Question about SE blades

There are both, and a few others which use different blades again.

Most of the SE's I have use AC blades which are kind of easily found and nothing custom per se. Others use GEM blades such as the older Ever Ready 1912 and 1924's. Appears to be a bit of a world shortage of GEMS at the moment unless things have changed.

And then there is the Rocnel SE-P which uses even less than half a DE blade by the time you've removed the tabs as well, but shit it gives evily close shaves. But plenty of other half DE blade razors out there.

And finally the injectors which are kind of like AC blades but smaller. Not really my forte.

A bit of a minefield really but worth the journey.
 
Definitely worth the journey. Especially with the Artist Club (AC) razors and injectors. A different feel compared to DE. Blades are thicker therefore more rigid and this translates into a very smooth chatter free shave.
NB thicker blades does not equal less sharp. There are some blood thirsty ones out there.
 
Do the best SE razors require custom blades or are there good ones that use 1/2 of a DE blade?
To answer the second half of your question, yes ... my preference is for the Yaqi SE, also known as the Katana or Globetrotter. Get it from AliExpress or there's a chap on eBay called Nice4Shaves who carries Yaqi gear and might have one. There are a good few other half DE razors out there and I'm sure other recommendations will come.

What we generally mean by single edge razors are razors that take a purposefully made single edge blade, so there's the GEM type, the injector and the Artist Club type. There are many new razors available that take either the injector or the Artist Club type blades and also a good catalogue of historical razors from Schick that take the injector blades. New razors that take the GEM blade are few and far between, but a bounty of vintage from the American Safety Razor catalogue - GEM, Ever Ready and Star. There are also a good number of vintage razors that (can) take the Feather single edge blade, generally Valet AutoStrop; and, as you're aware, one (maybe more) modern/new razors which take that blade.

If you want a taste of the format, the Yaqi SE will work with the double edge blades that you have. It is not simply like using one half of a double edged razor, it is designed as a specific single edge format razor. Then, if it's a new razor that you're after then the injector or AC format is your best bet. If you've taken a fancy to the world of vintage that you might have seen scattered across the SOTD posts, then the GEM format will work out well for you.

I don't foresee a decline in the production of GEM blades. We've had a global crisis recently, that and new rules for importing since Brexit. Edgewell Personal Care, who own Personna that produce the GEM blades, spun the legacy blade production off to another comany AccuTech, who specialise in those kind of blades for medical, pathology and other such markets. It's those markets that we've pilfered our GEM blades from for shaving as the demand for such blades purely for shaving practically disappeared, certainly in the eyes of a giant like Edgewell.

Have a think and hone in what you're keen on pursuing ... and a veritable torrent of suggestions, advice and ideas will follow.
 
What is the logic behind using a razor with only one edge against double edged with the plethora of DE blades to chose from?
I am currently using the OneBlade Hybrid but cannot really rationalise why except that it is available!
 
Single edge blades tend to be thicker, so less blade chatter and less irritation if you're prone to that sort of thing. Snapping a double-edge blade in half to use only one half at a time, well, dunno ... that said, I rarely enjoy a double-edge blade beyond three shaves and almost always regret pushing it on, but if I snap 'em in half I can happily have two shaves per half making four in total. Go figure.
 
What is the logic behind using a razor with only one edge against double edged with the plethora of DE blades to chose from?
I am currently using the OneBlade Hybrid but cannot really rationalise why except that it is available!
I use Vintage and modern SE, as I find that the thicker blade works for me better than DE, they are more forgiving. I have quite a tough beard and need to work quite hard to get a really close finish without mishap.
I would not judge SE Razors based on your experience of The One Blade as it seems to be a bit of a niche offering, which appeals to a few.
 
I use Vintage and modern SE, as I find that the thicker blade works for me better than DE, they are more forgiving. I have quite a tough beard and need to work quite hard to get a really close finish without mishap.
I would not judge SE Razors based on your experience of The One Blade as it seems to be a bit of a niche offering, which appeals to a few.
Thanks for your comment. Where would you point me to for a broader SE experience?
 
