I'm thinking of branching out into the single edge world. Trouble is I'm not sure what would be a decent entry level razor. I kinda like the Schick injector G-types, the I1 and the J1. I also like the various SE's like the Gem. I'm looking for something that's an easy transition from a DE and inexpensive. I would also like to have a readily available source of blades. Any ideas, comments and opinions are welcome. thanks, Kevin
Love my gem. Picked up blades right down the street at wall greens. Had no trouble with the transition from DEs. I just feel in love with the looks of a gem. Injectors are great shavers and easy to user. Can't go wrong either way. Find a razor that catches your eye and go for it.
+1 ^^ The GEM is a great razor. Not hard to use at all, gives me the closest shaves yet. Haven't used an injector yet, but will remedy that this weekend. Should be able to find a good GEM for 15-20 on the auction site place or if you get lucky like I did you can find one for cheaper in a antique store or thrift shop.
An injector is the easiest transition as the shave angle is the most like a disposable. But, you may not be able to find blades locally. GEMs and the like are great razors, but imho have a higher learning curve. But, you may be able to find blades easily at your local drug store. You might want to stop over to the school forum to see a post on GEM shaving tips.
Get at least one of each! Both styles are great shavers and there are dozens of different models to try, and can be found fairly cheaply. I believe the 1912 patented razors are the single best razor ever designed by mortals and every SE fan should have some in the arsenal.
I like my 1912 it feels a little to aggressive to my skin but most the stubble is gone in one pass. I love my G-Bar mild but effective razor and the handle design does the work for you.
I haven't tried my Gem yet but I've been using a G-type injector for the past week and it's amazing. I thought I was getting decent with a DE but when I tried the injector, it was a whole new level of closeness and even more comfortable. I've had BBS shaves every day for the past week and my face still feels great. A week of ATG passes would have been tough for me to manage with a DE. Can't recommend the injector highly enough. Even if you can't find blades locally, they're easy to find online and a 7-pack should last you pretty close to 2 months.
Thanks for thi info. I like HoosierTroopers idea of getting at least one of each! That'll solve the problem of deciding which to razor to try. I'll look closer at the 1912's and start checking locally for blade availability, since that's a factor in my decision.
Cool....Well; whatever you get...post some photos and review on the Injector & SE party thread...It's a BYOR (bring your own razor)party....I mean hey....these razors show us a great time at the sink every morning so why not take them out for a night on the town...See you and your razor there...http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/injector-se-party.23113/page-60
I believe the Schick D's and E's are thought of as more aggressive than the later models. I completely agree with HoosierTrooper however in that you simply need one of each kind of razor made...Thats the ONLY way you'll ever "Know for Sure" what you really like!!. I'm so VERY disturbed...
You silver tongued devil. I've got both a Gem Micromatic and a couple of Schick injectors on the way now. You'd better hope SWMBO never finds out where you live, because she knows Satan must be enticing me to buy all these razors (it can't be me )
In my life I have gone from DE to SE to disposables, back to DE. The DEs are lighter, and shave closer than the injectors I used in the 70s
Okay, I think I've gone over the deep end! I have a G series injector, a NOS Schick II in an unopened tube, and a decent looking J2 winging their way to my abode. I'm still looking at GEMs, but these injectors will do for now. So, I know that any injector will work with any razor, so the one that comes with the G will work in the J. I'm asuming that the Schick II has a different injector since it's twin bladed. Is this correct? My next question is "are the injectors refillable/reusable?". I thought I saw large quantity of injector blades without the injector, but I could have been delusional from Razor Aquisition Euphoria. Thanks again! Kevin
The twin blade injectors come in the same basic style dispenser as the single blade ones, and yes they can be reloaded. I don't believe I've ever seen loose injector blades sold anywhere.
But, I couldn't stop at just one of each. Love the Gem 1912s and the Schick Es. I'm looking for I or later.