Kokak's Straight Razor journey...

Yep, "4-Ass Shaver" would have been a good one. Too bad @Queen of Blades never reverses her decisions.

 

20170828 Mon@1745
Straight Razor shave: 40

Prep: Stirling Lime Pre-Shave Oil
Shaving Soap: Soap Commander Fortitude
Shaving Bowl: Fine Lather Bowl
Brush: Stirling Boar Brush (24 mm x 57 mm)
Straight Razor: Gardener's Challenge 9/16" (4) WTG - XTG -WTG (face) WTG - WTG - WTG (neck)
Stropping: Tony Miller 3" Fast Bridle Leather "Plain Chocolate" (15x Linen and 25x Leather)
Splash: Humphreys Witch Hazel
Splash: Stirling Bergamot Lavender (+Menthol) + Orange Chill (+Menthol) + Sandalwood (+Menthol)

So since I only had 2 shaves on the "Gardner's Challenge" I figured the edge would still be good for a shave... and I was right. This was a comfortable 3 pass shave with DFS results. No weepers and no NICKS! I really missed shaving with a straight these last few days.
Well it is definitely time to start getting my honing skills. Not to mention I have at least 10 razors for restoration, along with at least 12 in need of honing (including the restores). Its going to be a busy next few weeks.
Thanks for all the input from everyone. This has been a great journey so far.

 

20170831 Thu@2030

Prep: Stirling Lime Pre-Shave Oil
Shaving Soap: Stirling Black Cherry **
Shaving Bowl: Jays Clay's "Best Grip" Lather Bowl
Brush: Stirling Boar Brush (24 mm x 57 mm)
Straight Razor: George Wostenholm I-XL 5/8" (1) WTG - XTG -WTG (face) WTG - WTG - WTG (neck) **
Splash: Humphreys Witch Hazel
Splash: Stirling Bergamot Lavender (+Menthol) + Orange Chill (+Menthol) + Sandalwood (+Menthol)
Balm: none

Received a new razor this afternoon so I decided to use it (it came shave ready) since I am waiting for my lapping stone to arrive to begin honing my other razors. To ma surprise, I believe the scales are actually mad of ivory. Making this nice little, round point, 5/8" razor that much nicer. My 3 pass shave went perfect! No irritation and nice and smooth. Shaving my entire face has become much easier. There were a couple of close calls, but since I was paying extreme attention to what I was doing, any possible blood letting was averted. I can see why a rounded point is the best type of razor for a beginner to start with.
The new soap I received was Stirling's "Black Cherry". This was a very nice scent and the performance is as expected, for anyone familiar with Stirling's soaps. I will have pictures up later tonight.

 

Here are a few pictures of the George Wostenholm razor...





This was a really great shaver.

 

20170901 Thu@1945

Prep: Stirling Bergamot Lavender Pre-Shave Oil
Shaving Soap: Catie's Bubbles Tonsorial Parlour
Shaving Bowl: Jays Clay's "Best Grip" Lather Bowl
Brush: Stirling Boar Brush (24 mm x 57 mm)
Straight Razor: George Wostenholm I-XL 5/8" (2) WTG - XTG -WTG (face) WTG - WTG - WTG (neck)
Stropping: Tony Miller 3" Fast Bridle Leather "Plain Chocolate" (15x Linen and 25x Leather)
Splash: Humphreys Witch Hazel
Splash: Stirling Bergamot Lavender (+Menthol) + Orange Chill (+Menthol) + Sandalwood (+Menthol)
Balm: Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Another great shave in the books. I haven't used a Catie's Bubbles shave soap in a while. It performed well. The only real thing was the post shave feel. My skin was left a little dry and tight afterwards to where I needed to use a post shave balm to help with the dryness. Otherwise it was a great shave. I am really liking this new blade too.

 

I see your shaving and you're collecting skills are both coming up quickly.

 

Thanks.

 

20170907Thu@2100

Prep: Chiseled Face Pre-Shave Gel
Shaving Soap: Long Rifle Cedar : Lavender
Shaving Bowl: Jays Clay's "Best Grip" Lather Bowl
Brush: Stirling Boar Brush (24 mm x 57 mm)
Straight Razor: Gardener's Challenge 9/16" (5) WTG
Stropping: Tony Miller 3" Fast Bridle Leather "Plain Chocolate" (15x Linen and 25x Leather)
Safety Razor: Rockwell 6C #4 (XTG)
Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (1)
Splash: Humphreys Witch Hazel
Splash: Stirling Bergamot Lavender (+Menthol) + Orange Chill (+Menthol) + Sandalwood (+Menthol)

Well... I really am just going to have to wait till I have a chance at honing my razors. I was able to complete the 1st pass with no nicks or cuts but was feeling an excessive amount of tugging (felt like I was sing a dull cartridge). So rather than push my luck, I did the second pass (XTG) with my Rockwell DE. While disappointed that I was not able to complete my shave with my straight razor, a DFS shave was a nice end to a good day.
I have been waiting almost 2 months for my Generic Diamond lapping plate to arrive. So I ordered a DMT D8C yesterday, that should be here by Monday. Since I bought the Generic plate from Amazon, I will probably just return it, when it finally arrives.

