bought for $10? Age? Aggressiveness compared to what I'm used to?

People's opinions vary. You've bought an Open Comb Micromatic. Many people say it's their favorite. It's probably the most aggressive of the common SEs, so care is indicated, but you can be rewarded with a very close shave.

I like the OCCM well enough, but prefer the Bullet tip (#10 in that group), and the Clog-Pruf (not in the group at all). Even better, for me, are the 1912 style razors, numbers 1,2,4,6, and 7. Definitely see how you like the one you got; you may love it.

[alex2363]

1. The razors are inexpensive
2. The blades are inexpensive and are good for more shaves
3. They are underrated and give superior shaves, BBS my friend

^^^^^^^^^^wat he said:thumbup1:

[Greyfox]

I thought that new Cobra was some kind of SE.:001_huh:

[4hits]

Just enjoyed my 5th shave with a 1912 Damaskeene, with a 5th shave Walgreen Gem. The shaves are getting better and better. Best shave yet with this razor.

I do not see myself reaching for any of my DE's anytime soon.

[Pjotr]

People's opinions vary. You've bought an Open Comb Micromatic. Many people say it's their favorite. It's probably the most aggressive of the common SEs, so care is indicated, but you can be rewarded with a very close shave.

I like the OCCM well enough, but prefer the Bullet tip (#10 in that group), and the Clog-Pruf (not in the group at all). Even better, for me, are the 1912 style razors, numbers 1,2,4,6, and 7. Definitely see how you like the one you got; you may love it.

I've found that what people say about agrressiveness of SEs to be pretty well spot on. And on that basis the OCMM (it's one I haven't got) will need to be handled with care. I think the G-Bar (was still availabe last time I looked) or one of the GEM 1912s would have been a better option. But in any case hold that head tight (or as near as) against your skin and just do a two pass shave to start with and try and limit any ATG. A two pass shave with an SE is as good as a three pass shave with a DE in my experience. Go slow! Once you get used to it you can be more adventurous and you'll probably find that any DEs you've got will be slowly gathering dust.

[Slivovitz]

I thought that new Cobra was some kind of SE.:001_huh:

True. It uses the same sort of blade as the Feather AC, a disposable bladed straight. A bit longer than a standard injector blade.

[kg4ghn]

The open comb MM is a little aggressive for me, I like the 1912s better.

SE gives me very good shaves. I was in a hurry this morning and very tired, and just did a quick 2 pass shave that ended up being DFS+ with BBS patches. If I had did my usual 3 pass shave it would have been BBS.

I personally like SE much better than DE, and sold off all of the DEs I had. Now I just use straights and my 1912. I do have a couple of injectors now too, but they are a little too mild for me.

[Telecaster52]

OK, I'm not immediately gonna jump and buy a fifth razor, but having just purchased two Injectors, can someone tell me why one might want to shave with a single-edged razor?


5 posts later...


Sold. Just bought #5, the Micromatic TTO.

Maybe I am addicted to this shaving thing.

hook, line, and sinker :lol:

Great choice, the OCMM is my #1 razor, DE, SE, or otherwise

[yaderhey]

Hook, line and sinker is right. I figured I can sit around and obsess, or just spend $10 and get it over with.

With this purchase, I will now own:

- DE89L
- Slant 37c
- Injector L
- Injector E
- SE razor

That should be more than enough, right? (I say now.)

I'm terrified of the idea of a straight razor, and I just don't see it happening.

(I say now.)

[kg4ghn]

Hook, line and sinker is right. I figured I can sit around and obsess, or just spend $10 and get it over with.

With this purchase, I will now own:

- DE89L
- Slant 37c
- Injector L
- Injector E
- SE razor

That should be more than enough, right? (I say now.)

I'm terrified of the idea of a straight razor, and I just don't see it happening.

(I say now.)


Not one vintage Gillette? :ohmy:

/enableroff

:lol::lol:

[yaderhey]

In fact, I bought a '58 Superspeed on eBay in December, but it seemed so similar to the EJ89, I sold it to a friend for what I paid for.

In retrospect, that might've been a dumb move. I don't think I gave it enough time to learn its nuances.

[Telecaster52]

I'm terrified of the idea of a straight razor, and I just don't see it happening.

(I say now.)

i'll give ya 3 more posts :tongue_sm

[Pjotr]

Not one vintage Gillette?.......

Well he sort of missed a step but he's now got one the original safety razors, so he got there in the end. If it's a worry to you, those new DEs are likely to disappear (hook, line and sinker) from his arsenal very shortly.

[yaderhey]

I feel like I'm hunting Moby Dick, always in search of the perfect shave. I still have not gotten there.

Next weekend, though, I will be on vacation and will bust out my now retired Gillette Fusion Power Glide (TSA approved) and canned goo. Will be interesting to see how it compares to this five-month journey into old-timey shaving.

I'm secretly hoping it sucks. My recollection, unfortunately, was BBS every time. I've yet to achieve that with a DE or Injector, but it sure is more fun.

[drews50]

It's a darn good thing razors are cheap or we would all be in the poor house.

[craig87c]

Quick, easy, inexpensive, close, irritiation-free shaves. What's not to like?

[yaderhey]

After my fourth shave with the Injector tonight, I'm getting excited for this OCMM to arrive. I feel like the Injector is sort of like a SE with training wheels.

I can't quite put my finger on why I am enjoying it a bit more than the DE experience, but I think it's because the blade is more rigid. I feel like I have more control or something.

Still not BBS, but definitely DFS with the Injector L. And very low on the irritation factor.

[DunEdinRanger]

I think you're going to love the close, smooth, long lasting the OCMM will provide, after the razor gives you a few love bites.

[craig87c]

I think you're going to love the close, smooth, long lasting the OCMM will provide, after the razor gives you a few love bites.

Don't let him scare you, the OCMM only bites when you stray from it. It just gets so lonely without you to hold it...

[willyb]

Here is my rating of shave quality and the associated razors

Gem Micromatic Open Comb 10
Gem Micromatic Clogpruf 10
Gem 1912 9
Gem 1901 Bar LC 9

all other Gems 8


gillettes from freebies to aristocrats 4-6

[DunEdinRanger]

Here is my rating of shave quality and the associated razors

Gem Micromatic Open Comb 10
Gem Micromatic Clogpruf 10
Gem 1912 9
Gem 1901 Bar LC 9

all other Gems 8


gillettes from freebies to aristocrats 4-6

FWIW, I think that is spot on. Of course, I think Merkurs are better shavers than Gillettes, but that is whole other ball of wax.

[Mr. Flay]

Here is my rating of shave quality and the associated razors

Gem Micromatic Open Comb 10
Gem Micromatic Clogpruf 10
Gem 1912 9
Gem 1901 Bar LC 9

all other Gems 8


gillettes from freebies to aristocrats 4-6

Wow, although I've not yet gotten my mitts on a 1901 LC yet, I must concur with this assessment. Clog Pruf is my go to at the moment.