Twin-jectors in a Schick

November 24, 2017, 8:49 am

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I just acquired some pricey Schick twin blades. Have used one in my Type O clone and they are very efficient.

I was wondering if they’d work in my Schick Stick...

Please advise...


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SE Artist Club Razors

November 25, 2017, 11:47 am

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The experience of single edge shaving has changed considerably over the last few years. From what used to be Schick Injector and a few EverReady models that used the Gem blade there was not a lot to choose from. Many shavers swear by these single edge alternatives to the standard double edge razor some liking the various lettered Schick models and the Damaskene, Bullet End and Streamline being the Gem favorites.
 
With the introduction of the Cobra Classic and the King Cobra all of this changed. These two razors allowed wet shavers to experience the Feather Artist Club/Kai blades used primarily in barber shops as replaceable blades in straight razors. The success of the Classic Shaving Cobra brought forth several new designs and a profusion of razors.
 
I wanted to review the majority of them and put them in some order at least based on my opinions and using the same brush, soap and blade. I have almost totally switched to this form of wet shaving having previously been comfortable with classic Gillette's, slants, adjustable and many one-off shaving tools. I still do shave with these occasionally but to my mind there is nothing that compares to Artist Club type blades in one of these new products. They are smooth, efficiently remove whiskers and leave my face BBS after a normal 3-pass shave.
 
I have ranked below the majority of these new razors, missing a couple. With each razor I used a Feather Pro Guard which is mild and safe to use in any angle. While there are other blades just as good or better, maybe, I thought the Guard would be the best to compare in the various tools. The most available are the Feather Professional, Kai Titan Mild, the Kai Protouch MG (also a guard blade) and the Schick Proline P-30 there is so much interest in. The brush was a faux Ivory synthetic silvertip by Edwin Jagger and Meisner Tremonia Moroccan Rhassoul paste was the soap.


 
My general observations were that there was not a bad shave in the group, just some better than others; that I generally preferred the heavier stainless steel verities to the aluminum offerings; and that smaller more maneuverable heads were better performing than large. The photos that follow are the razors in groups of three and four. They are ranked in order of preference by what I thought gave the best shaves. It is very hard to distinguish between many of them so the order is really a "leaning" compared to an absolutely clear choice. The exception were the last two in the order. I think most of these razors are available directly from the manufacturers or from one of the big internet providers such as Bull Goose Shaving, Maggard's or Italian Barber. Some are available only as complete razors while some individual heads can be ordered. I tended to use my own handles rather than what came with the razor.


 
1.  King Cobra (SS) with a Triad Titanium handle. 94gr. The original. Established the category. Made in 2 versions with the same head. As Mel Brooks said "it's good to be King." Shaves with perfection in all angles. Small head so easy to manipulate in the tight areas. Wonderful on face feel. I think the best by a very slight margin. Unfortunately no longer available at retail.
 
2.  Colonial General (AL) with a Bob's Razor Works chubby aluminum handle. 96gr. Outstanding shave that is comfortable in all directions and efficient. Currently being sold in a stainless steel version and had been made in brass in addition to the original aluminum in silver and black. The first SE Artist Club to have a curved head which allows the user to establish the angle that best suites their face.
 
3. Mongoose (SS) polished batch 1 with a Muhle Grande handle. 110gr. This is the original Mongoose which is currently offered in a brushed and aluminum version with a slightly smaller head. Outstanding shave. Liked the heavy feel to the razor. This was the first razor to establish a built in angle to the head. Almost equal to the Cobra and General.


 
4.  Asylum RX (SS) matte finish. 108gr. With a head similar in size to a Cobra it is very maneuverable and smooth shaving. You can positively change the blade without completely taking the razor apart. It is an ingenious design that allows the user to change handles but the one that comes with the tool seems to work best. This razor is one of the best and will last a lifetime.
 
5. Above The Tie SE1 (SS) with a Jurgen Hempel Titanium Wave handle. 97gr. This head is curved and similar to the Colonial General in looks but has a couple of unique features that make the blade sit rock steady in the head. It has the lowest profile of the curved heads because the top edge of the cap is recessed into the base plate. A very smooth shaving efficient razor that is every bit as good a choice as those above. Just depends on who you like doing business with and how each of the Artist Club blades work in the various heads. There sometimes is a difference. The  Feather Guard was very nice in this head and consistent with the performance of the razors above.
 
