MIcromatic vs Burham 1909. Closest shave ever

You are in the SE business now; your razor seems to be in wonderful condition.

 

I shave mostly with SEs now. During the week I use a Gem 1912 or a Gem Jr, which for me are much milder than the MMOC. On Saturday and Sunday I take out the MMOC. It gives me the closest shave so far. Be careful with this badboy until you get used to it. 1oldGI was right, watch that blade angle.
Good Luck,
Alan

 

Alan, Doug & all of you,
Thanks for your wisdom and kindness. I already got my MMOC and thinking of a Burham 1909. I am a lover of ultra BBS shaves and feel like going one step ahead using SEs.
Now I am going for the blades. If cost is not the problem and neither the number of shaves to obtain from one blade, which blade would be the one that suits the most my requirements? Heard of Ted Pellas but which version?
Best regards.

 

My 2 cents on SE blades - avoid Treet, get Gem (Ted Pellas). I Get gem blades at ShopRite. I've also picked up the Ted Pellas from TSD Store. Both blades (from ShopRite and TSD Store) look and feel identical. Work great for me.

 

I have owned both of these razors. I only have one of them now. I gave the Microjunkomatic away some time ago and use the Burham on occasion. Both razors use the modern SE blades. Got decent shaves with the Burham but not the MM. Found the Burham a bit too light weight.

My thoughts are for you to find a 1912 GEM or GEM Jr and start SE shaving with it. Learn the SE technique and then graduate on to some of the lather catchers and more modern SE razors.

 

Bryce! I was wondering when you would pop in on this thread. (Ha Ha) All kidding aside, he already has the Micromatic. If it doesn't work out I agree with you that he should try a 1912 or Jr. I'm sure he would like either one of those fine razors. Then he can send the Micromatic to me.

Alan

 

Hi, Allan,
The MM is yours as long as you come to Spain to pick it up. Swear you won't regret it.
Furthermore, I also got this Burham. So, you will have to be more accurate when comparing them, gentlemen.
Can't wait.
P.D.: Do you happen that the web doesn't send you this thread updating in spite of having checked the "instant mail" option?
Regards.

 

Hi, Possum,
Does the Burham use regular SE blades with spine or spineless?
Thanks.

 

Do you think that vintage gems blades will be in good condition or maybe the modern ones are better ones?
Regards.

 

I use a regular SE blade in mine. No need to remove the spine. Works just fine.

 

I've been wetshaving for a little over 2 months now and i have a couple of DE razors and an eveready 1912, I never nicked or had a problem with the 1912 it gave me the best shave I ever had,It even went smoother than any DE I've tried,The only DE that came close for me was the slim,Haven't yet tried a straight edge but i have one and once i get it sharp enough i'll give it a try, But I can't imagine a closer shave than i've gotten with my 1912,Just wish blades were as easily obtainable as the DE blades.

 

I get Gem blades at the local ShopRite. I know some folks get 'em at the drug store. Our own TSD Store carries 'em, as well.

 

Get that 1912 GEM technique down pat and then go for a GEM, ER or Kampfe Bros lather catcher style SE. Now that is what shaving should be all about.

Check the link in my signature to my Shave Stuff and see what a lather catcher looks like.

 

Hi, Possum,
I am really confused. Some say that I should use regular SE blades with spine, but others say that spineless as you can see on a picture in the lowest third of this thread.
Can you shed more light on it, please?
Regards.

 

I've been using SEs for years now. I rarely shave with a DE anymore. Getting the technique right is the biggest adjustment but once you do that it truly is smooth sailing...or shaving as the case may be!

 

That thread was posted by the guru of SE razors and the guy who turned me onto SE shaving. In fact the Elite GEM Jr he shows in the thread is now mine. I bought if from Dave quite a while ago. Great shaver.

As for the Burham, Dave is a stickler to historical detail and would use one of the original blades in his. But I have been using currently manufactured SE blades with a spine on them in my Burham since I got it. The way the razor is made will allow you to use almost any kind of SE blade in it, with or without the spine, heck maybe even one of the older style that you hone and strop and keep on using forever. The part that holds the blade is very flexible and will allow for the thickness of the spine.

Do not get hung up on the type of SE blade. If you want the razor get it and be assured that you can use newer SE blades with a spine in it.

Also been thinking about your choice of SE razors. While I detest the Micromatic and love my Burham, I think that you may just be better served with the Micromatic to begin SE shaving. It has more heft to it and you will not be tempted to use too much pressure as you might with the very, very light Burham. Once you get the technique down then you can go with the Burham.

If you really want to do it right though, simply find a 1912 style GEM or GEM Jr, there are many for sale on eBay or at County Joe's and they are not expensive. This is the best razor for a newbie SE shaver. Then you can go onto the other razors in the GEM, GEM Jr, Ever Ready and lather catcher styles.

 

Hi, Possum,
Thanks for your definitive master class.
As I told you, I was a bit confused due to the diversity of opinions. Now I understand why all of them were right.
I have already ordered 200 GEM PTFE Blades for 36 Euro right here in Madrid. The dealer will firstly sell me a couple of blades to try and then the rest of the pack.
I have also received an astonishing pristine Micromatic and is looks gorgeous. My Burham is on the way to Spain. It will be here in 48 hours. I will follow your precise instructions regarding the learning curve to climb. Micromatic and then Burham.
Thanks to Dave and to you again.
Best regards.

 

Glad I could be of some help in getting into SE shaving. Let us know how it goes and if you have any problems.

 

Do not hesitate that it happened as you say. You have been/are a good help for this DEinstoSE jumper.
Cheers from Spain.