Though I like the HFT in looks I find it to be rather on the mild side, and I never really get the best of Shaves with one.I tend to use MMs and 1912 to 1924.I recently bought a few vintage GEM-style razors, and debuted the first of them this morning - it was sold as a 1950s GEM Heavy Flat Top G-Bar:
View attachment 83685
I went very gently with it. Riding the cap didn't seem like an option because of the curve in the top, so I adjusted accordingly, using the bar, but still seeking an acute angle between blade and face. First pass north to south: comfortable, with a lot of feedback, but the rinse revealed that there wasn't a lot of beard reduction. Second pass XTG was similar. The first ATG pass was very smooth, but with a couple of weepers, which is a rare occurrence for me. A second pass ATG seemed to wrap it up – perfectly smooth face, no touch-ups required, weepers not weeping any more. Then I gradually felt irritation start to bloom in a few areas. I applied witch hazel then some balm, and the irritation is dying down, but I think I am missing something in the technique department.
Are there any vintage GEM-style razor users who could offer some advice?
I have a golden-plated push-button with a similar profile to the G-bar, and an MMOC waiting in the wings. I'd like to be able to enjoy them...
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Personna PTFE coated.What blade are you using? I've never had a problem with the "G", they're pretty user friendly.
Tomorrow morning I'll start with the cap as a guide, and pivot, as you describe; thank you.The angle is ... put the cap flat you your face and pivot it just a little on the comb. The comb should not necessarily come into play but is there to stop you beaching the blade into your face. Glide the razor. No pressure.
Personna PTFE is a sound blade ... but first run can be on the rough side if you use pressure. Maybe that's where your irritation is coming from?
Brill! Couple more shaves and muscle memory will begin to set in ... you'll wonder how you ever managed to get a bad shave.A much nicer shave today. I think I was running off the bar yesterday, thinking the bevel in the cap meant I couldn't use the surface as a guide at all. Thank you, @pjgh.
Now to have a go with the MMOC...
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?