I didn't have any now I'm contemplating lots. I have a 1912 British GEM Will have a 1924 Ever Ready [ Flat comb ] and A Feather Weight Do I need/want a Clog Pruf to round out my rotation? Any other holes in the line up and why? In terms of aggression how do these rate? I want to go from mild SE to aggressive SE. I want these as daily shavers, I keep telling myself I'm not a collector. Steve
The most aggressive SE I have found is a str8. Well, technically it is a Single Edge Seriously, the most agressive in my opinion is the MicroMatic Open Comb, aka the MMOC (you may also see it as OCMM). I also find it to give me the closest, comfortable shaves of all my SEs.
I acquired these two GEMS earlier this year which I've yet to use. I think these are enough in the SE category for me.
I would nominate a G-Bar but you have the Featherweight. Very similar, head-wise, so if it's aggy you want, no real point.
I would agree with swarden43. The micromatic open comb gives the closest, most comfortable shaves of all my SE razors. I would also add it is the easiest to use as well. A real pleasure to use.
YEA none of us are a collectors!!! I just need/want one of EVERYTHING!!! While you may like the Clogpruf alot, I found it harsh to use. My favorite SE's are the 1924ER "shovelhead" and the British "Streamline". I also like the Gem SS blades.
Yeppers... you need the MMOC to have a solid GEM representation. However, once on the SE path, you would be remiss to NOT try a Schick injector. The shave is as distinctly different as the GEMs are from DEs. They ain't Pokemon, but you know you gotta catch 'em all! Just sayin... I'm not promising, but I may have a spare injector (I just gave a couple away and can't remember what's left). If'n I do... Wanna try one?
That is what I said. I now have 40 "daily shavers." Really, this year I am shaving my way through the collection. Each razor gets 7-10 days and goes back on the shelf until I have done them all. So far, I am on #16 for the year. This month is adjustable month. I have three: two Gillettes and a Schick. I am currently doing the Schick.
I've been thinking about a SE. As a generalization, are they more or less aggressive than DEs? For a point of reference, I have a Feather AS-D2 and a Weber. I like the Feather better. I have to be really careful and take my time to get a comfortable shave with the Weber.
I have a feather Popular and despite the plastic it is a most sensational shaver. The SE is more aggressive in many ways but one of the things that is most apparent is the initial touch of the blade on the skin and the sound. It can be a real shock to start with. It is an individual each whisker being mowed down sound. An SE shave is not the same as a DE shave. If you accept straight up it is different and not try to make it confirm to a DE mindset you are well over 75% done the right track. Technique is different, angle is different and it is not a DE razor. Do not try to shave straight down under the nose - that is a recipe for a transfusion. If you have never used an SE, particularly a Gem, take the razor without a blade and do a simulated shave [even with a light lather] look at the head shape and remember it is not a DE shaped head. The head of the razor is almost touching the skin - the sound will tell you when it is cutting correctly when you actually shave. Work out the angles the SE will fit under your nose comfortably, before attempting that area with a loaded blade. I shave sideways and then carefully up to the nose. Definitely not straight down if you have never used an SE as the blade angle is all wrong, the head has no room to glide and the possibilities are high you will slice yourself and mar your long term enjoyment of a great shave. The first real shave you have with an SE, just take it slower and use short strokes. Make certain also your face is well hydrated and well lathered. Don't go over areas without lather. It doesn't take long to get the hang of it. No pressure and short strokes work well for me. I haven't tried one but many SE shavers comment that the Feather Weight and the Contour are fairly mild shaves. Edit: I prefer the SE experience and the shaves SE/DE are equal. Steve
Of the SE razors I have, I would rate the Clog Pruf middle of the road. The 1914 is a very nice shave as well, but different to the CP. For the mildest shaves, the Schick injectors are the least aggressive, but give a very good result. The E is more aggressive than the G, which is more aggressive than the I, etc. I enjoy both my G and I shaves.
Thanks for the info. I've been looking at the Gem or Ever Ready 1912 (I think they're the same razor?). I like the design and thought it would be good to try since it's easy to find.
