harsh first shave with Gem blades

[joelkerr]

Hi everyone,

I find that the first (and sometimes second) shave with a new Gem SE blade is always harsh for me. I expect it, so I plan accordingly (never use a new blade before an important event, and plan to not shave for at least 3 days afterwards). After the first or second shave, I can usually get around 20 more outstanding shaves from a blade before it starts to dull a little. I find this impressive, since I have a coarse beard. 

Anyways, I'm curious if there's any way to avoid this initial harshness, that won't affect the longevity of the blade. 

Thanks,
Joel

[Jayaruh]

Joel, you may like to try corking a new blade. You just run the edge trough the cork one time. This takes out any burrs and should make the blade smoother without shortening its life. Some like to use styrofoam for this purpose as well. Give it a shot and let me know how it goes.

[GAW9576]

Another good thing to try is useing a milder razor on the first shave or two. The Gem Featherweight is a great choice.
You could of course use a combination of corking and milder razor for the first shaves too.
If you cork a blade you only need to very lightly cut into the Cork/Styrofoam. I should probably do this more often myself since I have some sedative areas on my neck that can be problematic.

[joelkerr]

OK! I will definitely try corking the blade next time. This morning was the first shave with a new blade, which is why the problem came to mind, but I'll do it for my next shave with that blade - probably later this week. 

I currently mostly use my Micromatic, but I had the same issue when I was using the milder 1912, so I'm not sure the change of razor would do a lot, but it's also worth a try if corking isn't enough.

[riverrun]

Joel, you may like to try corking a new blade. You just run the edge trough the cork one time. This takes out any burrs and should make the blade smoother without shortening its life. Some like to use styrofoam for this purpose as well. Give it a shot and let me know how it goes.

I find corking a radical solution.
Also, the wine I drink has mostly screw tops.
I palm strop GEM blades instead.

[GAW9576]

OK! I will definitely try corking the blade next time. This morning was the first shave with a new blade, which is why the problem came to mind, but I'll do it for my next shave with that blade - probably later this week. 

I currently mostly use my Micromatic, but I had the same issue when I was using the milder 1912, so I'm not sure the change of razor would do a lot, but it's also worth a try if corking isn't enough.

If you are willing to pick up another razor the Gem featherweight is an excellent mild razor in my opinion. I find them a fare bit milder than the 1912. You can usually find them for quite reasonable prices in good condition and still fairly reasonable prices in great condition.

[joelkerr]

Joel, you may like to try corking a new blade. You just run the edge trough the cork one time. This takes out any burrs and should make the blade smoother without shortening its life. Some like to use styrofoam for this purpose as well. Give it a shot and let me know how it goes.

I find corking a radical solution.
Also, the wine I drink has mostly screw tops.
I palm strop GEM blades instead.

I've always palm stropped (I used to with DEs, as well). I find that it makes the blade last much longer. However, I find it doesn't make a difference in mellowing a brand new blade.

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OK! I will definitely try corking the blade next time. This morning was the first shave with a new blade, which is why the problem came to mind, but I'll do it for my next shave with that blade - probably later this week. 

I currently mostly use my Micromatic, but I had the same issue when I was using the milder 1912, so I'm not sure the change of razor would do a lot, but it's also worth a try if corking isn't enough.

If you are willing to pick up another razor the Gem featherweight is an excellent mild razor in my opinion. I find them a fare bit milder than the 1912. You can usually find them for quite reasonable prices in good condition and still fairly reasonable prices in great condition.

Oh great, another razor to add to the collection!

---

I just looked up the Featherweight. In the last year or two I've realized closed comb razors are pretty much useless for me because I have a coarse beard and I only shave a couple of times per week. Even the MMOC clogs up for me (this is a very good reason why my main shaving implement is a straight razor). So I doubt I'll buy a Featherweight.

[Wchnu]

Dump the SS blades and get some Carbon Steel Treets. I know you have to dry them after use but they are smooth from the start.

[joelkerr]

Dump the SS blades and get some Carbon Steel Treets. I know you have to dry them after use but they are smooth from the start.

Hmmm, I don’t know those blades. Where would a Canadian buy some of those?

[joelkerr]

The only place I can find those Treet carbon blades is eBay, and they cost $2 per blade, a little too expensive in my opinion. But I’ll keep my eyes open for them.