Making a DE blade holder for your GEM razor

[ajsaxs]

Have you ever wished you could use your favorite DE blade in a SE razor?

Here is what I've come up with:

MATERIALS: 2 SE blades, epoxy and a little patience.

STEP 1: Carefully remove the spines from both blades. Do this by gently, by prying the spines away from the blades with a small screwdriver or knife. Try not to bend the blades or damage the spines. Pry them away only enough to get the blades out.

STEP 2: Carefully place the blades together face to face. This should be a tight fit without space between the faces of the blades. Flip the blades arround and try to get them to match perfectly. If the blades are bowed or bent start over.

STEP 3: Apply a THIN coat of epoxy from the sharp edge right up to (NOT BEYOND) the notch on the inside face of one of the blades. Lay a piece of paper on the area beyond the epoxy and stick the blades together face to face. The paper will keep the epoxy from moving toward the back of the blade.

Step 4: Keeping both blades together (and all edges even) slide the SHARP EDGE side into one of the spines. Make sure it goes all the way in and keep all edges lined up. Crimp it tight with pliers and remove the paper blotter from between the blades as the epoxy sets.

When the epoxy has set you're ready to go. Snap your favorite DE blade in half and carefully slide it into your new holder. The epoxy acts as a stop. Put the whole thing into a GEM 1912 style razor and start shaving.

This won't work with micromatics or non-1912 Every-ready razors.

What can I say... I really love my GEMS.

[tom myers]

I love my Gems too, but I guess I don't understand why I would want to go to all that trouble to make the adaptor and then have to snap blades in half and all that hazardous activity when I can get good SE blades and use them right out of the box.

I haven't tried your idea, so perhaps I shouldn't speculate on this, but another thing that occurs to me is that you are left with a relatively flexible blade, whereas one thing that makes the SE work so well is the more ridgid blade tends to quiet the chatter.

Perhaps I need a picture to show me what you are doing here, but will this adapter and blade fit properly in a bar razor? Can you post a picture?

Regards,
Tom

[AndritVoor]

Wow, excellent idea. Thanks :) Now I can use my favorite blades in my gem :)

[ajsaxs]

Sorry I can't post any photos. I don't do the digital photo thing.

As far as flexibility goes, I found the edge to be quite stiff. The blade exposure is small and the holder is twice as stiff as a single SE. It shaves really well.

Variety is the reason for this whole exercise. I've shaved with GEM, PAL, TREET, and PELLA blades why not tap into the huge variety of DE blades?

[_JP_]

A neat idea, but my concern would be getting consistent blade exposure. What I'm referring to is the relation between the blade guard, blade edge, and flip down cover on the head. All of that has to be in the correct alignment for the razor to function as designed. Snapping blades in half can result in different widths.

I just realized something. The GEM has stops that the sharp edge of the blade lines up with, so my concern is pretty much moot. But did you ever try just loading in a half blade without your holder?

[D.Irving79]

not cool.

:thumbdown

[homh]

A job well done on your innovativeness and looking at ways to make your GEM experience better. But for me, it seems a lot of work for not a lot of reward. I am well-satisfied with my Treet blades. I just like the idea of using a single-edge blade in a single-edge razor.

Thanks for informing everyone about your work on this.

[sol92258]

not cool.

:thumbdown
...Gemocrats :rolleyes:

[SamCracker]

It took me awhile to figure out what you where doing. The blade holder would be reusable, a one time effort to make. Then it struck me , isn't this what they do with some shavette straights? Very interesting idea. :thumbup1:

[Haiku]

Have you ever wished you could use your favorite DE blade in a SE razor?

Here is what I've come up with:

MATERIALS: 2 SE blades, epoxy and a little patience.

STEP 1: Carefully remove the spines from both blades. Do this by gently, by prying the spines away from the blades with a small screwdriver or knife. Try not to bend the blades or damage the spines. Pry them away only enough to get the blades out.

STEP 2: Carefully place the blades together face to face. This should be a tight fit without space between the faces of the blades. Flip the blades arround and try to get them to match perfectly. If the blades are bowed or bent start over.

