Injector's Vs. GEM's

[jramire2]

When I started this whole wetshaving ordeal I used a Merkur Classic DE razor. I got good shaves, but found my skin preferred the thicker/stiffer DE blades I used. So, based on that I switched to an injector and I've been very happy ever since.

However, curiosity is getting the best of me again. Are the GEMs similar to the injectors in that they only work at one angle (basically)? What would be the best model for a noob GEM user to get, and what blades would you recommend? Sounds like GEM's have the same problem as injectors, very few options on blades.

Anyway, some advice would be appreciated, I'm already starting to peruse ebay.

[Aevum]

the gem is like an injector... not quite right,

the thing is, a gem is more like a 1 sided DE, now, the large flat head does make it a bit problematic below the nose and in other tight spaces, it uses a full size blade thats only sharpened on one side, the closest thing to a gem i would imagen is a rolls razor,

but yea, the head has to be flat on your skin, like with an injector, but thats more or less the only think they share,

as for gems, i would go for a micromatic or a featherweight,

[cutting_edge]

the gem is like an injector... not quite right


Hmmmm... injectors for many people work a lot better than DE, but you would hardly find anyone to say the same about GEM.... :rolleyes:

[Hanspleasure]

Well, I'm one of those that PREFER a Gem over a DE any day.
Here's a few pics of the Gems I really love to use.. in order:
Gem G Bar
Gem (Bullseye) Micromatic_2nd pic and last pic
Gem Push Button
Gem Featherweight

All of these babies give a very nice shave, equivalent to a straight do to the blade angle. I don't have a problem with shaving under the nose, as per the instructions with my Gem G Bar which teaches to you shave the area at an angle.
I split a purchase of 200 Ted Pella blades with B&B Member Bro John a little while back and sooo very glad I did. The Ted Pella blades are SHARP and give thEEE closest shave I've had to date, with either my G Bar or Micromatic.
I have a gold micromatic (with case) in good shape (bought from B&B Member Al) months ago if you're interested.. I'll throw in some Ted Pella blades to get you started.
Also, You can find all of these razors and more rather inexpensively on Ebay.. beat paying $100 + for Fatboy.
Good luck!

[Aevum]

thats what i said, that saying that a gem is like an injector is not quite right,
but also, i suspect there are less GEM users then injector users here, actually, lets start a pole,

[rodd]

I have a couple injectors, several gems. I love them both, but I would not say they are similar. I can get a closer shave from my gems than any of my other razors, but I like each of my razors for different reasons.

[JayKay]

I'm also interested in trying a Gem. About how much does a gem and some ted pella blades go for?

[jramire2]

I guess I thought they'd be similar b/c

1)they're both single edge razors
2)they both appear to use pretty thick/stiff blades, especially compared to DE's which are mfr'd to bend.
3)They both seem to have a fairly angled head, so I thought they'd both kind of have the "1 angle to shave" thing going for them.
4)options for blades seem fairly limited, just like injectors

[_JP_]

Personally I give the nod towards a Schick Injector over a GEM when it comes to ease of use. I have to be a little more careful with the GEM. But either one can give a very smooth shave.

[BroJohn]

Hmmmm... injectors for many people work a lot better than DE, but you would hardly find anyone to say the same about GEM.... :rolleyes:

I'll say it, too. GEMs work better than a DE.


I have a couple injectors, several gems. I love them both, but I would not say they are similar. I can get a closer shave from my gems than any of my other razors, but I like each of my razors for different reasons.

+1. Agreed on these comments.

GEM's are tailor made for tough beards especially in the throat, lower neck area. :w00t: They are gentle razors that easily provide a BBS shave without irritation. Pella blades are the way to go, IMO.

-- John Gehman

[SilkySmooth]

It takes me the longest time to shave with a GEM vs DE and Injector, but I get great shaves that prevent the 5 o'clock shadow. Injectors are the fastest for me, but I do get the 5 o'clock stubble. DEs are in the middle. I get more shaves from a DE than injectors and GEMs, but more from injectors than GEMs.

:confused:

Does that make sense?




==Tom

[spinyeel]

Gem's are "THE" most underated shaving tool. Not as glamorous as Gillette's I guess.:confused::confused:

[Hanspleasure]

Gem's are "THE" most underated shaving tool. Not as glamorous as Gillette's I guess.:confused::confused:

Fine with me..
I'll never have to pay $$$$ for one :biggrin:

[spinyeel]

Fine with me..
I'll never have to pay $$$$ for one :biggrin: Yes mate.I would say all my Gem's,about 25 at last count,have cost me less than a Fat Boy in reasonable condition.:lol::lol::lol: Solidarity Gem brother's.:biggrin::biggrin:

[spinyeel]

As a footnote,I regard adjustable razors as the equivalent of bicycles with trainer wheels.:tongue::tongue:

[MTgrayling]

Yes mate.I would say all my Gem's,about 25 at last count,have cost me less than a Fat Boy in reasonable condition.:lol::lol::lol: Solidarity Gem brother's.:biggrin::biggrin:

Could we see a picture? I'll snap a few of my Injectors and GEM's later today after work.

