Micromatic Monday

SE SOTD, Thursday, July 27th 2023

Razor : Gem 1912 with gold wash 1921 variant- Mfg 1912- 1943, tame mid range, well designed and built to last generations, I believe this was the most successful razor for the ASR brand ever and sold millions of them because they worked so well. Used a RIGS shim under the spline also, spring needed more clamping of blade is my reasoning. Had a close comfortable shave this morning with no issues.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (6) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Ach Brito Lavanda cream, nice slight mint Lavender scent with excellent lather qualities, 1 of my favorite creams.
Brush : Yaqi "Goblin" 24mm synthetic- excellent lather generator, cloud like soft tips, nice splay scrubber + excellent lather painter.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Ach Brito Lavada with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBs + no irritation + no weepers= Excellent close shave this morning with my Gem 1912 gold washed razor + a coated Gem blade.


Have some great shaves!

 

MMMonday, July 31st 2023

Razor : Micromatic open comb- Mfg 1930-41, mid to upper mid range, well designed and built to last generations with a little care. There is some blade feel with the this Micromatic, I usally get some close shaves with this razor and it feels nice in the hand to work the beard. Had a close and no issues shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (8) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely,predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Razorock XXX Fresco, nice XXX clean unique masculine scent with some menthol + also excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Atlantis" 24mm G4-5 synthetic knot, excellent lather generator, cloud like soft tips with some back bone, excellent splay scrubber, excellent lather painter. Closest synthetic brush I have that has a similar face feel to a 2 & 3 band badgers with a interesting handle that is pleasant to hold while applying lather.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Razorock XXX Fresco with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= excellent shave with my Micromatic OC with a coated Gem blade.

Have some great shaves!

 

ASRazor shave, August 7th 2023, Micromatic Monday thread, use any ASR razor that uses a Gem razor any day of the week welcomed.

Razor : Ever-Ready Streamline 2nd generation- Mfg 1949-53, mid to upper mid range, well built to last with some care for generations. This is one of my favorite looking ASR razors with the thicker looking than normal base plate of other similar ASR razors.
To smooth out the shave I use a modern spent spline(RIGS) folded together tightly and slip it under the modern blades splined area from the 1950's that we use to this day, It mocks the older thicker splined blades that were used when razor was designed. Had a great close comfortable shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (9) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Yaqi Musketeer Rapier, scent is wonderful(Aramis) with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "black marble" 24mm 3band silvertip, excellent lather generator, luxury pillow like soft tips, nice splay scrubber + great lather painter. This brush sure bloomed nicely and face feel is a warm gentle massage is what I experience, very enjoyable.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Witch hazel soap residual cleanse + Yaqi Musketeer rapier+ a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a excellent close comfortable shave with my Ever-Ready streamline SE razor with a coated Gem blade.


Have some great shaves!

 

SE SOTD, Thursday, August 17th 2023

Razor : Gem Micromatic flying wing(AKA=Guiding eye, MMBT)- MFG 1947-50, mild to tame mid range depending on the # of shaves on razor. Well built and designed to last generations with a little care. This is the mildest of the 3 different micromatics variants IMO. I receive nice shaves with a fresh blade with this well built razor has been my findings over the years.
Blade: Gem Personna SS PTFE (1) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Brush : Yaqi "Mysterious space" 24mm 3band silvertip, excellent lather generator, luxury pillow like soft tips, nice gentle scrubber + excellent lather painter. Very nice brush to use with a decent handle to hold while enjoying those few moments in the morning shave.
Soap: Ach Brito Lavada cream, nice bright lavender scent with a touch of mind + excellent lather qualities.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Ach Brito Lavada with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= excellent shave this morning with my Gem Micromatic flying wing with a coated Gem blade.
Have some great shaves!

 

MMMonday, August 28th, 2023. Micromatic Monday Thread, use any ASR razor that uses a Gem blade any day of the week, all welcomed!

Razor : Ever-Ready 1924(AKA= shovel head), Mfg 1924-1933, nice tame to mid range. It was built before Gem changed its blade design to what we use today with the thinner aluminum spline. I like to use a RIGS shim underneath the newer Gem blade and smooths out the shave nicely. This was a popular razor because of it's years of production which always indicates a successful model.
Had a close comfortable shave this morning with no issues.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (3) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Gillette Pure cream, very nice clean scent with excellent lather qualities. Excellent for making ubber lather(bowl soap remnants.).
Brush : Yaqi"Atlantis" 24mm G4 synthetic, excellent lather generator, pillow like soft tips, some back bone for nice splay scrubber + excellent lather painter. This knot is very similar to a 3 or 2 band badger IMO + handle is unique and feels excellent in hand.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBs + no irritation + no weepers= Excellent close comfortable shave this morning with a coated Gem blade.

