Blackland Sabre GEM Razor

[p.b]

As Shane @Blackland Razors has posted in the vendor section where no-one can reply I thought I'd start a discussion on it here. The Blackbird is my favourite DE (by a long way) so I'm very interested in anything Shane is creating.

My first question is, what's so great about the GEM blades, anyone?

 

[Nico1970]

Per @p.b's post above, Shane @Blackland Razors has announced a new SE razor which takes GEM blades. You can read about it here and here.

I think it looks (and sounds) fantastic. Anyone else?

In my experience, the GEM blades are fairly cheap (at least compared to Feather FHS and Personna SE blades) and really rigid.

 

[Str8Mug]

Well, we can only judge by concept, and final cg graphics, but it does look promising. An actual pic of the real thing would be more telling.

 

[MPH]

I'm getting sick of buying from abroad and getting hit with the import bills.

I'm sure this razor is lovely. Hopefully if it is i can get one from the BST one day!

 

[Mr Bigmem]

I'm getting sick of buying from abroad and getting hit with the import bills.

I'm sure this razor is lovely. Hopefully if it is i can get one from the BST one day!

I hear you loud and clear on this one

 

[sɐǝɹpu∀]

My first question is, what's so great about the GEM blades, anyone?

I'm a big fan. I have more GEM blades stashed away than all other blades combined.
They are very stiff, unlike flimsy, fluttery DE blades.
They are reasonably priced (from 2.4p each when bought from Connaught).
They are sharp.
They are not ridiculously wide - unlike Feather AC blades.
They last longer than DE blades.
They fit in my Ever-Ready 1912. For that alone I bought 100s of them
I'm actually not sure if I'm a bigger fan of the blades or of the 1912.

I'm in two minds about a modern GEM-SE razor. On the one hand I'm intrigued and can't wait to try one. On the other hand I have my doubts if it will improve on the old classics. Also, you can still pick up a 1912 for a tenner or less.
Only a pass around will tell... Hint, hint, hint...

 

[ScOtt]

I'm a big fan. I have more GEM blades stashed away than all other blades combined.
They are very stiff, unlike flimsy, fluttery DE blades.
They are reasonably priced (from 2.4p each when bought from Connaught).
They are sharp.
They are not ridiculously wide - unlike Feather AC blades.
They last longer than DE blades.
They fit in my Ever-Ready 1912. For that alone I bought 100s of them
I'm actually not sure if I'm a bigger fan of the blades or of the 1912.

I'm in two minds about a modern GEM-SE razor. On the one hand I'm intrigued and can't wait to try one. On the other hand I have my doubts if it will improve on the old classics. Also, you can still pick up a 1912 for a tenner or less.
Only a pass around will tell... Hint, hint, hint...

I fancy giving the 1912 a go. Anything i need to lookout for when buying?
Also like the look of the streamline.

Sorry for going off tonic gents, but i would like to try a vintage before i get too excited about this new blackbird

 

[Blackland Razors]

I fancy giving the 1912 a go. Anything i need to lookout for when buying?
Also like the look of the streamline.

Sorry for going off tonic gents, but i would like to try a vintage before i get too excited about this new blackbird

I don't think that's off topic at all. You should definitely try a vintage GEM first!

I find GEMs to a real pleasure to use. Rigid and a bit more forgiving than DE blades, in my experience.

 

[Blackland Razors]

Quick note:

The final programming and setup is done and machining should have kicked off today. I expect to get the first heads off the production run next week.

 

[Rowlers]

I tired a 1912 (and a 1924?) and whilst the shave is really good, I just found the head of the razor too big. SO for gents with rather large noses, it can be a ball ache to shave the 'tash area!
Also, I just don't find the 1912s etc... very nice looking razors.. Maybe Shane @Blackland Razors has fixed both flaws for me!

 

[Blackland Razors]

I tired a 1912 (and a 1924?) and whilst the shave is really good, I just found the head of the razor too big. SO for gents with rather large noses, it can be a ball ache to shave the 'tash area!
Also, I just don't find the 1912s etc... very nice looking razors.. Maybe Shane @Blackland Razors has fixed both flaws for me!

If you can get under your nose with a DE you'll easily be able to do so with the Sabre. The head is a bit smaller and thinner than DE heads. I really don't think you could make a more reduced head on a GEM razor.

 

[sɐǝɹpu∀]

I'm a big fan. I have more GEM blades stashed away than all other blades combined.
They are very stiff, unlike flimsy, fluttery DE blades.
They are reasonably priced (from 2.4p each when bought from Connaught).
They are sharp.
They are not ridiculously wide - unlike Feather AC blades.
They last longer than DE blades.
They fit in my Ever-Ready 1912. For that alone I bought 100s of them

I'm now embarrassed about my poor mastery of simple maths!
Make that 12p per blade. I have no idea what my brain was doing... Wishful thinking probably. Still a good price though...

 

[Electrif]

Only a pass around will tell... Hint, hint, hint...

Nice one Andreas. Expected nothing less.

 

[sɐǝɹpu∀]

Nice one Andreas. Expected nothing less.

You misread who the hint was for...

 

[Blackland Razors]

You misread who the hint was for...

I haven't decided yet on a pass around, but I'm open to the idea. Based on feedback from the announcement yesterday I'm a little concerned about supply. I think I'll have plenty, but I want to be sure before I commit to sending any off for a pass around.