Awesome Adjustable Arko August!!!!

August 27

Grand Blade Trial


Razor - 1962 (H1) Gillette Slim (9)
Blade - (3)
Soap - Arko
Brush - Wolf Whiskers Custom Silvertip
Post - Alum, The Veg

Final day on the Treet Double Edge. Started with a close inspection of the blade. The rust hadn't encroached on the edge so I decided to use it on the final day. Apparently my alcohol trick worked over the past few days. Still, at the first sign of major problems, I can switch to a new blade.

The Wolf did a great job with the lather. As good as the 620, just a much softer feeling. Nice way to start the day. And, on the first stroke with the Slim at 9 I knew the blade was good to go. A bit smoother than yesterday, although I could change that by just adjusting angle. Staying just off the cap gave me a very noisy but comfortable shave. Clearly it was a carbon by the sound and feel, but a very nice feel. Two passes had the DFS, the third pass got me nearly to BBS. I don't think I've ever gotten the Black Beauty to catch the baby. But, a very good finish for the blade.

The sharpness of this blade, or lack thereof, is perfect for an aggressive setup and I do like the nostalgia of using a carbon blade. I usually keep a couple around in case I decide to go old school. Now I have a better idea which razor to use. The Slim wide open is a great choice, and even at 6 or better does a great job. Treet, of course, is from Pakistan and not only is the blade a great one, but they are really classy with their food service on the train as well.

Day off tomorrow and I'm figuring out what to use. In the meantime it's nearly my Friday and I'm ready for it. Labor Day is next weekend so another major sale is lurking. Hope your weekend is going well!

​

Day off tomorrow? May I suggest...Marvy?

You may. Suggestions are always welcomed. And potentially laughed at maniacally.

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This razor just made the cut last and it is on the bubble again, a Jacob Ray 7/8. It is a big heavy razor which I like but it is a square point which I don't like.

The edge was nice but not as smooth as I remember. I did 4 passes and I was expected allot of feedback from the alum, just a little bit of stinging, better than I expected. Just missed BBS but still a close shave. There was a little bit of blood, one weeper and I nicked my ear with point. I think this razor needs a touch up.

Irritation A- Closeness A- Smoothness A-Sharpness A-

August Focus Day 28:

Stirling Synthetic Brush
MWF
Gem Junior Bar
Stirling Unscented PSB
The Veg

Another great, easy shave with this razor. The MWF was on point this morning and I got DFS results on two passes. I capped it with some Veg to get ready for a nice Sunday at church. A buddy is covering for me at work, so I get to spend this day with my family, so it is a bonus day. I hope everyone has a great day!

Very handsome SR. Beautiful scales!

Awesome Adjustable Arko August!

Florida Water infused Arko
Van Der Hagen Boar brush
Gillette FatBoy & Voskhod
Alum and M&L's Florida H2O


I've enjoyed this month with my #195. Thanks to the bold shavers upping their game I went to setting seven and stayed there. Error free repeatable success shaving was the prize. If I only had one razor... but I don't
Keeping an eye on the shennanigans led me to adding a drop or twelve to my Arko lather. No discernible negative effect, shifted the scent to the floral. For those that have an issue with Arko's flavor this could alleviate the issue.
N→S, S→N, E↔W, G-slide⇋ for a DFS+. Alum went on smooth and quiet. High alcohol Florida Water didn't find any nicks.
I can hear the thunder outside. I'd rather wade through flood water than shovel snow.

Really looking forward to SEptember this year. I have a few SE I haven't used for a while and a couple new one. Here is my picture for today.

Thank you , the scales are in bone and match the razor nicely.

Since August and September's focus is to thin the straight razor herd I want to each razor it's best shot. This big 7/8 TI came 'shave ready'. The edge was OK but in order to give it's best chance to make the team I touched it up on my 12 & 16k stones followed by pasted strops.

The edge was smooth but did not feel super sharp, while the edge is acceptable I expect more smoothness and sharpness fresh of the stones. Four passes and just a tickle from the alum but fell just short of BBS.

Irritation A Closeness A- Smoothness A Sharpness A-

The competition in the den is getting very steep, we just added a free agent that looks to be our franchise quarterback, Mastro Livi and tomorrow our first round pick should arrive in the mail, a custom Koraat. The TI looks great with it's large hollow shelterless blade, sometimes less is more. Despite it's size it feels light and I prefer heavier razors. I thought after the touch up it would have an amazing edge, it had just a good edge. I am not sure it this razor will make the team. It is still a very nice razor and if I didn't think I had too many straights I would be happy to keep it. I think it will become trade bait. It will get more playing time before I make a decision.

SOTD August 28th


Gillette New Standard
Pol Silver SI
Blades Grim Smolder
Satin Tip The Purest

This was my shave setup this morning, and it reminded me how much I love vintage open combs. The New Standard is wonderfully aggressive, more so then the New IMO and the additional weight is fabulous. The Pol Silver was smooth and sharp, top tier for sure! Everything worked in harmony for a three pass BBS. 9 hours later and still smooth. Have a great evening friends!

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Nice setup. One of these days I will find one of those razors in my price range


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Awesome Adjustable Arko August!!!!

August 28

Grand Blade Trial - Day Off


Razor - '46-'47 Gillette Aristocrat
Blade - (1)
Soap - Mitchell's Wool Fat
Brush - Wolf Whiskers Custom Silvertip
Post - Alum, The Veg

Sunday. The end of your weekend, the end of my workweek. Or some of you work that way at least. And, it's my day off of the Grand Blade Trials. While @Mr. Freeze93 tried to goad me into a Marvy day I held firm, kept a stiff upper lip to the challenge implied and decided to really and truly enjoy today's shave. Time for my best DE and best soap and one of my top three blades. I realized today as I was working on the setup and thinking through it that if I were to go minimalist I could get down to one razor, one soap and three blades. Rotating the Rapira SS, Voskhod and Sharp Star with this razor and soap combination would keep me happy for years to come. If I ever decide to settle down a bit anyway.

Fantastic three pass today to enjoy a little extra time with the setup. Fantastic lather from the Silvertip that was produced by soaking the puck, shaking the brush dry and loading upside down on the puck. Had enough lather to last three days I think. Finish was a very smooooooooth and fine near BBS and the Veg fired up the sales guy in me and out the door I went. Great way to finish my work week.

Tomorrow the Trials resume with the Royal Stainless Super from Personna in Israel. Hope you had a great weekend and a great start to your week!

I am totally bored and doing Glacial Obsidian and Osage Rub, Leopard Salon Razor style with a Voskhod mañana...

I am modern razor kind of guy but that is a good looking razor.

Thanks!

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Sounds like a most impressive menthol Monday. Just don't go nuts with it!

I finally got some glacial obsidian and will be giving it a go tomorrow night.

....chicken.

Awesome! Just don't get nuts with it....

May cause involuntary watering if the eyes. It's the real deal.

I'm back! had some problems with my internet so that's why I haven't been posting. I got a new to me SR, have no idea who made it but it's a big 3/4 blade round point. If anyone recognizes this SR please let me know. It shaves but a bit rough so I will have to get it honed.