I'm a LOSER (Lover Of Single Edge Razors)

[alex2363]

I tried starting with an MMOC and then a pushbutton. Then I scored a great 1912 off the 'bay. After finding my "stroke," I can see why everyone praises the 1912.

If I could write a brief summary for SE newbies:

1. Micromatic Open Comb ("MMOC" or "OCMM"): Very aggressive, mostly unforgiving, takes some practice
2. Pushbutton: Very mild and tame; Good if you shave half-asleep or are just starting with shaving; Can't screw it up
3. 1912: Takes a few tries to get it "right", but once you do, some of the best shaves you'll ever get, DE's included

A very good tip tutorial for newbies.

[alex2363]

I got a bad blade Tuesday. I put a new CVS carbon steel blade in my GEM Jr. and commenced to shaving, on the first wtg pass I noticed a few nicks, so i thought that maybe the blade wasn't positioned properly so I readjusted it. It didn't help and I ended up with about a dozen nicks and bad razor burn. That is not the end though, by the time I got to work last night it looked like I had shaved with a serrated blade and it looks worse today. The funny thing is while I was shaving I didn't even feel the cuts, scrapes or burn it was when I used the alum that I felt it. I think that I will try a Pella coated blade on my next shave.

Tom

ouch, i feel your pain. That really ruined your shave day

[OkieStubble]

Mostly concur. I don't think the MMOC is very aggressive. Aggressive yes, but not too much that folks should steer clear of it. The MMOC was actually my first SE and I did fine with it, no cuts at all. I actually didn't understand why folks were saying it was so aggressive until I tried the other SEs. (And I'm not a fan of aggressive DEs either) I actually thought the 1912 was more aggressive at first, but that's because I hadn't figured out the technique to using it as quick as I did the MMOC. Once you get it though ti is very nice. I too feel the pushbutton is mild and tame, however, I have an ongoing pushbutton pass for folks to try out an SE for the first time, and they all seem to be murdering their face with it, despite being told to keep the angle shallow (in fact, flush with face). Maybe they are just rushing it, who knows. I love all SEs, and can't wait unitl I can get all of mine unpacked and get them into rotation again!

I concur with all of this post. I own all of the various GEMS except for the rare Jewel. And until recently, the MMCP has been my favorite SE because of it's excellent ability to deliver a smooth and aggressive shave. However just recently, my Pushbutton has been making a case to replace my Clog-Pruf as 1st place in my GEM line up. I like the sleek, light design of the PB.

I have noticed the ease of being able to change my shave with the PB, from being mild and the 'flat against the face' angle, to more challenging aggressiveness just by decreasing my angle. I can actually now get a pretty smooth, aggressive and irritation free shave by holding the blade almost horizontal (not quite 90 degrees) to my face. This is something I haven't been able to do with any of my other GEMS, including the Featherweight or G-Bar which have very similar designs to the Pushbutton.

[Bergy]

What types of SE blades are out there. I haven't received my SE razors yet from the big E lake. I know that CVS has some. I haven't found any 'Sample' SE blades, are there any?

Thanks

[Haggises]

CVS, Walgreens, WalMart and others carry SE blades.
Either the carbon-steel, or the stainless.
There are PTFE coated stainless that you need to buy from online retailers.

Not enough SE blade types to do a Sample pack justice.

[retturn2blades]

I just recently used the MMOC and found it easy to use. No blood or irritation. I also used the MMCC and didn't like it as much. So-so results. I can tolerate both the SS and CS SE blades. Slight preference to CS.

[alex2363]

I just recently used the MMOC and found it easy to use. No blood or irritation. I also used the MMCC and didn't like it as much. So-so results. I can tolerate both the SS and CS SE blades. Slight preference to CS.

jeff, i too have issues with the MMOC too. They just seem too raw and not as refined as the 1912 designs

[syngent]

another go around with the featherweight, still on the first blade i have ever put into it so maybe 8th shave or so but didnt feel as smooth as it did last time either my lather was off or the blade is finally starting to show some signs of slowing down. Im going to at least start with it next time to see but ill flip it out if it shows the same face it did this time, cant wait till the gbar gets here so i can add to the rotation

[alex2363]

another go around with the featherweight, still on the first blade i have ever put into it so maybe 8th shave or so but didnt feel as smooth as it did last time either my lather was off or the blade is finally starting to show some signs of slowing down. Im going to at least start with it next time to see but ill flip it out if it shows the same face it did this time, cant wait till the gbar gets here so i can add to the rotation

let us know when the G bar gets here too.