Have some great shaves!

 

English Ever-Ready 1912 Razor
Gem PTFE Blade
Surrey Boar Shave Brush
Viking Revolution Peppermint Eucalyptus Shave Cream
Sea Breeze Astringent
Lucky Tiger Aspen After Shave

 

SE September + GEMonday, September 4th 2023. "Micromatic Monday" thread, any ASR razor that uses a Gem blade any day of the week welcomed.

Razor : Gem G bar- Mfg 1955-58, tame mid range. Well made to last generations, brass base material with chrome coating. Excellent shave this morning with no issues.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE(5) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Razorock Orange, nice citrus scent with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "ever helpful" 22 mm 2band badger. Excellent lather generator, pillow like soft tips, excellent splay scrubber + great lather painter. This little brush has a short loft with High density knot ideal for folks who like the scrub when lathering IMO.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Italian barber(Razorock) Amici with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Excellent shave with my Gem G bar with a coated Gem blade.

Have some great shaves!

 

ASRazor shave, Monday, September 11th 2023. Micromatic Monday thread, any ASR razor that uses a Gem blade any day of the week welcomed.

Razor : Ever-Ready 1914, AKA= Little lather catcher or LLC- Mfg 1914-17, mid range. Interesting blade tensioning system and built to last for generations. This LLC sure sings with audio feed back when shaving and is a joy to use. Had a comfortable close shave this morning with no issues.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (5) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely & predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Cyril R Salter Wild rose- great floral scent of roses with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Mysterious space" 24mm 3band badger. Excellent lather generator, luxury pillow like soft tips, nice splay scrubber + great lather painter.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Italian barber Amici AS with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBs + no irritation + no weepers= Excellent shave with my Ever-Ready 1914 with a Gem coated blade.

Have some great shaves!

 

GEMonday, September 18th 2023

Razor : Gem Clog Pruf (Peerless, SB=17 nubs model)- Mfg 1945, mid range. Excellent design to last generations. All brass construction and reasonably smooth shaving. Had a excellent shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (6) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Gillette pure cream, nice clean scent with some of the best lather qualities a person needs. Make excellent ubber lather also.
Brush : Yaqi " lucky dice" 26mm tuxedo synthetic knot, excellent lather generator, cloud like soft tips, great splay scrubber + excellent lather painter.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Pinaud Clubman with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers=excellent shave with my Gem Clog Pruf (Peerless model) with a Gem coated blade.

Have some great shaves!

 

Gem Junior Razor
Gem PTFE Blade
Halloween B'Day w/24mm Tuxedo Knot Brush
Lea Soap w/M-Bomb
Sea Breeze Astringent
M&L Florida Water w/M-Bomb

 

MMMonday, Sept 25th 2023. MicroMatic Mondays thread, use any ASR razor that holds a Gem blade any day of the week are welcomed.

Razor : Ever-Ready 1912 British variant- Mfg 1936-53, tame mid range, excellent quality of stamping that will last many generations with a little care. This is one of the best razors ASRazor ever made and sold millions of them. Handle has excellent shape and grip with the extended corners. Had a comfortable close shave this morning with no issues.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE(6) very Sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Razorock XXX, very nice unique clean scent with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi " barber pole" 24mm 2band badger, excellent lather generator, pillow like soft tips, great splay scrubber + great lather painter.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Razorock XXX splash with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Ever-Ready 1912 with a coated Gem blade. Very enjoyable razor once mastered and will reward user for many years IMO.



Have some great shaves!

 

GEMonday, Oct 2nd 2023

Razor : Gem G bar- Mfg 1955-58, tame mid range. This was the first Gem razor I used and it proved it was a worthy shave. The razor has a good coating of chrome because it is like new still. With a little care it will last generations still. Had comfortable close shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (7) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Razorock Blue barber, nice scented soap with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Artic sky" 24mm synthetic knot. Excellent lather generator, heavenly cloud like soft tips, gentle splay scrubber + excellent lather painter.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Razorock Blue barber splash with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBs + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my my Gem G bar with a Gem coated blade. Very nice shave with this 68 year old razor.


Have some great shaves!

 

Monday OCtober 2, 2023

 

MMMonday, October 9th 2023.

Razor : Gem MicroMatic OC- Mfg 1930- 41, well built to last generations with a little care + was the first mass produced Twist to open(TTO) in the razor world. The MicroMatic was a success and helped helped Gem and ASR through the dirty 30's.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (8) very sharp, great longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle!
Soap : Speick stick, nice mild spicy scent with excellent longevity.
Brush : Yaqi " Ferrari" 24mm boar bristle hair brush. Excellent lather generator, soft split end boar bristle tips.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Ach Brito Lavanda with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Gem MicroMatic with a coated Gem blade.


