SE Shaving doesn't get enough attention

Of the many razors I own, I rank my 1929 GEM Micromatic SE razor 2nd as my all time favorite in the aggressive category. It provides a better quality shave and is easier to use than most of the DEs I own (most, not all). My next purchase will be the GEM 1912 since I haven't tried that one yet, but I'm surprised that SE shaving isn't more popular with wet shavers. (could be that they require us to change the blades twice as often?)

 

Blade longevity for SE vs DE, for me is about the same. Even though there is only one edge in a SE, I easily get 4 shaves with my Gems (Ted Pella PTFE Coated), and I usually get 3-4 with most DE blades. Economically, SE razors are much cheaper for equivalent quality, and blades are comparable with mid premium priced DE blades. There also is a variety of aggressiveness choices. The 1912's are relatively mild shavers while the MMOC and Push Button offers more aggressiveness. Se's are cheap to try, and to use frequently.

 

I dunno dude, I think SEs get a fair amount of love here at TSD.....

I know many of us on here have run the gamut of all thing bladed but the variety between SEs and DEs is just so vast it makes DEs a bit more active maybe?

 

I tried a Gem Gbar and didn't care for it. The angle of the handle was to much for my tastes, and I heard the OCMM will strip your hide off so I never tried one, even though I wish I had tried it now.

 

I know other OMM users may disagree...from my perspective I don't necessarily think that an OCMM will strip your hide off. It's on the aggressive end but it doesn't seem as harsh as my Muhle R41 2011 or my Merkur Futur (when dialed up to it's higher settings). There is something about the angle of the OMM that makes it very efficient and easy to use for me...I never cut myself with it either which is something I can't say for alot of DEs I use

 

You obviously haven't seen this thread. Twenty seven pages of SE madness love!
And for what it's worth, I use SEs every weekend - Saturday for the straight (yes, it only has a single edge!), and Sunday for the SE safety razor.

 

Yes I'm new to this forum and have found alot of interesting SE tidbits. Generally I do think it's not given it's due attention though.

Ha, I also use a straight, but I break it out on rare occassions like a fine bottle of Scotch. I have to admit it's a shavette so I am cheating a little, but I enjoy using it when I have LOTS of spare time on my hands. Believe it or not I started wet shaving with a shavette, so I found the safety razors to be a piece of cake after spending a few months learning the art of of the straight. Even the Muhle R41 can't match the closeness of my shavette. Take care

 

SEs are a big part of my rotation. I was given an injector not too long ago and use it about half the time! But I get my best shaves from my Valet Autostrop and Feather SE blade combo! Don't get me wrong though...I love all my DEs too.

 

Please send all neglected SEs this way. I guarantee to adopt them into an extremely loving environment.

 

I'll follow you around to all the forums and echo the sweet virtues of the Auto Strop/Feather combo. Best shave I get, over and over and over again. That's SE love, baby.

 

Thanks for that link Steve, I was just hunting around for some information on SE's and up pops this thread.
Thank you that was very helpful.

 

I started using SE razor just awhile and haven't touched a DE since.As for blades I find that I can get 5 plus great shaves from one blade.

 

I agree completely(except the Muhle part,never tried one)

 

My pleasure.

 

Agreed!

 

On the advise of another member, I bought a very nice old Schick G1 and I just love using it. I am having a hard time going back to DE razors because of it. I've got to much tied up in DE equipment to stop using them, but it may have to be on special occasions, like when I run out of SE blades.

 

I am petrified now to use my Valet Autostrop. I used it only 3 times, and the 1st 2 shaves with it were fantastic, but the 3rd shave gave me a few bad cuts. So, I put it to retirement. This razor was originally my grandfather's.

 

I have just purchased a gem micromatic, but I haven't had a chance to use it.
What blades would you guys recomend? and where can I purchase them. I have heard the GEM PTFE coated ones, but I have not seem them listed.

Now for the hard question, what kind of angle do you use for them or how do you figure it out without shredding my face?

 

I use Gem blades. I can pick them up locally at ShopRite. I've also purchased them through TSD Store. I can't tell the difference.
I've tried Treet. Never again.

As for any razor, start with the razor head flat against the face, handle parallel to the floor. Slowly drop the handle down as you make your downward pass. You'll feel and hear it start to cut when you get the right angle.

I have found the rule of NO PRESSURE really has to be in force with SEs.

Stick with it. You'll get it!

 

Hey Jeff, what blades were you using? Were they the feathers?