In praise of the lowly Gem... [Archive]

paydepst

06-23-2007, 12:40 PM

I've come to the defense of Gem razors in a couple of other threads and just thought I would open my own regarding them. The single edge razors with the possible exception of the Gem G Bar pretty much reside in the shadow of the DE razors and it's a bit unfair. My attention was first drawn to the Gem razors when I read Michael's (Leisureguy) entry in his blog about the experience of shaving with a G Bar. He said it gave him a grand shave and the design of the razor even facilitated a nice irritation free ATG pass. Looking at the pictures of it I thought even then that it was a smart looking razor and I resolved to go a-shopping for one. I also read somewhere that due to blade characteristics the single edge razor was as close to a straight razor shave as you could get. It made sense and I decided to go on the hunt.
I found my first G Bar rather quickly and it shaved like nobody's business. No nicks and no irritation. Prior to that only my trusty Regent Tech had managed that feat. I was impressed and I went looking for more. About this time I started hearing about the Gem Micromatic and the bad press it seems to inevitably attract. Because of that I dismissed it out of hand and for a long time I passed over the Micro thinking it an inferior razor somehow flawed in its design. This was a mistake. In my continuing quest for another G Bar I bought one as part of a Gem three pack from my good friend Alfred (Barbarosa). I made some offhand remark about having the paramedics on standby in case I decided to shave with the Micro. Alfred messaged me back and told me to give the Micro a chance and that I might be surprised. Well I did and I was blown away by the quality of the shave. It was an open comb Micro too so I had the pleasure of it "singing" while the whiskers were shorn. My Regent Tech also does this and I confess it's a quality about the open combs I really like. I am now convinced that everyone that has had a bad experience with the Micro or any of the other Gem razors-barring any physical damage to the razor itself-is simply not holding them correctly assuming that your face is properly prepped of course.
You hold these razors almost but not quite flat against the skin. It should just barely graze the skin as you move it along your face. Due to the head geometry the angle of the blade relative to the face is very close to that of a straight as it relates to the face. The head design takes a wee bit of getting used to but it is not overly daunting. Take your time-you're not supposed to be in a hurry anyway-and you'll get used to it. The blades are the regular box cutter single edge blades but you might want to shop around for ones that are teflon or platinum coated otherwise you may have an untreated blade rusting away in your Gem.
The Ever Readys are their English equivalent. Doubtless there are other quality brands out there too. You've probably seen some of those early Gems that look a bit like mediaeval instrumants of torture-you know kind of scary looking. Well, the head is on the same angle and they shave every bit as well as the modern versions.
The good news is these razors are plentiful on Ebay and still going for affordable prices. They clean up a treat and they are a joy to shave with. I'll never not have at least one Gem in the rotation. In fact I went one week using nothing but Gems and not a weeper in sight.
My advice is to give these single edge oddities a try if you haven't already especially the much maligned Micromatic. Give them a try and you'll soon realise that the bad press is wholly undeserved.

android

06-24-2007, 12:02 AM

Lately I've been really using my Gems, both a G-love and a Micromatic, and loving them. I love the sound of the single edge cutting thru each beard hair. I love how wickedly sharp they, but in contrast with my Feather str8t, they are easy to use without cutting myself. A light touch, and a few passes, and I've got me an awesome shave. It's strange, because the same Micromatic that I initially hated is now quite nice, almost as nice as the G-Love.

It just shows how as your technique evolves, razors that don't work or are too aggressive become manageable and then quite nice.

Here's to these GEMS!

Straight Arrow

06-24-2007, 07:39 AM

I have a few Gems. I love the Featherweight. It was easy to learn and it gives great results. I have had trouble with the Micromatic but I'm not ready to give it up just yet. I agree with Mark that these razors deserve a little more respect. Anyone who wants some variety in their shaving should give 'em a try.

Day

07-09-2007, 07:17 PM

JBHoren

07-09-2007, 08:43 PM

I just won a couple Gems on eBay, one Micromatic and one I think I've seen called a G-bar. Crummy pics on the auction site, but I'm looking forward to trying them. Here's a pic by the seller:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f176/Warren43/GemRazors.jpg

Blades of choice seem to be from Ted Pella. Any advice before I try these?

I have both of the GEMs pictured: the open-comb is the Micromatic (TTO), and the bar-guard is he G-Bar (flip-top). My bias toward open-comb razors notwithstanding, I preferred the shave I got from the Micromatic, to that of the G-Bar. WRT blades: I've used both Ted Pella and GEM blades -- both are fine. As with all things, YMMV.

Good skin/beard prep is essential; so is being methodical and deliberate. Give 'em a good cleaning, and go for it.

