“The Magnificent SEven” Newbie SE Razor Pass/PIF

[RailroadMan]

Is there as big of a difference in SE blades? I know there is a lot of difference in DE blades, the DG blades are not as good as the Astras. Will any old SE blade do the trick about the same?

[H.S.M.Jr.]

Is there as big of a difference in SE blades? I know there is a lot of difference in DE blades, the DG blades are not as good as the Astras. Will any old SE blade do the trick about the same?

RailroadMan;

IMHO, NO. I just got back into SE/DE shaving a month or so ago after many years of multi blade cartridge shaving. My first purchase of SE blades were from a popular drug chain, and carried their name on the packaging. These blades, according to the back of the package, were made by the American Safety Razor Co. They tore me up, and BAD, I might add. Through a series of PM's with 'NOBODY" [Jeff], who was a tremendous help to me. He recommended the GEM brand, sold at Walgreens, and also mfg. by the ASR Co. On the package front, it says Economy Size GEM, By Personna. There are 10 Super SS Blades in the pack @ $5.99. These indeed were much better for me, though YMMV as the saying goes around here, lol.

If any old blade would do the trick, I'd go down to the HomeDepot paint dept. and buy some of their cheapie blades. Not meaning to be sarcastic, sorry if it came out that way.

Like with DE shaving, you may have to try different brands, although they're not as many choices as with DE blades. Hope this has been of some help to you.

[RailroadMan]

Absolutely. Not offended at all, btw. I just hadn't seen as much SE blade discussion. Thanks a lot.

[vrgelinas]

My first razor is an OCMM, so I don't qualify. Have fun shaving with a single edge! It's a decadent, manly treat for your face! Good luck to all!

[TheVez2]

RailroadMan, you're up next and it should be headed your way soon.

In answer to your blade question:
Most of the blades available are made by ASR. There are 2 flavors, carbon steel and stainless. Most folks prefer the stainless and I do find them to be smoother. The carbon steel blades need to be dried inbetween uses or they will rust.

There are also some Korean made blades out there. Skip them, they are junk.

The blades I have sent with the Pushbutton are Stainless.

[RailroadMan]

Awesome. Look forward to it.

[pezhore]

Well, my week is finished. I managed to get my first ever BBS shave with this GEM (no pun intended). It's quite the razor! I'll be keeping a look out for SE razors going forward.


With my (as of now) current favorite brush, soap, & scuttle




Ready for the next guy



EDIT: There is one pore pic coming... something that really screams "Rochester, NY"...

[TheVez2]

Nice pics, thanks for posting a better one than I did of the razor. I took mine with an Ipod and didn't realize the focus was not where I wanted it to be until it was too late. I already had the razor in the mail when I posted it. Can't wait to see the next pic!

[pezhore]

I wanted to add two too many pictures, so enjoy!



That's a garbage plate, W Cola (Wegman's house brand), Genesee 12 Horse Ale, and some meat-based hot sauce. Yum!

I'll be mailing the razor out tomorrow morning!

[desertcat]

I'll be mailing the razor out tomorrow morning!

Sweet of you to send him along nice and full after such a huge meal. Never knew the guy could handle so much, he looks so skinny... but I guess he's mostly "mouth" up top, so I shouldn't be so surprised.

[NickyBobby]

I can't believe we're one week I to this already!! I can't take the excitement. And the pressure to find something that screams Ohio. :-) I still think this is the greatest PIF ideas. :-)

[RailroadMan]

Got it in today. First shave in a bit. More info tomorrow.

[RailroadMan]

Ok, one down. Got it yesterday when I got home from work around 4:30. Well, on Thursdays, we go to trivia at a local pizza shop/brewery and have to leave by 6:00. I have to eat, shower, and shave in this time. DO NOT BE IN A HURRY YOUR FIRST TIME. I bled. I bled. And I bled some more. Worst since way before I gave up carts. But that is not the whole story. As I have been working my way through my sample blades, I have had a pretty poor run in the last few choices (even the 7 O'Clock Blue). I haven't destroyed my face, but the irritation has been mounting. Well, where I had all these bumps and ingrowns, the Gem certainly pointed them out to me. I look forward to another try in less of a hurry now that most of the problems are gone. Do not be scared of it, just take your time.

[TheVez2]

Sorry you had a bad first run. Make sure you start out with the head flat against your face as shown in the directions I posted. It will get better. If you need any more help let me know.

[RailroadMan]

Much better tonight. Slower, less angle. So used to DE, hard to keep it flat.

[TheVez2]

Yeah, the switch from DE to SE is a little different, and that's what I want everyone to understand. It is not any more difficult, it just takes a different technique that you need to learn. Follow the picture and you'll be good to go.

Glad you got a better shave today!

[valleyrider]

With all this trouble so far I hope were not passing around the se of death here!

[TheVez2]

No trouble, it's just a new learning curve. The pushbutton is pretty mild as far as SEs go. Once you learn it, it is quite easy and provides great shaves. Many people prefer the SE over the DE and get better closer shaves from them. Plus the blades last longer than typical DE blades, so they can be more economical.

The ER Streamline is arguably the best and smoothest SE out there, but it is quite pricey. The 1912 and the MMOC are readily available for a good price. One or the other of those two is usually peoples go to SE, with the 1912 being milder.

[RailroadMan]

Well, my week is almost over. I am ready for the next address. I really appreciate this opportunity, however, I don't think the SE is for me. I didn't really get a good shave out of it. I bled a lot more and had more irritation than DE shaves. Everyone be very mindful of your angle and take your time. Please do not include me in the PIF drawing, as I have found a couple SEs around here, anyway. So here it is in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mts.

[NickyBobby]

Who's next on the list?