SE Advice

I can't add anything, but my MMOC scared the **** outta me.  The audible feedback on the first few swipes sounded like I was buttering toast and I  thought maybe I took off two layers of skin off.  SEs shave GREAT though.  I still have some weird attachment to vintage gillettes so I use them more.

Try a full hollow straight. Both my Gold Dollar 300 and my Geneva Extra Hollow sing like canaries as they mow down the hair. Makes my G Bar sound like a silent partner! My Taylor Eye Witness, half hollow, isn't quite as vocal...

I can't add anything, but my MMOC scared the **** outta me.  The audible feedback on the first few swipes sounded like I was buttering toast and I  thought maybe I took off two layers of skin off.  SEs shave GREAT though.  I still have some weird attachment to vintage gillettes so I use them more.

I have to second this statement. I tried a MMOC and the blade gap produced a wicked chatter. Second stroke did the same thing. So I finished with my previously mentioned Schick adj. 2 days later with different soap I tried it again. Same thing. I just didnt have the onions to try to finish. That is the only razor I will never own again. Nothing wrong with razor, blade, or prep, but that honkin gap was more than I will ever want to face. I'd rather swing my Type E everynight for a year than try to use that hatchet ever again.

But my 1912 GEM is a gorgeous opera lady that never fails to please me.

To those that are curious to try a GEM/Ever Ready SE or started with an MMOC or G-bar (or later models) and ditched them, I highly recommend trying an older SE. If you lean more towards milder DEs, perhaps a 1912 or Damaskeene. If you lean towards more aggressive DEs, then an Ever Ready 1914 or 1924. I wouldn't even call the 1914 or 1924 aggressive - just super efficient.


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Thanks guys for taking the time to share your experience. I will definitely try and pick up a 1912 or one of the others mentioned as mild. Any pitfalls to keep an eye for (things that might hinder blade position/clamping)? I don't imply that a member would knowingly sell a defective razor (If there's such a thing), just that I have literally no experience with vintage SEs, so I'm trying to minimize possible parameters for my SE first steps. Is there any choice in blades at all on the GEM front? For the injector types I know it's either Ted Pella or the chinese one. I see a great deal of difference in performance for me between DE brands.

GEM PTFE seems to be the blade of choice for most of us when it comes to SE shaving.

I might also add a GEM Featherweight SE razor. I have the British EverReady version and found it very intuitive to use from Day 1.

Thanks guys for taking the time to share your experience. I will definitely try and pick up a 1912 or one of the others mentioned as mild. Any pitfalls to keep an eye for (things that might hinder blade position/clamping)? I don't imply that a member would knowingly sell a defective razor (If there's such a thing), just that I have literally no experience with vintage SEs, so I'm trying to minimize possible parameters for my SE first steps. Is there any choice in blades at all on the GEM front? For the injector types I know it's either Ted Pella or the chinese one. I see a great deal of difference in performance for me between DE brands.

Make sure that the two posts/notches on the very end of the comb are in good condition since they hold the blade in.

[Image: s-l300.jpg]

You can see how pronounced they here (well kinda) Take a blade with you if possible.

Thanks guys for taking the time to share your experience. I will definitely try and pick up a 1912 or one of the others mentioned as mild. Any pitfalls to keep an eye for (things that might hinder blade position/clamping)? I don't imply that a member would knowingly sell a defective razor (If there's such a thing), just that I have literally no experience with vintage SEs, so I'm trying to minimize possible parameters for my SE first steps. Is there any choice in blades at all on the GEM front? For the injector types I know it's either Ted Pella or the chinese one. I see a great deal of difference in performance for me between DE brands.

I would suggest a injector along with that 1912 or Demaskeene. Take the picture that EFDan posted. That is what we referred to as a MMOC (Micromatic Open Comb) made by Gem. (this is the aggressive one we mentioned)Face the comb toward you, flip the top open. There will be 2 "ears" or tabs on the right and left corners near the comb. Those are what hold the front of the SE blade. If they are broken or dont otherwise match each other, blade alignment, or lack thereof will occur. This advice applies to all non-injector SE razors. Like I said, I buy the cheap blades from the drugstore that rust after 1 use so I refer to others on the proper blade to buy for them.

On the injector types, I buy the Personna injector blades. They come in a white plastic injector tool. I have only seen them at AAFES stores on military bases. They are less expensive but I like their longivity. Schick also sells injector blades through Walgreens, CVS, RiteAide etc. Some say these are sharper and better quality that the Personna but I wouldnt know. Also keep in mind some guys call these blades "Chicks" as these blades are made in China for Schick, so they call them chicks.

Since there is so much love for the DEs, SEs go for much cheaper, yet they still provide a high quality hassle free shave. Dont pay over 15 bucks for a shiny one, or over 10 bucks for a dull one, unless its in it's presentation box.

I love this thread! The only experience with SE that I have is with a MMOC. It shaves very close, but I have to be very careful to avoid irritation, especially on the second day. It seems to be about as efficient as my Futur set on six, but not as comfortable. I'll need to use the MMOC much more to be able to compare, since my technique with DE is far advanced beyond that with SE.

Thanks guys for taking the time to share your experience. I will definitely try and pick up a 1912 or one of the others mentioned as mild. Any pitfalls to keep an eye for (things that might hinder blade position/clamping)? I don't imply that a member would knowingly sell a defective razor (If there's such a thing), just that I have literally no experience with vintage SEs, so I'm trying to minimize possible parameters for my SE first steps. Is there any choice in blades at all on the GEM front? For the injector types I know it's either Ted Pella or the chinese one. I see a great deal of difference in performance for me between DE brands.

Are you CONUS? If so, shoot me a PM with your address, and don't go running out to by an SE just yet. I've got a GEM G bar that was given to me, and I would be happy to send it off to you. I don't even look at it since I started using straights. It's a great razor, I just enjoy using a straight or a DE more than the SE, so there is no point in hanging onto it if someone else can enjoy it.

I have about 25 or so PTFE coated stainless blades Id be happy to throw in, as well.

If you are not CONUS, unfortunately, I cannot cover the shipping. I would be happy to send it if you pay the shipping, but I can't cover shipping outside of CONUS on my own...

I second the recommendation of a GEM 1912 along with a vintage injector as a great, inexpensive "SE starter kit." Probably any Schick injector model E or later (they go up through the alphabet) would be good, with earlier lettered models being a bit more aggressive. I have an E-2 and an I-2 "Hydromagic," and like both, but the Hydromagic is especially great for me.

Oh, and yes, the modern Chinese-made Schick blades have been very good for me.