Smooth shaving!

paydepst

07-09-2007, 09:56 PM

I have both of the GEMs pictured: the open-comb is the Micromatic (TTO), and the bar-guard is he G-Bar (flip-top). My bias toward open-comb razors notwithstanding, I preferred the shave I got from the Micromatic, to that of the G-Bar. WRT blades: I've used both Ted Pella and GEM blades -- both are fine. As with all things, YMMV.

Good skin/beard prep is essential; so is being methodical and deliberate. Give 'em a good cleaning, and go for it.

Smooth shaving!

Here, here! JB your Gem experience is the opposite of many as most prefer the G bar. That's interesting. I love 'em all.

Day

07-13-2007, 11:53 AM

Here are photos of the GEMs I won in an eBay auction earlier this week:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f176/Warren43/GEM%20Razors/GEMMicromatic_f.jpg
The Micromatic has quite a bit of plating wear and the handle is kind of rough, but it seems usable.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f176/Warren43/GEM%20Razors/GEMG-bar_a.jpg
The G-bar is really clean, with only a bit of plating wear on one corner of the top.

When I get up the nerve for my first GEM shave, I'll post my impressions.

DaveF

07-13-2007, 12:01 PM

paydepst

07-13-2007, 12:13 PM

I just got a GEM as a surprise bonus from another member when I bought an Injector from him, and after searching for and reading some less-than-complimentary words about them in other threads it was nice to read this one. It's stamped "1912" and has a decorative engraving running the length of the handle but I'm not sure how to identify it further.

I went to CVS last night to look for blades and found some made by a company called Treet, but they looked unnervingly like box-cutter blades so I didn't pull the trigger on them. Can someone confirm that they are actually made for shaving?

Yes they are made for shaving. They are coated. Your boxcutters aren't.

paydepst

07-13-2007, 12:14 PM

DaveF

07-13-2007, 12:26 PM

Yes they are made for shaving. They are coated. Your boxcutters aren't.

Thanks, Mark. I'll pick those up and give the GEM a go tonight. I hope it shaves as cool as it looks. :001_cool:

Suzuki

07-13-2007, 12:58 PM

Thanks, Mark. I'll pick those up and give the GEM a go tonight. I hope it shaves as cool as it looks. :001_cool:

Just make sure you keep the head flat against your skin - otherwise you'll get a bit of a cheese-slicer effect!

Once you get the hang of them, the GEMs are very nice shavers.

The open comb is a little more aggressive, but they're good, well built razors. I also have the Ever Read and GEM minuteman, but haven't used them yet - both are new and still in the original packaging.

The Pella blades are very good and dirt cheap to boot.

farace

07-14-2007, 05:41 PM

I picked up a Micromatic today at an antique shop, stopped at CVS on the way home and picked up a pack of Treet blades, and cleaned the thing up. I'm planning to try it out tomorrow morning, but I see that the model I got doesn't look like the ones pictured in this thread. Mine has a different handle, and doesn't have a comb. It's like the "four of hearts" pictured in this post. (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=232318&postcount=1) Can I expect as good a shave from this razor as from the open comb version?

paydepst

07-15-2007, 01:01 AM

ouch

07-15-2007, 01:12 AM

I know they have a lot of fans, but there's something about the Gems that just gives me the creeps. :eek:

paydepst

07-15-2007, 02:01 AM

I know they have a lot of fans, but there's something about the Gems that just gives me the creeps. :eek:

Jay overcome the creep factor and enjoy one of the finest shaves EVAH!

farace

07-15-2007, 08:37 AM

I know they have a lot of fans, but there's something about the Gems that just gives me the creeps. :eek:

I think that's one of the things I find appealing! :rolleyes:

jlander

07-15-2007, 08:44 AM

Jay overcome the creep factor and enjoy one of the finest shaves EVAH!
Extremely smooth and irritation free with only 2 passes, but it is like shaving with a str8. If you do not give it the proper respect, it will bite you. As long as you pay attention it is a fantastic little shaver. Since I got the one from Mark, I now have a G BAR, a tapered Micromatic TTO, a couple of Featherweights, a NOS Junior in the box, and at least one that I have no idea what to call it. I am looking forward to trying each and everyone of them. I do not think I will make them my primary shavers, but I think there will always be one in my rotation.

farace

07-15-2007, 10:51 AM

Just finished my first shave with my tapered TTO Micromatic. Not bad. No more irritation than I get with any other razor (there's a spot on my neck that seems to resist all attempts at BBS, and I tend to overwork it); actually maybe a touch less. Not quite as smooth as I generally get with certain other razors, especially an injector, but I'll chalk that up to inexperience (learning the proper angle and sticking with it). That wide, flat head sure doesn't like the lather to run out underneath it! The head is nearly the same size as a regular DE, but it seems much bigger and harder to maneuver. I don't cherish the thought of keeping three different types of blades around (DE, single-edge, injector) (not that they take up a lot of space), but I will keep the Micromatic in rotation.

paydepst

07-16-2007, 03:48 AM

Jay post a picture of the unknown GEM. I may know what it is.

