Another new GEM razor from Rocnel

Yesterday's shave was not as comfortable. I think the aggression of this razor may be a bit too much for me to use as a daily driver. However, for multiple days of growth it was quite nice. I didn't shave today and will see how it goes on Tuesday.

Third shave on the Rocnel SE-G this morning; this time on 2-days of growth. Each shave has resulted in an excellently close shave. I'm very pleased with the efficiency of this razor. However, each shave has also led to an increase in skin irritation. It seems that the aggression (blade feel) is too much for my skin on a regular basis. I certainly couldn't use this as a daily shaver. I could see this being in my den though for those times, like special occasions, when I need an exceptionally close and easy shave. I would need to make sure it didn't get used too often though.

Tomorrow I will use the Blackland Sabre again to give some comparisons. Before the Rocnel arrived for the pass around I was getting the same close shaves but without the buildup of skin irritation. It did take me a few shaves to dial in the proper angle for the Sabre, whereas I was able to find the right angle with the Rocnel straightaway.

I still think that from my experience the best vintage SEs I can compare the SE-G to are the two more aggressive MicroMatics; the OCMM & Clog Pruf. The SE-G is not as harsh & aggressive as the OCMM, but it is definitely a couple notches higher than the Clog Pruf. If you've used both of these razors & have wished for something in between, then Rocnel have grated that wish for you.

So today I went back to the Blackland Sabre and used the same blade that I had been using with the SE-G. There was an immediate difference noticed. I felt much less of the blade on my skin with the Sabre which allowed me to have less irritation after this shave while still having an amazingly close shave. This just reiterates to me how both of these modern GEM razors are quite capable of giving you a close shave while feeling very different in the process. My skin is admittedly quite sensitive while also have coarse stubble. This precludes me to finding a sweet spot with razors to be in the mild, yet efficient category. The Rocnel SE-G is an excellent razor, and like the Blackland Sabre I believe that Rocnel has accomplished exactly what they wanted to with their effort. This will be a perfect razor for those who enjoy the blade feel of a more aggressive razor.

So today I went back to the Blackland Sabre and used the same blade that I had been using with the SE-G. There was an immediate difference noticed. I felt much less of the blade on my skin with the Sabre which allowed me to have less irritation after this shave while still having an amazingly close shave. This just reiterates to me how both of these modern GEM razors are quite capable of giving you a close shave while feeling very different in the process. My skin is admittedly quite sensitive while also have coarse stubble. This precludes me to finding a sweet spot with razors to be in the mild, yet efficient category. The Rocnel SE-G is an excellent razor, and like the Blackland Sabre I believe that Rocnel has accomplished exactly what they wanted to with their effort. This will be a perfect razor for those who enjoy the blade feel of a more aggressive razor.

How would describe these two to someone who loves GEM 1912. Thanks

So today I went back to the Blackland Sabre and used the same blade that I had been using with the SE-G. There was an immediate difference noticed. I felt much less of the blade on my skin with the Sabre which allowed me to have less irritation after this shave while still having an amazingly close shave. This just reiterates to me how both of these modern GEM razors are quite capable of giving you a close shave while feeling very different in the process. My skin is admittedly quite sensitive while also have coarse stubble. This precludes me to finding a sweet spot with razors to be in the mild, yet efficient category. The Rocnel SE-G is an excellent razor, and like the Blackland Sabre I believe that Rocnel has accomplished exactly what they wanted to with their effort. This will be a perfect razor for those who enjoy the blade feel of a more aggressive razor.

How would describe these two to someone who loves GEM 1912. Thanks

That's tough, because I've had several 1912s and they all shave differently. I would say that the Blackland Sabre is smoother and thus more mild feeling than the 1912 while the Rocnel SE-G is much more aggressive. I personally don't see the benefit in the aggression as it leads to skin irritation for me and I can get just as close of a shave from the milder Sabre without the skin irritation.

Brian, thank you for your impressions on both razors and you are convincing me more and more to try the Blackland Sabre, at some point.

I opted to go with the Rocnel over the Sabre, as I'm more a fan of the 1912, 1914, 1924 and, especially the MMOC. The form factor of the Sabre looks suspiciously like a Featherweight or G-Bar, which is not my style. I've also read, anecdotally but consistently, that the Rocnel is more "aggressive," which is a term that means many different things to different people, but it seems generally to match my preference. I'm very pleased with the Rocnel, although I haven't tried the Sabre...

I opted to go with the Rocnel over the Sabre, as I'm more a fan of the 1912, 1914, 1924 and, especially the MMOC. The form factor of the Sabre looks suspiciously like a Featherweight or G-Bar, which is not my style. I've also read, anecdotally but consistently, that the Rocnel is more "aggressive," which is a term that means many different things to different people, but it seems generally to match my preference. I'm very pleased with the Rocnel, although I haven't tried the Sabre...

Scott, I rank the 1914 as my favorite non-MicroMatic vintage SE. I've read of many who consider it aggressive, but that was not my experience. To me the 1912s weren't great shavers & each 1924 I've had was too aggressive for me to use, simply harsh. From your description I believe that you have made the best choice. Enjoy the SE-G!