Gem 1912

[@jasonnyc2006]

@MarkSzorady I so would love to learn "How to choose a GEM 1912 razor" that works. I'd like a few to use & a few to just look at. Again, another masterclass/tedtalks of wet shaving products with a history lesson.

[@MarkSzorady]

Thanks, json. I think the Gem razors are terrific, but can be a somewhat acquitted taste due to their very different approach to the wet shave. A very different angle is requited an an even lighter touch than a DE razor.

[@jasonnyc2006]

@@MarkSzorady I would love to learn how to use a GEM razor and how to purchase them on eBay or other sites. I'm looking for other wet shavers in my area to learn/exchange knowledge with & also form a community tribe. TYSM Mark for always replying with an edifying comment.

[@jkatkat7950]

Thanks for the video! Just got my 1912 and can't wait to try it - already have an open comb TTO...found it a bit aggressive, maybe I need more time with it?

[@brianb.2894]

Good job Mark. Thanks.

[@MarkSzorady]

Again, my pleasure!:)

[@TillRe]

Which one do you like better these days, 1912 or MMOC, especially for Head Shaves. All the best

[@Tristin471]

I’d probably use the 1912 because the head has a lot more blood vessels and the MMOC is as aggressive as it gets when it comes to GEM razors.

[@jensebu78]

Hi, thanks for that review. I bought yesterday exactly that model. I was really happy when you said that it's the best for starting SE! It's my first so... 👍👍👍 I paid 13 dollars and it looks nice on the pictures. Looking forward to the first shave when it's arriving in Germany. 😊

[@MarkSzorady]

13 bucks is terrific price!:) Remember, when using any of these Gem razors, use a VERY LIGHT TOUCH. Really. It's all you need.:) and make sure to do the proper prep.:) Get a good lather.:) Take your time.:)

[@jensebu78]

@@MarkSzorady Thank you Mark, i will do like you said! I have sensetiv skin, so i always have to do the most you mentioned. Looking forward to get it. Grest part of shaving history! Thanks again. 😊 Jens

[@MarkSzorady]

@@jensebu78 one last thing. My rule has always been to give a piece of shaving gear some time. That is, if it doesn't work right out of the gate, I set it aside and work on my technique, etc. Then, I come back to it a few weeks, or even a month or two, later. I usually have a VERY much improved result. Maybe I'm more relaxed, maybe my skin has adapted more to the wet shave, etc. Whatever the reason, I always give it time and another go down the road.:) Sometimes being patient really pays big dividends.:)

[@jensebu78]

@@MarkSzorady yes Mark, that is true. The same here. Had a nice shave with my Fatip Piccolo which ended in a lot of irritation. It felt good but then the irritation came. Tried it again weeks later and now it's one of my favourites. i am careful always y but normally it gives me terrific shaves. But maybe that 1912 gives good shaves from the beginning. Let's see 😀

[@MarkSzorady]

@@jensebu78 Was that Fatip Piccolo 2017 or earlier model?

[@rutkowsky1000]

got a gem junior 1950s mint condition

[@MarkSzorady]

Nice score!:) Enjoy!:)

[@Juraberg]

Hi Mark. What a beauty! Wow! This razor looks really good. I particularly like the design and knurling on the handle. It is in perfect condition, from what I can see. Thanks for this presentation.

[@MarkSzorady]

Patrick Eruimy Patrick, thanks very much. Yes, it really is in wonderful shape. A really nice shave, but you do have to make some adjustments. I marvel that I'm holding and using a shaving instrument nearly 100 years old!

[@SevenDeMagnus]

New subscriber here

[@MarkSzorady]

Thank you!:) Sincerely appreciated!:)

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Hi. What's the difference of this to the 1912 Junior? Is this equal to a straight razor shave? God bless, Proverbs 31

[@MarkSzorady]

I've only used a shavette. And, even then, not as often as I'd like.:) However, to the question, the Gem 1912 and Gem Junior are similar. I've not shaved with the Junior but from what I've read, the blade sits a bit differently to the comb, etc. So, I'm not really sure how this affects the shave in comparison one way of the other. It's been said that these razors, and probably more so with the MicroMatics, are like shaving with a straight razor on a pole. I can agree. The key is to use an extremely light touch.

[@CarpeNoctem727]

Hello Mark, Thank you for your video. I recently acquired my grandfathers gold plated GEM Junior 1912 (similar to the one in your video) as an heirloom . I’ve been shaving my head for 13 years and I tried this blade for the first time today. I wish I would have found your video before I tried because I tried to load it with double edged blade. Once I pick up more blades I’ll let you know what I think but I do have 2 questions, Do you recommend using this blade to shave your head? Also the handle is alittle worn can you recommend anyway for me to touch it up and maybe get a polish out of it? Thank you for your time and video, Salvatore.

