Pass Around Vestige Gem passaround
- Thread starter Holyzeus
- Start date
slapo
It's... alive!
The razor's very well made, though the thin lather slot dividers make me question the design's durability.
It is, however, quite visually appealing.
I really appreciated how light and relatively compact the razor head is, as most GEM razors are a little chunky and hefty for their size.
My first shave was on Saturday, the standard plate vs the + plate.
I'd shaved the day before and wanted to see how it would do on short stubble.
The angle was a no-brainer - the head's shave is very suggestive about it.
I didn't use the stock handle, but a RazoRock Superknurl handle.
Both plates actually felt about the same - smooth, non-threatening, fairly efficient, minimal blade feel. However, after the shave, I'd realised that the standard plate is probably a lot more demanding on keeping the angle than I'd thought, as my face felt a little scruffy still, though I couldn't tell just from looking at it, and I couldn't detect it when feeling for it during the shave. The result was like I'd just shaved with an electric shaver.
Still, no weepers and great comfort, except for the initial few strokes where the fresh blade felt a touch rough, but that was gone before long.
The + plate had this one.
I'm ill at the moment (probably flu), but felt like making myself feel more like a human late on Wednesday when I woke up after having slept through a good part of the day.
I pitched the standard plate against the ++ plate and used the stock handle this time.
I'll say that to me, the stock handle doesn't feel bad but not secure enough that I'd actually want to use it. A little bit of soap got on it and I had to rinse it off right away, as I felt the handle slipping.
Even though I tried harder with the standard plate this time, the results were only marginally closer than on Saturday. A close, comfortable shave, but I was hoping for a close finish this time, especially on my cheek where I usually get it even without trying.
The ++ plate felt the same, but clearly wasn't, as I got two small weepers with it. That's almost certainly because I just for a little gung-ho with it, though. The result was just about what I was hoping for, BBS with a few spots where I probably stopped paying as close attention to the angle as I should've.
The ++ plate gets this one.
The two shaves make me wonder whether going ATG with the standard plate wouldn't be the best course of action with it. I just might give that a go.
It is, however, quite visually appealing.
I really appreciated how light and relatively compact the razor head is, as most GEM razors are a little chunky and hefty for their size.
My first shave was on Saturday, the standard plate vs the + plate.
I'd shaved the day before and wanted to see how it would do on short stubble.
The angle was a no-brainer - the head's shave is very suggestive about it.
I didn't use the stock handle, but a RazoRock Superknurl handle.
Both plates actually felt about the same - smooth, non-threatening, fairly efficient, minimal blade feel. However, after the shave, I'd realised that the standard plate is probably a lot more demanding on keeping the angle than I'd thought, as my face felt a little scruffy still, though I couldn't tell just from looking at it, and I couldn't detect it when feeling for it during the shave. The result was like I'd just shaved with an electric shaver.
Still, no weepers and great comfort, except for the initial few strokes where the fresh blade felt a touch rough, but that was gone before long.
The + plate had this one.
I'm ill at the moment (probably flu), but felt like making myself feel more like a human late on Wednesday when I woke up after having slept through a good part of the day.
I pitched the standard plate against the ++ plate and used the stock handle this time.
I'll say that to me, the stock handle doesn't feel bad but not secure enough that I'd actually want to use it. A little bit of soap got on it and I had to rinse it off right away, as I felt the handle slipping.
Even though I tried harder with the standard plate this time, the results were only marginally closer than on Saturday. A close, comfortable shave, but I was hoping for a close finish this time, especially on my cheek where I usually get it even without trying.
The ++ plate felt the same, but clearly wasn't, as I got two small weepers with it. That's almost certainly because I just for a little gung-ho with it, though. The result was just about what I was hoping for, BBS with a few spots where I probably stopped paying as close attention to the angle as I should've.
The ++ plate gets this one.
The two shaves make me wonder whether going ATG with the standard plate wouldn't be the best course of action with it. I just might give that a go.
slapo
It's... alive!
Another two shaves are in - one on Friday, and one yesterday.
The Friday shave was a the standard Vestige plate vs Starling v2 SB.
I went ATG on the first pass with the Vestige, and it did yield the closest shave with that plate yet, though the skin on my neck wasn't entirely happy about it.
The Starling was more efficient, and the first pass with it WTG felt almost as close as the first pass ATG with the Vestige. However, the SB plate of the Starling wasn't very smooth. It was better after the first pass, and the Starling didn't really need pickups, whereas the Vestige did.
My skin actually felt about the same in the end, except on the neck on the Vestige side, which was a little irritated, but not much.
The bulk of the Starling head was a touch annoying, but that's because I haven't used it in a while and it wasn't really getting in the way as such, which surprised me somewhat.
