DE vs SE

Thank you!

[halfjoking]Get it replated and be done with it.[/halfjoking]

Having no experience with modern SE's my comments are based upon comparison of vintage SE with vintage and modern DE.
That said, there is no "better" or "worse" when comparing DE with SE.  There can be "better" or "worse" comparing a SE with a DE, as there can be when comparing a DE with a DE. The main thing to remember is: A SE razor will give you a different shaving experience from a DE. IMHO different enough to warrant at least trying one or more. If you do, and modern SE's perform as well as their vintage predecessors, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[halfjoking]Get it replated and be done with it.[/halfjoking]

Having no experience with modern SE's my comments are based upon comparison of vintage SE with vintage and modern DE.
That said, there is no "better" or "worse" when comparing DE with SE.  There can be "better" or "worse" comparing a SE with a DE, as there can be when comparing a DE with a DE. The main thing to remember is: A SE razor will give you a different shaving experience from a DE. IMHO different enough to warrant at least trying one or more. If you do, and modern SE's perform as well as their vintage predecessors, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I have been exchanging emails with Stan from ATT. I think I am going to pull the trigger on the SE2. I had not been considering an OC. I am a daily shaver and so I never really have the thick stubble I associate with OC users. But, I think Stan has convinced me otherwise.

I have been exchanging emails with Stan from ATT.  I think I am going to pull the trigger on the SE2.  I had not been considering an OC.  I am a daily shaver and so I never really have the thick stubble I associate with OC users.  But, I think Stan has convinced me otherwise.

Let us know how everything goes. You will probably need several shaves to really assess the nature of the razor, although I have to say that I was much impressed the very first time I tried a single edge.

Also, I find it intriguing that Stan recommended the open comb for daily shaves, when there’s a closed comb equivalent. Not saying it’s a bad idea, I’m just curious how the recommendation came about.

I have been exchanging emails with Stan from ATT.  I think I am going to pull the trigger on the SE2.  I had not been considering an OC.  I am a daily shaver and so I never really have the thick stubble I associate with OC users.  But, I think Stan has convinced me otherwise.

Let us know how everything goes. You will probably need several shaves to really assess the nature of the razor, although I have to say that I was much impressed the very first time I tried a single edge.

Also, I find it intriguing that Stan recommended the open comb for daily shaves, when there’s a closed comb equivalent. Not saying it’s a bad idea, I’m just curious how the recommendation came about.

I use the R1 as a daily driver. He felt the SE1 is a bit less efficient than the R1 while the SE2 is a bit more efficient than the R1. On that basis the recommendation was made.

Sheesh! Some of y'all are as sensitive as the divas at the twerk & jerk. I didn't include a cute emoji, so sue me already.

I'm also intimately familiar with HCV, since I was "gifted" it in a blood transfusion 31 years ago (it was undetected for 29 years). Fortunately, I got rid of it a year ago.

The CDC used to say the virus could only survive outside the body for four days. Now, the consensus is three weeks. I assume all of you have access to soap and hot water. Use it.

"The hep C virus can survive outside the body at room temperature. It can live on surfaces for several weeks." https://www.hepc.com/hep-c-myths-facts

"The Hepatitis C virus can survive outside the body at room temperature, on environmental surfaces, for up to 3 weeks." https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/cfaq.htm#cFAQ36

Yes, I agree with John in that a good SE is not significantly better than a good DE by any means. They just cut a wider field per stroke.

The quality modern day DE's are built to prevent blade movement and 'chatter'.  This is especially true with the great new slants which torque the blades beautifully.

I know, for me, with heavy beard growth or day to day shaving, a well built DE can easily match any SE I have tried, which are a lot of SE's. I think there is a theory that thinner DE blades are no match for the thicker SE blades. The elimination of DE blade 'chatter' has eradicated that theory imo.

I actually get more chatter from my GEM G-Bar with GEM PTFE blades than I do with my 1948 Super Speed and standard DE blades...

I am certain this will generate disagreement...but I will not use a previously owned razor.  Unless they are run through an autoclave they will not be properly sterilized.

-Mark

New razors and blades aren't autoclaved.  Who knows what the heck kind of filth they may have come into contact with in those factories in China, India, Israel, Russia or down the street  

Theres a difference between sanitized and sterilized, you really only need sanitized.  Things that are sterilized will only remain so for a brief period, the world is full of bugs and stuff looking to live on something...or someone   I learned a lot about this back when I was a home brewer - you're aiming for sanitized not sterilized. I think its the same with razors - there's probably more stuff living on your face than on that ebay razor you're reluctant to buy.