[Zeppelinkarte]

Could one of you LOSERS please explain the differences between a GEM 1912, GEM Junior, Ever Ready 1912, and Damaskeene? I am thoroughly confused and everyone thinks one or all of these razors are wonderful.

[Snargle]

Could one of you LOSERS please explain the differences between a GEM 1912, GEM Junior, Ever Ready 1912, and Damaskeene? I am thoroughly confused and everyone thinks one or all of these razors are wonderful.

I'm not an expert, but they are all variations on the 1912 design patent. The Gem 1912 and Ever Ready 1912 are basically the same razor head with multiple variations in handle design, plating, cases, etc. The Gem Junior and Gem Damaskeene have slightly different head geometries, which can change the shaving experience. Again, there are many handle variations, plating, cases, etc. I have and use all of the above, and, to be honest, I'd have a hard time telling them apart if I shaved blindfolded. They all give excellent shaves.

[retturn2blades]

I'm not an expert, but they are all variations on the 1912 design patent. The Gem 1912 and Ever Ready 1912 are basically the same razor head with multiple variations in handle design, plating, cases, etc. The Gem Junior and Gem Damaskeene have slightly different head geometries, which can change the shaving experience. Again, there are many handle variations, plating, cases, etc. I have and use all of the above, and, to be honest, I'd have a hard time telling them apart if I shaved blindfolded. They all give excellent shaves.

Good summary answer. I will only add some of us feel the Gem Damaskeene heads the pack of 1912s. I think it may be the top lid is slightly more curved, allowing better face contact or angle. I own I'm not an expert though.

[alex2363]

Could one of you LOSERS please explain the differences between a GEM 1912, GEM Junior, Ever Ready 1912, and Damaskeene? I am thoroughly confused and everyone thinks one or all of these razors are wonderful.

Here are all the razors..as you can see they all are similar with just a slight difference that really dont eefect the shave at all

[fcdiscus]

IMHO-the Gem Damaskeene might just be the best head ever placed on a SE razor. Gives an incredibly good shave. Might be the curve in the head- might be the solid little handle that gives a great feel to the shaver. Just an outstanding razor! My overall faVORITE AMONGST ALL- DE AND SE RAZORS!

[TheVez2]

There are many slight variations in the 1912 design. I have probably 10 1912s that are all different in one way or another, maybe more. I have a Damaskeene that has a straight head and I have normal 1912s with curved heads. I'm still looking for an original Damaskeene with a curved head.

[woodfluter]

I got a bad blade Tuesday. I put a new CVS carbon steel blade in my GEM Jr. and commenced to shaving, on the first wtg pass I noticed a few nicks, so i thought that maybe the blade wasn't positioned properly so I readjusted it. It didn't help and I ended up with about a dozen nicks and bad razor burn. That is not the end though, by the time I got to work last night it looked like I had shaved with a serrated blade and it looks worse today. The funny thing is while I was shaving I didn't even feel the cuts, scrapes or burn it was when I used the alum that I felt it. I think that I will try a Pella coated blade on my next shave.

Tom

I know, it's getting on toward a week ago, but this is a recurring problem that deserves discussion.

Folks have complained similarly about the coated Gem SS blades (Ted Pella or other distributors), primarily the first shave or two - after which it seems to be OK. I had the same issue with them. I solved the issue completely by palm stropping (I actually use the inside of my forearm, but all the same...) before the first shave. Anytime I forget to do so, I get reminded very quickly! All it takes is a few passes on each side.

Classic symptom of a very slight wire edge remaining after the final stropping during manufacture. Airmech, you might want to try palm stropping with your CVS carbon blades before switching to something else.

[woodfluter]

Here's how I see it, from a low-angle shaver who does experiment with angle.

The 1912 heads are visually similar but, to me, fall into three classes due to differences in blade gap, blade exposure, how far the guard comb juts out...stuff like that.

(1) 1912 Damaskeene was the first (AFAIK) design. Mine is marked "Gem Cutlery" so 1919 at latest...don't know if there were later Damaskeenes that might differ. I find it is the most "aggressive" of the family, regardless of the shaving angle used. Looking carefully at the head, I think I can see why. There's just more blade exposure (at least on mine) and hence ways to go wrong with it. The ads of the period recommend a rather higher shaving angle. I can get that to work with a very light touch but it becomes much harder on the chin or curved places where pressure can flatten out the skin. I'm still learning how to use this with different techniques for different parts of my face.

(2) 1912 and 1912 Junior seem to be the same beastie with arbitrarily different monikers. The Parade model with a very nice Bakelite handle is identical, and one I have labeled "Star" is too. They all shave very easily and effectively when used at low, head flat against the skin angle (like the Micromatic recommendation). I have about 10 of these and can't detect any difference among them at all.

