Shave Off Challenge

[noahpictures]

Didn't get a chance to shave today. I received my Gem Micromatic and the Gem (Ted Pella) blades and I really want to try that razor. What to do, what to do?

[noahpictures]

Awesome BBS shave, like glass. Very close, smooth and comfortable. I got a nick but that was my error. Once again the Slant did a great job on the neck area.

Here are the results:

Closeness: 10
Comfort: 9.5
Durability: 10 (it hasn't been 12 hours but I know it'll last, otherwise I'll edit)
Feedback: 9.5
Enjoyment: 9.5
Time: 7 (22 minutes start to finish a 3 pass shave)
Pre: Proraso Pre
SS: Tabac
AS: Proraso balm

The Astra blade gave an excellent first shave. The second and third shave will be the real test for the blade.

[noahpictures]

Easy shave, after three passes and minor touch up I had a BBS. Impressed with the blade's smoothness.

Here are the results:

Closeness: 9.5
Comfort: 9.5
Durability: 9.5 (it hasn't been 12 hours but I know it'll last, otherwise I'll edit)
Feedback: 9.5
Enjoyment: 9.5
Time: 6 (26 minutes start to finish a 3 pass shave)
Pre: Proraso Pre
SS: Tabac
AS: Proraso balm

[noahpictures]

The shave was a BBS but not comfortable. The shave didn't last long either, which I didn't expect for such a close shave. After about eight hours after the shave, I went out for a run and returned with my face on fire; lots of irritation and razor burn.

Here are the results:

Closeness: 9.5
Comfort: 8
Durability: 8 (it hasn't been 12 hours but I know it'll last, otherwise I'll edit)
Feedback: 9.5
Enjoyment: 9.5
Time: 7 (22 minutes start to finish a 3 pass shave)
Pre: Proraso Pre
SS: Tabac
AS: Proraso balm

If I go for a fourth shave tomorrow, I know I'll pay the price so I am going to move on to the Slim set at 5 with a fresh Astra blade. So far the blade has been consistent and smooth with gradual dulling with each shave. Loaded in a Slant it's an excellent two shave blade.

[noahpictures]

Change of plans. I couldn't wait any longer to use my first SE razor. The first thing I noticed was how light this razor was. I took my time and was very careful. I was surprised how easy it was to get through the first two passes. Nice feedback, no nicks or burn. Things changed for the worst on the third XTG pass. Nicked myself a couple of times and lots of razor burn. The nicks weren't that bad and were due to me getting used to the razor. The blade is not flexible and will cut anything in its path (and it will shave the skin off), and I couldn't get the right angle around my jaw bone and chin area on the third pass.

Here are the results:

Closeness: 9.5
Comfort: 8.5
Durability: 9.5 (it hasn't been 12 hours but I know it'll last, otherwise I'll edit)
Feedback: 10
Enjoyment: 8
Time: 6 (26 minutes start to finish a 3 pass shave)
Pre: Proraso Pre
SS: Tabac
AS: Proraso balm

I took my inexperience with SE razors in consideration when rating for Comfort.
Gem razors are cheap but the blades are expensive and are difficult to find. I wonder if it is possible to strop the blades?

I will try to get as many shaves with this blade then I will begin the Astra and the Slim trial.

[noahpictures]

I didn't enjoy today's shave as much as yesterday's. There is something I don't like about this razor: it's top heavy, like the Gillette Super adjustable. I don't like the balance of either razor and both razors feel the same in my hand.

Here are the results:

Closeness: 9
Comfort: 8
Durability: 9 (it hasn't been 12 hours but I know it'll last, otherwise I'll edit)
Feedback: 10
Enjoyment: 8
Time: 6 (27 minutes start to finish a 3 pass shave)
Pre: Proraso Pre
SS: Tabac
AS: Proraso balm

I am not sure if I am going to shave with the Gem tomorrow. I am not impressed with the blades either. Today I could feel the whiskers pull and tug. Maybe someday I'll try another blade with the Gem.

[noahpictures]

Awesome shave. I almost didn't shave because my face felt a bit raw from yesterday but after three passes with the Slim set at five, I had a great and comfortable BBS.

Here are the results:

Closeness: 10
Comfort: 10
Durability: 10 (it hasn't been 12 hours but I know it'll last, otherwise I'll edit)
Feedback: 9.5
Enjoyment: 10
Time: 7 (24 minutes start to finish a 3 pass shave)
Pre: Proraso Pre
SS: Tabac
AS: Proraso balm

I love this razor because it has great balance. Can't wait until tomorrow to shave.

[DunEdinRanger]

I'm wondering if your angle was off a bit? I hold mine very gingerly and let the the weight of the razor do all the work.

When you said Ted Pella/Gem Stainless, were these the blades that come wrapped in plain brown paper, or did they come in a plastic vault like dispense?

I didn't enjoy today's shave as much as yesterday's. There is something I don't like about this razor: it's top heavy, like the Gillette Super adjustable. I don't like the balance of either razor and both razors feel the same in my hand.