[AlanP]

So i just picked up these this on the bay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEBTOX:IT&item=160228909260&_trksid=p3984.cTODAY.m238.lVI

I looked at the pella website, there are several different single edged blades, which ones are you guys getting??? I would think obvoisly the ones that say GEM right?

[rodd]

So i just picked up these this on the bay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEBTOX:IT&item=160228909260&_trksid=p3984.cTODAY.m238.lVI

I looked at the pella website, there are several different single edged blades, which ones are you guys getting??? I would think obvoisly the ones that say GEM right?

Those are the ones. They have a coating that makes them better for shaving. The other ones are better suited for cutting carpet. :wink:

[AlanP]

Those are the ones. They have a coating that makes them better for shaving. The other ones are better suited for cutting carpet. :wink:

Got ya, thanks a ton.


I also wanted to order some injector blades from there ther are ones in an injector thing, and ones that show just loose. The ones in the injector thing are stainless the loose ones are carbon.

The gems that show "gem on them are carbon and the others are stainless. Does this blade material matter?

[rodd]

sorry, the gem ones you want are the GEM PTFE coated blades, I had not seen the carbon steel ones. You probably will also want the stainless injector blades. Interested in splitting an order of the gem blades? :001_smile

[Mr Mockett]

Anyone use the Treet SE blades from CVS? I have a micromatic that I haven't tried yet, and got a pack of these.

[rodd]

Anyone use the Treet SE blades from CVS? I have a micromatic that I haven't tried yet, and got a pack of these.

yes, i have and I was pleased with them, until I got a pella to try from cvixx. I think they are nice blades, and it is great that they are so readily available.

[Private Pwnage]

make sure to get stainless blades, i forgot in my gem, and the blade was rusty in two days.

[Mr Mockett]

Great, I'll be giving this a go at some point. I like the look of the micromatic, very well put together.

[jramire2]

sorry, the gem ones you want are the GEM PTFE coated blades, I had not seen the carbon steel ones. You probably will also want the stainless injector blades. Interested in splitting an order of the gem blades? :001_smile

I might be interested. Another member is graciously send me a couple TP GEM blades to try in my newest purchase. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220222891538&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1123)

If I end up liking the GEM and the TP's I'm getting, I'd be up for splitting an order. I've been considering getting some TP Injector blades anyway, might as well but them all at once.

Provided I get the razor/blades in the next couple days, I'll probably know in a week or so whether I want to order some TP's. You want me to PM you once I decide?

[AlanP]

rodd and i already placed an order.....

I can't speak for him, but i have a feeling he's gonna be working on the 100 blades for awhile...

[lordhamster]

Has anyone tried the Ted Pella Double Edged Stainless Coated blades? The price on his site is unbeatable.

[e d o]

How do the GEM's compare to Ever-Ready's? I recently got a very cool looking English Ever-Ready in an eBay lot. I'll have to get some blades for it one of these days.

[MooingLizard]

I'd be up for splitting an order of Ted Pella Gem blades, and I need some injector blades as well. If someone still wants to do this, PM me.

Gems are dirt cheap on the 'Bay, with most under $10. I've seen some mint/NOS Gems on the BST for less than $20- try getting a similar Gillette for anywhere close to that!

I'm in the process of buying a few injectors, and it seems like the popular models (the L series) are getting a little expensive.

I have a Featherweight (white plastic handle) and a Micromatic, with a G-Bar on the way. Of the two, I greatly prefer the Featherweight. Gems are my go-to razors when I haven't shaved in a few days and have a heavy beard. They really mow it down.

[rodd]

How do the GEM's compare to Ever-Ready's? I recently got a very cool looking English Ever-Ready in an eBay lot. I'll have to get some blades for it one of these days.

Identical in every way. I have an ever ready and a gem that only differ in the brand stamping. I believe gem eventually bought out ever ready, although I also heard at one point that ever ready was the over seas branding of the gems.

[Private Pwnage]

How do the GEM's compare to Ever-Ready's? I recently got a very cool looking English Ever-Ready in an eBay lot. I'll have to get some blades for it one of these days.

my ever-ready doesnt seen to try as hard as my gem.
if i have a spot i miss with any of my DEs i instantly reach for my gem, cause i know it will take that hair off no matter what

[BroJohn]

Anyone use the Treet SE blades from CVS? I have a micromatic that I haven't tried yet, and got a pack of these.

The TREETs are fine. Not quite as smooth as the Pellas, nor quite as durable, they afford a fine shave. That said, if you can migrate to the Pellas, it's worth doing so, IMO.


How do the GEM's compare to Ever-Ready's? I recently got a very cool looking English Ever-Ready in an eBay lot. I'll have to get some blades for it one of these days.

