dooli
SE Super Freak
Posts: 16
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Post by dooli on Jul 30, 2014 1:22:49 GMT -6
Hey yall I've been shaving with SE razors for a while, and i currently have GEM clog pruf, and GEM 1912. I just won a Featherweight on the bay, and i was wondering if i'm going to like it or not. Some say it's very mild, while others says it's a wonderful and comfortable razor. Any thoughts?
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Post by PJGH on Jul 30, 2014 2:26:13 GMT -6
First, welcome ... well, home I think it is fair to say that the Featherweight feels on the light side of the 1912, it is certainly no less a capable shave. Horses for courses, though ... for folks who shave every day, it makes that easy, comfortable shave, for heavier beards and a couple of days between shaving, it might feel to struggle. I have a couple and enjoy them. Given your other razors, you have a decent set there - something regular, something stronger and something lighter. Good score!
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Post by HoosierTrooper on Jul 30, 2014 4:34:17 GMT -6
I have several Feather Weights because they are my "birth era" GEM razors. Like all of the later models they are considered mild when compared to some of the earlier ones, but my problem with them is the handle. For me it's just not a comfortable or ergonomic design.
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Post by mjclark on Jul 30, 2014 5:59:05 GMT -6
I've never enjoyed the Feather Weight either for the shave or the looks. If you like mild shavers then give it a try, but I never see it on anybody's list of favourites.
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ShadowsDad
Gem Star
None boring shaver!!
"It's not the bow, it's the Indian"
Posts: 4,534
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Post by ShadowsDad on Jul 30, 2014 13:08:19 GMT -6
I learned to shave with a FW and back then I liked it and thought it was a hair too aggressive. Today I can use it, but it's not my favorite razor because it's too mild.
Let us know how you like it after trying it.
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Post by drumzalot on Jul 30, 2014 16:52:20 GMT -6
When I started SE shaving I didn't like my Feather Weight and gave it away. Not so long ago I scored another one for dirt cheap. My opinion of the Feather Weight has changed drastically. I love this razor it's so easy to use and it renders a quick mild shave. Personally, I think the Gem Feather Weight shaves like a late injector and I love those.
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Post by fram773 on Jul 30, 2014 19:10:11 GMT -6
I had one and I didn't keep it. It was mild, making for a very comfortable shave but it tugged if I didn't shave every day with it. It also didn't provide much of any auditory/tactile feedback. I ended up getting cut with it more than my Ever Ready 1924 (one of the most aggressive SE razors out there) for that reason. Don't underestimate it.
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Post by birdlives on Sept 4, 2014 0:05:57 GMT -6
I think there's more to this one than meets the eye...Yes it's light and does render an effortless close shave. I myself have always considered it very capable but preferred my ER 1924 and ER 1914. But this past week I have been getting reacquainted with my Schick Eversharp Hydro-magic, and it has been giving me very close shaves. I missed yesterday so today my whiskers were thick, and for some reason I grabbed my Feather-Weight which I haven't used in maybe a year. It knocked me out...It does require more of an injector type stroke and it does remind me very much of my favorite injectors, and thats a very good thing....
Yep! I think GEM got another one absolutely right!....and I believe Mickey Mantle felt the same way...ha,ha...
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spidey9
Lather Catcher
All SE all the time!
Posts: 641
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Post by spidey9 on Dec 30, 2014 0:29:48 GMT -6
Why start a new thread when I can bump an old one? This morning I decided to take a break from the Lather Catchers. On a whim I broke out my Gem Featherweight. I think I had shaved with this razor once, right after I got it. I recall it being okay, but too mild to be very interesting. I loaded a brand new Gem stainless steel ptfe blade. Stop me if you've heard this before: "The stainless steel blades tend to be a little harsh the first couple of shaves." Well, not this time. I ended up with a quick mostly BBS irritation-free shave, barely feeling the alum block. There wasn't the slightest hint of harshness. I don't know if it's the compact head or the square plastic handle (or both), but more than anything the featherweight reminds me of an injector. The plastic handle is also more ergonomic than I remembered. The razor has an agile feel. I get a couple of takeaways from today's shave. First, it is worthwhile to revisit razors that I haven't used in a while, even if I don't remember them as being very impressive. As I gain experience my technique improves and my tastes change. Second, the featherweight is now my official "break-in" razor, to be used for a couple of shaves every time I open a new stainless steel blade. I also derive a certain satisfaction from the fact that this is the least expensive razor in my entire collection, having cost me US $1.04. --Bob
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Post by Petrvs on Dec 30, 2014 1:59:28 GMT -6
Great choice Bob! I only use Gem Stanless Blades, out of necessity more than choice, because I don't know where to find carbon blades here in Europe (advices are welcome! ) so I've been using the Feather Weight, as you say, as a "break-in" razor for a while now and I find it to be excellent for this purpose. Take 2 shaves with a new Stainless Blade, and it will be ready to perform at its best in any other razor (usually my next step is the OCMM, which for me will be impossible to use with a new SS Blade!). ....and a thumbs up for the classic green Proraso! A timeless classic here in Italy.
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Post by mjclark on Dec 30, 2014 2:54:49 GMT -6
That's very interesting about the blades. I have owned and sold on three Featherweights because of the skin irritation I have experienced with them, and I do not use stainless SE blades because of their harshness and general inferiority to the carbons.
But your experience has made me interested about the Featherweight/Stainless combo.
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ShadowsDad
Gem Star
None boring shaver!!
"It's not the bow, it's the Indian"
Posts: 4,534
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Post by ShadowsDad on Dec 30, 2014 16:29:05 GMT -6
I always start my GEM SS ptfe blades in a milder razor for a few shaves before putting them in the razors that I prefer to use. I'd say you're right on target.
Lots of gents claim that those blades aren't sharp, but I never experienced, and the logic doesn't flow, that a SS blade gets sharper after a few uses before getting into it's own. I think that they just settle in.
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Post by wchnu on Dec 30, 2014 18:10:01 GMT -6
I have put a slim-v in my rotation lately. I am getting very nice shaves with it and a PAL or Treet carbon steel blade.
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Post by misterdroid on Jan 5, 2015 14:45:58 GMT -6
I too have a featherweight question... there are two versions of the featherweight. One kind has an all plastic handle, the other has a metal tip on the handle. My question is this; does the metal tip version come in nickel? I assume it must, as with the exception of lather catchers,every other Gem in my collection comes in both gold and silver versions. But!- I have yet to locate a silver colored metal tip. So I have decided to ask for expert help, rather than spend more time hunting something that doesn't exist.
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ShadowsDad
Gem Star
None boring shaver!!
"It's not the bow, it's the Indian"
Posts: 4,534
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Post by ShadowsDad on Jan 5, 2015 15:47:06 GMT -6
MD, I can't tell you precisely where it is, but I know there is a thread regarding the identification of the FW on the forum. I remember pictures and the end caps as well. Just dig a bit (or use the search function) and it'll show itself.
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