I picked up some SE blades after work yesterday for my Gem razor so I could give it a try. So I showered, lathered up, and got started. I noticed right off the bat this razor wasn't gliding across my face like my Gillette Speed does. In fact, it felt like I was shaving with nothing more than water on my face. The amount of drag was incredible. Next thing I know I'm half way done with my shave and I've got about 10 nicks and one pretty good cut and all were bleeding. This thing turned my face into raw meat! I didn't even finish shaving with the Gem, I used my Speed to finish. I even ended up with a couple of nicks from my Speed which hadn't happened at all up to now. I think maybe I was so ticked off about the first half of my shave I probably wasn't paying full attention to what I was doing and I probably applied to much pressure. That, or the 7 A.M. blade I used for the first time isn't a good choice for me. What did I learn from this? I learned me and the Gem razor don't mix. I won't be using it again. We fall off the horse then we get back on and move on. I will have to let my face heel for a few days before I shave again, but by then I will have my Badger Best brush (arriving today), and I may have my shaving soap samples by then as well. I can't wait to try out my new Badger brush! Shave on!!!!
That's okay. I'm sure everybody has bad shaving days. Besides, I already know how nice my shaves can and do turn out when I use the Speed razor. I think it's just the Gem and me not mixing well.
Well I am glad you started with the superspeed rather than the Micromatic. At least now you know they can be good, if that were your first experience back with wet shaving, it might have pushed you away.
Ouch! Well the GEM's use a different angle which I'm sure you're aware of. I've been having problems with my G-bar not getting close enough. Better luck with your next shave!
You cannot use the same technique with a SE that use use with a DE. With SE razors, it is important that you keep the razor FLAT against your face. If you are going to use your GEM, you need to put the DE's away for a week or two and practice your SE technique. I used a Rolls Razor for MANY years, and I had to gfet used to the different angles you use with DE razors. It is all a learning experience, my friend.
Besides technique, what blades were you using? Not all SE blades can be used for shaving. Only ones with special coatings on them.
I don't think the 7am blades with a Superspeed are going to be irritating. Based on my limited experience with this combination you're more likely to have terrble stubble left after 4-passes than to get nicks.
DEs and SEs are different beasts. The head of the se will be a little bit off your face. I just used an everready with a ted pella blade for the second time today and got an amazing shave. Possibly better than a DE...
Jay, Glad to hear that you like the ER and got a really good shave. Like you I started with DE shaving and then talked to D.Irving79. Like I did with you he PIF'd me a SE (the ER you are using) to see if SE shaving was for me. After a few shaves where I drew some blood I got the technique down and have since then fallen in love with the SE razor. Once you get the techinque down with the ER it will be time for you to get your hands on a '12 GEM or ER and then one or two or three of the lather catcher style GEM or ER razors. The lather catcher style is one of the most beautiful looking razors created. Good luck with your SE and if you have any questions just post here and Dave or myself or one of the other SE nuts will be glad to answer.
Thanks a lot Bryce. I'm going to stick with the ER for a bit, but so far I love it. I know that the Pella blades are only sold in large quantities so that may take a while to buy. Also, paypals still frozen so I wont be bidding on any razors any time soon. Maybe I'll make a run to the antique store but last I remember they only had a gem micromatic. Maybe I'll put up a WTB thread here at some point.
Jay, The Pella blades are only $35 for 200 plus shipping. I know you are a student and that money maybe tight. So when you begin your last Pella blade send me a PM. I may have a way to get you some Pella blades. Also you can also get GEM blade by Personna from Tryphon aka Razor and Brush in 5 packs. These are the same as the Pella blades. They shave just as good too. Also you should be able to get at least 7 shaves from the Pellas, maybe more. I am on shave 8 today. I think I get that many because I hand strop them after each shave. I just flick the edge of the blade down across the side of my hand about 5 times on each side. D.Irving79 has a youtube demo of how to do it. Here is the link to his youtube site. The one to watch is about stropping a single edge/double edge/cartridge blade.
Interesting stropping idea. I'll have to theck the video out. I figured 200 pella blades would be more expensive than that. Maybe I'll split an order up with somebody or if you can get me smaller amounts that would be sweet too. Woooo off to my biochem test.