Bob keep on working with it. The good news is that (for me at least) the SE blades tend to hold an edge for a longer period of time.

jlander

07-16-2007, 07:24 AM

I'll post a picture of the few I have accumulated tonight.

dennisthemenace

07-16-2007, 03:35 PM

I have two Gems; the Micromatic open comb and the 1912 fancy handled one. I like using them occasionally. They're very good, almost as good a straight if you have a couple days growth; really plow right through it. I use short chevron strokes and haven't cut myself with one yet. Also have a coarse beard and very fair & sensitive skin. Just use a light touch, keep the correct angle, prep well, and they will do a good job.

canjoh

11-14-2007, 05:45 AM

Thank you all for your tips on how to best use the Micromatic. I had been afraid that I'd made a mistake in buying the Micromatic until using the tips in this thread.

You really do have to keep the head flat against your face to avoid irritation. I'd been using the razor at too aggressive of an angle and though I was getting BBS I was really irritating my skin. This morning I paid a lot of attention to the head angle and it made all the difference in the world.

I found that the sound and feel of the shave was different--it doesn't really feel like you're actually cutting through the stubble--but you are--and very comfortably so.

Today was my best shave yet and with no irritation. The Micromatic really is a great razor. Thanks all!

Finnigan

11-14-2007, 06:17 AM

Hmmm. I got a flip top Gem with a white plastic handle as a part of a lot from ebay. I was going to give it away, but maybe I'll give it a try tonight.

AACJ

11-14-2007, 06:21 AM

I found a GEM with a few other DE's at an antique store, this thread makes me want to clean it up and give it a whirl.

paydepst

11-14-2007, 08:24 AM

I found a GEM with a few other DE's at an antique store, this thread makes me want to clean it up and give it a whirl.

Get to it my man! The GEM is the poor man's straight!

Finnigan

11-14-2007, 09:37 AM

The more I think about it, the more the gem reminds me of the Rolls.

The following is an honest question. I am not being antagonistic.

What makes a Gem any more like a straight than a DE? The Gem, Straight, and DE all have about the same bevel on them, and should contact the skin at about the same angle, no?

Lelander

11-14-2007, 12:01 PM

My Micromatic open comb is hands-down my favorite razor. I love how authoritative the single-edges blade feels when compared to a DE. I do have DEs in my rotation, and I like them a lot for other reasons (manueverability and forgiveness being the main wins for the DEs) but when I have the time and the patience I really look forward to the shaves I get from the Gem.

The Gem is (I suppose) more like a straight in that it uses a relatively thick, stiff blade. DE blades are quite flexible (as is required by the razor's design). I find that the Gem blades just feel more solid as they cut hair. It's not that the DE blades really vibrate or anything, but there is definitely a big difference.

As to the dangers of Gems, I have actually done a lot more damage to myself with a 38C, granted I had several months of DE experience under my belt when I started with the Micromatic.

Straight Arrow

11-14-2007, 03:13 PM

Hmmm. I got a flip top Gem with a white plastic handle as a part of a lot from ebay. I was going to give it away, but maybe I'll give it a try tonight.

Interested in hearing your reactions to that razor. I have had great shaves with the white handled Gem, also known as the Featherweight.

Taz

11-14-2007, 08:24 PM

I have moved to almost all straights but one I am rushed. I have kept my single edge razors GEM(Thanks for turning me on to them Mark) and Schicks. If it can not be a Straight I pick up the SE not the DE

SilkySmooth

11-14-2007, 11:37 PM

I could never get a good shave with my Micromatic. It was sitting for awhile and my wife threw it in the trash. It was a few months before I even noticed.

I was still upset though.

==Tom

Finnigan

11-15-2007, 06:53 AM

Well, I tried the Featherweight (thanks for the ID Straight Arrow) last night and I'm sorry to say I couldn't get the thing to shave. I tried holding it flat to my face and tried lifting it a bit. I tried WTG and ATG and I still has stubble. I even tried reinstalling the blade, and even flipping it over.

One thing that may be an issue is I used a NOS blade that I got with the razor. It was still in it's wrapper, but I did notice a bit of rust on the side. The edge was clear of rust though, and nice and shiny, so I tried it.

I think I will reserve final judgement until I try it with some "new" blades; but I have to admit I'm a bit disenchanted.

