Hello, I recently started or more accurately re-started shaving with a DE razor and would not dream of returning to cartridge razors but the more I read the more curious I get about additions, (not alternative to DE shaving), i.e. single edge razors. I previously posted a thread about GEM but am now intertested inviews about Schick Injectors. Sorry if this is a bit long winded...must remember to cover this in the newbie section...
Injectors can give a great shave, and the older model repeaters with their magazine and loading mechanism were cool as can be. However, there is something about them that makes it feel like I am cheating. I don't get the joy out of them as I do a DE despite the fact that I can get an excellent shave with them. http://www.safetyrazors.net/schick/schicktech.htm
After 46 years of shaving, starting out double edge and moving to cartridges and disposables and back to double edge, I recently tried a GEM single edge and a Schick injector. The injector was an epiphany. I am a lifelong Bostonian. I started out on Gillette because that's what my father used. I never knew anyone who used anything else. One of my older sister's friends worked in marketing and product development at Gillette in the late sixties and early seventies so I got to try out all kinds of stuff before or as it was hitting the market. My current office is about 1/4 mile from the Gillette complex in South Boston. The GEM was okay. The injector was a revalation. I have never had anything shave my neck and adam's apple area so easily and the shaves so far are the best I have ever had. If you try an injector, remember not to lean on it with too much pressure. One possible side effect is that some newbies and potential converts may benefit from a culling of my double edge herd.
They shave well so far as beard-cropping is concerned, and as noted the key is really light pressure, but the overall experience is unsatisfactorily. There are so many DE Razors available and a plethora of very inexpensive blade options. DEs provide smoother shaves, are still in production and so on, while Inectors are like antiquated BIC disposables. II. That said, if you're adamant about trying out an Injector, I've two I'd happily sell you for very little.
Well, for every opinion, there is its antithesis. I like my one and only injector. It treats me well and it's a regular in my rotation. It looks good and shaves well. Best part: it came from a friend in a PIF.
I think injectors are worth a try. It took me almost two years of DE shaving to try something different in the gems and schicks and I'm finding it hard to pick up the DE again. You have far fewer blade options, but the blades available are very nice - If you can get a nice injector for a little cash go for it.
Injectors do feel a bit like cheating to me, but they do offer great shaves. And allow a quick shave when in a rush. the newer models, like the L, M,N, J series injectors are all a bit milder than the old style E, G, and I type. so you can even choose depending on how aggressive of a shave you like. here is some good info on the history of injectors http://www.safetyrazors.net/schick/schicktech.htm
E & G model Schick Injectors in particular and Schicks in general have given me shaves that are comparableto any I have received with SE & DE razors. It may be more difficult to get good blades but they are definitely worth trying.
I am only using injectors now. I feel that they work best with my beard. I used to the e2 and e5 model. I am trying to figure out how to make featherectors. Could someone post a link doe ir? I actually like shaving with an injector more than a DE. If anyone has an injector they no longer want, ill take it off of your hands.
Might be tempted depending on price and model..want to stick with the DE razors but like variety and the gadget factor!
Hiya, I have a fair bit of experience with various injectors, and I can at least tell you what I found to be true for me. A few years ago(before switching to a DE), I'd been using only injectors for 6-8 months. A few weeks ago I finally revisited those again, and found the shaves to be as good as ever.........especially on my neck. Ended up using two different razors and a few different blades for maybe a dozen shaves or so. I really enjoyed using these again, especially being able to compare em to using a DE razor. More pressure is needed with the injector, but I had no problem with the old muscle memory kicking in. I realized that shaving with a much stiffer blade(injector) feels totally different than a DE.........not in a bad way though. Those members who mentioned the more aggressive ones are right on the money. I first started with a 'G' type, and unfortunately I didn't know that was the worst possible one for me to use first.........or ever.........heh. Waaay to much for my face, although I know many members love these types. Personally, I'd recommend one from J types and later. These are on the mild side, but still gave me close and very comfortable shaves. Those older bakelite blood letters have their fans, but I just don't get it. As it turned out, my go to injector was an adjustable 'M' type. Those settings really do move when you spin the dial.....heh. The handle felt good in my hand, and I like the way those look. Heh, I had to buy these two injectors I tried recently, having sold all of mine years ago. I did keep some blades from back then, which was smart. Ok, maybe that will help somehow. Keep in mind this is just one opinion, but it's an informed one(for whatever that's worth). Oh........Jimmy? I'm not gonna post some links about the Featherjector, but I'll tell you I was gonna try that blade myself this time around. I stopped using an injector before ever trying that set up, and it does sound appealing to me. You need to check over at B&B and do a search on that subject. Heh, there's plenty to read about. Yeah, I spent some time figuring out exactly how that works and what blades were the best. Martin
I never found a proper writeup on how to cut the blades down to size. I had just read mention of people doing it. Again, you have to cut it, without ruining the edge on the side you are cutting, then reload it into an injector blade holder. My fingers are not that nimble.
It is expensive, its 150 usd expensive, but I got mine for half that on the BST. There is a review here, http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9943&highlight=cobra+classic
