PT went well right up to the deep tissue work on my back, shoulders and neck. I thought she was going to freaking kill me. They say "No Pain No Gain" . If that is true then today did me a lot of good.
Still have 84 posts to read to catch up, but here is Saturday morning's shave. Last one at home for a week, going to Phoenix to visit family. And here is my full travel kit. Robeson Suredge straight Flaquito Leather Custom sheath Staley Live head on Windrose handle Drygulch Leatherworks DEHead cover Drygulch Leatherworks Forty-five series Strop in Bridle leather Route 66 Perfect Gent soap in mini mug Mama Bear Lilly of the Valley (for when the Rt 66 runs out) Omega Travel Boar Pinaud Clubman with Menthol Thayer's Rose toner Alum bar
Neal, are you ever going to pick up another razor? Has the FB inoculated you against any future DEAD, thus making you undead? They make a shave soap for that... Did anyone else enjoy the new episode of TWD last night?
A brand new tub of Route 66, and Tabac, and Proraso Red, and samples of ToBS, and Peppermint Patty scented cream... I'm good for a while!
Feb 13th Merkur 34c HD Wilkinson Sword Classic Blade - 3rd day shaving with same blade AOS Pre Shave Oil - Sandalwood AOS Creme - Sandalwood AOS Post Shave balm - Sandalwood Alum applied after balm (oops almost forgot) this was my 3rd shave with this blade and I was not very happy with it. I did a 3 pass shave : WTG, XTG and ATG. I still feel stubble in multiple directions. I felt the razor hitting hair but it just wasn't cutting it as close as I would like. Lather was very thick and rich and shiny. I felt like I did the best I could with AOS. Scent was sparse to me but then again, once you use TOBS, I think most would seem that way. I like the stronger scent of TOBS - Sandalwood very much. Makes me feel a bit classier. I did attempt to go over it with the electric but it barely found anything. It was at least closer than an electric but I could still feel stubble compared to past attempts and newer blades. I decided based on past experience to retire the blade. I am expecting if I did a 4th shave, it would not be too good and it would be Valentine's day. Cannot have a bad shave on V- day. I decided that the next blade going in will be the Derby from my sample kit. I know, I should try something better or sharper than the Wilkinson but I want to stick to my original plan. For now, the Wilkinsons Classics are OK. They are good for no more than 3X 3-pass shaves for me. In a pinch, they might be fine until I find better. I am hopeful that I will. When they are new, they glided well. Day 2 almost seemed better than Day 1 in both of the blades I have tried. I did do the oblique passes on the mustache and chin that were recommended by a few and they do feel better than N-S and Center - out that I did before. Will add this to my repertoire. I do find some irritation with the Wilkinsons but only a light sting from the Alum on its best shaves. Interested to see if the Derby's will have less. Will see tomorrow. One question: Should you wet the face before applying lather each time or only before the first lathering? thanks
Residual lather, that thin coat that the razor didn't quite clear away, ought to leave some moisture. It's an individualized thing though. Seems like I recall someone saying they did a full rinse between passes and reapplying lather. Try it, see if it works for you?
Paul, this is how I find the angle on any razor. Turn off any noise. Including the fan, water, or any music. Start with the handle parallel to the floor, at the top of your cheek. Lower the end of the handle as you slowly moving the razor down. When the blade starts to cut, listen to the sound it makes, and note how it feels. Adjust the angle to get as comfortable as possible. Try to remember ther exact sound and feel of that cutting. As you go over the contours of your face, adjust the angle of the handle until it makes the sound you want. It's awkward at first, but works on all kinds of razors. Good luck!
Feb 13, 2017 '54 SS w Polsilver (4) TGN Synthetic/ Mahogany handle Stirling Bay Rum Thayers Unscented Sorry, no pic today. Last day of the 40s SS focus. Regular, routine 3 pass shave. No residue from the burning with the SDM sample from 2 days ago. Good lather that started out too runny until I got enough product to solve the problem. I'm starting to like the softness of the synthetic more and more. It holds a ton of lather as well, I'm not sure why I'm surprised by that. Over the last 2 weeks, have run Voshkods, Astra SPs and Polsilver SI through the 40s SS. Starting tomorrow, will do the same with the humble Canadian '52 Ball End Tech and see what I get. Have a great day all!
I have that same Omega travel boar Adam. It is a suprisingly effective little brush, especially for the price! Safe travels.
I rinse fully between passes and leave my face wet for reapplication. Do what works for you.....no codified rules.
