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Post by disburden on Nov 28, 2009 16:40:07 GMT -5
This was my first GEM razor and it's definitely not going to be my last. I first received this razor when I was naive as far as technique was concerned with an SE razor. I was into Old Gilettes at the time (all the vintage ones, not just the Old Type) and that's what I expected with this razor. I was wrong in how to use it and it really cut up my face.
About a week ago I learned how to angle the razor and developed a grip technique that worked for me: Holding the top of the handle, near the head with two fingers, that's it. The rest of my fingers just hover over the handle and help control angles. Since then nothing but wonderful BBS shaves and no burn or redness on my neck.
Here's my ratings:
Price: 8 (They can be found cheap)
Construction: 8, they're made well but not as well at the 1912s or older types of GEMS
Grip: 6 They can be slippery on the handle if you're not careful!
Balance: 8 I think it's a very balanced razor, not toppling over when I use only two fingers to grip.
Aggressiveness: 8 seems aggressive to me since I am used to Gillettes. I am not counting my Straights though!
Overall: 7
I love this razor, the only problem I have with it is the handle, which can be slick with lather on it. Be careful when using the grip I mentioned earlier. The handle DOES look cool though. If you haven't tried a Clog Proof, please do!
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Post by mbwhoosh on Nov 30, 2009 20:38:29 GMT -5
A very nice review sir thank you!
I haven't tried the clog proof yet only the open comb but I agree with you that they are wonderful way for people to get into SE as they are very cheap and pretty easy to find to.
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Post by disburden on Dec 1, 2009 7:00:44 GMT -5
A very nice review sir thank you! I haven't tried the clog proof yet only the open comb but I agree with you that they are wonderful way for people to get into SE as they are very cheap and pretty easy to find to. Thanks! I know some guys here don't really like the micromatic, but I love mine, definitely better than any DE I have used.
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Post by specialk on Dec 1, 2009 17:09:06 GMT -5
The Gem MM ClogPruf has always provided a good, easy shave for me!
Nice review!
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Post by wchnu on Dec 1, 2009 20:04:28 GMT -5
A very nice review sir thank you! I haven't tried the clog proof yet only the open comb but I agree with you that they are wonderful way for people to get into SE as they are very cheap and pretty easy to find to. Thanks! I know some guys here don't really like the micromatic, but I love mine, definitely better than any DE I have used. Most that donot like it just can not operate real equipment. Fuzzy
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jaymo
Rag-A-Muffin
Posts: 2
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Post by jaymo on Apr 14, 2010 23:15:22 GMT -5
I picked up a 1912 travel and a bullet tip micromatic as part of a lot from the bay. I tried the 1912 first and love it. I tried the Micromatic a few days later with some trepidation. After all, it's gotten some serious bad press. I love the Micromatic. Given a sharp blade, it's a fantastic shaver.
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Post by mbwhoosh on Apr 15, 2010 2:02:27 GMT -5
happy to hear your shaves were a success Jaymo! Welcome to TOS by the way! ;D ;D ;D
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Post by wchnu on Apr 16, 2010 1:04:13 GMT -5
I picked up a 1912 travel and a bullet tip micromatic as part of a lot from the bay. I tried the 1912 first and love it. I tried the Micromatic a few days later with some trepidation. After all, it's gotten some serious bad press. I love the Micromatic. Given a sharp blade, it's a fantastic shaver. Viva La Micromatic... and welcome Fuzzy
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Post by sffone on Mar 11, 2011 20:30:19 GMT -5
The Gem Micromatics are, by far, my favorite razors. I like both the open comb and the Clog Pruf, though the Clog Pruf is probably my favorite of the two. Unfortunately, the Clog Prufs aren't as readily available as the OC because they were not manufactured for as many years. I especially like the brass versions because it doesn't matter how bad they may look when you first get them, you can polish them up to look almost brand new.
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Post by rocketman on Mar 12, 2011 1:33:58 GMT -5
I have a clog proof - my only micromatic - and find it a very acceptable razor. I have a brass one, and it is indeed a great razor if you have a polishing bug!! I enjoy shining the heck out of mine, although it has been a while. I think I will haul it out, give it a buff, and give it a whirl - thanx for the inspiration!
I think you will find there are still micromatic buffs around this place!!!
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Post by Possum on Mar 12, 2011 7:44:28 GMT -5
I had a MM once. Gave it away and I feel guilty about that. Someone on B&B wanted one. I do not like them and find them to be "junk".
Now onto the 1912s. They are great razors and you can do no better for SE shaving. That is until you get a lathercatcher style SE.
Despite my dislike of the MM I do respect those who do like them and choose to use them. Me no way. But I do suggest that you try to find a lathercatcher and give one a try you will not be sorry.
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Post by rocketman on Mar 12, 2011 13:15:33 GMT -5
I had a MM once. Gave it away and I feel guilty about that. Someone on B&B wanted one. I do not like them and find them to be "junk". Now onto the 1912s. They are great razors and you can do no better for SE shaving. That is until you get a lathercatcher style SE. Despite my dislike of the MM I do respect those who do like them and choose to use them. Me no way. But I do suggest that you try to find a lathercatcher and give one a try you will not be sorry. I believe Possum, you are the one to whom we can attribute one of the greatest names found in this 'hobby': The JunkoMaticI just love that name!! It sure has created a few first rate scrappy threads!!! I am not a fan really of mine. I used it maybe three times all in a row and haven't been back at it since - maybe a couple of years ago. So, I am not right in there with supporting it. My comment above about it being 'acceptable' - not sure why but I was being polite. I don't go all the way to the JunkOmatic term though because the actual production/machining is excellent. It is very well made. It just don't seem to 'cut it' - ha! But, I will still dust the dern thing off and give er a go!
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Post by rocketman on Mar 12, 2011 14:37:51 GMT -5
Cranked up the JUNKOMATIC
I am only about 6 minutes into bleeding like a son of a b*tch. Gotta go deal with it. Damn blade jumped up on top of the left blade stop somehow and I have three wonderful 3 inch slices on face. Thank gawd I stopped when the blood started flowing.
Holy Snappers!!! My worst EVER shaving injury.
OK POSSUM - YOU WAS RIGHT - JUNKOMATIC INDEED
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Post by wchnu on Mar 12, 2011 16:57:21 GMT -5
I live the micro matics still. They require more attention then some other razors, but give a great shave.
Sorry to hear of your troubles dood. Never had that happen.
Fuzzy
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Post by rocketman on Mar 12, 2011 19:13:50 GMT -5
I'm feeling a little less PO'd at the razor now. It was the weirdest thing how the blade ended up like that. I have tried to do it over and I can't seem to get it to happen! If the blade is not quite settled in place before you crank it closed, the cover plate pushes on the corner of the blade actually moving it out further - very noticeable. I will have to chalk it up to 'one of those things'. No way I will do it tomorrow (too scared lol!) but next week I shall gather up my kahoonas and give it another shot! In the meantime, I will just look like I got in a tangle with a very nasty kitty kat! (It sure did shine up perty though!)
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