Ever-Ready was the branding used for Canada, UK, other non-US outlets. The only difference, if any, is superior finish and plating, and better/nicer packaging/cases. Design, use, and results are the same as the US GEM stuff.

Regarding the Pella blades: At http://www.tedpella.com/dissect_html/dissect.htm, they list Single Edge, PTFE-Coated Blades, product number 121-3 at $33/per 200. These are the ones you want for shaving with a SE. They are extremely sharp, but are very smooth shaving blades, and provide a fine shave. They are packaged in two packs of 100, so it's easy to sell off half of them.

-- John Gehman

[paydepst]

Josh the Gem G bar is the best one for a newbie. The Micromatic is good too but some people, even experienced Gem users, have problems with them so be careful. If you researched previous threads about the Gem you will see that I have been a Gem advocate for a long time.

[jramire2]

Josh the Gem G bar is the best one for a newbie. The Micromatic is good too but some people, even experienced Gem users, have problems with them so be careful. If you researched previous threads about the Gem you will see that I have been a Gem advocate for a long time.

thanks for the advice, I'll keep it in mind when I get my new razor.

[jramire2]

Got my micromatic in the mail last night and shaved w/it for the first time this morning. It came w/some vintage GEM blades, still wrapped in the cellophane, so I think they're ok. They were even detailed on the blades, lots of scrollwork etc. After my first shave, I don't think they're the best blades. Looking forward to the TP's that a fellow member is graciously sending me.

Overall it was a pretty good first shave, cheated and used my more nimble injector around my chin and under my nose.

This GEM is going to take some getting used to, it's definitely not as easy as picking up an injector and shaving. The learning curve seems it's going to be longer than w/an injector.

Any "GEM noob" hints anyone can pass on?

[paydepst]

Hold it against your face and let it glide. If you are holding it anything like a standard DE you are doing it incorrectly.

[jramire2]

Hold it against your face and let it glide. If you are holding it anything like a standard DE you are doing it incorrectly.

I'm trying to hold it the way I usually do my injector, almost flat against my face, just barely angled to keep the guide bar and blade on my skin but most of the head off my skin. Am I doing it right?

[paydepst]

Place the top flat against your face and angle it just so the blade contacts the skin at a cutting angle. The base of the handle should be almost perpendicular i.e. sticking straight out relative to your face at all times. Yeah it feels odd but the GEM is a natural at this angle and you'll soon get used to it. I'll have to look and see if I've got any GEM razor instructions I can scan for you.

[jramire2]

Place the top flat against your face and angle it just so the blade contacts the skin at a cutting angle. The base of the handle should be almost perpendicular i.e. sticking straight out relative to your face at all times. Yeah it feels odd but the GEM is a natural at this angle and you'll soon get used to it. I'll have to look and see if I've got any GEM razor instructions I can scan for you.

Sounds like I've almost got it. My cheeks came out nice & smooth, but my neck/under my chin feel a bit rough. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it.

[WoodyHayes]

Anyone use the Treet SE blades from CVS? I have a micromatic that I haven't tried yet, and got a pack of these.


Hi everyone, first off I'm breaking a rule I set. I have been reading every thread every post on the Safety Razor thread for a little over a month now (starting with the oldest, which I think now is over 250 pages long). I was hoping to hold off comments questions until I read up to page one. I'm now on page 22 and have to comment because this is my first week trying a single edge (Gem G Bar).

The first shave with the G Bar and Treet SE blade from CVS was actually pretty smooth and probably would have been better had it not been my first time. It was also an extremely close shave and only required 3 passes. Previously, I've needed 4 with a Merkur HD and Gillette Slim, and 3 with Merkur Slants and Gillette Bostonian (albeit missing some teeth, the end 2 on the same side...Should I even have used this?).

The second shave was scratchy and bloodier than any previous DE shave (should mention it has now been almost 2 months wet shaving).

Don't ask me why, but I actually did a third day with the same Treet SE blade and using just 2 very very careful passes, was very irritating and painful. As I write this, I have the most stubble post shave since starting wet shaving.

I honestly think I might get a less irritating shave with an old swiss army knife than trying a fourth day with the Treet SE, so needless to say I won't be attempting that.

Until this week, I'd been doing 5 shaves a week with a DE Razor. I went a bit crazy with 3 different sample packs and so far have tried:

Polsilver
Crystal
Trig Silver Edge
Tiger Superior Stainless
Treet Dura Sharp Stainless
Iridium Extra Super Stainless
Treet Classic
Family Dollar Brand

Of those above, all have lasted 5 shaves without the discomfort described with the Treet SE. None have really jumped out to me and screamed "I'm your blade!" If I had to give a slight nod it would be to the Iridium. That being said I have many many others to try.

I'm probably going to be ordering the PTFE Pella Blades mentioned in this thread later today. I was a day late and a dollar short to a recent post in the buy/sell forum on a split.

Anyway, I just wanted to give a little hello and thanks to those who have made me feel so welcome.


Mark