DE vs SE

I had my first shave with a GEM 1912 this evening. It made a world of difference. The hair on my neck grows flat, and in many directions. Most of my de's aren't kind of my neck. I discovered the Slant from this forum, and have been using an IKON 102 almost exclusively the last 6 months or so. The SE razor gave me a close shave on my neck with zero irritation. I was just about to get neck deep in straights out of frustration. I really just don't have the time to hone, strop, and all that jazz. The SE has made shaving fun again. Perhaps I will stop rocking the three day beard the day before I go back to work now.


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I've returned to try my MMOC again for the last two days. I got much better results than the last time I used it. Very close shave with little irritation, but a couple weepers each time.
It get every bit as close as my Futur on six, but with a little more discomfort. I'm going to keep using it for a while, and I'm trying a clog-pruf soon.

Update....

So zero irritation was an irrational statement. My AS stung a little bit and menthol apparently doesn't lie. I have some razor burn on my neck from my first SE shave.

Any pointers from the SE crowd to a newbie?


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As with any razor, zero pressure, and perfect technique to include lather.

If you got razor burn either too much pressure was used or the protective lather was lacking. I wasn't there so you'll need to figure out the problem. Razor burn is removing too many layers of skin and exposing the underlying living nerve ends.

I also "break in" a new GEM SS ptfe blade in a less aggressive razor, then after using there for about 4 shaves move it into a more aggressive razor. There are many 1912s and some are more aggressive than others. I'm presently breaking in a new blade in a 1924 model "1912" which is my Goldilocks razor... it's just right. Another way to break in a new GEM is to buff it on cloth or the hand but I have to confess I've never done that and can't tell you precisely how to do it.

Update....

So zero irritation was an irrational statement. My AS stung a little bit and menthol apparently doesn't lie. I have some razor burn on my neck from my first SE shave.

Any pointers from the SE crowd to a newbie?


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Too wide an angle typically. Start flat and slowly increase angle until the razor is cutting comfortably. Usually close to the 15 degrees typical of a straight edge.

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Thanks guys. I did mess up on the angle a bit trying to stay WTG on my beard, which has no rhyme or reason. More practice I suppose. I got the no pressure thing pretty quick. I'd have to look to see which 1912 I have, but what I can tell you is, any pressure and you're nicked. It shave like butter without pressure, but if I get sloppy and apply any, it will tear me up.


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I listen for the "buttering toast" sound. Basically lay the head flat on your skin and drop the handle a hair, assuming a downward stroke. There is a learning curve, but not much of one. If you allow your razor to build up soap scum the soap residue will be missing for 1/4"ish away from the comb. The rest of the head will show the residue.

[quote='ShadowsDad' pid='112140' dateline='1483854384'

Another way to break in a new GEM is to buff it on cloth or the hand but I have to confess I've never done that and can't tell you precisely how to do it.
[/quote]

Just take a new gem and and LIGHTLY rub it against the palm of your hand. Its called "palm stropping" and it works great. Takes the edge off

Its called "palm stropping" and it works great. Takes the edge off

Actually, stropping straightens and realigns the edge. I know what you meant, but if it literally took the edge off, it would be counterproductive.

So unless you're sharing you personal grooming tools with an HCV+ or HIV+ person and you're having unprotected sex with black market razors and blades that you bought in a brothel run by the Russian mob, you have nothing to worry about.

OH OH I'm in trouble now