6. Ikon MR-SE (AL) paired with the UFO Titanium handle is 91gr. Unlike the original El Jefe that appears to have been a design mistake as to how the base plate tabs seated the blade, the SE is similar in fit to all of the others. It is a low profile curved head, produces a wonderful shave and is a bargain price wise. If price was a criteria this along with the IB Hawk would be #1. Easy to use and comfortable to get under the nose and through the lip and chin area for those that shave their entire face. All of these razors perform well in that measure even with the big ass blade. Unfortunately many of the video's showing the AC SE razors in action are done with guys with beards or goatees so worthless in showing how they perform beyond broad flat surfaces.
 
7. International Barber Hawk (AL) high polish silver at 36gr. This comes with the angled opposed to curved head but is very intuitive as to angle and a very nice razor. As I mentioned in the general observations there is not a significant difference  between the performance of all of these razors. The variations are subtle and the distinguishing characteristics a matter of preference. They all have some design differences that can one more pleasing over the other. Or price can be an issue. This is one of the bargains. I believe this razor is only produced in black at the moment. There is a stainless version which I have not tried.


 
8. Above The Tie SE1 aluminum.(AL) 44gr. Exactly the same head design as the stainless ATT SE1 but not as smooth a shaver. For some reason the similarity in design does not translate to an identical shave. Not bad mind you but different. To me not a smooth and pulling while the SS version is like butter.
 
9. Rocnel SE50 (SS) with a Triad Titanium handle which makes everything 133gr. A huge head with a unique blade holding motion that requires sliding the cap horizontally and fixing it in place with a set screw that also holds the handle. Overly complicated system for no real advantage to smoothness, efficiency or ease of use. The weight can wear your arm out it is so heavy. The head is double the size of most of the others. Complicated to get to the nose, chin and lip area. Not a bad shave just not as good as the others and I think from design issues. The set screw is also cheap and rusts. I replaced it with a stainless variety.
 
10. Mongoose Alumigoose batch 1. (AL) paired with a Muhle handle. 50gr. I have this at the bottom of the group in terms of the comfort of the shave. I did not try the new version which supposedly is better. It has a smaller head. This is the exact same size as the batch 1 stainless which is one of the best shaves in the group. I guess I have come to the conclusion that aluminum in this format just does not shave as well, with the exception of the Colonial General. Even with this the Alumigoose batch 1 is better than a lot of other razors.
 
All of the above is in my opinion and more than anything provided as a summary of what's available. I am sure I have missed a few things and someone should complete the list and comment on experiences with other blades and correct any mistakes I have made.

ATT SEx handle choices

November 27, 2017, 6:31 pm

≫ Next: Occam’s Razor by Blades Grim/Classic Shaving/Grooming Network

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I have seen a couple pictures of ATT SE’s recently that had non-ATT handles on them. The SE1 has been dominating my shaves lately now that I switched to the atlas handle. I’m afraid I am going to become a AC convert full tilt in the very near future. I have an extra SE2 baseplate amd am considering making into another razor to keep the SE1 company. I was curious for some handle recommendations, and would love pictures of ATT SE’s with non-ATT handles. Any input would be appreciated.

Occam’s Razor by Blades Grim/Classic Shaving/Grooming Network

November 27, 2017, 9:44 pm

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Many moons ago I backed a Kickstarter project started by Luke Webster, whom I believe runs several shaving-related websites. Today Luke delivered on the project and, while I have not shaved with it yet, I wanted to post some photos of what was in the mailbox when I got home from work: Occam’s Razor. (Please pardon the cell phone pics.) It looks like this is the full production model as I noted they are also available at Classic Shaving.

I plan to shave with it tomorrow and will post some preliminary thoughts on the razor then. My go-to SE these days is an aluminum General, so I am quite curious how Occam’s Razor will match up.

