GEM pointers

The Guardian of the Razor



So 2 or 3 weeks ago I bought a GEM Featherweight from linuxguile's Etsy shop (very satisfied with the transaction, condition was as described, it seems to be in perfect working order, and the price was great).

I've been using it most of the time since & though I've found it to be pretty good it hasn't been either quite as efficient or as comfortable as my usual hardware (Edwin Jagger + Gillette Silver Blue). I've been wet shaving for about 4 years now, using the EJ for most of that time (I've tried 3 or 4 other razors, but so far I've always come back to it).

I'm going to keep practicing, just wondering if anyone has any tips for using this razor?

Featherweight is probably the mildest of all GEM style razors I have tried (it is super skin friendly for me as well). It's been a while since I used this razor, but if I remember correctly when I use it, the top cap lays almost flat on my skin.

First few shaves with a GEM blade always feel a little harsh for me, so I palm strop the blade before use ( a lot easier to do than it sounds). I also feel that beard prep/hydration is more important for these razors compared to DE razors - I can easily get away with a sub-par beard prep with DE razors these days, but not so much with GEM razors. So if I were you, I would try the best beard prep possible with this razor (shower would be great). Also, short strokes.

But to be honest, the combo (DE89 + Silver Blue) you are using is a killer one, so I won't be surprised you if never find anything else as good as that .

jimofthecorn Im glad that I can be of service to you! As Sourav @"iamsms" said above with Gem style razors (and injectors too) I keep the cap of the razor nearly flat against my skin. Since there is no curvature to the blade its up to you to make sure that it is at shallow enough angle that it is cutting the whiskers and not scraping.

You are using the PTFE coated blades right? Any other GEM blades (carbon steel or regular stainless) I've found to be junk.

You are using the PTFE coated blades right? Any other GEM blades (carbon steel or regular stainless) I've found to be junk.

Actually, I don't know--they came with the razor & I can't remember the description. linuxguile ?

jimofthecorn Im glad that I can be of service to you! As Sourav @"iamsms" said above with Gem style razors (and injectors too) I keep the cap of the razor nearly flat against my skin. Since there is no curvature to the blade its up to you to make sure that it is at shallow enough angle that it is cutting the whiskers and not scraping.

That's probably part of it. I've definitely been using a smaller blade angle, but maybe it's still to big--I've been going by feedback loudness.

Featherweight is probably the mildest of all GEM style razors I have tried (it is super skin friendly for me as well). It's been a while since I used this razor, but if I remember correctly when I use it, the top cap lays almost flat on my skin.

Thanks, I'll try to pay more attention to that.

First few shaves with a GEM blade always feel a little harsh for me, so I palm strop the blade before use ( a lot easier to do than it sounds). I also feel that beard prep/hydration is more important for these razors compared to DE razors - I can easily get away with a sub-par beard prep with DE razors these days, but not so much with GEM razors. So if I were you, I would try the best beard prep possible with this razor (shower would be great). Also, short strokes.

Tricky, I shower in the morning & shave in the evening (more time).

But to be honest, the combo (DE89 + Silver Blue) you are using is a killer one, so I won't be surprised you if never find anything else as good as that .

You are using the PTFE coated blades right? Any other GEM blades (carbon steel or regular stainless) I've found to be junk.

Actually, I don't know--they came with the razor & I can't remember the description. linuxguile ?

They are the GEM PTFE blades, they are the only ones I sock for sale and to give away.

That's how they were designed to be used (beginning with the MMOC). If they hurt you you're probably not doing it right.

jimofthecorn Im glad that I can be of service to you! As Sourav @"iamsms" said above with Gem style razors (and injectors too) I keep the cap of the razor nearly flat against my skin. Since there is no curvature to the blade its up to you to make sure that it is at shallow enough angle that it is cutting the whiskers and not scraping.

I go by the sound. That razor, and all SE razors, will tell you by the sound if they're working. The problem might be due to the mildness of the razor. The featherweight is a good razor, it's just among the mildest of the SE razors.