STEP 3: Apply a THIN coat of epoxy from the sharp edge right up to (NOT BEYOND) the notch on the inside face of one of the blades. Lay a piece of paper on the area beyond the epoxy and stick the blades together face to face. The paper will keep the epoxy from moving toward the back of the blade.

Step 4: Keeping both blades together (and all edges even) slide the SHARP EDGE side into one of the spines. Make sure it goes all the way in and keep all edges lined up. Crimp it tight with pliers and remove the paper blotter from between the blades as the epoxy sets.

When the epoxy has set you're ready to go. Snap your favorite DE blade in half and carefully slide it into your new holder. The epoxy acts as a stop. Put the whole thing into a GEM 1912 style razor and start shaving.

This won't work with micromatics or non-1912 Every-ready razors.

What can I say... I really love my GEMS.

I'm rather intrigued by this, but I have to confess, I can't picture what you've done here:

I understand prying off the spine, but I don't understand what you mean by sticking the blades together "face to face" what is "face-to-face"? I also can't understand what you are doing with the paper or how the epoxy acts as a "stop".

I guess it's a lack of imagination on my part.

[ajsaxs]

The two blades are bonded together and crimped into a single spine. This is done in reverse, with the sharp edges inside the spine.

The paper keeps the space between the blades, from the notch to the blade ends, free of epoxy. If the epoxy moves into this area, you won't be able to slide in a half DE blade and the holder will not work.

I've shaved a whole week and can't find any fault yet. It shaves very close and comfortable. Three shaves per DE half for me.

[Haiku]

The two blades are bonded together and crimped into a single spine. This is done in reverse, with the sharp edges inside the spine.

The paper keeps the space between the blades, from the notch to the blade ends, free of epoxy. If the epoxy moves into this area, you won't be able to slide in a half DE blade and the holder will not work.

I've shaved a whole week and can't find any fault yet. It shaves very close and comfortable. Three shaves per DE half for me.

Right, got it, thanks very much indeed. At the moment, my only source for SE blades is the 'net, and it's great to know I can use a DE blade if need be. :thumbup1:

[D.Irving79]

benedict arnold appaulds you.


:001_tt2:

[Haiku]

benedict arnold appaulds you.


:001_tt2:

Ahem, I'm a Canadian...

[D.Irving79]

fine. bryan adams.

[spinyeel]

fine. bryan adams.:lol::lol::lol:

[Haiku]

fine. bryan adams.

Who's Bryan Adams?

[D.Irving79]

Who's Bryan Adams?


good boy.

[sol92258]

I'm having a difficult time envisioning this as well...pics?
maybe even an instructable (http://www.instructables.com/)for an enterprising member...

[dilly-b]

I stumbled across this thread and now that I have a 1912 on the way it looks like I have found a way to use up my stock of DE blades! :laugh: With many of us still trying to stretch a dollar, I think this thread is worthy of resurrection!

here is the link to the pix: GEM DE blade pix (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=85641)

[willyb]

to me.......this is similar to fabricating a way for a 44 mag handgun to fire a 22 round..... im scratching my head as to why.

For me and yes I know everyone is different, a DE shave doesnt compare at all to a SE shave.

[dilly-b]

Anything that increases frugality and versatility is just one big plus in my book - YMMV:wink2:
to me.......this is similar to fabricating a way for a 44 mag handgun to fire a 22 round..... im scratching my head as to why.

For me and yes I know everyone is different, a DE shave doesnt compare at all to a SE shave.

[Kentos]

to me.......this is similar to fabricating a way for a 44 mag handgun to fire a 22 round..... im scratching my head as to why.

For me and yes I know everyone is different, a DE shave doesnt compare at all to a SE shave.

Have you ever heard of the.22 conversions for Glocks, Colts, etc? Apparently not only is it cheaper, but it allows you to practice with the handgun without developing the yips: involuntary flinching resulting from firing large caliber guns over and over and over and over....

I am scratching my head too tho', but diffrent strokes, diffrent folks.

A for effort tho, very ingenious.

[Kentos]

What I want is someone to figure out how to shoehorn an SE blade into my Fatboy. I am under the impression the rigid blade has a lot to do with the great shaves. Since going to SEs then straights, my DEs never see the light of the bathroom fluorescents.

