OneBlade: GEM vs. Feather

I have a Oneblade V1, but is that the case with the V2, that you cannot use a de-spined or punched gem with it?

Well I do not own a v2. But because the v1 head width was designed to very tight tolerances which allows the despined Gem to be held in place by the side-friction (with a very slight 'smile' from the blade flex), there's no need to modify the Gem blades to 'fit'. The v2 head geometry was widened very slightly to allow the FHS blade to "float" side-to-side (also eliminates any potential 'smile'), this also in tandem with a modified blade retention mechanism. From what I understand, these changes mean that an unmodified de-spined Gem would just fall out of the head (pure speculation on my part).
As of yet, I don't think there are any photos of the head internals (and I don't think any v1/v2 owners will want to disassemble their razors just for photos).
Mark (Mantic59) did a side-by-side review of the two versions here: http://sharpologist.com/2017/03/oneblade-v1-vs-v2.html

“slightly expanding the blade insertion area and by adding a longitudinal pivot point approximately halfway back from the cutting edge of the blade which allows the blade edge to rock up and down during the shaving process.”

Which tells me that OB loosened the tight tolerances of the blade area. To be honest, any blade movement during the shave makes me VERY leery.

Really enjoying this thread. Brian's journal on the OneBlade was the impetus to get the OneBlade (v1s) and I'm very happy I did-it's a great shaver.

I'm sure part of my preference for the Feather FHS is confirmation bias, as I've been using Feather Platinum DEs almost exclusively for the past 7 years. I do agree that they are not long-lasting blades-I don't use either the FHS or the Platinum for more than 2 shaves. The GEM PTFE gave a fine shave, but was a hair less 'smooth' for me than the FHS.

And I agree with the point that prolonged use of the OneBlade can make one a bit sloppy with their technique with other, more challenging, razors.

I hate that I love the OneBlade, because it requires zero technique, and I've spent years refining my technique! But I have to admit that it gives a great shave time after time.

I'm pretty sure in the other OneBlade thread, someone specifically said that they have a v2 of the OneBlade and that despined GEM blades work without any problems. if I have time, I'll try to find the posts for it.

this was a very large concern for people because they like the longevity of the GEM blades and don't want to be pigeonholed into using a razor that'll only accept 1 type of blade that is expensive and it's availability is limited to very few vendors.

I'm pretty sure in the other OneBlade thread, someone specifically said that they have a v2 of the OneBlade and that despined GEM blades work without any problems. if I have time, I'll try to find the posts for it.

I tried finding it also and couldn't. I whole-heartedly hope that I'm wrong and my cynicism is misguided.

Mr_Smartepants, found them:

https://damnfineshave.com/thread-your-th...4#pid98674

and

https://damnfineshave.com/thread-your-th...8#pid98948

Thanks Andrew. I think this is a new feeling being happy I'm wrong.

Thanks Andrew.  I think this is a new feeling being happy I'm wrong.

no problem!