Picked-up my 1st single edge shavers

**bc9** · 05-16-2011, 06:39 PM

I stopped by a pair of (right next to ea other) antique stores while running errands today. Within 10 mins I was back in the car with a Gem Junior, Damaskeene & Micromatic.

OK, how do I shave with these??

**retiredguns** · 05-16-2011, 06:55 PM

Stop in at a Walgreens, CVS, etc.. and pick up some GEM super stainless blades. The shave itself comes pretty darn easy! The angle may be a little different, but you'll "get it" almost instantly due to the design of the razors.

I find I can alternate between DE and SE shaving without a thought.

Pjotr · 05-16-2011, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by bc9

I stopped by a pair of (right next to ea other) antique stores while running errands today. Within 10 mins I was back in the car with a Gem Junior, Damaskeene & Micromatic.

OK, how do I shave with these??

There is a Mr Guy video if you don't mind watching a half dressed male in front of a mirror with lots of water and foamy stuff. He's a member here. It's on Youtube. Search for mrguyrazors (I think). Get some blades. Go for the stainless ones to start with. The carbon steel ones need a bit of nursing to stop them rusting. Good score, but.... no pics no cigar!

**Salty O'Rourke** · 05-16-2011, 07:08 PM

I find that SE shaving is much more intuitive than DE - angle is more natural, for example. Prep is the same as with DE. The razors you found are all excellent shavers.

Check out MrGuy's micromatic videos - they are a good primer on SE shaving, and a must if the micromatic you picked up is an open comb.

**bc9** · 05-16-2011, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by retiredguns

Stop in at a Walgreens, CVS, etc.. and pick up some GEM super stainless blades. The shave itself comes pretty darn easy! The angle may be a little different, but you'll "get it" almost instantly due to the design of the razors.

I find I can alternate between DE and SE shaving without a thought.

I picked-up blades at CVS a few months ago...figured I'd run into a single edge eventually...

Pjotr · 05-16-2011, 07:22 PM

By the way. Don't start with the Micromatic. Particularly if it's the Open Comb.

**mftoms59** · 05-16-2011, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by bc9

I stopped by a pair of (right next to ea other) antique stores while running errands today. Within 10 mins I was back in the car with a Gem Junior, Damaskeene & Micromatic.

OK, how do I shave with these??

Here you are:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUG2B..._order&list=UL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnQ1R..._order&list=UL

**insomniac** · 05-16-2011, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by Pjotr

By the way. Don't start with the Micromatic. Particularly if it's the Open Comb.

Maybe not the OC, but the Clog Pruf or Bullet-tip are pretty easy shavers.

**oc_in_fw** · 05-16-2011, 10:46 PM

welcome to the dark side- we have cookies

**bc9** · 05-17-2011, 04:15 AM

Thanks for all the links...I'll take a shot at it this morning...I like cookies...

**Marine Dad** · 05-17-2011, 04:32 AM

Welcome to the SE side ! The Damaskeene and Micromatic Open Comb are 2 of my favorites.

**ackvil** · 05-17-2011, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by insomniac

Maybe not the OC, but the Clog Pruf or Bullet-tip are pretty easy shavers.

+1. The OC is the only one I can't use. All are great - and welcome to the SE club.

**bc9** · 05-17-2011, 08:18 AM

1st shave was with a Gem Junior...BBS on the cheeks with less passes then my DE's. I didn't do a good job on my neck, a little "grabby" on ATG with a little irritation. I'm just gonna have to work on my technique...not going to replace my DE's, but the Gems will find their way into the rotation for sure...

One question: Is there a significant difference in the brands of SE blades currently manufactured? I purchased mine at CVS, so these are my reference point.

**mftoms59** · 05-17-2011, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by bc9

1st shave was with a Gem Junior...BBS on the cheeks with less passes then my DE's. I didn't do a good job on my neck, a little "grabby" on ATG with a little irritation. I'm just gonna have to work on my technique...not going to replace my DE's, but the Gems will find their way into the rotation for sure...

One question: Is there a significant difference in the brands of SE blades currently manufactured? I purchased mine at CVS, so these are my reference point.

The CVS are made by the same company that makes the GEMS, TED PELLA and TREET, the biggest differences will be between Stainless Steel and Carbon Steel Blades.

**ackvil** · 05-17-2011, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by mftoms59

The CVS are made by the same company that makes the GEMS, TED PELLA and TREET, the biggest differences will be between Stainless Steel and Carbon Steel Blades.

My local CVS sells the same GEM blades that are sold at Walgreeen's.

**bc9** · 05-18-2011, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by ackvil

My local CVS sells the same GEM blades that are sold at Walgreeen's.

I have the blades from CVS. Did my 3rd shave with the Junior this morning. BBS all around with no irritation.

I'm assuming the CVS blades are carbon steel, because after the 2nd shave it rusting. What is the normal care for the Blades? Should they be removed & dried after every shave? Would switching to a stainless blade avoid the rust? Which brands are stainless?

**bassmanlarry** · 05-18-2011, 08:05 AM

I've never used the Carbon Steel, but if they're rusting, they're probably Carbon. I've used the SS GEMS from Walgreens, and haven't had an issue with rusting. From what I understand, the carbon steel blades need to be removed from the razor and dried after each use and don't last as long as the stainless ones.

**drews50** · 05-18-2011, 08:38 AM

I use the CVS blades and have no problems with them. But I do remove and dry them after use. I just pat them dry.

Your second shave will be better. Listen to the razor. It will make a sound like scraping toast when at it's best.