What is your favourite SE blade (for GEM/Star razors)?

Thanks, sirs, for all the good advice.

I've received a sample pack of all four blades. I will try them all, even if chances are I will prefer the GEM PTFE like you all suggested.

Just bear in mind they don't get really good until after 3-4 shaves. Or they can be stropped to hasten those sweet shaves. I can get over 30 great shaves from one GEM SS ptfe blade. Typically I'll use it in a mild razor to break it in for the first 4 shaves, then put it into any razor after that. Near 12 shaves it will start to appear to get bad, then it will get a second wind and I put it into the most aggressive razors and it will stay in those until it finally doesn't cut efficiently anymore. For me not cutting efficiently means that it takes more than my 2 1/3 passes to get a BBS. If one wants to use more passes no doubt that it would last longer. I just never did that.

Don't be concerned about the blade biting you as a DE blade would. They don't act that way as they change sharpness.

Please let us know how you make out; always interested in other folks results.

Out of the four blades, I've decided to the try the least recommended first : PAL Blue Carbon.

This is definitively not a blade for me. It absolutely doesn't suit my GEM 1912. It is too dull and tuggy.

1. First shave : Rough and tuggy. One the positive side, no nicks nor cuts.
   
2. Second shave : A repeat of the first shave. The blade is too dull.
   
3. Third shave : Less rough. However the blade is so dull, after 3 passes, I still had a visible beard. It stopped cutting. Feels like a kitchen knife.
   

I don't plan using it for a fourth shave. I will try the GEM Carbon next.

Carbon blades rust during their first use in my hard water. So they are a no-go for me either.

You may also see Dorco SE blades. Just pass on those. They are window scraper blades near as anyone can figure out.

Carbon blades rust during their first use in my hard water. So they are a no-go for me either.

same. I think some people put some oil on carbon blades to prevent the rest, but I don't have time for all that.

Carbon blades rust during their first use in my hard water. So they are a no-go for me either.

same.  I think some people put some oil on carbon blades to prevent the rest, but I don't have time for all that.

I know this is for SE blades but I use Treet carbon steel DE blades. I rinse my blade after each shave and then carefully dry it on a towel before putting it in the next day's razor.  I can use the blade for a week with no rust and, like Brian, I have hard water, though I don't know if mine is as bad as his.  Do you think doing something like this for the carbon steel SE blade might work?

Carbon blades rust during their first use in my hard water. So they are a no-go for me either.

same.  I think some people put some oil on carbon blades to prevent the rest, but I don't have time for all that.

I know this is for SE blades but I use Treet carbon steel DE blades. I rinse my blade after each shave and then carefully dry it on a towel before putting it in the next day's razor.  I can use the blade for a week with no rust and, like Brian, I have hard water, though I don't know if mine is as bad as his.  Do you think doing something like this for the carbon steel SE blade might work?

I don't think I've ever used a carbon SE blade. the carbon blade I used, I think, was for a DE and it rusted without oiling. I have hard water like most people.

I've oiled my CS blades, and it does help, but what works best is a SS blade. They're no fuss. Just use 'em, rinse 'em and go. The benefit to a CS blade is that they are good without waiting for 4 shaves or hand stropping to bring them to the peak.

Let's face it, there's a reason that when SS blades came out in the 60s that folks went gaa-gaa over them. They're just better.

Which blade do you prefer among :

• GEM Carbon Steel 
  
• GEM Stainless Steel
  
  
• GEM Stainless Steel Teflon (PTFE)
  
• PAL Blue Carbon Steel
  

?

Gem Stainless PTFE! Smooth, sharp, and good for about twenty shaves at least.

I guess I need to try the GEM blades. All I've used are the Treet SE blades, and I was just about to sell my 1912 because it was so rough.