1953 SS and a Vintage Gem

**blutao** · 08-05-2009, 08:34 PM

I just won this bid on Ebay for this duo for $10 plus $5.95 shipping. Total cost is $15.95. Since I am new in this, I want to hear what gurus have to say. Appreciate all the time for your comments.Here is the link to the razors:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...L:COSI:US:1123

Thanks

**Clem** · 08-05-2009, 09:11 PM

I'm not a guru per se, but I will tell you that I have the same model of Gem as the one you are about to recieve. I find it is an excellent razor for trimming mustaches and feels really good in the hand. It does have a bit of a learning curve though. I'd recommend that you use a thinner blade in it and make sure that blade has a thinner bevel (Treet brand is far too agressive and are aimed more at dissection than shaving.)
I personally like the Gem "Blue Star" blades, but they can be expensive. Pal seems to be good also. The upside however is that you can strop them or lightly rub them over a shot glass to keep the edge sharper longer. Hope that helps.

~Clem

**blutao** · 08-05-2009, 09:16 PM

Clem,
Thanks. Appreciate for the suggestion. You remind me that I should buy some single edge blades now. My main purpose was to get the Gillette 53 SS. I hope it is good. Hesitated a bit since the price was low. I do not know much about Gem except that it is single edge. Initially I thought it was made by Gillette. Is Gem a seperate company?

**michiganlover** · 08-05-2009, 09:19 PM

The Gem is a "Gem G Bar". I don't yet have one of those. Overall though, I have found the Gems to shave exceptional, and perhaps even better than a D.E.

Gem is a separate company, not at all related to Gillette. They were a Gillette competitor. The Gem company is now known as American Safety Razor (ASR) who manufactures the well known Personna line of products.

**blutao** · 08-05-2009, 09:21 PM

So unknowingly looks like I made a good deal? Do you think?

**Clem** · 08-05-2009, 09:21 PM

I'm pretty sure Gem is a separate company, but you may want to ask around about the particulars on that. I do know that it is a separate brand name. I have a few different models and one thing I will say is that the newer ones do not seem well suited to large hands. I use all in my collection and the Gems shave pretty well. Just make sure you keep the pivot points clean, they tend to gunk up easily.

~Clem

**amishmotorboat** · 08-05-2009, 09:37 PM

Not a guru either, but I think you got a decent price, if that's what you're asking.

**Robxcarlson** · 08-05-2009, 09:43 PM

I had a bid in that auction, but for far less... I guess I'm cheap. You got a great price because either razor is worth $15 by itself.
The G-bar is nicely built razor - I recommend you buy the stainless Gem by Personna brand blades found at Walgreens for about $5. Blue Stars, Treets and PAL's are all carbon and rust quickly. These 4 blades are pretty much your only option for Gem's - As for the Superspeed, well there's a plethora of DE blades out there. Enjoy the razors!