[dilly-b]

OK, so I actually built one of these and tried it today - it works better than well - it works great! BBS shave, very comfortable, and sharp! Used it in a GEM 1912 with half a Derby blade. "Real" SE blades DO NOT work any better than this! I'm ditching all my other safeties and keeping the 1912 I can use ANY BLADE in! This is not in any way a sacrifice or compromise - try it you will be pleasantly surprised!

Who would want to try this?

Anybody looking at ways to minimize
Anybody who likes a sharper blade
A Cheapskate
Somebody who recently 'discovered' the old GEMs, but who has a stockpile of DE blades
Anybody who looks a good shave, period!

[ras120]

Wow, thanks for resurrecting this thread! I have yet to find an SE blade I like, so I have all but abandoned my few SE razors. Now the prospect of loading my Damaskeene or British ER with a Schick Plus Platinum or Personna 74 has got me all tingly feeling!

:w00t:

[Pjotr]

I use SE razors because I like shaving with real blades. If there was a way to use SE blades in a DE razor I'd reconsider.

[Sledgehammer39]

Cool idea any pics?

[dilly-b]

Link to the pics:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/85641http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/85641

and a couple more:
:thumbup:



Cool idea any pics?

[dilly-b]

Stock SE blades are dullsville to me, and the choices are worse than limited compared to the world of DE blade choices! If an SE razor is a 'straight on a stick' than this trick makes it a full hollow! I also appreciate how much louder it made the 1912, which has completely ended the RAD quest for me! It's the best of all worlds, beautiful razor, sharp blade, great shave. I got closer with half a Derby than with a new GEM SS!:thumbup:
Wow, thanks for resurrecting this thread! I have yet to find an SE blade I like, so I have all but abandoned my few SE razors. Now the prospect of loading my Damaskeene or British ER with a Schick Plus Platinum or Personna 74 has got me all tingly feeling!

:w00t:

[ras120]

Stock SE blades are dullsville to me, and the choices are worse than limited compared to the world of DE blade choices! If an SE razor is a 'straight on a stick' than this trick makes it a full hollow! I also appreciate how much louder it made the 1912, which has completely ended the RAD quest for me! It's the best of all worlds, beautiful razor, sharp blade, great shave. I got closer with half a Derby than with a new GEM SS!:thumbup:

Yeah, boo to the detractors of this clever idea! :001_tt2:

My clip is assembled, and I'm just going to let the epoxy harden overnight. :thumbup1:

[kcb5150]

If you snap a de blade in two, a 1924 has enough tension to hold it in there with the stops just getting the edges.

[Wil Dorenbos]

If you snap a de blade in two, a 1924 has enough tension to hold it in there with the stops just getting the edges.

I was wondering about that too: do you really need this adapter? I will try this as I have some half blades lying around (made for shavettes).

[Pjotr]

Stock SE blades are dullsville to me, and the choices are worse than limited compared to the world of DE blade choices! If an SE razor is a 'straight on a stick' than this trick makes it a full hollow! I also appreciate how much louder it made the 1912, which has completely ended the RAD quest for me! It's the best of all worlds, beautiful razor, sharp blade, great shave. I got closer with half a Derby than with a new GEM SS!:thumbup:

It's not worse than limited it's even worse than that. There are only one or two worth shaving with. There's effectively no choice. And I haven't missed the 70+ DE blade choices at all because the one SE blade I use knocks ten barrels of s...t out of any DE blade I ever encountered. It's the SE blade, not primarily the razors that attract me to SE shaving. Also, not having yet another AD to attend to I find liberating. It liberates funds for other ADs! If using DE blades in SE razors works for you go for it. I personally just can't see the point. Whatever floats your boat.

[greenhorn]

the outside tabs prevent my Gem Jr top from closing when i tried this idea :(

[Wil Dorenbos]

the outside tabs prevent my Gem Jr top from closing when i tried this idea :(

Same with my 1924, but I could load a barbers Lord (half blade pre made) in my 1914. Will try it tomorrow.

