The Flood of New SE’s and the Coming Safety Razor Renaissance

The only thing I don't like of my Micromatic is the size of the head. If I could get the same GEM blade effect on a smaller head I would be all over that.

Having said that, I also have considered the period when the razor was built, pure genius.

I just wish more of the modern iterations of SE razors would be compatible with GEM blades without having to be altered, as Brian (SharpSpine) has done by removing the spine of a PTFE blade to accommodate his OneBlade razor.

agreed. this is very promising though: http://damnfineshave.com/thread-new-se-r...8#pid25368

Stan at Above The Tie has mentioned that he's playing around with the idea of an SE razor. If it materializes it will undoubtedly be very interesting.

I am looking forward to this flood of new single edge razors.
Meanwhile I am more than just content with my ancient Rolls, Gems, Valets and even Schicks.
The new ones will have a long way to go to equal them. Surpass them? I doubt it. They have withstood the test of time for longevity and quality.
But I wish them luck.
Remember you 'innovators' many of those razors sold for a buck or two in the 1920's and 30's.
Translate that to the 21st century. Surely $40, $50 and up could not compete on today's market.

I can imagine a man from the 1920s and 30s listening to his grandfather, a straight razor user, giving a similar argument...

"You do know, sonny boy, that my straight razor and your safety razor cost close to the same amount, but you will forever be buying replacement blades that these newfangled 'innovators' have suckered you in to be dependent on and always paying them. My straight razor will last longer, and will cost me less over the long run."

"You may be right about that, Gramps, but my newfangled safety razor innovation gives me safer, smoother shaves, and it is a whole lot more convenient and quicker!"

*******

Today, new SE razors can be made from the same alloys as their antique predecessors for the same amount of money, adjusted for inflation. But you will see the high end stuff first, made of stainless steel (even titanium possibly), and produced for a luxury and niche market in the beginning. If the high-end stuff sells first (which it is!), then economy models will come... Which would certainly compete pricewise with the antique models when sold new (adjusted for inflation).

Quality wise, ask around here, whether Cobra, Mongoose, or OneBlade owners feel that their newer razors shave better than the antiques...

Scientifically, the quality question should be a lock in favor of the newer models. Better quality alloys, better quality machine shops, exceedingly better tolerances in design and production specifications... All these things, very simply, can produce newer razors that our grandfathers and great-grandfathers could only dream about!

Many of them never even got to experience the quality of a stainless steel blade! And perhaps the next generation will get to experience sapphire blades, or even lasers!

For now though, I'm happy with my stainless steel, PVD coated OneBlade with pivot technology, using a platinum coated stainless steel blade, that could not even be produced in my grandfathers day. And for me, it gives a closer, smoother, safer shave than he ever experienced... (Not to mention a stainless steel model will last longer than his in any case...)

Stan at Above The Tie has mentioned that he's playing around with the idea of an SE razor. If it materializes it will undoubtedly be very interesting.

it'd be great if he'd consider trying to make one that uses the GEM SE blade.

Stan at Above The Tie has mentioned that he's playing around with the idea of an SE razor. If it materializes it will undoubtedly be very interesting.

it'd be great if he'd consider trying to make one that uses the GEM SE blade.

So, much, yes!

What ever happened or became of these guys: http://damnfineshave.com/thread-falcon-razors

What ever happened or became of these guys:  http://damnfineshave.com/thread-falcon-razors

Don't know. It looked like a single person venture. Been totally quiet for several months.

The last thing I read about the Blue Falcon was about the meet and greet in NYC with only a couple of shows. After that, nothing.

This is a fickle industry, you have to hit while is hot.