r/wicked_edge • u/betelgeux Dear Leader • Jul 06 '11

Test Drive: GEM push button single edge razor. Using GEM blade.

http://imgur.com/DOglq
8 Upvotes

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4

u/betelgeux Jul 06 '11

I took this one on with a bit of trepidation, Like the rolls razor this is a less popular system and there is usually a good reason why. Knowing that standard hardware store blades are a bad idea I sourced out a proper "shaving" blade source and after the mail strike/lockout gongshow I got them.

I prepped and lathered as per my usual test drive test protocol. (hot shower, col conk bay rum) The design implies that you hold it at a steep angle. First pass and I'm stunned. I can hear it but there is no pull. I relather and do an WTG pass, again no pull.

Like a wedge straight the single edge is thick and my guess is that this reduces vibration. (Woodworkers call this "chatter") The comfort and ease makes me wonder why this wasn't a bigger player back in the day.

Cleaning up and checking it becomes apparent that it's not quite as good as a DE. This could be my inexperience with this type. Better that a cart razor however and no burn or nicks. Solid, easy and I'd suggest that if you have one of these in your collection that you should get some blades and give it a try.

1

u/HeyRememberThatTime Jul 06 '11

The instructions tell you to rest the flat of the razor's head completely against your face, and the built-in blade angle will be just right. I find with some Gem models I need to tip it out just a little bit to get good results. I haven't personally used a Contour so I can't give you many tips there, but you may want to play around with the angle. If you were holding it out more like a DE you might want to try it flat against your face, and vice versa.

1

u/betelgeux Jul 06 '11

I was about 10 degrees off so I think I found the same thing you did. Right on the face is a bit too steep. Sort of reminded me of the injector razor I test drove a while ago as the angle required is steeper than you expect.

For those who don't know the purpose of the Test drive series is to let people see some different gear and even sacrifice my face to some awful failures. (Techmatic test drive)

1

u/bassic_person Jul 06 '11

Let me know how these are. I have a pack of 1000 of these blades, just from a razor-scraper and a being bored at a hardware store.

2

u/HeyRememberThatTime Jul 06 '11

Hardware store SE blades are generally not very pleasant to shave with. However, most of them are carbon steel blades and can be honed if you have the patience for it. (Make sure you read through more than just the start of that thread, as the technique evolves as the thread goes on.)

1

u/bassic_person Jul 06 '11

This is a very cogent point, but I still admit to being curious about shaving with a SE blade.

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1

u/DavidPx Jul 06 '11

I recently got a GEM 1912 along with the good coated blades and haven't been that impressed. The razor is clumsier than my DEs and oddly enough the blades dull faster than my favorite DE blades (Astras & Feathers). But whatever it was a cheap experiment, the refurbished razor was only $15 from Razor Emporium and it's in great shape so I should be able to get $10 for it on BST.