OneBlade: GEM vs. Feather

What seems lost here is that there really isn't a right or wrong answer. Blades are a highly personal choice. I am sometimes amazed at what some consider to be good blades in a DE, blades that would tear me up work well for others. It's the same here and I could care less which blade someone chooses. The razor as we can all agree is awesome. Len says his first use of the GEM was rough and left him with bleeders. I found the GEM smoother and providing a better shave. I have a nipper tool that will arrive in today's mail and I am anxious to see how a flat GEM compares to the smiling blade. That's just me, I like to experiment and if it works better I will be happy to take a few seconds each week to modify a blade. I'd also be happy to continue using an unaltered blade if it comes to that.

Keep calm and relax.

I am finding that the single edge Feathers work a lot like the double edge Feathers: 2 excellent shaves and then they go significantly downhill. I've also been using the Gem Blue Stars. They also work just fine, and I get 4 shaves with a blade. I think I will order a bunch of the Gems for daily drivers and keep a handful of Feathers around for a change.

Regarding the overall quality of the OneBlade, I usually do a two pass. On Sunday, I took the time to do a 3 pass. Unbelievably close and long lasting. I usually shave every day during the week, but I was tempted to skip it on Monday because Sunday's was so close and comfortable. I like my DEs, and I will continue to use them occasionally, but they are not in the same league with the OneBlade. In one way it is a money saver - I've stopped looking for vintage Gillettes on eBay. In particular, my desire for a British Aristocrat has gone away.

Wow, definitely worth the price for sure, if it can curb the razor acquisition urge!!! That would be reason enough for me to buy the One Blade!!! Finally a cure for all this razor searching for that special one that fits the bill??

I think the OneBlade has indeed cured my desire to obtain more razors, for now. This morning I pulled out my Fatboy that I had sent to Delta Echo for refinishing. That razor is one of my favorites; it looks cool and shaves well. I had it set on 5 with a 7 O'Clock Black, my normal for an easy comfortable shave. To my surprise, it felt harsh, like an R41, and I had multiple bleeders. I think it was onethinline who said in another thread that the OneBlade had an effect on his technique with other razors because it was so easy and comfortable. I'm a little upset that one of my favorite razors left me bloody and uncomfortable this morning. Jeez, the OneBlade not only leaves me with no desire to buy more razors, I may not want to use the ones I have.

I think the OneBlade has indeed cured my desire to obtain more razors, for now. This morning I pulled out my Fatboy that I had sent to Delta Echo for refinishing. That razor is one of my favorites; it looks cool and shaves well. I had it set on 5 with a 7 O'Clock Black, my normal for an easy comfortable shave. To my surprise, it felt harsh, like an R41, and I had multiple bleeders. I think it was onethinline who said in another thread that the OneBlade had an effect on his technique with other razors because it was so easy and comfortable. I'm a little upset that one of my favorite razors left me bloody and uncomfortable this morning. Jeez, the OneBlade not only leaves me with no desire to buy more razors, I may not want to use the ones I have.

Totally get the desire about not needing or wanting other razors. OneBlade just kills it!

An exception for me applies however, I would like to get my hands on one of the Wolfman razors, and someday later a straight razor. I personally would like one example of the best in each of the SE, DE, and SR worlds.... and I do believe I have the SE part covered. Who knows, maybe not even a Wolfman or incredible SR may take over the OneBlade.

I did my 6th shave on my first feather with the Oneblade and the same shave as the first. I actually hesitate grabbing my other DE and SE razors since I know the focus needed to use them compared to the Oneblade. Furthermore, I can use ANY soap and get a good shave. With the R41 and ATT (before I off loaded it) I had to use the slickest soap I had to prevent cuts. The Oneblade could give two craps what soap I used, I got a great shave all the time. Back to the topic at hand, I'm using the Feather blades because They lasts a week with my growth and hair type so I am lucky in that regard, but if I ever feel the need to live on the edge, I will pop a gem into my gem or use the R41 with a pol silver.

I have been alternating between the feather and gem since I got my oneblade 2 months ago.I couldn't decide which I liked better but was leaning toward the feather. Last night,taking the advice of Sharpspine I palm stropped a gem. Best shave ever. This is the way to go. Once again,thanks Brian.

I have been alternating between the feather and gem since I got my oneblade 2 months ago.I couldn't decide which I liked better but was leaning toward the feather. Last night,taking the advice of Sharpspine I palm stropped a gem. Best shave ever. This is the way to go. Once again,thanks Brian.

It truly is amazing how much a quick palm strop can help a new GEM blade. I'm very happy that you give the GEM another shot and thrilled that it did so well for you Barry!

Are you stropping the GEM after every shave or just for the first use?