(I was just notified that because I uploaded these using my phone and Tapatalk many members may not be able to see the photos. I will try to post other photos tomorrow and upload from my computer.)




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Sabre L2 vs ATT SE1 -- A Review

December 10, 2017, 6:19 am

≫ Next: Which Is Your Most FUN SE Razor?

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If you had asked me 4 weeks ago, I would have told you that the ATT SE1 mated with the Feather Pro Blade was the perfect razor for me.  Not the most aggressive razor, but with a great balance between aggressiveness and smoothness/efficiency.

I have a cupboard full of vintage GEM razors and when the Blackland Sabre L2 was introduced I took the opportunity to buy a modern stainless GEM razor.  I used the L2 for several weeks uninterrupted and then last week went back to the SE1.  Here is my review:

Let me start at the end of the review.  I could happily marry either one of these razors for a lifetime of wonderful shaving.  They are both that good.  Let me also say that for a person with a wiry beard and sensitive skin, I believe that a rigid SE blade, GEM or AC,  provides a more comfortable shave and is less irritating to the skin than a thin and floppy DE blade.  I am done with DE razors.

My typical shave is a WTG pass followed by an XTG pass.  With that I get an almost perfect shave.  

1.  The SE1 is a bit more aggressive than the L2.  Not by much, mind you, but the first pass gets more of my beard with the SE1 than with the L2.  There is also more audible feedback with the SE1 than with the L2.  Pop,Pop,Pop go the hairs as they get mowed down.

2.  The L2 is incredibly efficient and smooth.  Hairs get mowed down effortlessly.  Less blade feel than with the SE1.  Even if the SE1 does a better job on the first pass, both razors give an identically great shave after 2 passes.  I would add that even if the SE1 is more aggressive, since the L2 gives an identically good 2 pass shave,  the L2 must be more efficient.  Also, because the SE1 is a little more aggressive than the L2, I have to be more aware of shave angle and blade edge.  The L2 is so smooth that I can scoot around my face without worry.  The L2 is really a fun razor to use.

So there you have it.  Two Great Razors.  I don't think that a buyer could go wrong with either one.  Pick your Poison:  The slightly more aggressive ATT SE1 or the smoother/more efficient Blackland Sabre L2.  

I will keep both. BUT, if I were forced to choose, I would take the Blackland Sabre L2.  Just too much fun to pass up.

We are in the Golden Age of Single Edge Razors with great product on the market and other great razors in the pipeline.

Enjoy

Which Is Your Most FUN SE Razor?

December 19, 2017, 11:01 am

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I know this is kind of an odd question.  The adjectives we normally use to describe a razor are aggressive or efficient or maybe even smooth.  In my experience some razors are more fun than others.  For example, I found the BullGoose Asylum to be an aggressive beast, but it wasn't fun to shave with.  Much too high a fear factor for me.  At the other end of the spectrum, some razors are so mild (Gillette Tech comes to mind) that it requires too much work to get a good shave.  NOT fun.  Just a pain in the ass.  I suppose a fun razor is one that allows me to scoot around my face without fear while delivering a great shave.

I nominate 3 SE razors:

1.  Blackland Sabre L2.  
     The L2 is aggressive enough to clear my ugly mug of its grisly beard but what stands out in the L2 is the fact that it is amazingly smooth and efficient.  At the correct shave angle the shave happens effortlessly.  I scoot around my face carefree and marvel at the great shave for hours after I have finished.  The Blackland Sabre L2 is my #1 Fun Razor.

2.  ATT SE1
     The SE1 is a tad more aggressive than the L2 and as a result I have to be more mindful when shaving.  I get a great shave in maybe less time than with the L2,  but it is just not as much fun as the L2.  No scooting around my face with the SE1.

3.  GEM Flying Wing (Bullet)
     I am a fan of most of the vintage GEM razors.  The Bullet is my #3 nominee.  It is the most mild of the 3 razors here and requires an extra pass to get a great shave but it is smooth enough and efficient enough to get the job done.  Like the L2, it is so smooth that it allows for a carefree shave.  Other vintage GEMs like the ClogPruf or MMOC are more aggressive razors but are not as smooth or forgiving and, as a result, not as much fun.  