Thanks for your comment. Where would you point me to for a broader SE experience?
Thats a tricky question . You could try Vintage in the form of those using Gem Blades, like those you use in your one blade. A popular one to start with is an ER 1912.
Another possibility is an Injector, mainly made by Schick.

Both these types are available in a popular market place at reasonable prices.
The problem with AC/SE razors is supply and price.A good starter is an All RazorRock Hawk at around £30, with a S/S version at around £90. New kid on the block is Claymore Evolution SE available in UK circa £110 though discount is available.
Best thing is to look through Forum articles in Single Edge Razors where lots of info on different types.

I would say both Vintage & Modern SE, leaving Injectors to later. Suggestions ER 1912 & RazorRock Aluminium Hawk .

I have just had a look through my clutch of 1912s and have found an uncased USA ER 1912, as far as I can tell unused. If you do Pay Pal I could sell it for £12 delivered, which I think is a fair price. If you wish I could do more photos.
Mike B

IMG_1648.jpg
 
Thanks for your comment. Where would you point me to for a broader SE experience?
I’m a regular user of DE, SE razors and the OneBlade Genesis. There’s quite a difference between them all.

What I can offer about the Genesis is its absolute simplicity to use along with outstanding results. There are several drawbacks however, in my opinion.

Firstly, as you mention, the lack of blade choice. The Feather FHS blades are reasonable but pricey, and they lack longevity. That has led some users, including myself, to adapting GEM blades to fit. These give more shaves and some say better performance than the Feathers. YMMV. But still the lack of blade choice has put a lot of people off the OneBlade, or they have moved them on.

Secondly, the enjoyment of the shave. Many feel OneBlade razors are too easy to use and therefore lack the enjoyment and challenge DE or SE razors bring. Again, YMMV.

DE and SE razors really come down to personal choice. I like the look, feel and performance of both types. Similar to the OneBlade’s lack of blade choice, SE blades have a far smaller selection compared to DE, but there are enough that you will likely be one that suits.

From my personal experience, the OneBlade is there for whenever I feel the need for a fast, hassle free, unchallenging and smooth finish shave. I accept its the least exciting of all my razors.

Then it’s my DE razors. I have no more than half a dozen which is too many, but I enjoy the choice, the selection of blades and the overall experience. It’s me time.

Finally, my SE razor. I have the Claymore which does everything I need. A few varying blades. Enjoyable. Simple. Maybe even halfway between DE shaving and the OneBlade. But it’s where I’m happy to be.

However…..to actually answer your question….

I dipped my toe in the SE world with a RazoRock Hawk V2. Not overly expensive and does a good job. I only recently moved it on, but it certainly helped me on my journey.

As with everything down this rabbit hole….. YMMV.

Good luck.
 
Last edited:
I've took a sudden notion recently to expand my shaving experience with a look into some SE offerings so I've pulled the trigger on a couple of razors. One modern and one vintage. My main question here is regards the vintage one.
I'm currently waiting delivery of a PAL Injectomatic but I'd appreciate some additional information from any experienced user out there regarding blade choices and availability for this particular razor.
I am led to believe that Schick injector blades are compatible but does that mean any Schick injector blade or is it limited to certain types / models or age of Schick blade ? Are there any other brands of blades available for these razors ?
Appreciate any assistance.
 
I would like to acknowledge mpf9ret for making it possible for me to afford a beautiful ER 1912. This 1930s razor is in immaculate condition and gives a superb shave with new GEM blade. Great acquisition.
Warm welcome to single edge shaving and particularly shaving with a 1912. The looks and performance of this razor always leaves me with a smile and the condition that we can (still) pick them up in 100 years on never fails to impress me.

Cherish it! I'm sure you will.

Well played @mpf9ret
 
Back
Top Bottom