I'm not a LOSER

**Foyle** · 07-23-2012, 05:48 AM

I gave my 1914 Lather Catcher a spin this morning. I didn't like it at all. Not only did it not shave closely at all, I got a couple of weepers and a nice case of razor burn. I haven't had razor burn in as long as I can remember. Thayer's witch hazel to the rescue! Thankfully I was able to salvage my shave with my Futur.

Well, at least I gave it a try. Now I know.

**turtle** · 07-23-2012, 05:51 AM

Are you using the correct angle? SE should be almost against your face with an angle of 4-6° (the blade cover almost touching your skin)

If you use the same 30° angle you use for a DE you will be scraping yourself, not shaving.

**SEnSE** · 07-23-2012, 06:05 AM

With the wide range of SEs you'd be making a folly by judging all SEs by one razor and one shave. If you need a milder shave then consider the later Gems like a G-bar or featherweight. Also, keep figuring out your angle. It's definitely different than DE.

**demaro** · 07-23-2012, 06:17 AM

I definitely admit I use DE more often than an se , but I get a decnt shave from an se. I also know that if I were to use an se more often , I would get just as good a shave as I do from a de. It takes practice , as with everything..

**Foyle** · 07-23-2012, 06:20 AM

I know about the angle. The razor was almost flat against my face. I've also tried Injectors with no joy so this isn't my first go around with SE style razors. This experience really doesn't make me want to try more SE's, especially when I've got a razor that shaves really great for me. It seems like there will be a lot of rough shaves needed to get this thing down.

**SEnSE** · 07-23-2012, 07:26 AM

Originally Posted by Foyle

I know about the angle. The razor was almost flat against my face. I've also tried Injectors with no joy so this isn't my first go around with SE style razors. This experience really doesn't make me want to try more SE's, especially when I've got a razor that shaves really great for me. It seems like there will be a lot of rough shaves needed to get this thing down.

Well if you're happy with what you've got then enjoy it. There's no need to suffer through a shave especially when you already have a great setup that works for you.

**turtle** · 07-23-2012, 07:43 AM

I got a Damaskeene from a B&B member who said it shaved awful.

Looking at it when it arrived I found that the spring was damaged and the blade door did not close on the blade which let the blade "wonder around"

I did not use it, but I could see how a broken razor might not shave very well.

Since you get the same big dog bite from other SE I would say the issue is not with the razor

**retturn2blades** · 07-23-2012, 08:13 AM

I just used my Gem Damaskeene SE to shave off a 4-day beard. Two passes, got a CCS and no blood or burn. I don't shoot for BBS, if such a thing exists.

For the OP, maybe a bad blade or one not to your face's liking. You're experienced so I won't ask about prep or lather. I recommend trying it again with a different blade...or try a different SE razor.The G-Bar is a good razor not requiring too much technique.

FTR, the 1914 is affectionately called a "little lather catcher" but is not a true lather catcher.

**HoosierTrooper** · 07-23-2012, 08:15 AM

Originally Posted by Foyle

I gave my 1914 Lather Catcher a spin this morning. I didn't like it at all. Not only did it not shave closely at all, I got a couple of weepers and a nice case of razor burn. I haven't had razor burn in as long as I can remember. Thayer's witch hazel to the rescue! Thankfully I was able to salvage my shave with my Futur.

Well, at least I gave it a try. Now I know.

The 1914 ER you have is one of the early models that has very small nubs for blade stops. I have seen the blade ride up on top of these nubs when the door closes which, obviously, would not make for a very comfortable shave. Later on, around 1920 or so they went to bigger stops that the blade actually slides under so that eliminated the problem. Just a suggestion.

**Haggises** · 07-23-2012, 08:19 AM

Not sure I could cut myself with a 1914. It just feels so very right.
Sorry it didn't work for you...

**lt114** · 07-23-2012, 01:24 PM

What kind of blade did you use Foyle?
It's possible that could also be the problem.

**cryhavoc** · 07-23-2012, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by Foyle

I gave my 1914 Lather Catcher a spin this morning. I didn't like it at all. Not only did it not shave closely at all, I got a couple of weepers and a nice case of razor burn. I haven't had razor burn in as long as I can remember. Thayer's witch hazel to the rescue! Thankfully I was able to salvage my shave with my Futur.

Well, at least I gave it a try. Now I know.

Others have given good advice but if SE's don't work for you then they don't. Sounds like your DE set up is working well for you so you can say you gave the SE the old college try. BTW, how much do you want for the razor

**turtle** · 07-23-2012, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by cryhavoc

BTW, how much do you want for the razor

Already been sold on BST... Don't blink or you will miss something on BST

**cryhavoc** · 07-23-2012, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by turtle

Already been sold on BST... Don't blink or you will miss something on BST

Well Damn, you snooze you lose

**Chester** · 07-24-2012, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by Foyle

Well, at least I gave it a try. Now I know.

The lather catcher is a rotten SE to start with, or by which to judge the other SE offerings. It's very hard to get right. Don't give up on the SEs! Try the valet AS with a feather blade, or give an injector a tour. Heck, a Clog-Pruf micromatic is a much better experience than the lather catcher.
-- Chet

**Haggises** · 07-24-2012, 12:44 PM

Hey now, don't be calling my favorite razor rotten. Them's fightin' words.

Unless you're talking real lather catchers and not the ER "little lather catcher" in which case I might tend to agree.

**HoosierTrooper** · 07-24-2012, 01:02 PM

Used a 1914 ER this morning with a Walgreens Gem/Personna blade. Very, very nice shave.

**Alucard73** · 07-24-2012, 04:29 PM

I have a couple of 1914's and use one rarely. Always get a good shave, I just don't like pouring out water all the time. I think it has a spacial anomaly inside it because I know that much water should not fit in that little head.

**turtle** · 07-24-2012, 04:33 PM

My favorite "traditional" SE is the flying wing (GEM bullet handle Micromatic).

My favorite non-traditional is the Classic shaving Cobra.

**duokun** · 07-24-2012, 05:54 PM

i think judging any razor after half a shave is not the way to go. I would have never switched to traditional shaving if that were the case. but, to each their own, and if you have a razor you like better then hopefully the next owner will enjoy it. its just a shame to me cause i love my 1912s so much. i need a 1914 now. ;)