Oh well, it leaves me with something to look forward to still. :smile:

Lionhearted

11-15-2007, 07:18 AM

I have two GEMs, a Micromatic "Clogpruf" and a black plastic-handled gold push-button. The Micromatic gives me an above average shave but the push-button, perhaps because it's so much lighter, doesn't work for me at all. I don't use a GEM because I've had 40 years experience with Gillettes. I can shave quickly with a Super Speed in pitch blackness without thinking but with a GEM I have to concentrate to keep the head flat. A shave with a GEM takes me much longer and the results are no better than with an average Gillette. (I do usually have the lights on but a Gillette shave is on autopilot, no more thought than combing my hair or washing my hands.)

GEMs are underrated but they do look intimidating at first.

Richard

sporkboy

11-15-2007, 03:09 PM

This has been an interesting thread. I've seen them at antique shops but pass them by. I'm still new to the DE but it might be nice to have one of these waiting for me before people discover them and I can't afford one any more. Hmmm.

castlebar

11-17-2007, 11:15 PM

rodneyk915

11-18-2007, 07:23 AM

I have had my GEM for a few months now just sitting there all alone looking all shiney and yet strange amongst a multitude of Gillette DE's and straights. I finally went to Wal-Greens and got a package of GEM blades by Personna and plan to give it a try for the first time today.

farace

11-18-2007, 08:49 AM

Also, do you flip the blade after a couple shaves or keep it in the same position for the duration of the blade life? Thanks.

A blade does its cutting on both sides; the bottom side of the edge isn't guarded from doing any cutting in other words. I doubt flipping it would have any affect.

sporkboy

11-18-2007, 09:48 AM

I just picked up a few Gems through a lot purchase and now I can't wait to try them. 2 quick questions if anyone knows: I checked out the Ted Pella site and there are several single bladed options, which one is the best suited for shaving? I assume it's the Single Edge PTFE Coated Stainless Steel. Also, do you flip the blade after a couple shaves or keep it in the same position for the duration of the blade life? Thanks.

Was it this lot that you picked up? I was watching it for 3 days and ended up not bidding when I bought another, larger shaving related item off eBay. Anyway, I hope it was you because that looked like a steal to me.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=170167772267&_trksid=p3984.cWAT.m240.lVI

rodneyk915

11-18-2007, 07:38 PM

Just a quick update on my first GEM shave. Everything went surprisingly well. The angle of the razor head, to me, made it very easy to keep the right shave angle and therefore had a very comfortable and smooth shave. This was a day of firsts because after I finished with my first GEM shave I used Pinaud Clubman for the first time and everyone in my family really seemed to like it :thumbup: I also used Mama Bear's Cream for the first time, it was the Unscented. That stuff is amazing!! So rich and creamy I was very impressed with the quality :thumbup1:

castlebar

11-19-2007, 10:01 PM

No, I picked up a lot of 65+ razors from the 'Bay, and I've spent most of the weekend cleaning them up, which has been a lot of fun. 12 GEMs from all different eras (could use a G-Bar though, that wasn't in there, if anyone has an extra G Bar and wants to trade for an older model Gem PM me and I'll send you pix of my dupes)...much of the lot was Gillette NEW style but even those were interesting, including a "Property US Army" razor from WW One...I also got a 1930 Goodwill, Ranger Tech, British Rocket, 1947 SS, 3 no date code SSs from late 40s-early 50s, 3 Fatboys and 5 Slims, along with a bunch of other stuff...just in the process of seeing what I'll keep then I'll trade the other to fill in some holes in the collection. Can't wait to try the GEMs though...

Lionhearted

11-19-2007, 10:13 PM

One thing that may be an issue is I used a NOS blade that I got with the razor. It was still in it's wrapper, but I did notice a bit of rust on the side. The edge was clear of rust though, and nice and shiny, so I tried it.
It's not unusual for SE blades to be rusty right out of the package. The last five I opened had rust and these were brand new blades.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff201/Lionhearted007/zSE_Rust142.jpg

Richard

paydepst

11-20-2007, 02:17 AM

It's not unusual for SE blades to be rusty right out of the package. The last five I opened had rust and these were brand new blades.

Richard

Yikes Richard! I've never had that happen with any of my blades. Where are you getting yours?

Nancy Boy

11-20-2007, 08:42 AM

Well, I've seen these GEMS all over the Bay and had pretty much discounted them. One reason is the added expense of buying another type of blade for a razor. I was in an antique store in September and came across a Micomatic from the 30s. It was about 17.00 but in excellent shape and only required a wee bit of cleaning. I bought it on a wim. took it home and made it look brand new.

It sat around until the GEM brand blades came for it yesterday and I was excited to give it a try this morning.

Wwwwwwwow! I have officially had the best shave I have ever had in my life since I've been wetshaving! The weight of the razor was perfect and it shaved like a dream. I shaved the same way I do with my DEs, at a slight angle and with the same speed. It just mowed my wiskers away in one fell swoop. I really didn't need a second pass, but did it anyway, and by the time I was done, I was in shock what I saw staring back at me in the mirror. It looked like I just shaved with a straight razor!

