EMS, Ted Pella, CVS, Schick Injector Blades?

[Razorburne]

To those with experience, is there any major differences between these brands of injector blades? I am expecting my Schick L1 Injector in a couple of days...merely out of convenience I ran to CVS today and picked up one 11 pack of blades. I have never shaved with an injector yet, and therefore have no experience with different blade types (as I do with DEs).

I know YMMV, but I would like some opinions to go on...I will begin with the CVS blades, and as time goes on I probably will get blades from each vendor, but I am interested to hear what you guys have to say.

Thanks, gentlemen!:wink:

[Shaving Galoot]

I'm interested in answers to the same question. I've asked here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=85371) before, but as expected, it didn't necessarily result in a consensus opinion that XXX is the best. However, it is my understanding that the EMS and Ted Pella blades are identical, so it comes down to three. Well, it's actually more than that if you add in the Feather blades that you have to cut down, but the jury is still out (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=86305) on that, too.

It seems to come down to Schick vs. Ted Pella vs. cut down Feathers as the CVS blades don't seem to get much love. I've only used the Ted Pellas, but someday will get some Schick's and Feathers to compare.

For what it's worth, the Ted Pellas are very nice.

~Jeff

[MrGuy]

I've only used the Schick and the Ted Pella blades. The main difference I can tell between the two is that the Pellas start a little rough for the first shave or two, but then mellow out for another 8 or so shaves. The Schicks start much smoother, but don't last quite as long, maybe only 5 shaves for me. You might be able to "tame" the Pella blades by hand stropping once you have loaded a blade, pushing the razor across the fleshy part of your palm (not pulling like you would to shave:rolleyes:) For some reason it has never occurred to me to try that before just now.
When it comes down to it I guess I get about the same number of quality shaves from each blade. The Pella blades at $4.60 + S/H for 20 blades are far less expensive than what I can buy the Schick blades for locally, 7 blades for 7 bucks.

[ashultz]

I've used schicks and cut down feathers. The cut down feathers are much, much sharper, though the schicks are OK. I find a sharper razor reduces pulling and makes me happier even if it is constantly threatening to open me up like a fillet.

In feathers I found the pro super to be the best - pro guard just did not work for me and plain pro was so sharp it cut me when I just looked at it.

[Razorburne]

A second question has popped up in my mind as I'm reading your responses of getting 5+ shaves off of one blade....do injector blades have more life in them than DE blades? I only ask, b/c I am uses to getting 3-4 shaves off a DE blade before it needs to get dumped (or rip my face to shreds).

Again, I know this is a YMMV question, but do you guys find injector blades last longer?

[MrGuy]

For me, I definitely get more shaves from the injector blades than any DE (10 or so brands) that I have tried. Same with GEM SE blades. I figure it has something to do with the blade being a bit thicker on the injector and SE blades, maybe they sharpen to a better edge? Just one more advantage to SE shaving:biggrin:

I too get about 3-4 shaves from DE blades.

[akhorosh]

Try to look for vintage NOS Schick platinum injector blades on EBay.
I like them the most.

[Bertilak]

Just one more advantage to SE shaving:biggrin:


Will the list never end? :laugh:

[ouch]

Pellas all the way.

As mentioned, the first shave can be a bit rough, not unlike Feathers. Once they hit their stride, they never seem to die. I can get 10 shaves out of them, and nothing gives me a nicer first pass no matter how much stubble stands in the way.


Edit: Oh, and the L1 is great.

[MrGuy]

Will the list never end? :laugh:

If I find the end, I'll let you know:biggrin:

[Razorburne]

Do any of you guys shave with GEM razors? How do you like them? While this might be a scary imaginary world to envision, if you had to pick only shaving with DE or SE, which would you pick? Any reasons why?

The upcoming injector will be my first SE shave, so I don't know how it will compare to DE for me, but what do y'all think?

[Bertilak]

Do any of you guys shave with GEM razors? How do you like them? While this might be a scary imaginary world to envision, if you had to pick only shaving with DE or SE, which would you pick? Any reasons why?

The upcoming injector will be my first SE shave, so I don't know how it will compare to DE for me, but what do y'all think?

SE over DE is easy choice. SE gives better shave and is easier to use.

Plus they look cool!
http://paulsenonline.net/yellow_handle_1.JPGhttp://paulsenonline.net/yellow_handle_2.JPG
http://paulsenonline.net/black_handle_1.JPGhttp://paulsenonline.net/black_handle_2.JPG

Still want to try an injector.

[MrGuy]

I'll take a SE any shave! I still enjoy collecting and using my DE razors, but for sheer shaving performance SE wins hands down. They do take a little "re-learning" but the small amount of time is well worth it!
Mr. Paulsen, I have seen some of your pictures before and I am shocked that you felt the need to place them in an innocent thread like this. Please refrain yourself from posting such offensive images in the future. (Offensive because those beauties aren't mine!:lol:)

[Bertilak]

Please refrain yourself from posting such offensive images in the future.

You never know when I'll sneak up on you. Maybe even with a new razor someday! :devil:

[Razorburne]

If I decide to go the SE route and start with a GEM, what would your recommendation be....1912?

[Bertilak]

If I decide to go the SE route and start with a GEM, what would your recommendation be....1912?

Yes. Excellent shavers, readily available, inexpensive.

There are also Ever-Ready 1912's that are identical except for the name (and perhaps some minor cosmetic differences I am not attuned to).