(3) 1912 Ever-Ready made in England is different. It looks almost exactly like the standard 1912 but there are subtle differences in geometry (plating seems better too). In the standard parlance, I find it to be more "aggressive" but not nearly as much as the Damaskeene. I have two of these and like them a lot. Requires more attention than the standard 1912 so not what I reach for if I'm in a hurry.

On a side note, shaving at a higher angle I did find the usual differences between the Micromatic OC, Clog-Pruf and flying wing types. When used a very low angle, I find almost no difference at all. They all shave very much the same for me and are all good. But I've sort of become a convert to the 1912 types.

[Bergy]

I now have a GEM 1912 with a handle that is ridged from Top to the bottom of the handle with the ridges parallel to the handle. It is in a black wooden box. Any ideas as to the dates that it may have been manufactured... do I need to upload a picture?

It is such great condition, no real scratches and shaves absolutely wonderfully. I am definitely a big time LOSER with this razor.

I also received from the same purchase a Micromatic closed comb. I think my first shave with that will be Friday...tomorrow.

UNFORTUNATELY I TOOK OFF THE GOLD PLATTING, with my polishing venture. Is there a way to shine the gold plate without wiping out the platting???

But it is now a fine looking silver MMCC in it's plastic case.

Enjoy the Olympics!

[syngent]

Well if finally came, and this guy as amazing, i may just have to find it another friend to have around

[alex2363]

I know, it's getting on toward a week ago, but this is a recurring problem that deserves discussion.

Folks have complained similarly about the coated Gem SS blades (Ted Pella or other distributors), primarily the first shave or two - after which it seems to be OK. I had the same issue with them. I solved the issue completely by palm stropping (I actually use the inside of my forearm, but all the same...) before the first shave. Anytime I forget to do so, I get reminded very quickly! All it takes is a few passes on each side.

Classic symptom of a very slight wire edge remaining after the final stropping during manufacture. Airmech, you might want to try palm stropping with your CVS carbon blades before switching to something else.

Here's how I see it, from a low-angle shaver who does experiment with angle.

The 1912 heads are visually similar but, to me, fall into three classes due to differences in blade gap, blade exposure, how far the guard comb juts out...stuff like that.

(1) 1912 Damaskeene was the first (AFAIK) design. Mine is marked "Gem Cutlery" so 1919 at latest...don't know if there were later Damaskeenes that might differ. I find it is the most "aggressive" of the family, regardless of the shaving angle used. Looking carefully at the head, I think I can see why. There's just more blade exposure (at least on mine) and hence ways to go wrong with it. The ads of the period recommend a rather higher shaving angle. I can get that to work with a very light touch but it becomes much harder on the chin or curved places where pressure can flatten out the skin. I'm still learning how to use this with different techniques for different parts of my face.

(2) 1912 and 1912 Junior seem to be the same beastie with arbitrarily different monikers. The Parade model with a very nice Bakelite handle is identical, and one I have labeled "Star" is too. They all shave very easily and effectively when used at low, head flat against the skin angle (like the Micromatic recommendation). I have about 10 of these and can't detect any difference among them at all.

(3) 1912 Ever-Ready made in England is different. It looks almost exactly like the standard 1912 but there are subtle differences in geometry (plating seems better too). In the standard parlance, I find it to be more "aggressive" but not nearly as much as the Damaskeene. I have two of these and like them a lot. Requires more attention than the standard 1912 so not what I reach for if I'm in a hurry.

On a side note, shaving at a higher angle I did find the usual differences between the Micromatic OC, Clog-Pruf and flying wing types. When used a very low angle, I find almost no difference at all. They all shave very much the same for me and are all good. But I've sort of become a convert to the 1912 types.

I now have a GEM 1912 with a handle that is ridged from Top to the bottom of the handle with the ridges parallel to the handle. It is in a black wooden box. Any ideas as to the dates that it may have been manufactured... do I need to upload a picture?

It is such great condition, no real scratches and shaves absolutely wonderfully. I am definitely a big time LOSER with this razor.

I also received from the same purchase a Micromatic closed comb. I think my first shave with that will be Friday...tomorrow.

UNFORTUNATELY I TOOK OFF THE GOLD PLATTING, with my polishing venture. Is there a way to shine the gold plate without wiping out the platting???

But it is now a fine looking silver MMCC in it's plastic case.

Enjoy the Olympics!

great insight and posts winning LOSERS, I picked up some knowledge here.