GEM Style Razor question (Blackland Sabre vs Vintages)

[BadgerFiend]

My only experience in the SE Gem blade world is the ATT G1. Long story short, not the razor for me. Looks great and is made superbly, but I could not get a smooth shave with it, ever (At least 50 shaves with it...).
Anyway, I’m a fan of modern razors and do not care much for vintage razors... we will leave it at that. I want to find a Gem style razor that will probably work well for me. I have liked the Blackland Sabre since it debuted but do not like the price as much. I see there are a few NOS vintage Gem style razors available on the Bay just about all the time and would be willing to try NOS vs. used. I don’t know much about the vintage styles and how they all differ (Reviews are ALL over the board; YMMV). I prefer mild razors and am willing to try anything up to a subjective “medium, 5/10.” What vintage Gem style would you recommend to start with or would I just be glad to get a Sabre? More or less, can anyone break down the vintage razors and possibly compare them to a Sabre? Thanks!

 

[dangerousdon]

I know there are some modern Gem Style razors out there, but the ones I am thinking of are a bit pricey (Above the Tie for one). My experience (which is limited) with the vintage Gem razors is that they are aggressive. They can wack down some facial hair, but require a Huge learning curve. I think @Spider has some experience with the Gems and maybe he can help.

 

[BadgerFiend]

Thanks Don.... I definitely do not want aggressive and the ATT was “too mild” if there can be such a thing, especially for me.

 

[dkeester]

I am not sure how aggressive it is, but look at the PAA Starling.

The Phoenix Starling V2 Single Edge Safety Razor | Anodized 7075 Aluminum

"Ok Douglas Smythe first off thank you. This razor is a beast, 3 days of growth... first gem ever, almost bbs in one pass. Wow. I don't even want my DEs now lol! ~ Mark Beresford II It gives me great pleasure to finally RE-release The Starling V2 SE, lord knows it has been a long time...

phoenixartisanaccoutrements.com

 

[dkeester]

Also, if you go vintage GEM start with the "Heavy Flat Top" also known as the G-Bar. It is fairly mild.

 

[BadgerFiend]

Thanks Dkeester... I’m not a PAA fan at all and from I read, their GEM style is rather aggressive.
I’ll research the G-bar though!

 

[Dave in KY]

Thanks Dkeester... I’m not a PAA fan at all and from I read, their GEM style is rather aggressive.
I’ll research the G-bar though!

The G bar was the first Gem Razor I could use and get a decent shave from and they can be had cheap. Here's a pic

 

[Spider]

I’ve never used any modern GEM style SE. I’m perfectly happy with the GEMs and Ever-Readys. So I cannot compare them.

But your best bet for a milder option would be any of the following:

GEM Micromatic Clog Pruf
GEM Micromatic Flying Wing “Bullet Tip”
Ever Ready Streamline
GEM Heavy Flat Top “G-Bar”
GEM Featherweight
GEM Featherweight Deluxe
GEM Push Button
GEM Contour
GEM Contour II

 

[dangerousdon]

GEM Micromatic Clog Pruf

Wow! You would consider the "Clog Pruf" a mild razor? I guess I like the off category of "ridiculously mild" then.

 

[Dave in KY]

I’ve never used any modern GEM style SE. I’m perfectly happy with the GEMs and Ever-Readys. So I cannot compare them.

But your best bet for a milder option would be any of the following:

GEM Micromatic Clog Pruf
GEM Micromatic Flying Wing “Bullet Tip”
Ever Ready Streamline
GEM Heavy Flat Top “G-Bar”
GEM Featherweight
GEM Featherweight Deluxe
GEM Push Button
GEM Contour
GEM Contour II

Yeah good luck finding an Ever Ready Streamline. Yes I know you already have one KJ but it's eluded me finding let alone reasonably priced....

 

[Dave in KY]

Wow! You would consider the "Clog Pruf" a mild razor? I guess I like the off category of "ridiculously mild" then.

He's all over the map Don. Things I find aggressive he says are mild. Things I see as mild he says are aggressive

 

[Spider]

Wow! You would consider the "Clog Pruf" a mild razor? I guess I like the off category of "ridiculously mild" then.

It’s milder than all the other GEMs and Ever-Readys that I didn’t list.

 

[BadgerFiend]

Thanks everyone for you input - I will be looking into all the models mentioned

 

[BadgerFiend]

Sorry to resurrect this dead thread, however, I just finished up 5 shaves in a row on a Gem junior and WOW. Great! Shaver! I will NOT be buying a Blackland Sabre anytime soon, if ever. It also changed my mind on vintage razors. So I pulled out my 70’s super speed that I was using as a decoration for my shave this evening. Fantastic as well. Not as good as the Gem but good nonetheless. Just a little update for those who care to read. Thank you.
The gem is that good that I got the OK from the wife to get it replated.... any recommendations to get it replated in different/ multi colors? I saw a red/black combo on a different forum last year that caught my eye. Thanks.

 

[Dave in KY]

North shore razor does great work

 

[BadgerFiend]

Thanks @Dave in KY that’s EXACTLY what I was looking for! They do super speed’s as well.... quite the coincidence I just resurrected mine

 

[GlazedBoker]

Quick revival....

I'm not the biggest fan of GEM bladed razors but, of those that I do own (3), my favorites are the Sabre from Blackland and two vintage razors. A Clog-Pruf and this one here, the GEM Contour. This razor does not get a lot of love or mention in wet shave land as many consider it to be a very mild and inefficient shaver. For me though it shaves extremely well with the right mix of smoothness and efficiency that provides very comfortable shaves that are quite close.

It won't surpass my Sabre nor the Clog-Pruf but, it holds its own for my shave requirements. It's the black sheep of the GEM razor family and that might be true for most. For me though, it shows it's true colors in the shave. It's gold for me.....

 

[srqshaver]

Quick revival....

I'm not the biggest fan of GEM bladed razors but, of those that I do own (3), my favorites are the Sabre from Blackland and two vintage razors. A Clog-Pruf and this one here, the GEM Contour. This razor does not get a lot of love or mention in wet shave land as many consider it to be a very mild and inefficient shaver. For me though it shaves extremely well with the right mix of smoothness and efficiency that provides very comfortable shaves that are quite close.

It won't surpass my Sabre nor the Clog-Pruf but, it holds its own for my shave requirements. It's the black sheep of the GEM razor family and that might be true for most. For me though, it shows it's true colors in the shave. It's gold for me.....

View attachment 69315

I just recently picked one of these up and I have to agree. It doesn't get much attention but I've found it to be a great shaver. The handle is very comfortable and I have had several very nice shaves with it.