Cheers and Happy Holidays

1924 Ever Ready variants

December 22, 2017, 12:54 pm

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So I was looking at trying to find a 1909 shovel head and big surprise I can't find one but I came across a different style of 1924.
I currently own the style shown on the left but I'm wondering what's different about the one shown on the right.
Anyone have one that can provide some insight?

King Cobra vs. Asylum Rx

December 24, 2017, 4:17 am

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Hi Shavers,

I’m debating trying a single edge razor, and both of these offerings are looking pretty good to me from their online pictures and reviews on the websites. One of them is available from Classic Shaving, the other from Bullgoose.

I realize this forum has connections to one of the sites, but I was trying to figure out some honest opinions about the differences between these two razors. I can’t find really any videos comparing the two or even any featuring the King Cobra at all.

Does anyone have, or have used both? What are the main differences? They both look pretty similar - if style/looks is really the major difference, that would be helpful to know. If one is more aggressive than the other, that’d be good to know too...

Thanks, all, for any feedback you might have.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Ripkin

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New Gem SE Razors for 2018?

December 26, 2017, 2:20 pm

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Does anyone know of new Gem SE razors in the pipeline for 2018?

Rocnel SE50 New Version

January 2, 2018, 4:37 pm

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Anyone buy this from Bullgoose yet?  I'm really torn on this one but it's supposed to be 30 grams lighter and it now has lather channels on the baseplate and it has the black titanium coating.  Thoughts anyone?

GEM vs. Artist Series

January 4, 2018, 6:54 am

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Comparing GEM (like the Sabre L2) vs. Artist Series (like Asylum RX), which is better and why?  Okay, fight! 

Blackland Sabre VS. ATT Gem Safety Razor VS other GEM razors

January 4, 2018, 4:57 pm

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So which Gem safety razor works best, in your opinion and more importantly WHY?

PAA Starling Gem Type Razor

January 5, 2018, 8:16 am

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I just ordered the new Gem type razor from PAA. The price was only $39.95 for a CNC aluminum razor with two base plates (regular & beta). I didn't have to buy blades because I found 3 packs of Personna Gems in my garage. Will post pictures and shave results next week. No links allowed here so will just wait.

Occam's Razor & Blades

November 27, 2017, 9:44 pm

≫ Next: Boasting of Great Shave with One Blade Genesis V1 and Gems

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Many moons ago I backed a Kickstarter project started by Luke Webster, whom I believe runs several shaving-related websites. Today Luke delivered on the project and, while I have not shaved with it yet, I wanted to post some photos of what was in the mailbox when I got home from work: Occam’s Razor. (Please pardon the cell phone pics.) It looks like this is the full production model as I noted they are also available at Classic Shaving.

I plan to shave with it tomorrow and will post some preliminary thoughts on the razor then. My go-to SE these days is an aluminum General, so I am quite curious how Occam’s Razor will match up.

(I was just notified that because I uploaded these using my phone and Tapatalk many members may not be able to see the photos. I will try to post other photos tomorrow and upload from my computer.)




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Boasting of Great Shave with One Blade Genesis V1 and Gems

January 18, 2018, 1:15 pm

≫ Next: OneBlade Core Are there any users?

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Awaiting the slings and arrows....


But have to state had one of the best shaves ever using a One Blade V1 and Gems despined and punched.  Please indulge lucubration:

The blade feels poorly crafted to the touch when compared to the Feather but one needs recall it was never intended to be despined so that may partially account for the impression.  Also, the Gem doesn't provide the resounding snap into place accompanying the Feather design blade, rather requiring a solid pull on the distal end to assure it is well and truly locked in.