[Wil Dorenbos]

I could load a barbers Lord (half blade pre made) in my 1914. Will try it tomorrow.

It works! Had a good, close shave with this combo. Will see how many shaves the blade will give :thumbup1:

[ras120]

Just had my first shave using the "DE/SE conversion clip" in my British ER with a Personna 74 that already had 11 shaves to its credit (which is just a warm-up for a P74), and it was fantastic! BBS with no nicks or irritation, and the audio feedback is highly gratifying.

Fabulous idea to make a good thing even better! :thumbup1:

[Blade Boy]

Have you ever wished you could use your favorite DE blade in a SE razor?

Here is what I've come up with:

MATERIALS: 2 SE blades, epoxy and a little patience.

STEP 1: Carefully remove the spines from both blades. Do this by gently, by prying the spines away from the blades with a small screwdriver or knife. Try not to bend the blades or damage the spines. Pry them away only enough to get the blades out.

STEP 2: Carefully place the blades together face to face. This should be a tight fit without space between the faces of the blades. Flip the blades arround and try to get them to match perfectly. If the blades are bowed or bent start over.

STEP 3: Apply a THIN coat of epoxy from the sharp edge right up to (NOT BEYOND) the notch on the inside face of one of the blades. Lay a piece of paper on the area beyond the epoxy and stick the blades together face to face. The paper will keep the epoxy from moving toward the back of the blade.

Step 4: Keeping both blades together (and all edges even) slide the SHARP EDGE side into one of the spines. Make sure it goes all the way in and keep all edges lined up. Crimp it tight with pliers and remove the paper blotter from between the blades as the epoxy sets.

When the epoxy has set you're ready to go. Snap your favorite DE blade in half and carefully slide it into your new holder. The epoxy acts as a stop. Put the whole thing into a GEM 1912 style razor and start shaving.

This won't work with micromatics or non-1912 Every-ready razors.

What can I say... I really love my GEMS.

a photo is worth 1,000 words. Nevermind found the pics. Thanx, Blade boy

[drews50]

have you ever wished you could use your favorite de blade in a se razor?

no

[ras120]

Yesterday's shave was with my Damaskeene and a Schick Plus Platinum, again with excellent results.

I wonder if there are any machinists out there who might be able to fabricate a nicer looking clip?

[Wil Dorenbos]

It works! Had a good, close shave with this combo. Will see how many shaves the blade will give :thumbup1:

Three shave down now: 2 in the ER 1914, and one in my British ER 1912. The ER 1912 might need some adapter; it did work but the blade was not held tight enough. In the ER 1914 it works like a charm, without an adapter. I will try some other SE's too. But I have to add that tho the shaves are good and close, they are not as close a good SE-shave. They last about 4 hours, which puts them for me in the injector and Push Button range. So sofar a good SE blade, like Pella, Blue Star or Treet gives a better result. But I am glad I can finally use up my saloon blades :thumbup1: Only 499 left :lol:

[dilly-b]

I love it loud!

Just had my first shave using the "DE/SE conversion clip" in my British ER with a Personna 74 that already had 11 shaves to its credit (which is just a warm-up for a P74), and it was fantastic! BBS with no nicks or irritation, and the audio feedback is highly gratifying.

Fabulous idea to make a good thing even better! :thumbup1:

[drews50]

One of the things I like about SE shaving IS the lack of blade choices. It simplifies my world. But hats off to your creativeness.

[Pjotr]

One of the things I like about SE shaving IS the lack of blade choices. It simplifies my world. But hats off to your creativeness.

I agree with all of that.

[Cynomys]

Wasn't it about a year ago that the American Safety Razor Company was preparing to enter bankruptcy and there was a scare over the future availability of SE blades? Anyway, if the SE blade Shavpocalypse does finally descend upon us, this technique could prove a real saver for SE shavers. Thanks for resurrecting this thread!

[Viseguy]

Interesting idea, but I'm a little mystified by it. If you like shaving with DE blades, why not just use a DE razor? :confused1

For myself, I like the variety of switching between SE and DE, and I have no problem sticking with SE blades in my SE razors.