This looks like it will become my razor of choice, knocking the slant bar and Futur into second and third.

A totally underated piece of beautifully simple machinery, I think. What a fantastic morning.:w00t:

AACJ

12-01-2007, 03:48 PM

I used one of my cleaned up GEMs for the last few days....VERY nice and smooth shave. It was a little ackward at first because it has a different design as the Merkurs and Gillettes I use, but it gave a nice shave. I'm sure when I get the technique (angle) down better, I'll be able to do fantastic things with it.

SilkySmooth

02-20-2008, 01:39 AM

I could never get a good shave with my Micromatic. It was sitting for awhile and my wife threw it in the trash. It was a few months before I even noticed.

I was still upset though.

==Tom

I finally bought another GEM for only $3 at an antique store in MD. After cleaning it up, it looks beautiful. It's a gold tone Micromatic with an open comb. Anyway, I had my first shave with it tonight. Wow! What a difference. It shaved very smoothly. I don't know what was wrong with the other one. I was getting a lot of drag from it. I had been using some no name blades before which could have been the problem. I used Treet Platinum Blades which seemed to work well. This razor will defintely stay in my rotation. Definitely not one to rush with though!

==Tom

spinyeel

02-20-2008, 10:38 AM

Another Gem fan:biggrin:The cautious approach and correct angle with a good quality blade are definately the ingredients for great shaves with Gem's.The Micromatic has a different head configuration to other Gem's which makes it a little harder to keep it flat on your face.Start off slow.:smile:

MTgrayling

02-20-2008, 11:26 AM

Count me as a GEM fan as well. I've shaved with a Micromatic a Featherweight and a cool looking grey push button and they all function and shave differently, but they all shave great if you don't rush.

Here is my new GEM, its really heavy and British made.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h89/csbswMT/BritGEM2_1_1.jpg

Nancy Boy

02-20-2008, 12:47 PM

Count me as a GEM fan as well. I've shaved with a Micromatic a Featherweight and a cool looking grey push button and they all function and shave differently, but they all shave great if you don't rush.

Here is my new GEM, its really heavy and British made.
-----------------

Would be interested as to how your British Gem shaves. I've seen a few of them on the Bay, but they looked rather scary to me.

I'm still a big Gem fan. People just don't know what they're missing.:001_rolle

MTgrayling

02-20-2008, 12:51 PM

Would be interested as to how your British Gem shaves. I've seen a few of them on the Bay, but they looked rather scary to me.

I'll give a report after Rocket month. It weighs close to twice what my Micromatic weighs, it has a thick brass plate at the top like an Aristocrat Jr. and a solid handle.

spinyeel

02-20-2008, 10:37 PM

I have several British made Gem's.Definately heavier than their American brothers.The handles have a different thread pattern also so you can't interchange handles.

CJBianco

02-23-2008, 06:33 AM

Last night I used a Gem G-Bar (aka G-Love) with a Gem SE blade. Wow.

At first I was incredibly nervous, but three strokes into it and I was as calm as a...[something that is very calm].

It's really not bad at all. And the shave is wonderful.

It's a little strange feeling the blade popping through each hair. But it's a good solid feeling. And fitting under the nose is a breeze. And the neck was simple.

The G-Love is pure LOVE.

$0.02,
Christopher

bbqncigars

02-23-2008, 06:48 AM

The drug store Gem blades perform well in my G, but the Ted Pella coated blades give a shave that lasts a bit longer for me. The only problem with the latter is availability in smaller quantities. I mostly use str8s, so a hundred blades would be a ridiculous number.

Wayne

Furnaceman

03-01-2008, 08:13 PM

There were some interesting posts here on Gem razors, and I thought I'd share my own experience with one.

I won a brand-new, never-used Micromatic open-comb (age unknown, but it is in beautiful shape and opens and closes nicely). The razor was in its original box, but didn't come with blades or instructions. All that was included was a little tag around the handle that said "Hold razor FLAT against face", and that was it.

I'd read posts before saying that the Gem is like a straight razor, so I was curious enough to get one. I bought a pack of Gem blades in a local drug store (these ones were in a white plastic dispenser with a used-blade section on the bottom). Obviously, these blades are intended for shaving, not for box cutters (which are very similar, but not coated, so they would rust quickly when they get wet).

This morning was my first shave with the Gem. I did my usual prep with Proraso menthol cream out of the shower, then two hot towels. I've been using King of Shaves Sensitive Skin cream for a while, and put some of that on. I heard the strong cutting sound that has been mentioned (probably due to the open comb letting the blade vibrate freely), but I found that it just didn't seem to shave me as well as my regular Gillette Tech DE or my Type L Injector do. I like the feel of the Gem in my hand (nice and solid, and a long handle, too, for good control), and I kind of like hearing it actually cutting hairs. The open combs make it easy to wash out, too, because the brushless creams tend to be heavier than soaps, and gum up the blades on the Tech and the Injector.