I'd call this one a draw, because while the Vestige was more pleasant in use, the Starling was alright after the first pass and more efficient.
Yesterday, it was the ++ plate of the Vestige vs Clog Pruf.
This might've been the closest one yet. The Clog Pruf was almost as smooth as the Vestige, and a touch more efficient, but the head felt clunkier than Starling from the previous shave, despite being smaller.
The result ended up being just about even, except for some tighter spots, with the same number of passes required and no irritation. One skin tag went of with a wail, but that was on me entirely.
I'd give this one to the Vestige, because I had some trouble with the Clog Pruf in tighter spots whereas the Vestige was fine there.
The Friday shave was a the standard Vestige plate vs Starling v2 SB.
I went ATG on the first pass with the Vestige, and it did yield the closest shave with that plate yet, though the skin on my neck wasn't entirely happy about it.
The Starling was more efficient, and the first pass with it WTG felt almost as close as the first pass ATG with the Vestige. However, the SB plate of the Starling wasn't very smooth. It was better after the first pass, and the Starling didn't really need pickups, whereas the Vestige did.
My skin actually felt about the same in the end, except on the neck on the Vestige side, which was a little irritated, but not much.
The bulk of the Starling head was a touch annoying, but that's because I haven't used it in a while and it wasn't really getting in the way as such, which surprised me somewhat.
I'd call this one a draw, because while the Vestige was more pleasant in use, the Starling was alright after the first pass and more efficient.
Yesterday, it was the ++ plate of the Vestige vs Clog Pruf.
This might've been the closest one yet. The Clog Pruf was almost as smooth as the Vestige, and a touch more efficient, but the head felt clunkier than Starling from the previous shave, despite being smaller.
The result ended up being just about even, except for some tighter spots, with the same number of passes required and no irritation. One skin tag went of with a wail, but that was on me entirely.
I'd give this one to the Vestige, because I had some trouble with the Clog Pruf in tighter spots whereas the Vestige was fine there.
J349
Forum GOD!
That’s true, I’ll put myself after Gian and I see then if I can manage it. Thanks.
1. p.b *Completed*
2. Holyzeus *Completed*
3. Masamune *Completed*
4. Crossan *Completed*
5. slapo *With*
E.U. Passaround
1. Ventastic
2. Gian
3. J349
slapo
It's... alive!
My last shave with the + plate of the Vestige, against the Micromatic OC yesterday morning.
The shave and results are consistent with previous uses - the Vestige is very smooth, and from the + plate on, also easier to get a BBS with. I think I prefer the ++ plate, as it feels about the same to me, but is easier to keep the angle with, thus I get better results with it.
The Micromatic OC was almost as smooth, but a fair bit clunkier to navigate around. Not bad, just not as nice. It did remind me why I hardly use GEM razors these days.
The Micromatic was, however, more efficient. I'd guess that a +++ Vestige plate would feel similar, and yield similar results, if it existed.
The Vestige might be the nicest GEM razor I've had the pleasure to use overall. The vintage Micromatics and GEMs are very good, and the PAA ones are decent, but the smaller head of the Vestige makes it easier to see where I'm shaving... and I like that it's a three piece.
I don't use GEM blades much, and I don't like the lack of blade choice, otherwise I'd be saving for one.
Actually, I might end up getting one next year or so, after I'll have culled the herd.
To sum things up:
Pros:
- the head is:
- small,
- lithe,
- easy to maneuvre,
- almost any M5 handle can be used (I liked the RazoRock Super Knurl with it),
- the flow-through is decent and could cope with fuzz on my shoulders and upper arms with little trouble,
- I only needed a GEM blade throughout - they don't always last this well,
- it's a pretty razor.
Cons:
- occasionally, assembling the head was a little fussy,
- the super thin lather hole separators on the comb gave me a bit of anxiety initially and I'd be concerned about their longevity,
- the smooth stock handle is somewhat slippery, though OK if kept soap-free at all times,
Other notes:
- I think that if the head had blade stop on the comb rather than the side stops, it might be feasible to use it with injector blades, and possibly also Feather blades (the ones OneBlade takes).
- Having an open comb plate would be nice.
Thank you to @Atelier Durdan and @Holyzeus for organising the passaround and letting me try the razor.
The shave and results are consistent with previous uses - the Vestige is very smooth, and from the + plate on, also easier to get a BBS with. I think I prefer the ++ plate, as it feels about the same to me, but is easier to keep the angle with, thus I get better results with it.
The Micromatic OC was almost as smooth, but a fair bit clunkier to navigate around. Not bad, just not as nice. It did remind me why I hardly use GEM razors these days.
The Micromatic was, however, more efficient. I'd guess that a +++ Vestige plate would feel similar, and yield similar results, if it existed.
