Gem Micromatic Maiden Voyage

**Zorro** · 02-05-2011, 09:18 PM

Hey Guys,

After three years of shaving with DE blades, I found a decent Gem Micromatic yesterday at an antique store in the box for $5 and took the plunge! Tried it today with CVS brand single edge blades, and no cuts or weepers, just a really close, comfortable shave.

The only thing I missed was the weight of my Merkur 38C loaded with a Feather blade.

A big thanks to Mr. Guy for the great instructional videos and posts on the Micromatic. Given its fearsome reputation, I was expecting the worst, but really had no problem with it so far.

Can those of you in the forum who have more experience with the SE blades give me your opinion of the best blades for the Gem, and where you purchase them? I'm a bit skeptical that the CVS brand blades are the best out there.

Looks like I'll be using DE and SE from now on.

Thanks,

Eric

**craig87c** · 02-05-2011, 09:49 PM

Usually, people will recommended the Pella blades. Here is a GREAT place to pick them up on the cheap.

**Captain Pre-Capsize** · 02-06-2011, 05:58 AM

I have bought GEM blades at Walgreens and had terrific luck with them... EXCEPT when they are in my GEM MM. I have used them in my 1912, G-Bar and Gem Junior and get a great shave every time. I do oil the face and cold water shave - no weepers. But each time I give a whirl with the MM, bring in the paramedics!! A bit of exaggeration but will let it collect dust another week and try again. And it isn't this particular razor - same experience with another MM too.

**Sledgehammer39** · 02-06-2011, 07:13 AM

The Micromatic OC is an excellent razor.

**stljeff** · 02-06-2011, 07:57 AM

The CVS blades are carbon steel and give a great shave but will only last me 3-4 shaves before they're spent. I've had great luck with the stainless Gem blades available at Walgreen's in all of my Gem razors including the OC Micromatic. I can usually get 10 or more irritation-free shaves out of them.
___________
Jeff

**Sluggo** · 02-06-2011, 08:09 AM

Can you post a link to the videos from Mr Guy?

**Sledgehammer39** · 02-06-2011, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by Sluggo

Can you post a link to the videos from Mr Guy?

Here u go my friend:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUG2B_-D0d4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnQ1R...eature=related

**Dave Deluxe** · 02-06-2011, 08:31 AM

Be sure and check out the group buy on SE blades. (In the razor blade sub-forum)

DD

**Sluggo** · 02-06-2011, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by Sledgehammer39

Here u go my friend:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUG2B_-D0d4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnQ1R...eature=related

Thank you very much!!

**sffone** · 02-06-2011, 08:50 AM

I use Ted Pella blades for the most part. But I find that they require a little extra care during the first shave of each blade because they seem to be super sharp (kinda like Feathers blades in the DE world). The Micromatics (both open comb and closed) are my "go to" razors. I haven't ever encountered any SE blades that were really bad -- some kept their edge longer than others, which is to be expected. I routinely shave with carbon blades as well as stainless just for variety.