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Post by johna2231 on Apr 3, 2012 12:13:53 GMT -6
Now that you guys have fully converted me over to the SE world I'm getting ready to order 200 Gem Stainless PTFE SE blades from Ted Pella. In additions to the stainless blades I noticed that they also have Gem Blue blades that are "3 facet" I.E. "shave quality and profile" for a very reasonable price. I was thinking of ordering some of these to try also. I'm aware that the blue blades require more attention to keep them from rusting etc. for but for $16.50 per 200 (sands shipping) I'm sorely tempted to try them.
I was wondering if anyone had already tried these specific blades and if so what your impressions were?
If nobody has tried them I'm going to go ahead and order them (in addition to the Ted Pella Gem Stainless PTFE blades that are tried and true) so if I get them and they don't suck I'll be glad to PIF to anyone who'd like to try some.
Thanks,
John
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Post by HoosierTrooper on Apr 3, 2012 16:37:09 GMT -6
There was a member on the old TOS that ordered some of the carbon steel blades from TP, and said they were as good as the Treets and Blue Stars. He offered to send me a couple to try but they never arrived and he wouldn't answer PM's and quit posting so I never did know what happened to him. Here's the thread theoriginalsafety.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=b&action=display&thread=668&page=1Sounds like the same ones you're looking at.
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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 Apr 3, 2012 21:19:43 GMT -6
They sure are priced attractively at $17/200 blades. That's 1/2 of the 121-3s.
If someone only gets a few shaves from a blade that brings the price per shave way down. Of course that would happen for anyone, but it would be most helpful for someone only getting a few shaves per blade.
John when I was using carbon steel blades I'd put a drop or 2 of mineral oil (Skin so Soft actually) on both the top and bottom of the blade at installation and after final rinse off after use, another drop on the top and bottom to refresh the oil. Other than the increased maintenance I got as many shaves from a CS blade as a SS blade. Of course I have naturally soft water that isn't chlorinated. Chlorinated water is acidic and might be a problem. You might need to pull the blade and dry it, or swish it in acetone or alcohol to dry the blade and shave head. If you use acetone don't put it down the drain if you have PVC drain pipes. Acetone dissolves PVC. But acetone will pull the water out of anything. We used it in the lab to pull water out of cellulose fibers.
You'll have plenty of blades to experiment with to see what works best for you.
For others: I wouldn't use acetone on the late model black pushbutton razor. That looks like plastic to me and they probably wouldn't interact well together.
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Post by johna2231 on Apr 4, 2012 14:00:39 GMT -6
Tom,
I read the old thread and they certainly do sound the same to me.
Brian, good point on the longevity affecting the price. But most guys don't get 14 shaves out of a Stainless Gem like we do, so who knows how many we'll get from the blued. I'll give 'em a whirl and send so around to whoever wants some so we can get a more varied opinion regarding their worth.
John
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Post by johna2231 on Apr 14, 2012 21:20:25 GMT -6
OK, here's the update. Sorry it took so long, but I've been up in Neb. turkey hunting. Armed hiking in turkey country is more like it, since I didn't make any meat. I saw hundreds though, and almost got a few shots with the bow, but it was not to be this year. Exciting and fun and that's what it's all about.
Anyway, I mistakenly referred to these blades as Ted Pella Gem "blued blades". They are actually carbon steel blades (model 121-1 on Pella's web sight) that look shiney silver but are not stainless. They are available for just $16.50 per 200. I've only tried one blade so far and the first shave was OK, DFS, nothing to write home about. The second shave was so bad and rough that I canned the blade after the shave. Disappointing to say the least.
It's too early to really tell, but it seems to me that I have 199 window scrapers left at this point...grin.
Who knows, maybe the first blade was a dud? I'll get back to you when I have more miles on them. In the mean time, if any of my blade brothers on here would like to try some just PM me with your shipping information I'll send you a few to try. Bummer, I sure am glad I ordered a box of the good 121-3 Gem stainless PTFE blades that work well for me.
John
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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 Apr 14, 2012 22:47:43 GMT -6
I'lll try a couple. PM sent.
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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 Apr 22, 2012 9:21:13 GMT -6
John, I concur. Not a blade I'd stock up on.
While I probably could have shaved with the one I put in today, I wouldn't have enjoyed it at all. Heck, a 121-3 after 14 shaves feels better.
While they're less expensive they're just not worth the $ spent.
Tom, I have 2 of these blades left, PM me a place to send them to and they're yours, otherwise they go in with the window scraper blades.
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RocketMan
Gem Star
RazorAddict
Welcome To The Sharp Side!
Posts: 4,167
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Post by RocketMan on Apr 22, 2012 9:59:44 GMT -6
Well this just about finishes my curiosity over these. Thanx for sacrificing both your money and your skin for the results guys!!!
Ya both get a Karma Kick for this!!!
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Post by HoosierTrooper on Apr 22, 2012 10:26:15 GMT -6
John, I concur. Not a blade I'd stock up on. While I probably could have shaved with the one I put in today, I wouldn't have enjoyed it at all. Heck, a 121-3 after 14 shaves feels better. While they're less expensive they're just not worth the $ spent. Tom, I have 2 of these blades left, PM me a place to send them to and they're yours, otherwise they go in with the window scraper blades. Thanks, but they don't sound like they're worth the price of a stamp. I can always dig one out of the bottom of my almost full Altoids can blade bank for the same experience for free.
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Post by johna2231 on Apr 22, 2012 10:41:05 GMT -6
LOL at HT. Well, at least we now know. As I told SD, "So much for a 3 facet blade" being shave worthy", not true! Well, at least I'm getting some Karma out of it....grin.
John
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blobby
SE Super Freak
Posts: 83
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Post by blobby on Apr 22, 2012 18:09:15 GMT -6
And the quest for a third choice of SE blade ends in disappointment.
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blader
SE Super Freak
Posts: 20
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Post by blader on Apr 23, 2012 8:33:10 GMT -6
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Post by johna2231 on Apr 23, 2012 9:44:55 GMT -6
LOL, not me Blobby, I took the last hit. Time for a new guinea pig!
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RocketMan
Gem Star
RazorAddict
Welcome To The Sharp Side!
Posts: 4,167
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Post by RocketMan on Apr 23, 2012 20:44:29 GMT -6
I think it is right about where they say they are ideal for 'heavy industrial use' that I start to wonder about the finesse these blades will exhibit. Oooooooouch.
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blader
SE Super Freak
Posts: 20
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Post by blader on Apr 23, 2012 22:03:04 GMT -6
But coated, RocketMan, coated! How rough can they be?!
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