First Shave With a GEM Junior

**reyrascon** · 02-14-2011, 09:31 PM

I have been DE shaving for a couple of months, and I have to admit that it has been challenging. There are times that I've had really close shaves, with a few nicks, but there is always razor burn. There have also been many times that I've had many nicks, and again plenty of burn

Well tonight with the Junior I got one of the closest shaves to date, with only one nick and very minimal irritation. I don't want to jinx myself, but this might be the best shave I've had! I can't wait for the next shave!!!

Is there any special care that should be taken with a SE blade? As opposed to a DE blade? Is the life of a SE blade comparable to a DE blade?

**skvinson** · 02-14-2011, 11:25 PM

I posted tonight about my first shave w. a GEM 1912 and said virtually the same thing. It was the closest thing to a BBS I've had so far. ... As far as your blade question, I certainly don't have all the answers after all of 3 weeks wet shaving, but I do know that some SE blades are carbon steel and will rust. Some people wipe them w. oil between shaves. I haven't used a carbon steel one yet. I wipe off my blades anyway. Fortunately, I'm in AZ, so high humidity isn't an issue.

Pjotr · 02-15-2011, 12:20 AM

Well wouldn't you believe it! Three SE newbies in one day. Just had my first SE shave this morning. Very close shave with a few more nicks for me. Just got to get used to the different angle. I liked it a lot though and one of these will be part of the rotation and might even take over. I believe there are carbon and SS blades. The former do need cleaning and oiling between uses. Don't think the latter do. I did but until I get my blade order in I'm trying to prolong the life of the 6 blades I've got.

**Wil Dorenbos** · 02-15-2011, 01:26 AM

Originally Posted by reyrascon

I have been DE shaving for a couple of months, and I have to admit that it has been challenging. There are times that I've had really close shaves, with a few nicks, but there is always razor burn. There have also been many times that I've had many nicks, and again plenty of burn

Well tonight with the Junior I got one of the closest shaves to date, with only one nick and very minimal irritation. I don't want to jinx myself, but this might be the best shave I've had! I can't wait for the next shave!!!

Is there any special care that should be taken with a SE blade? As opposed to a DE blade? Is the life of a SE blade comparable to a DE blade?

Well done. One of the great things of the 1912/junior is that the right angle is built in the head. Sounds to me like you have been pushing on your DE razor, and now you do not do that as much as before, just a little. If you leave that out too, you are there

Blades are either stainless (Gem/Pella) or carbon (Blue Star, Treet and Pal). Carbon lasts me 2 or 3 shaves, stainless 8. I do the same as with DE blades: after the shave I take them out, pad them dry and put them back in the razor (also cleaned and padded dry).

**craig87c** · 02-15-2011, 05:17 AM

Stainless SE blades don't need any care; carbon ones need to be dried unless you want to shave with a rusty blade!

DE and SE durability aren't comparable. DE blades would never last more than 3 shaves for me while SE blades have always lasted at least 3. I've pushed blades over 10 shaves before binning them and they still gave an ok shave. Glad to see new SE users!

**Captain Pre-Capsize** · 02-15-2011, 05:32 AM

You are in for a treat, of course I am an expert since I have been at this a WHOLE MONTH and a HALF - not a mere few weeks so (clearing my throat) ahem, allow me to discourse from astride my throne...

Kidding of course but let's just say I no rotate between DE and SE about evenly. I have SE Ever-ready, Gem MM, Junior (loved the look of the Junior I bought another to give away). My DE's know they are at a disadvantage. Why? Because when I pick up a 1912, they ever so gently whimper.

Just this morning used a 1912 and did the triple pass. One nick but boy howdy, what a shave. Outstanding and I've made my mistakes. Best to go with less than zero pressure on the SE and start with two passes. Don't ask me why I say this.

**skvinson** · 02-15-2011, 06:03 AM

While we're on the subject... what's a difference between a "Junior" and 1912? Is Junior a variation of 1912?

**craig87c** · 02-15-2011, 06:18 AM

Originally Posted by skvinson

While we're on the subject... what's a difference between a "Junior" and 1912? Is Junior a variation of 1912?

Let me try to answer this.

Almost no difference! The little tab that helps you flip the door open is flat instead of ridged on the Jr. And the plating may or may not be different. Realistically though, no measurable difference.

**reyrascon** · 02-15-2011, 06:48 AM

Originally Posted by Wil Dorenbos

... One of the great things of the 1912/junior is that the right angle is built in the head...

+1. I found it much easier to get a good angle, especially on my neck and chin (which are usually difficult).

I'm really grateful to MrGuysRazors for some great instructions on youtube! The video is specific to the Micromatic razor, but I found the tips helped me out a lot.

[YOUTUBE]lUG2B_-D0d4[/YOUTUBE]

**Captain Pre-Capsize** · 02-15-2011, 04:18 PM

Thanks for that YouTube link - good stuff. Will try (my hands begin to tremble...) my .... (say it, SAY IT!!!)... Gem.... (I SAID %$#$#&!!!!) M-i-c-r-o M-a-t-i-c in the morning.

(In through the nose, out through the mouth. Am wiping sweat off my brow at the thought. Will need sleeping pills tonight at what awaits the morrow. Paramedics on standby.)