The Vestige might be the nicest GEM razor I've had the pleasure to use overall. The vintage Micromatics and GEMs are very good, and the PAA ones are decent, but the smaller head of the Vestige makes it easier to see where I'm shaving... and I like that it's a three piece.
I don't use GEM blades much, and I don't like the lack of blade choice, otherwise I'd be saving for one.
Actually, I might end up getting one next year or so, after I'll have culled the herd.
To sum things up:
Pros:
- the head is:
- small,
- lithe,
- easy to maneuvre,
- almost any M5 handle can be used (I liked the RazoRock Super Knurl with it),
- the flow-through is decent and could cope with fuzz on my shoulders and upper arms with little trouble,
- I only needed a GEM blade throughout - they don't always last this well,
- it's a pretty razor.
Cons:
- occasionally, assembling the head was a little fussy,
- the super thin lather hole separators on the comb gave me a bit of anxiety initially and I'd be concerned about their longevity,
- the smooth stock handle is somewhat slippery, though OK if kept soap-free at all times,
Other notes:
- I think that if the head had blade stop on the comb rather than the side stops, it might be feasible to use it with injector blades, and possibly also Feather blades (the ones OneBlade takes).
- Having an open comb plate would be nice.
Thank you to @Atelier Durdan and @Holyzeus for organising the passaround and letting me try the razor.
Ventastic
Forum GOD!
Oh wow and I‘m next. Come to papa you beauty
Gian
Forum GOD!
Hello friends,
I finished my personal tests with this wonderful razor. It's difficult to say more than what has already been said, but I'll try.
First of all I was really impressed with the build quality and workmanship of the Vestige. The foam holes in the base plates are a particular eye-catcher. The weight and balance felt great.
I really like Ti razors but this Vestige is so surprisingly light and agile that it didn't make me crave Ti.
The workmanship is almost perfect, some small signs of workmanship can be seen but all corners and surfaces are smooth and shiny. No jagged edges.
The handle is thin and the head is thin too, it looks like a toy and maybe some might not like it. But getting along with this razor is very easy since it is very well manageable.
I really like its stand which has a particular design and fits perfectly on the handle.
The loading/unloading of the blade is almost perfect, but can be improved without sacrificing the alignment of the blade, the appearance with the blade visible on the back does not cause any problems.
The small head makes them very precise (similar to the Vector), especially in the mustache area where it is appreciated most.
I tried all 3 straighteners with different beard lengths. My favorite was the ++ which I find unmatched by other GEM razors.
The + is extremely comfortable, but lacked the efficiency, much like an Ever-Ready Streamline. The standard straightener used only once is really too delicate for me, I wouldn't use it at all in the future.
Every shave I had no discomfort and above all no irritation, so it was a surprisingly positive experience.
Overall, I immediately found this razor quite easy to use, therefore an impressive feeling.
It's sad to have to let him go, but the Pass Around must continue. @Ventastic Ålex now it's your turn.
Thank you Augustin @Atelier Durdan for letting me try this razor.
Your design, workmanship, finish places you at the top of the best craftsmen I have known.
Thanks to @Holyzeus for handling this.
I finished my personal tests with this wonderful razor. It's difficult to say more than what has already been said, but I'll try.
First of all I was really impressed with the build quality and workmanship of the Vestige. The foam holes in the base plates are a particular eye-catcher. The weight and balance felt great.
I really like Ti razors but this Vestige is so surprisingly light and agile that it didn't make me crave Ti.
The workmanship is almost perfect, some small signs of workmanship can be seen but all corners and surfaces are smooth and shiny. No jagged edges.
The handle is thin and the head is thin too, it looks like a toy and maybe some might not like it. But getting along with this razor is very easy since it is very well manageable.
I really like its stand which has a particular design and fits perfectly on the handle.
The loading/unloading of the blade is almost perfect, but can be improved without sacrificing the alignment of the blade, the appearance with the blade visible on the back does not cause any problems.
The small head makes them very precise (similar to the Vector), especially in the mustache area where it is appreciated most.
I tried all 3 straighteners with different beard lengths. My favorite was the ++ which I find unmatched by other GEM razors.
The + is extremely comfortable, but lacked the efficiency, much like an Ever-Ready Streamline. The standard straightener used only once is really too delicate for me, I wouldn't use it at all in the future.
Every shave I had no discomfort and above all no irritation, so it was a surprisingly positive experience.
Overall, I immediately found this razor quite easy to use, therefore an impressive feeling.
It's sad to have to let him go, but the Pass Around must continue. @Ventastic Ålex now it's your turn.
Thank you Augustin @Atelier Durdan for letting me try this razor.
Your design, workmanship, finish places you at the top of the best craftsmen I have known.
Thanks to @Holyzeus for handling this.