Have some great shaves!

 

MMMonday October 9, 2023

 

ASRazor SE SOTD, Thursday, October 13th 2023

Razor : Ever-Ready Streamline 2nd generation (1950's)- Mfg 1949-53, upper mid range. Well built to last generations and a joy to use when mastered. This ASR has a totally different base plate that is thicker and is machined with a closed comb instead of stamped out. Had a close comfortable shave with a shim(RIGShim to smooth out shave) at the back to raise the spline to old similar blade specs.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (9) very sharp, great longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Cyril R Salter Wild Rose cream- nice rose scent 5-6/10 with wonderful lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Lucky Casinos" 26mm Timberwolf knot. Excellent lather generator, heavenly Luxury cloud like soft tips, Gentle splay scrubber + excellent lather painter. One of the best synthetics I enjoy in my collection!
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Neiva ever refreshing lotion + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Ever-Ready streamline razor with a coated Gem blade.


Have some great shaves!

 

ASRazor shave, Monday, Oct 16th 2023

Razor : Star bar #4 lather catcher- Mfg 1919-1920, mild to tame mid range. One of my favorite SE razors that was designed slightly different than the Gem Jr bar 1909 that is also a nice razor to use also. Well built to last with a little care and you still can combine a antique with a modern Gem blade for outstanding results I have concluded. Had a comfortable close shave with a new fresh Gem blade this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE(1) very sharp, great longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : TOBS herbal sandalwood, nice rich herbal scent 6-7/10 strength with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Deep stones" 24mm Boss synthetic knot, excellent lather generator, heavenly luxury cloud like soft tips, nice splay scrubber + excellent lather painter.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Ogallala Bayrum & Sandalwood + a dollop of Geo F Trumper Sandal wood skin food.
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBs + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Star bar #4 1919-1920 with a fresh Gem blade.


Have some great shaves!

 

Sunday SE Shave, October 22nd 2023

Razor : 1st Generation Gem Open comb 1912, the real McCoy- Mfg 1912-17 OC version, mild to tame mid range. Well built to last with some care, this was the corner stone for the Gem manufacturing company(ASR) that became a large producer of fine shaving products with many other brands added later to become ASR corporation umbrella of Mfg companies that are still using same trade marks 110 +years later (Personna & Treet). Gem went to a 1912 closed comb version in around 1918 to the 1940's & that was a improvement for smoothness and strength and a huge success in the razor world.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (2) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable and safest blade to handle.
Soap : Razorock American barber, different linear scent(cologne like) but is appealing, texture is slightly drier than their other soaps but the results are excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Red Zebra" 26mm snow leopard synthetic knot. Excellent lather generator, heavenly luxury cloud like soft tips, gentle splay scrubber + excellent lather painter. One of my favorite brushes because of knot and handle combination sizes.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Razorock American barber splash with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Gem 1912 OC with a coated Gem blade. Cheeks BBS and neck area DFS+.


Have some great shaves!

 

MMMonday, October 23 2023. MicroMatic Monday thread, use any ASR razor that uses a Gem blade any day of the week welcomed.

Razor : Gem Junior bar lather catcher- Mfg in 1907-11, mild range. Very nice ornate detail on base plate with the "G" in the middle with nice scrolling on the backside. This antique razor still performs well with a new Gem blade and will last for generations with a little care. This is what folks used at the turn of the century, considered state of the art shaving technology. Had a great close comfortable shave with this Gem of a razor.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (3) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Razorock American barber, nice unique cologne linear scent 7-8/10 with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi " Casino clubs" 26mm Timberwolf knot, excellent lather generator, heavenly luxury cloud like soft tips, gentle splay scrubber + excellent lather painter. Very over all excellent brush for my shave needs. 26mm brushes are some of the best .
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Razorock American barber with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Gem Jr bar lather catcher with a coated Gem blade.

Have some great shaves!

 

MMMonday, October 30th 2023. The MicroMatic Monday thread, use any ASR razor that uses a Gem blade any day of the week.

Razor : Gem Push button- Mfg 1958-65, tame mid range. This razor kind of follows the theme when cars use push buttons for shifting automatic transmission selection back in the days. I find this a great razor to use and enjoy using it when it comes up in my random large razor rotation, it works the best early in blade life also and is hard to beat the shave it will give, speaking of shaves I had a comfortable close shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (3) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Yaqi Musketeer Rapier, nice scented soap(Aramis classic cologne + excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Ferrari" 24mm boar bristle. Excellent lather generator, soft spit end boar bristle ends, nice splay scrubber + great lather painter. Nice boar brush to use!
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Yaqi Musketeer Rapier + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Gem Push button razor with a coated Gem blade.

Have some great shaves!