Shaving with the combination is, if it is humanly possible, even more remote regarding feedback and completely totally unsatisfying than with the Feather - which hitherto thought was the standard of wet shaving dissatisfaction.  Literally, if one is a hobbyist thoroughly enjoying wet shaving, the experience will be even worse than a multiblade cartridge razor.  Frankly, have never experienced such an unfulfilling, unsatisfying and boring shave EVER.  The combination of the OB Genesis V1 and Gem will have the shaver checking if a blade has even been loaded - more than once - in fact after EVERY stroke, sometimes mid stroke and questioning in between too.  The first reaction is to swear no hair reduction is occurring and curse the combination as a complete and utter waste of time.  However, for the sake of comparison, and secretly plotting to draft a terrible review so devastating that never again would a reasonable person suggest this blade, continued selfsatisfied that there was gold (in the form of vengeance) at the end of this rainbow.  To be fair did 4 passes, two north to south ala OneBlade instructions, one lateral to medial and a final pass south to north ala OneBlade instructions.  Evil thoughts raced as lathered face to allow recovery whilst cleaning equipment.

The Gem blade felt no more satisfying during removal and only added to the scathing comments being formulated during cleaning.  Followed the normal litany of postshave cleansing, toning and moisturizing which is required and de rigueur due to terribly sensitive skin and was taken aback by the results.

Not only had there been virtually ZERO irritation from the shave (literally unprecedented in a lifetime of shaving spanning straight wet shaving to cartridges to electric and back to wet shaving) BUT the BBS was nearly as good as a straight, certainly at least 95%.  

Surely, ONE shave does NOT equate to a scientific assessment of this combination BUT as nothing else had changed in this routine, save the GEM, one has to conclude it is quite possible this may be an optimal solution to those with extraordinarily sensitive skin seeking daily BBS and willing to undertake 4 passes.

The jury is out and will provide further feedback; however, wanted to report as promised when soliciting the blades for this experiment from Lenaud01.

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OneBlade Core Are there any users?

January 21, 2018, 7:25 am

≫ Next: Gem Blade Question for OB Genesis V2

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I recently bought a OneBlade Core and I am curious on what current owners are using as a pre-shave and shave cream. I am new to the SE and DE shaving world and I do use DE razors although I saw this Core by searching safety razors on google.

I am struggling with this razor on my neck area , but the rest of my face I am doing fine. It seems to be an oddly type of razor to me especially the pivot. but it does a very good job. Hopefully I can get some guidance from current owners.

Thanks,

Dave

Gem Blade Question for OB Genesis V2

January 22, 2018, 6:19 am

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Is it totally necessary to enlarge the notches after despining the blade? Or is it to just keep it from moving?


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Gillette Twinjector Razor and Blades

January 25, 2018, 6:41 am

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Gillette produced an injector razor for which they sold twin blades called the Twinjectors.  The razor looks like a Type L Schick copy, and the blades look very much like the Schick Injector II blades.  I have some questions I was hoping someone could help me with:

1.  Do the Gillette Twinjector blades fit in Type L Schick (and later) injector razors, and vice versa (Schick Injector and Injector II blades in the Gillette Twinjector)?

2.  Will the Gillette Twinjector razor accommodate regular Schick Injector blades?

3.  Did Gillette produce single injector blades for their injector razor, or just Twinjectors?

4.  Anyone know what year(s) the Gillette injector razor was produced and where?  Waits says the trademark was first used in 1973 and that the razor itself was sold in Japan in the 1980's.  Was it marketed in the U.S.?

Feather AS-D2 or Oneblade for Sensitive Skin

January 26, 2018, 9:02 am

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I have an annoyingly sensitive one side of my neck and have found through much trial the EJ89 as the closest possiblemild razor which my skin can handle and meets my requirements for a DFS shave.  

However, I am still on the search for something better...and yes I have already tried ALL the Techs.  

From reading, it appears the AS-D2 requires the perfect angle and the OneBlade has it's ups/downs with prepping Gem Blades if you don't like the feathers.

Can anyone speak from experience of using both which gives the more efficient shave considering that both are supposed to be on the milder end of the spectrum?

Separately, do any of these compare to the GEM Featherweight, Push Button or G Bar?  I have them on hand to try as they are supposed to be the mildest SE razors.

Blackland Sabre

February 13, 2018, 2:40 pm

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Was there ever a pass around of this razor? I know they offer a 30 day guarantee, but was just wondering if I missed it last year while gone from the community? It’s definitely a razor I’m looking into purchasing.