I agree that there is difference between sterile and sanitary. For most things sanitary is sufficient. But for practices that could lead to blood and body fluid exposure sterile is required. When you have your blood drawn the needle used is a single use item. It is disposed. It is not washed in some dawn dish soap and reused. Why? Because blood born pathogens are a serious problem. Viruses such as Hepatitis C can live on surfaces for several months if they are not properly cleaned and sterilized. I am an Orthopaedic surgeon and know the effort that goes into sterilizing surgical instruments. Yes...part of the reason for the sterilization process is to minimize the chance for a post operative bacterial infection. But, it is also to protect patients from blood borne pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis B&C.  I simply am not willing to take the chance. Perhaps others are.

A little rubbing alcohol, a bath in boiling water, or an overnight soak in Scrubbing Bubbles or Lysol, and your vintage razor is equally sanitized to a brand new production razor, at least as far as any skin-contact parts are concerned...

As long as you aren't re-using the same blades from 100 years ago, there really is no logical risk involved. Use a new blade and properly clean and sanitize your vintage razor. Problem solved.

My primary razors are straights. All are vintage. Even these don;t present a reasonable and accurate risk to pathogen transference. The edge...the part that contacts the skin, is fresh steel, as I hone them upon receipt. No worry about contracting anything because they are sanitized upon arrival, and fresh steel is exposed before shaving. Simple, easy, and truly risk free.

Stop the paranoia already.

HCV (hepatitis C) can survive on environmental surfaces at room temperature for at least 16 hours but no longer than four days. The HIV virus can only live on surfaces for several hours.

So unless you're sharing you personal grooming tools with an HCV+ or HIV+ person and you're having unprotected sex with black market razors and blades that you bought in a brothel run by the Russian mob, you have nothing to worry about.

Stop the paranoia already.

HCV (hepatitis C) can survive on environmental surfaces at room temperature for at least 16 hours but no longer than four days. The HIV virus can only live on surfaces for several hours.

So unless you're sharing you personal grooming tools with an HCV+ or HIV+ person and you're having unprotected sex with black market razors and blades that you bought in a brothel run by the Russian mob, you have nothing to worry about.

And who doesn't clean/disinfect their vintage razors when they get them? It's not like hospitals have exclusive access to effective disinfectant. I'm baffled by the gentleman's post. Like I said he can refrain from the vintage acquisition hobby but facts is facts when it comes to the actual risks presented.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

This disagreement is futile.  You are welcome to your opinion and I am welcome to mine.

So...without further ado...let's continue the conversation about SE vs. DE.

You are welcome to your opinion. However, there are biological positives involved with the conversation that disagree with your opinion. Yes, you are free to believe in anything you want. However, your opinion of the danger is not equal in validity to the FACT of biological pathogen transference.

An under-informed opinion based on paranoia is not the same as an informed opinion based on scientific data that is readily available...

As for the topic--

I use a GEM G-Bar with (new) GEM PTFE blades, and get fantastic head shaves whenever I pull this combination out. Currently I have a blade in this razor that has seen 4 shaves, and is still going strong. Modern DE blades get tossed after 2 shaves.

I also have a small collection of modern and vintage DE razors. I have a modern Maggard V3 on MR22 handle, a 1968 Gillette Slim and a 1940's Gillette Super Speed. I actually get more "chatter" from my SE than from any of my DEs, but chatter was never part of my concern. I like options, which is why I have both types.

I get good head shaves regardless of the razor I use. SE, DE or cut throat...as long as I have a sharp blade and good technique, I am rewarded with a good shave, but all three are very different experiences that I enjoy very much...

Comet Bathroom Disinfectant is recommended by State of California for HCV and other blood borne pathogens. I've usually used Scrubbing Bubbles but the Comet may be safer (there's some nasty crap in SB). I don't know how it interacts with razor plating over the ten minute recommended soak period.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I use the R1 as a daily driver. He felt the SE1 is a bit less efficient than the R1 while the SE2 is a bit more efficient than the R1. On that basis the recommendation was made.

That makes sense. Whatever your choice, I hope you find it a refreshing addition to your shaving routine.

I could use a stiff one about now.