My mother picked up a NOS GEM G Bar cheap at an estate sale and sent it on to me. I've avoided the SE world and have given away and sold several that have come along but finally decided to try a SE out. When I want to pamper myself I use my straight and nothing beats that otherwise my go to is a Gillette Tech. I picked up some Blue Star blades and the G Bar gave an adequate shave but it felt like trying to shave with a butcher knife. Must be my face is too small. I'll hang on to it simply because it is in such great shape and maybe one of the kids will want it when they start shaving.