Looking for advice on SE razors

[FlyingMonkey]

Greetings all,

After searching for years for the "perfect shave" I stumbled upon this website a few months ago. Happily, I can say that I will never go back to cartridge razors again unless they simply stop making them. And then I'll just learn to straight razor shave and make my own blades. Anyway, having experimented with the DE side of the house for the last few months, I began seriously reading the posts in this forum. What I have noticed is many posters claiming that a SE razor gives an even better shave than a DE. While I realize this may be largely a matter of personal opinion and that every face is different, I have decided to give the SE world a try. The question is: where do I start? It seems there is a wealth of information regarding DE shaving, but fairly little in the way of SE shaving. Do all SE blades fit all SE razors or do you need to be careful which of each you purchase? Any clarification would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Mike'sWorld]

Yes, pretty much all single edge razors use blades that can be found at Walgreeens.
Where do you start? The good news is the demand for single edge razors is nowhere near the demand for vintage Gillettes, so prices and availbility are better. You can find near mint examples of well loved razors for pocket change. 1912's, 1914's, micromatics, gbar's are all common and great shavers. Single edge uses a different technique, most notably a much sharper angle with the razor held almost flat against the face. It's easy and intuitive though, and you'll be rewarded with a very close and smooth shave.

[Uncle Brian]

I have a 1912 GEM and a Valet they take different blades but both are available. The GEM is a good place to start as it's not too aggressive looks pretty and gives an extremely good shave, maybe better than a DE for some people.
Now it just so happens that I have quite a few blades and a Made in England GEM that I would be happy to send you at no cost, it even has a pretty green case. Just send me a PM and she's yours.

[RABIDMONKEY]

Uncle Brian very cool !!! Also pop over and look at the LOSER section of forum aka the single edge razors subforum

[kaiseris]

Indeed, very generous of you Brian.

[mftoms59]

Uncle Brian...

[turtle]

Se razors are nice. I find that the TTO (MicroMatic GEM) SE razors are the nicest to use

The only drawback I have found is the lack of choices in blades. Not that a limited selection is bad as all of the SE blades that I have tried are fantastic.

[cryhavoc]

Well done Uncle Brian

[willyb]

find someone with extra ted pella blades.... perhaps a member that bought a few hundred in a group buy here. I feel they really are the best blades, and you cant beat the price of about 14-17 bucks per 100 blades. keep in mind an SE typically will last longer than a DE blade, however I still toss mine after 3 shaves.

for a razor.... i say go for the gusto and get a gem 1912... you wont regret it. The gbars, the micros.... they are great shavers but nothing beats a 1912 in my opinion.

I just traded a bullet tip MM, a silver MM CP and a silver MM OC for a streamline that could use replating.

Congrats on stepping over to the darkside ( SE ) ..... we have cookies here.

[drocu]

find someone with extra ted pella blades.... perhaps a member that bought a few hundred in a group buy here. I feel they really are the best blades, and you cant beat the price of about 14-17 bucks per 100 blades. keep in mind an SE typically will last longer than a DE blade, however I still toss mine after 3 shaves.

for a razor.... i say go for the gusto and get a gem 1912... you wont regret it. The gbars, the micros.... they are great shavers but nothing beats a 1912 in my opinion.

I just traded a bullet tip MM, a silver MM CP and a silver MM OC for a streamline that could use replating.

Congrats on stepping over to the darkside ( SE ) ..... we have cookies here.

I'm jealous of your Streamline.

I agree with the 1912 recommendation too.

[retturn2blades]

I have a 1912 GEM and a Valet they take different blades but both are available. The GEM is a good place to start as it's not too aggressive looks pretty and gives an extremely good shave, maybe better than a DE for some people.
Now it just so happens that I have quite a few blades and a Made in England GEM that I would be happy to send you at no cost, it even has a pretty green case. Just send me a PM and she's yours.

I salute you, sir.

[OkieStubble]

They can have my Clog Pruf when they pry it from my cold dead fingers. :)

[willyb]

They can have my Clog Pruf when they pry it from my cold dead fingers. :)

i agree with you 100% O.S. ...... have you tried a 1912 or a damaskeene yet???? o dear heavens. pure lust...

[ERVARGASNY]

@ Brian, Nice of you to make such an offer, This is what this place is all About. :o)

[FlyingMonkey]

I couldn't agree more with the above post. It is what this place is all about. I want to publicly thank Brian for his generosity and will be sure to keep all posted on the results!

[OkieStubble]

i agree with you 100% O.S. ...... have you tried a 1912 or a damaskeene yet???? o dear heavens. pure lust...

Like this one...

[willyb]

Like this one...

She's a beauty for sure! I need to take and post pics of my pat 1902 damaskeene soon. She's a rare bird.

[buma]

just a slight correction - most classic SE razors use blades that are readily available. There are a few vintage SE razors that do not take the standard SE blade. Example that comes immediately to mind is the ever-beautiful Christy razors which take a proprietary blade.

Most Gems / Ever Readys / Star razors however do take standard SE blades and they're the most common ones available. Good luck with your SE adventure!