[@MarkSzorady]

Salvatore, wonderful to hear that you have your grandfather's razor!:0 All the more special!:) Yes, I've used this razor only once to shave my head. Admittedly, it's a bit tricky due to the different angle that it needs to be used. I would say it's an acquired taste. It really shaved well, but took some time and patience. I would think if I used it consistently for head shaving, it would become second nature. Make sure you get blades designed for shaving and not blade for paint scrapers. Regarding touching up the handle, a lot of guys use Flitz. But, first, try some Scrubbing bubbles in the aerosol can (NOT the spray bottle). It may just need a bit of cleaning. You can also simply use Dawn dish soap. If neither give you the result you're looking for, then give Flitz a try. But don't overdo it.

[@jbgearhead]

Beautiful ! That handle is amazing. Love seeing these old razors. Nice to see an old one like this in such good shape. Are those single edge blades just as sharp as a DE ? And why do the single edge blades have the bar on the back. Thanks for sharing !

[@MarkSzorady]

I agree. the handle and razor are simply gorgeous!:) The single edge blades in carbon steel are very nice and sharp and deliver a good shave! The stainless steel are good, but carbon steel, I think, are better. However, not being stainless, they are subject to rust quickly if not cared for. I wish there were more single edge blades from which to choose. You really need to be careful not to accidentally buy paint scrapers.:) Spine on the back of the blade gives it a bit of angle when loaded into the razor head. the razor head has two raised points that the spine sits on. thsi helps elevate it to the prper cutting angle wen tings are tightened down.

[@jbgearhead]

Intersecting, thanks for the response to my question ! 👍🏼😊

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Hi. Thanks. Whenever I have new GEM blade for my 1912 GEM razor (it's a cool looking design but I probably should have bought the OnePlus instead but it's OnePlus, the plastic one is too expensive at $100 without shipping but the GEM razor has a close shave vs. Gillette's battery powered vibrating 5 blade with swiveling technology which I donated to the Church already- it has an expense blade cartridge also, very expensive). The GEM razor with shipping is just around $14 with shipping to asia), inspite of having a good Proraso lather with warm water and a good boar brush, I still manage to cut myself (multiple cuts) between the nose and the upper lip part. I have asian facial structure (that part of my face isn't that flat). The GEM blades could last almost forever, after a week or so of daily shaving, the cuts are prevented or a minimized. My blade, not sure if I got a damaged one (I bought it on eBay then shipped to southeast asia) is slanted even when it sits at the two tabs at either ends. My handle is also not that straight, it has a bit of an angle. The right side of the blade after a few passes on the face tends to go up as well, making this razor a slat razor by accident. I've used the GEM stainless, stainless w/ coating which gives me the most cut (not sure why), GEM carbon steel which I won't buy anymore coz' it easily rusts even when it's just stored out the bathroom and the Blue carbon which is currently the one loaded. Even if it's stainless, I take it out and dry the blade coz' it'll stain the blade then the razor from the face's dirt/skin particles. Although I'm glad I bought this, any suggestions to prevent cuts with a new GEM blade (I like looking at this razor, it's a work of art:-) I may remove the cool patina and just have a shiny artful brass GEM 1912 razor)? Thank you. God bless, Proverbs 31

[@MarkSzorady]

Thanks for the comments.:) A single edge razor certainly has a different approach than the traditional double edge safety razor. A gem raor has a completely differnt angle of approach. Plus, ou really need to lighten up on the touch....even more so than a DE razor. I mean, REALLY lighten the touch. You mentioned the OneBlade. Were you aware of this offer? tinyurl.com/y5k5q94x

[@SevenDeMagnus]

@@MarkSzorady Thanks. That's very nice of OneBlade. I wish they had that price reduction back in March (month I bought the GEM but then it'll be a tough coz' the GEM looks like an art with the art deco handle and it's a good razor too when done really slowly the next time, for sure), though I like the GEM, I guess the GEM could be for a nice slow shave when you're not in a hurry. It's nice that they really lowered the price (still up there) on the OnePlus which I could also buy to use for shaves in a hurry. I compared OnePlus' propriety blade, it's twice that of the GEM and GEM is twice that of DEs. Thanks for the heads up. Have a great day.

[@MarkSzorady]

@@SevenDeMagnus My pleasure.:)

[@stanborg1545]

You can use a double edge blade in these. Use scissors to clip the ends off the blade so it fits under the door with some clearance. Then cut off one cutting edge so when in the razor, the spring is putting the minimal amount of pressure on the blade against the stops. Experiment with a used blade until you get it right. Costs less. Lasts longer. Cuts closer than Gillette.

[@MarkSzorady]

Interesting. Would this also work for the Gem Micromatic?

[@stanborg1545]

@@MarkSzorady no, whole different ballgame