The idea of breaking DE blades in half gives me the willies. :scared:

[ras120]

Interesting idea, but I'm a little mystified by it. If you like shaving with DE blades, why not just use a DE razor? :confused1

It's not about liking shaving with DE blades, it's about liking shaving with an SE razor but not liking the blades available. Realistically, the only thing being changed is the blade edge. It's still an SE blade (in this case two) that is being loaded into the razor, and, as such, has the same feel, imho.

[Wil Dorenbos]

Interesting idea, but I'm a little mystified by it. If you like shaving with DE blades, why not just use a DE razor? :confused1

For myself, I like the variety of switching between SE and DE, and I have no problem sticking with SE blades in my SE razors.

The idea of breaking DE blades in half gives me the willies. :scared:

I just like the idea I can use my saloon blades (half DE-blades for use in shavettes) and it works well, tho the shave is a bit milder than when using a SE blade, as the blade is thinner. Point is I can get saloon blades easy and cheap, and I have no real access to SE blades, apart from the group buys. I would not try to break a DE blade in two myself either :lol:

[Casey]

There has to be a neater way to do this, though. I've built one for my 1912, and the clip looks like garbage. I might try some JB Weld and omit the clip entirely. That should also buy more time for adjustment than the CA resin was giving me.

[Wil Dorenbos]

There has to be a neater way to do this, though. I've built one for my 1912, and the clip looks like garbage. I might try some JB Weld and omit the clip entirely. That should also buy more time for adjustment than the CA resin was giving me.

Or just take an ER 1914 and you do not need an adapter :thumbup1:

[Casey]

It is the 1914, then? I would have sworn I read it was the 1924.

[Wil Dorenbos]

It is the 1914, then? I would have sworn I read it was the 1924.

Some one else and me here thought a 1924 would do the trick (strong spring), but the side clips on that one prevent from loading half a de blade. The 1914 (also good spring) does not have such big side clips, so that one does work. So it is the 1914 that works for me. Loading half a de blade is about as easy as loading an SE blade :thumbup1:

[dilly-b]

not to mention a hell of a lot cheaper than even 'hardware' SE blades. Shave 3 on half a Rapira Super Steel in the 1912 today - great! But I like this 1914 idea even better. That's the year our house was built, so no way for SWMBO to argue with that. :lol:How would you compare the 1914 to the 1912 in general? Do you have a 1912? BTW, snapping DE blades is easy and safe if you do it BEFORE you unwrap it!:biggrin1:

[dilly-b]

It's not about liking shaving with DE blades, it's about liking shaving with an SE razor but not liking the blades available. Realistically, the only thing being changed is the blade edge. It's still an SE blade (in this case two) that is being loaded into the razor, and, as such, has the same feel, imho.

I'm thinking a new Derby is probably sharper than even the best SE blade. Let's also say that I LOVE the 1912, and add that I have some Derbys to burn through. WIN WIN!:thumbup1:

[Wil Dorenbos]

not to mention a hell of a lot cheaper than even 'hardware' SE blades. Shave 3 on half a Rapira Super Steel in the 1912 today - great! But I like this 1914 idea even better. That's the year our house was built, so no way for SWMBO to argue with that. :lol:How would you compare the 1914 to the 1912 in general? Do you have a 1912? BTW, snapping DE blades is easy and safe if you do it BEFORE you unwrap it!:biggrin1:

Yes, i get my saloon blades at 2,95 USD per 100. Plus shipping, but that is not expensive either. For me the 1914 is better than the 1912. More smooth, more effective. In the Gem/ER range the Streamline and the 1914 are my favorites. And yes I do have 1912's.

[dilly-b]

Yes, i get my saloon blades at 2,95 USD per 100. Plus shipping, but that is not expensive either. For me the 1914 is better than the 1912. More smooth, more effective. In the Gem/ER range the Streamline and the 1914 are my favorites. And yes I do have 1912's.

OK, that settles it - 1914 it is!

[Casey]

I just put a bid in on the Bay for a cased 1914. Here's to hoping!

[Wil Dorenbos]

I just put a bid in on the Bay for a cased 1914. Here's to hoping!

Everybody should have an ER 1914, aka little lather catcher :thumbup1:

[Casey]

Lost that one for $25. Now to see if an uncased can be had cheaply.