I did my usual WTG pass over my whole face, an XTG on my neck (where the hair grows in all sorts of directions), and then an ATG on all my face again. When I was done, I felt a lot of razor-burn on my neck (probably because I go over it a lot to try to get it smooth, especially on either side of my larynx, where it's hard to clean up properly) and some on my cheeks as well. I got a few small weepers, but no really big or serious cuts (a bit of styptic usually takes care of the weepers). I wasn't really impressed with the quality of shave I got, and my wife agreed. She figures I should go back to my usual tools. We haven't decided to toss the Gem just yet, but I won't use it tomorrow because I don't want to aggravate the rash I got this morning from it. I'll definitely give it another chance later on, because maybe the blade has to wear in a bit, or I've got to get my technique down better with this rather different type of razor. I tend to take rather long strokes, maybe press a bit too hard, and go over some areas a lot (almost like blade-buffing). This could be leading to the rash and not-so-good shave - yet with the other razors, I get constant BBS every time.

There's my experience. Any comments?

tim

03-01-2008, 08:40 PM

This morning was my first shave with the Gem. ... There's my experience. Any comments?

It usually takes me about five days to get the hang of a razor I haven't previously used. I usually begin easy and work for better shaves (e.g., more and different pass directions) as the days pass and I calibrate to the razor. Looks like that will be hard for you now, though, with the rash.

redbike

03-02-2008, 04:52 AM

I did my usual WTG pass over my whole face, an XTG on my neck (where the hair grows in all sorts of directions), and then an ATG on all my face again. When I was done, I felt a lot of razor-burn on my neck (probably because I go over it a lot to try to get it smooth, especially on either side of my larynx, where it's hard to clean up properly) and some on my cheeks as well. I got a few small weepers, but no really big or serious cuts (a bit of styptic usually takes care of the weepers). I wasn't really impressed with the quality of shave I got, and my wife agreed. She figures I should go back to my usual tools. We haven't decided to toss the Gem just yet, but I won't use it tomorrow because I don't want to aggravate the rash I got this morning from it. I'll definitely give it another chance later on, because maybe the blade has to wear in a bit, or I've got to get my technique down better with this rather different type of razor. I tend to take rather long strokes, maybe press a bit too hard, and go over some areas a lot (almost like blade-buffing). This could be leading to the rash and not-so-good shave - yet with the other razors, I get constant BBS every time.

There's my experience. Any comments?

I also use a GEM on occasion - either a safety bar Micromatic or a G-bar. Both of them have given me very good shaves w/o redness or irritation. SE blades are a lot less flexible than DE blades because of the rigid sleeve on the non-shaving edge. So perhaps you should try using the GEM without the pressure you use with your other razor/blade combinations. It's important to identify whatever is causing the irritation you're experiencing, so I'd also suggest not buffing until you can get an irritation-free shave first.

Good luck,

jim

paydepst

03-02-2008, 03:11 PM

Furnaceman are you holding that GEM flat against your face and letting it glide or are you holding it like a DE?

CJBianco

03-02-2008, 03:26 PM

Furnaceman are you holding that GEM flat against your face and letting it glide or are you holding it like a DE?

+1 I was lucky and ran across a thread explaining the Gem head should be kept flat against the skin. Otherwise, I am sure I would've been covered in blood.

Me

norman931

05-20-2008, 05:46 PM

Last year I got a 1912 Star razor (same thing as the Gem Junior?) as part of a trade from The Shark. Scary looking thing. I bought some Gem blades, but chickened out before that Venus flytrap nightmare razor even touched my face. Last Saturday morning, I finally gave it a try. Got a great shave then, and a better this morning (same blade). Wow. If the 1912 razor with the oft-maligned Gem blades is that good, I've got to try the Gem G-Bar with Pella blades. I have a G-Bar and Micromatic on the way, now. The adventure continues . . . :smile:

Gafer

05-20-2008, 05:52 PM

Having now shaved with my newly acquired Gem G bar ($6 at an antique store) and a Ted Pella blade, complements of Brother John, I can say without a doubt: I haven't a clue how to shave with this thing. :eek: Both shaves were close enough but my face burned like hell all day long. I had to reach for the burn cream. It's like learning a DE all over again. This one goes up on the trophy shelf at least until my face heals.:redface:

norman931

05-21-2008, 02:47 PM

Third day with the wire-basket Gem, same blade: still going strong. I'm tempted to stay with this blade just to see how long it will last. I usually toss DE blades after two shaves.

norman931

05-24-2008, 06:14 PM

spinyeel

05-24-2008, 06:40 PM

I find the Micromatic and the1912 Junior much better shavers than the G-Bar also.

backpackerx

06-27-2008, 08:11 AM

How old are the GEM Micromatics? Anyone know the date ranges they were made?