Here are the results:

Closeness: 9
Comfort: 8
Durability: 9 (it hasn't been 12 hours but I know it'll last, otherwise I'll edit)
Feedback: 10
Enjoyment: 8
Time: 6 (27 minutes start to finish a 3 pass shave)
Pre: Proraso Pre
SS: Tabac
AS: Proraso balm

I am not sure if I am going to shave with the Gem tomorrow. I am not impressed with the blades either. Today I could feel the whiskers pull and tug. Maybe someday I'll try another blade with the Gem.

[noahpictures]

I'm wondering if your angle was off a bit? I hold mine very gingerly and let the the weight of the razor do all the work.

When you said Ted Pella/Gem Stainless, were these the blades that come wrapped in plain brown paper, or did they come in a plastic vault like dispense?

I bought the Ted Pella blades (50 of them) off ebay and they were individually wrapped in brown paper.

[DunEdinRanger]

Those sound like Ted Pella's to me.

[noahpictures]

I didn't get to shave yesterday so I had plenty of stubble. The Slim and the Astra did a great job. This razor and blade combination is very forgiving. The shave was smooth and after three passes plus touch up I had a BBS.

Here are the results:

Closeness: 10
Comfort: 9.5
Durability: 10 (it hasn't been 12 hours but I know it'll last, otherwise I'll edit)
Feedback: 9.5
Enjoyment: 10
Time: 7 (23 minutes start to finish a 3 pass shave)
Pre: Proraso Pre
SS: Tabac
AS: Proraso balm

For me a blade should provide at least three good shaves. So tomorrow will be the real test for the Astra blade.

[noahpictures]

The Astra is a great blade for the Slim set at 5. It is smooth, consistent and dulls gradually and evenly with each shave. I rushed the shave, made mistakes and appreciated how forgiving this razor/blade is. After three passes and lots of touch up I had a BBS with three small nicks and some razor burn.

Here are the results:

Closeness: 9
Comfort: 9
Durability: 9 (it hasn't been 12 hours but I know it'll last, otherwise I'll edit)
Feedback: 9
Enjoyment: 9.5
Time: 7 (21 minutes start to finish a 3 pass shave)
Pre: Proraso Pre
SS: Tabac
AS: Proraso balm

This is it for this razor/blade. I don't think I'll be able to get a comfortable fourth shave out of the blade. Next up is the Slant loaded with a Gillette Yellow.

[noahpictures]

Yes not 37C but 37G! Love the Slant so much I bought it in gold. Now for the shave, the Gillette Yellow is sharp but not smooth, reminded of the Merkur blade. After three passes and touch up, I had a BBS with a few nicks, including a weeper on the neck. Maybe the discomfort was due to the transition between the Slim and the Slant but most likely it was the blade.

Here are the results:

Closeness: 9.5
Comfort: 8.5
Durability: 9.5 (it hasn't been 12 hours but I know it'll last, otherwise I'll edit)
Feedback: 9
Enjoyment: 9.5
Time: 6 (29 minutes start to finish a 3 pass shave)
Pre: Proraso Pre
SS: Tabac
AS: Proraso balm

At 29 minutes this was one of the longer shaves so I was careful.
I expect the next shave to be much better. Love the Slant.

[noahpictures]

I didn't get to shave yesterday so I had plenty of stubble. A long shave: FOUR passes plus touch up. I made it to a BBS with a couple of nicks, a weeper and some razor irritation.

Here are the results:

Closeness: 10
Comfort: 8.5
Durability: 10 (it hasn't been 12 hours but I know it'll last, otherwise I'll edit)
Feedback: 9.5
Enjoyment: 8.5
Time: 5 (31 minutes start to finish a 3 pass shave)
Pre: Proraso Pre
SS: Tabac
AS: Proraso balm

Didn't like this blade, maybe it'll work better with the Slim. I looked at the blade and after only two shaves it looked like it had rust/oxidation on the surface. I'll try to post some pics.

[noahpictures]

First time using using the gold Slant and Gillette Yellow. This is how the blade looks after two shaves. I tried to wipe the discoloring with my finger.

[noahpictures]

I've had my 39C Sledgehammer for over a week and I have been itching to use it. Boredom has set in so I'll also change the software for a few days while using my new razor(s).

[DunEdinRanger]

First time using using the gold Slant and Gillette Yellow. This is how the blade looks after two shaves. I tried to wipe the discoloring with my finger.

My Slants love Astras, and Red Pack Personnas the most.

[noahpictures]

My Slants love Astras, and Red Pack Personnas the most.

Yep, mine too.

[noahpictures]

I shaved a couple of days ago with the "Sledgehammer" using a Derby, which was a mistake. Derbys go well with Gillette razors, not with Merkurs. I love how the 39C felt in my hand, it has great balance. It will mow anything in its path.

[noahpictures]

I shaved with the Merkur Futur for the very first time and I am shocked at how nice this razor performed. I hated the Merkur Progress and didn't have high expectations out of the Futur but after three passes with a Personna blade, I had one of the best shaves ever. No nicks, just a smooth BBS. This razor is heavier than the 39C! I had read so many negative reviews of this razor but they're completely wrong. I set the razor at the highest setting of 6 for the first pass of WTG and this razor is louder than the Gem, louder than the Slant. It was awesome.

Once I get through the sample blades, I will post the ratings for the Futur and the Sledgehammer and maybe even the Red Tip.