which single edge gem blades or other to buy

i just picked up a few single edge razors. they came with a few gem ss blades. i don't know if they're coated or not. i do know that i'm really enjoying the shaves. what do you guys recommend for a blade? i went on ted pella and saw a few different types: coated, carbon steel, degreased... there also seem to be others. any suggestions on what you prefer and the best place to buy would be greatly appreciated!

The only ones I’ve used are the Teflon-coated Personna Gem PTFE blades:
http://connaughtshaving.com/gemss.html

I would venture to guess they are the most popular blade of the type, and Connaught’s prices for both the blades and shipping are very, very decent.

I don't know if it's true anymore, but at one time Connaught in the UK had the best prices for what you want. Their bulk pricing is where the best deal is.

http://www.connaughtshaving.com/gemss.html

At Ted Pella, these are the blades that you want: http://www.tedpella.com/dissect_html/bla...#stainless
Cursor down until you get to the 121-3 blades.

There are also carbon steel blades and they are really good, but they rust without special handling. Phooey on that!

The SS coated blades can also require "special handling" but not of the same type. They are almost too sharp for shaving when fresh. So to age them I use them in a mild razor for the first few shaves; 3-4. After that I put them into any razor and they're fine. Being SS they require no other consideration.

Brian, 1st - I love your Frostbite!
other than keeping the carbons dry, how would you compare the carbon and the ss?

What Matsilainen said, PTFE coated FTW!

I've found the ptfe to be smoother and last longer than the carbon blades. Connaught is the best deal on 100 at a time. Enjoy your shaves!

I find that the CS blades don't require any break in period as the SS blades do. They're also more expensive for me because I can only find them in a 10 pack, and I don't get as shaves per blade with CS blades.

Smoothness of shave may be affected as suggested by polishaver because the CS blades will rust just from atmospheric moisture if they have any age on them. Even freshly purchased, they may be old rusted blades and no longer shave worthy. But that goes for CS DE blades as well. It's not unique to SE.

Glad you like the Frostbite! I turn into a Frostbite addict during the hot weather. I can't remember using anything else since the weather warmed up.