I bought a TTO Micromatic Clogpruf a while back but don't have blades yet. I'm going to have to try it now after reading this thread. The razor has patent or model numbers on it (I don't have it here in front of me) but I haven't found out how to date it yet.

k1ng

06-27-2008, 02:21 PM

I probably just had the smoothest most irritation free shave since i've started wetshaving, I def like this more than my aristocrat or SS. G-Bar FTW

allenavery

06-30-2008, 10:15 AM

I just picked up two GEMs, and open comb micromatic and a newer one, with a black rubber handle and pushbutton open/close. The open comb gave a pretty close shave, but also yielded quite a bit of blood and razor burn. However, the pushbutton model gave me the closest shave I ever had--I was able to skip shaving the next day, even! Aside from a couple of nicks, I'm very impressed. I found it relatively mild and easy to get the right blade angle.

D.Irving79

06-30-2008, 10:47 AM

Update on the Gem adventure . . .
G-bar seemed a bit harsh to me. Could be my technique; I will revisit at a later date.
Safety-bar Micromatic is a definite keeper. Wonderful shave, zero irritation. I used the same blade from the G-bar, still the drugstore Gem blades. Seems bullet-proof as well. I really don't understand why this one is less appreciated than the G-bar. YMMV, I suppose.
Feather-weight hasn't arrived yet.
It's frustrating that there isn't much history to be found on these razors. If anyone comes across some resources, please share them!

jerry riechard (formerlly an employee of the kampfe bros.) started the gem cutlery co. in 1898, which was renamed the gem safety razor co. in 1900. he would then spawn the yankee safety razor co. in 1903, which would be renamed ever ready in 1905 and in 1906 gem and ever ready would merge, with ever ready incorporating as the american safety razor co. , which still exists today.

as with all time periods, different razors copied heavily off of each other; gem, ever ready, star, treet all have similar looking razors from the 1912 pat. era, as does gillette and its competitors years later.

ps - first post! :biggrin:

norman931

06-30-2008, 11:17 AM

Dave, thanks for the excellent info, and welcome to B&B! :smile:

D.Irving79

06-30-2008, 12:11 PM

youre welcome. and thanks! :wink:

jss

06-30-2008, 01:34 PM

Long live the Gem!

D.Irving79

06-30-2008, 02:53 PM

Long live the Gem!

thats what i say! theyre basically all i shave with.

LordGavin

07-29-2008, 09:05 PM

I bought a Micromatic from the antique store and at first I got some nicks. But now I love this razor. Easy to clean and easy to use. Not bad for a rookie

ThePossum

07-30-2008, 05:18 AM

I just got a GEM as a surprise bonus from another member when I bought an Injector from him, and after searching for and reading some less-than-complimentary words about them in other threads it was nice to read this one. It's stamped "1912" and has a decorative engraving running the length of the handle but I'm not sure how to identify it further.

I went to CVS last night to look for blades and found some made by a company called Treet, but they looked unnervingly like box-cutter blades so I didn't pull the trigger on them. Can someone confirm that they are actually made for shaving?

The Treet blades at the CVS are for shaving and are not that bad. I have used them in several GEMs. A 1901 GEM Jr Lather Catcher, several 1912 GEM & GEM Jr razors, a Micromatic, and even a 1924 Ever Ready. Found the blade to be okay, GEM Blue Star blades are better. But in any case neither blade was good for more than 2 shaves.

knlgskr

02-06-2009, 03:00 PM

Thanks to the advice from all of you, I now own a Micromatic Bullseye Safety Bar Bullet End, Pushbutton Safety Bar, and a 1912 Junior all brass. I will be getting an Ever Ready 1912. I am very happy with the shaves the GEMs provide and hope to eventually acquire a G-Bar.

Thank you,

Richard

Darjeeling Express

02-06-2009, 04:29 PM

I just read this thread for the first time today, 2/6/09. It began 6/23/07 and it contains Dave's first post. Since that time, 1,640 posts later, he has introduced so many of us to the design wonders produced by Gem and EverReady and in general, single edge shaving. I for one love these razors and the shaves they give. How beautiful are these? The Ivory handled beauty is courtesy of Ray's beautiful entry on the 1911 Rib Back Gem Jr and the 1908 Ever Ready which follows is courtesy of Dave. Enjoy!

D.Irving79

02-06-2009, 07:59 PM

you are quite kind my friend and you know i appreciate that.

always here to help :001_smile

Darjeeling Express

02-07-2009, 03:25 AM

Only the truth.

