What did we learn from our last shaves?

I'm surprised you don't have a Gillette New OC on that list Ryan, they are fun to shave with and I find them very exacting. They work extremely well under the nose and corners of the mouth. Good for hard to reach areas.

 

These men must have really known something when designing the OC's, I can't say I have ever had a bad shave with one and I have four of them and of course the hybrid R41 which is genius unto itself.

 

That's awesome info Ryan, you're always super informed, it's a wonder you get anything done with the amount of reading you do. I know women took on unorthodox jobs during war times but WW2 started in 1939 I think, so it was customary for Gillette to hire women for these tasks? If so that's actually pretty darn cool.

 

That a Maggard knot is a wonder to behold..and that my post-war Tech out-performs my pre-war Tech.

 

Yesterday's shave was sublime. GSB in the Parker 99R, third use on that blade. I've tried a few vintage razors now, but the Parker really shines for me. Closest shave I have had for quite a while.

Today I tried to replicate results with out as much success. I did change soaps, from VDH to TSD soap, and also a new blade, GSB again. New blade was pretty harsh. Had a few weepers, and a mole nick as well.

Maybe it's just a bad blade. I don't remember the last blade being so harsh the first time I used it. My lather was a bit thin, but I've had plenty of good shaves with the shaveden soaps. Not sure what went wrong. I chased the baby yesterday, so maybe I was just more sensitive today?

So I guess I learned that variables are very hard to keep track of. I *thought* I was really only changing the soap variable, which I didn't really see as an issue going in to today's shave. Results have made me think that over. New blade, even though the same type, and new soap, and technique (aforementioned thin lather) were all really changed. Disappointing to some degree. I ended up with a close shave both days. Yesterday's was closer, but today's was still DFS+. Due to irritation on first two passes I didn't chase it today. The overall experience was quite different, not nearly as enjoyable today as yesterday.

Over the last four days, I've learned that the Parker gets the area under my chin shaved much closer than my SS, Tech, slim, and krona (have not tried my red tip out yet). Even better than my injectors. Injectors are better under the nose, due to slim head profile. I'll still grab one at the end of the shave to get the last few hairs a DE always leaves untrimmed directly under my nares.

 

Two shaves are all I can get out of a Voskhod. Cheeks & chin were close, but I can still feel a bit o' stubble going XTG on my throat. Gonna try the black-tip tomorrow night with a new Bic and see what happens.

 

+1 two and toss!

 

First time using route 66...

I learned I really like it. Good stuff, and the scent A Perfect Gent smells really great

 

Today I confirmed that I consistently get a better shave with long handled razors.

 

Gotta try a Lady Gillette. Great shaves, and your face won't know it has little pink or blue stars.

 

I looked at a few some time back and then left it alone, might revisit the idea. BTW Steve the N1 is at the PO, I think it will be here today!

 

I thought about getting one just to add to my collection, but it appears folks are too proud of 'em. Flare-tip Super Speed prices are up, too.

 

I finally figured out that when I shave my head it doesn't have to be cue ball clean. A DFS is completely acceptable.

 

I have an SR1 shavette that I've played with, but only on the face. I used it exclusively for a couple of months, but I just couldn't get comfortable with the angles. I have a straight that I tried once. It had been freshly honed, but felt really tuggy, so I set it aside until I have some time to strop it and test the edge. It just seems like a lot of work without much return over a DE or SE for me.

 

That a vintage Gillette Travel Tech can be an efficient, effective razor. You just have to make some adjustments due to the really small handle. Those are cool razors!

 

That may be the secret to your head shaving comfort!

 

Yeah Chris I've realized that a nice clean shave is much better than a bloody mess.