Thread: DE and SE Bounty

Since I've begun with straights, I've been trolling eBay for a good deal on a DE or SE so that I could have a traveling rig and so I have something other than cartridge razors to do touchups with as I learn how to wield a straight properly. I think I hit the jackpot, though I won't know until the razors arrive...

I won an auction for 5 vintage SE and DE razors for $15 shipped. Took a bit of a chance...even though they looked in great condition who knows if they work, but included are:

1 Schick Injector
1 Gillette Tech
1 Gillette Travel Tech
2 Gem Micromatics

I hope I did well, and after I pick up a few blades I'm going to try them all out and see which ones I like best.

Just thought I'd share.

Yeah, you did well!! They aren't nearly as finicky as straights. Most of the problems older DE and SE razors have are merely cosmetic. Plate loss, etc. They are a fun hobby in and of themselves. I'm having major seller's regret over selling my nice Clog-Pruf.

Actually I was incorrect...The Gillette razors are both Superspeeds. One is a travel superspeed in new condition. The micromatics are unused as well. The Injector is used, though I understand it needs special blades so I don't think I'm going to use it. If anyone's looking for one of those, it will most likely pop up in the classifieds.

I picked up some GEM SE and DE blades at walgreens to get myself started. It was really nice to spend $10 on 20 blades...20 cartridge refills will run you like $40 or $50.

As soon as they arrive in the mail, the remaining triple-blades are going right in the dumpster.

Ok, that sounds like an awesome deal right there.

I've tried a few DE's before- two Gillettes and a Merkur, and I have very little to say in terms of bad press. Superspeeds are AWESOME. The oldies often have some plate loss, so they won't be pretty, but they generally work well even after 50 or more years.

I'd definitely recommend picking up a sample pack of blades- I picked out a middle of the road one from Bullgoose, and have had no complaints there, either.

They have arrived! And I'm quite happy. I cleaned them by soaking in a solution of scrubbing bubbles, vinegar and water. Here's the rundown on my new stuff, worst to best:

Schick Injector: Good condition, missing a little brass plating on the head, but generally in good condition. Came with the box, which has a broken latch. I don't this razor; it feels weird in my hand, so I will most likely sell it and pass it along to someone who likes it.

GEM Micromatic: Clog Pruf model, what looks like a combination of safety bar and comb (though I don't know what I'm talking about). This one was a little rusty but I've cleaned it up a bit. The mechanism is scratchy and a little sticky...there is a black substance that's coming out of it. Is there any way I can take this apart to really clean it?

Gillette Super Speed: Good condition, no plate loss, but clearly used. A little rust cleaned out, but not much. Smooth mechanics. The plating is a little stained, and I used some Brasso on it which helped but it's hard to get it into the little crevices. I think I'll like it.

Gillette Tech Travel: I'm pretty sure this is completely unused. It does have a little scuff on the top as if it had been dropped, but otherwise it's almost perfect. The little plastic pouch was ruined though.

Gem Micromatic (Open Comb): Stone cold mint. Clearly never used, though it has somewhat of a patina on it.


So it was a great haul...I'm worried about the Micromatic. I'm not sure if the stuff coming out of the handle is rust, but it feels rusty. If I can't get it out of there I'm not sure I can use it...

Are there people who restore these things, like they do straight razors? If so I'd love to find a way to pass it someone who does, unless it's easy to disassemble.

Schick Injector: Good condition, missing a little brass plating on the head, but generally in good condition. Came with the box, which has a broken latch. I don't this razor; it feels weird in my hand, so I will most likely sell it and pass it along to someone who likes it.

The Schick injector razors are smaller than DE's, and lighter. They have a different feel than DE's. But injector blades are still available (I think CVS may carry them in the US, and "Ted Pella" has several varieties).

As Lynn once said, they're very nice shavers. But you have to accept, and like, the "feel".

Charles

PS -- if I didn't have my Schick already . . . <g>

After sleeping on it I think I'm going to keep the Schick and at least try it out, provided I can find some blades for it.

One of the issues with the Schick is understanding how it comes apart for cleaning. If you have one of the older ones that have the wheel and spring( yes the metal bump thing) on the front under the head you need to understand how it works. If the spring isn't moved back into position the head will be loose and the blade will side out the side and cut you. Also you'll be interested in seeing all the crude that builds up back there.
Good luck it is a very mild shave.

It's a late 50s I-type, so no wheels or springs that I'm aware of. I soaked it and propped the metal jaws (for lack of a better term) with some toothpicks and got in there with a qtip. It worked pretty well.