[Slivovitz]

Some one else and me here thought a 1924 would do the trick (strong spring), but the side clips on that one prevent from loading half a de blade. The 1914 (also good spring) does not have such big side clips, so that one does work. So it is the 1914 that works for me. Loading half a de blade is about as easy as loading an SE blade :thumbup1:

Can you show a picture of what you mean? I experimented a bit with half a no name DE blade and both my 1914s. The side clips got in the way, and the blade stops were too widely spaced for the cutting edge. Maybe there was more than one type of 1914?

[Wil Dorenbos]

Can you show a picture of what you mean? I experimented a bit with half a no name DE blade and both my 1914s. The side clips got in the way, and the blade stops were too widely spaced for the cutting edge. Maybe there was more than one type of 1914?

I think you are right about the blade stops. Tried one of my other 1914s this morning, did NOT work. The 1914 I can load with a saloon blade has a six sided handle and its blade stops are a bit closer to eachother than on the 1914 with the Damaskeene handle

[Rexall]

OMG I have not actually tried the epoxy and 2 SE blades trick yet, but of all my SEs, the GEM JR was the only one with stops close enough to work with a half blade. Took an old blade out of the blade bank. It was in the bank because it seemed too dull etc in one of the DE I have been using, even though it did provide several good shaves before being discarded. Broke it in half with pliers and put into JR. WOW, it works great. even this old probably dull blade, gave a great , close, non irritating shave. So now I can not wait to try a "new" half blade , which will undoubtedly provide an even better shave. This is so cool ! The Shaveopolis just got put off by double the number of DE blades in my stash. Thanks for a wonderful and rewarding idea!!!!

[Wil Dorenbos]

OMG I have not actually tried the epoxy and 2 SE blades trick yet, but of all my SEs, the GEM JR was the only one with stops close enough to work with a half blade. Took an old blade out of the blade bank. It was in the bank because it seemed too dull etc in one of the DE I have been using, even though it did provide several good shaves before being discarded. Broke it in half with pliers and put into JR. WOW, it works great. even this old probably dull blade, gave a great , close, non irritating shave. So now I can not wait to try a "new" half blade , which will undoubtedly provide an even better shave. This is so cool ! The Shaveopolis just got put off by double the number of DE blades in my stash. Thanks for a wonderful and rewarding idea!!!!

I have tried most of my razors and the only one that worked was a later model 1914. Believe I have also tried a junior, but will check that. But after about a dozen shaves it no longer worked. Probably as the spring got a bit loose. The razor was hardly used (if used at all) so the spring was very strong in the beginning. With regular use that changed and it no longer held the blade tight. So let us know how long you can continue to use the junior with half DE blades.

[Wil Dorenbos]

Can you show a picture of what you mean? I experimented a bit with half a no name DE blade and both my 1914s. The side clips got in the way, and the blade stops were too widely spaced for the cutting edge. Maybe there was more than one type of 1914?

Here it is:

[Casey]

Snip the side clips off, and a standard blade will work in the 1914. I use a pair of bandage scissors I bought initially for clinical use, and never used. They snip blades like a pair of tinsnips.

[dilly-b]

YES!!!:w00t: the adaptor works in my E-R 1914 'army kit' razor as well as the 1912!
Snip the side clips off, and a standard blade will work in the 1914. I use a pair of bandage scissors I bought initially for clinical use, and never used. They snip blades like a pair of tinsnips.

[Wil Dorenbos]

Snip the side clips off, and a standard blade will work in the 1914. I use a pair of bandage scissors I bought initially for clinical use, and never used. They snip blades like a pair of tinsnips.

Only in a later model 1914, in the earlier models the blade stops are placed further from each other and the blade falls thru. But cutting the sides might solve the problem with the spring in later model 1914. How many shaves did you do like this?

[alex2363]

me too having troubles..it does not compute

[alex2363]

this?

[RocketMan]

:blink: I ain't catchin this either.

The SE blade is removed and turned around before reinserting? Why does the blade seem shorter in depth now? There are two? Glued together - where?

:blink:

[wrinkles2]

Great Info!