Best shave yet with a wedge SE. I refreshed my other blade before shaving this morning and used it for a great shave with the Nordic Beauty - aka C.V. Heljestrand. The second pass (XTG) was particularly smooth and the third pass (ATG) was smoother than usual as well. Fewest touch ups yet with these razors and an outstanding result. Nothing but face rubbing goodness.

AOS Lavender PSO
Stirling Soap Bergamot Lavender
T&H Wellington Super Badger
C.V. Heljestrand
C.V. Heljestrand (7) (1)
60 laps before/40 laps after
T&H Classic After Shave Balm



Happy shaving - Karl

I hear you loud and clear! I have adopted the approach of using DE and SE on alternate days...but I feel the tug of the SE. Problem is I really enjoy my DE...and I can get a great shave from a DE. But the SE is just so effortless and efficient. This is turning into a mental battle for me...I feel the cold glare of the DE in my razor drawer every time I reach for the SE...but I am drawn to the SE. HELP! Maybe we need to form a support group...

The same thing has been happening to me, especially in the past three to four days....oh the humanity!

Ok...I see how this is going to play out...I'll put on the coffee, you guys put the chairs in a circle...

Well I'll join this coffee klatch if you'll have me...(are there cookies?)

Basically I believe - It's your shave brother, have it your way!
(Copyright @swarden43 )

For me after 40 years of carts and electric, I now realize that the fixed idea I had developed - of shaving the same way, day after day - is going to change.


Once I was hooked on the idea of this type of shavings and was content with the time it would take to learn how to shave like this, I also realized that, within economic restraints, I would begin to explore the subtle differences with gear. (I've stated many times that being on this site can promote acquisition disorder, but we live with it to one degree or another.)

But no matter if I was to discover 2 razors that are great for me, or 2 dozen, I am slowly coming to the place where there's nothing wrong with using various gear on a regular basis - whether you change day to day, week to week, etc. - I will decide how that proceeds - without the guilt of saying, "I love this razor, but i also love that one (and that one, and that one, and...)

Maybe I'll have three razors that I use on a week to week schedule. Maybe I'll have two 'special' razors nearby so that if I wake up and realize I need a quick shave, I'll have the best razor for that always at the ready. Or if I'm having a night on the town with my sweetie, I'll always have my 'baby chaser' at the ready.

And at some point maybe I'll just settle with one that fits like a cozy pair of slippers and just use it as my regular and pull out others just for a change of pace.

All in all, I'm not going to look at this as I'm just going to settle on one razor and sell all my others, though sticking with my theory, there's nothing wrong with that either. (Except for the potential for remorse, which I actively try to avoid.)

Wouldn't mind hearing from others who have been at this for a long time - from collectors to one razor shavers...how have you resolved the dilemma?

...please pass the coffee...

The Wedge Train is a Pickin Up Steam..Choo..Choo..

Billy..

Today's Shave: Wednesday May 18, 2016

Rocnel
1/2 Personna Med Prep DE blade (1)
The Grooming Co. synthetic brush
WSP Rustic Shaving Soap Gaelic Tweed
Chiseled Face Groomatorium Ghost Town Barber aftershave

Another smooth close shave with the Rocnel. Today I managed to nick myself pretty good - entirely my fault. This razor is a smooth shaver, so smooth that it is easy to let the mind wander. I did, and paid the price. Perhaps this is why I keep putting off learning to use a straight razor.

--Bob

For me there really isn't a dilemma. I'm happy shaving with both SE and DE razors. I've ran across a few that I just didn't like for whatever reason and sold em down the road. Repeating razors, injector's, awesome! A few select traditional Gem SE razors, great! I have vintage and new DE razors that are fine tools. I'm happy to have the variety. Sometimes it's not just about how a razor shaves, but also about how it looks and feels as well. BTW pass the coffee please!

My turn. Hello everyone...my name is Rusty and I have a problem. I believe many of you know my story. I enjoy both DE and SE razors...but for different reasons. I recently discovered, no -- more like fell head over heels in love with -- the Schick Type G and I believe I have found heaven in a razor. I think I could use this razor exclusively for the rest of my life. Now this is all well and good, but I also have a drawer full of incredibly nice DE razors (Merkur 23c, Gillette Fat Handle Tech among several others). Both give near perfect shaves, but there is something about the Schick Type G that I really find attractive and unique. The colours, the design, the fine lines...the way it handles on the turns. I am torn...I lay awake at night trying to decide which one to use in the morning. If I reach for a DE, the Schick winks at me and I melt....if I use the Schick I see the glare of light flash on one of my DEs.:ahem:

We recently had a family meeting of SE and DE razors and we decided to alternate daily between SE and DE razors. So far this approach seems to be working well. But I find myself thinking about my SE all the time.

Signed,
In love with two razors

Too funny. I gave in to the SE beauties. I will not be getting rid of my DE's because if I find the urge to stray one day. That way I can reunite with my old flames.

I feel so much better now that i have gotten this off my chest.

I feel so dirty. Time to go visit my lovely SE.

Tom

Hey Bob..You Inspired Me to get Into Hollow Ground Blade SEs ..A Straight Razor is just Another Hollow Ground Blade...

Billy..