Windwalker

02-07-2009, 10:13 AM

I found this thread several months ago, and it started this continuing odyssey. What is this Gem, of which they speak? I must have one, and just like potato chips, you can't have just one. :wink: Without threads like this and others, along with answers from Dave, Tom, Bryce and many others, I would be even more clueless than I am. So thanks one and all, and to quote the 'Dead, "What a long, strange trip it's been". And will continue to be. :biggrin:

Darjeeling Express

02-07-2009, 06:37 PM

And will continue to be. :biggrin:

I'm in.

paydepst

02-07-2009, 07:38 PM

I occasionally go back the the DE and even more rarely an injector razor and it doesn't take me long to regret the change it seems. I've never gotten a good shave from the injectors I've used. Add to that they can be very unforgiving. I have gotten good shaves from DEs now and some of them can be very forgiving indeed. My issue with the DE is largely that unless I do extensive prepping which I don't always have the time for my shave quality suffers dramatically. Also there is the matter of blade wear. When a DE blade goes bad it instantly seems to start shredding your skin. Also I find that when I shave with a DE for an extended period of time my SE technique suffers and I have to relearn the razor when I come back. I still like the DE--some of them--but the SE given the right technique is a dream shave. I'll be going back to mine next time I shave and it will probably be a while before I pick up a DE again. You guys that are reading this and wondering whether or not you should give it a go the answer is a resounding yes!!

Haiku

02-07-2009, 07:44 PM

I've become a real fan of SE's. I've just used an open comb Micromatic that came with a large lot of razors, and it gives me a two pass DFS with no trouble at all. For some reason I've left the Micromatic for second to last and it's a great razor. I still have a lather-cather to try.

What a surprise the SE's are.

Darjeeling Express

02-08-2009, 04:36 AM

I still have a lather-cather to try.

Ooooo, Lather-catcher. (You're in for a treat.)

Haiku

02-08-2009, 04:34 PM

Ooooo, Lather-catcher. (You're in for a treat.)

It's a GEM 1901 with a wooden handle, and if you can believe it, it looks pretty much like it's never been used. To my eye, it's in pretty much like new condition.

tom myers

02-08-2009, 05:13 PM

It's a GEM 1901 with a wooden handle, and if you can believe it, it looks pretty much like it's never been used. To my eye, it's in pretty much like new condition.

I suspect you have the 1900/1901 patent bar razor. I will wager you will really enjoy the shave you get from it.

I use one with a metal handle most mornings. I also have the one shown below with the small black wooden handle and the fancy "Gem Jr. Bar" scroll lettering on the back.

Since I have the one I use with the metal handle, I've chosen to not use the one with the wooden handle and keep it for display. Unfortunetly, the case it came in, as you can see, is quite shabby looking but the razor looks as good as new.

Regards,
Tom

Haiku

02-09-2009, 07:49 AM

I suspect you have the 1900/1901 patent bar razor. I will wager you will really enjoy the shave you get from it.

I use one with a metal handle most mornings. I also have the one shown below with the small black wooden handle and the fancy "Gem Jr. Bar" scroll lettering on the back.

Since I have the one I use with the metal handle, I've chosen to not use the one with the wooden handle and keep it for display. Unfortunetly, the case it came in, as you can see, is quite shabby looking but the razor looks as good as new.

Regards,
Tom

That's the one I have, the Gem Junior, August 28, 1900, November 5, 1901 with a short wooden handle.

I'm looking at it now, and it looks better than I remembered, I have to take my glasses off and peer at it closely to see the three tiny spots of wear on the plating.

I wish I had a metal handle that fit it though to use instead of the wooden one. The paint on the wooden one is so shiny that I would hate to see it wear out.

That's the issue we all face though isn't it? Preserve these razors or use them.

Rolls-Royce

03-17-2009, 08:47 AM

You guys have me on the hunt for my own 1912 now. I have a Featherweight, a G-Bar, and as of yesterday, a Pushbutton. Haven't used the pushbutton yet. Since the astounding shave the Featherweight gave me a couple of weeks ago, with all the posts singing the praises of the 1912, I have to have one.

RAD. It lives again. Film at 11...

D.Irving79

03-17-2009, 10:18 AM

:jump::jump:

Windwalker

03-17-2009, 11:21 AM

:a29: :a51:

guru

03-18-2009, 12:18 PM

In addition to my Fatboy and Schick injector I have in rotation a Gem Micromatic all brass SE. It's just a little different to use but is a fine shaver. Pretty much what has been said about using it. My only problem is finding suitable blades in the smallish town I live in. I have a moustache and goatee so the size of the head is no problem. I have a couple of cartridge razors an old Trac II and a Mach3 but only use them on plane travel trips, they don't care about your single edge on the train, or when I am in an extreme hurry. So rarely. I like using the SE, maybe because of the stiffer blade, though all my single blades give DFS's.

guru

03-24-2009, 01:29 PM