I've all but ditched DE razors. Chick blades and more recently modded Feather AC's provide fantastic shaves in virtually any Schick razor I choose to load. Oddly enough I wasnt chosen by the Pal razor and have PIF'd most away, along with the Gillette collection. The Mongoose and the Bunny both give a great shave as well and will likely make up two of my six or so of my SE razor rotation. If someone put a gun to my head and made me choose one razor, I'd be forced to choose the Type D loaded with the modded Feather.............mind you I haven't tried the Bunny with a modded blade yet

Been using the Mongoose all week and it hasn't dissapointed.

OK guys....The new Damaskeene has made the scene....Photos and review to follow shortly....
This is a cased razor with old style case with Iron Cross on the blue velvet....
7 Damaskeene blades in the Silver Blade vault
1 Damaskeene blade in the box blade slot
And 1 curious razor....Because it has the old pre 1919 frame, with GEM Cutlery Co New York USA on the back....And "Use Only With GEM Damaskeene Blades" printed on the inside base plate, in the old style print, like the original Damaskeene Open Comb....BUT it has the Beveled Top Blade Cover ...

Now my question is....is this all original, or has the Top Cap been replaced?? Everything seems to line up and look Great....and I shaved using a new GEM Stainless with a 1/2 shim and it shaved just like my curved top Damaskeene only maybe just a tad more efficient...But still that unique, Dammy Ultra Smoothness, that seems indigenous to the Damaskeenes....Those that have had that experience, KNOW what I'm referring to...Don't get me wrong...I also love the more aggressive nature of later 1912s, but this one is more of the ultra smoothy earlier one feel...

Here the pics:
Set..Old Style Cross:

Profile:

Top Cap:

Old style lettering and advertisment

Bevel


Definitely GEM Cutlery Co, and not GEM Brooklyn

And the pre 1919 large Patd 1912 print...

Some say the bevel didn't make the scene til after 1919....others say they were always around...So....is this an all original or a Frankengem?

Some are wrong. I have a couple of Gem Cutlery Co. Damaskeenes with flat/bevel caps, and I also have a Gem Safety Razor Corp. Damaskeene with a curved cap. There is no rhyme nor reason to it. I think that they had both types and used them indiscriminately.

I think it is very probable that your set is all original. Enjoy!

--Bob

Yeah, that's what I keep telling myself. But then I ask myself, "So why do they call them cut throat razors?"

I have a couple of straights (part of a lot purchase) and eventually I'll hone them up and have a go at it.

Eventually.

--Bob

I was surprised at how exaggerated the fear campaign is for the Str8s....wasn't really that bad....BUT...I was also surprised at how much closer my SE shaves were than my Str8 shaves....I suppose eventually I could get as close a shave, but I don't think that is what the str8 is really about, like it is with a really good SE....I mean, a good SE just gives closer shaves....It's the nature of the beast....It's just not in our best interest to try and get just as close a shave with a str8 as with one of your best SEs or Injectors...

So most the time, I'm looking for a really polished, close BBS...and thats just not what a str8 is about...I think Str8s are about, never having to buy another blade, and the fun of maintaining your edge (half the fun), mapping out all the angles (the angle game is maybe the other half the fun of a str8 ) and getting good dfs'es...

Thanks for getting back to me....

New Damaskeene's Maiden Voyage
Prep: Hot Shower-Whisker Shampoo & Conditioner
Lather/Brush: Arko/Vintage Stag Badger (Carrington refurbish)
Razor/Blade: 1912 GEM Cutlery & Co. Damaskeene/GEM Stainless w 1/2 shim, d1
Post: Thayer's Witch Hazel
AfterShave: Clubman Orig./Special Reserve

I had a 3 1/2 day, pretty thick whisker reserve, waiting on this razor to make the scene...Going into this shave, I was thinking my whisker base was too thick...That it wasn't a fair test....BUT....

First pass, not one tug or hesitation. Smooth, Ultra Smooth was the order of the day. Had that, "did I put a blade in here?" feeling...But the results were definitely better than DFS. I did a 2nd pass, ATG just to guarantee BBS, and it did. Was looking for the baby and found a Dolphin...

It's been too long...But I was instantly reminded of the indicative Damakeene experience....Feels way milder than the results show...I'm very pleased..Now to try and wipe this smile off my face.....

There are fans of the Damaskeene that claim it is the Greatest Razor Design....if I wanted to argue the point, I couldn't think of anything to say about this razor that wouldn't support their claim...}8^))

Schick day today! Wonderful shave this morning. This was my day with the Schick Type G and once again it surpassed my expectations. Incredibly smooth and effortless. I noticed something about the design of the Type G. The end of the handle...it is not square, but rather on a 45 degree angle...the perfect spot to place your baby finger when holding the razor. Pure design genius.

This morning a one pass WTG journey of pure delight. As I was shaving pixie dust was falling from heaven and harp music was playing...the Schick Type G worked its magic. I felt myself transported to shaving paradise...until someone knocked on the bathroom door. What a great way to start the day.

Pre: Proraso preshave cream
Razor: Schick Type G
Soap: Haslinger Schafmilch
Brush: Semogue
Post: Witch Hazel / shea butter / Clinique Post Shave Soother.