 

20170908 Fri@2000

Prep: Chiseled Face Pre-Shave Gel
Shaving Soap: Left over MWF & Long Rifle (remnants in my lather bowl)
Shaving Bowl: Jays Clay's "Best Grip" Lather Bowl
Brush: Stirling Boar Brush (24 mm x 57 mm)
Straight Razor: George Wostenholm I-XL 5/8" (3) WTG
Stropping: Tony Miller 3" Fast Bridle Leather "Plain Chocolate" (15x Linen and 25x Leather)
Safety Razor: Rockwell 6C #4 (XTG)
Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (2)
Splash: Humphreys Witch Hazel
Splash: Stirling Bergamot Lavender (+Menthol) + Orange Chill (+Menthol) + Sandalwood (+Menthol)
Balm: Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Wanted to start the weekend with a clean shave. Since I planned to shave in the morning, I just wanted to do a single pass with the straight and then a little cleanup with the Rockwell. Everything started fine, but then I made a simple mistake: While rinsing my blade under a running tap, I hit the edge of the blade against my sink. I was able to finish the 1 pass I had planned but definitely felt a slight tugging in the middle of the blade. Once I was done, I inspected the blade with a USB microscope I have and was able to see where I hit the blade. Once my Lapping plate comes in, I will fix this razor. Finished off with my Rockwell DE and was more than happy with the results.
Have a great weekend!

 

20170909 Sat@1000

Prep: Chiseled Face Pre-Shave Gel
Shaving Soap: Jeff's Soap (CRSW)
Shaving Bowl: Jays Clay's "Best Grip" Lather Bowl
Brush: Stirling Boar Brush (24 mm x 57 mm)
Straight Razor: Tanifuji "FAVORIT 750" 6/8" (15) WTG
Stropping: Tony Miller 3" Fast Bridle Leather "Plain Chocolate" (15x Linen and 25x Leather)
Splash: Humphreys Witch Hazel
Splash: Stirling Bergamot Lavender (+Menthol) + Orange Chill (+Menthol) + Sandalwood (+Menthol)
Balm: Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Even though I shaved last night, I wanted and had planned, to have a quick single pass straight razor shave this morning. Since most of my blades need a bit of honing, I decided to try my 1st straight razor and see how my technique has improved. I used the modified Tanifuji and was blown away with how easy it was to shave with this razor now. After stropping, this razor was sharp and smooth. This shave was so comfortable and effortless, I was amazed. This also has convinced me that; my other blades need to be honed. I was able to complete a single pass, full face shave (WTG) without problem areas. No nicks, cuts or irritation.
I don't have time for an in depth review of Jeff's Soap but I do need to say; the performance is really nice and the scent is subtle but very pleasing.

 

20170910 Sun@0900

Prep: Stirling Bergamot Lavender Pre-Shave Oil
Shaving Soap: Pre de Provence 63
Shaving Bowl: Jays Clay's "Best Grip" Lather Bowl
Brush: Omega 81052 Boar Brush (23 mm x 54 mm)
Straight Razor: Tanifuji "FAVORIT 750" 6/8" (16) WTG - XTG -WTG (face) WTG - WTG - WTG (neck)
Stropping: Tony Miller 3" Fast Bridle Leather "Plain Chocolate" (15x Linen and 25x Leather)
Splash: Humphreys Witch Hazel
Splash: Stirling Bergamot Lavender (+Menthol) + Orange Chill (+Menthol) + Sandalwood (+Menthol)
Balm: none

This was a fantastic shave! PDP is one of my favorite soaps, in performance and the 63 soap scent is fantastic. Post shave feel is great and the cushion of the lather gave me a smooth and comfortable shave. The Tanifuji straight is also great (thanks again @HolyRollah ). I have had 16 haves with it, only used a strop with it and it is shaving as good as it did when I 1st got it. In fact; I would say it is even better, probably because my technique has improved over the last couple of months.
I am thinking; with my narrower blades (<6/8") I will use a paddle strop. At least until my stropping technique gets better. I seem to have no problems with the wider blades but my narrower ones are just falling a little short. Can anyone recommend a paddle strop that would compliment my Tony Miller "Plain Chocolate" strop?

 

Ohhhhhhh....

Thanks for posting this and I am looking forward to receiving it and using it.

 

20170911 Mon@0700

Prep: Stirling Bergamot Lavender Pre-Shave Oil
Shaving Soap: Pre de Provence 63 (remnants from yesterday)
Shaving Bowl: Jays Clay's "Best Grip" Lather Bowl
Brush: Omega 81052 Boar Brush (23 mm x 54 mm)
Straight Razor: Hayashi Diamond "77" 13/16" (4) WTG - XTG -WTG (face) WTG - WTG - WTG (neck)
Stropping: Tony Miller 3" Fast Bridle Leather "Plain Chocolate" (15x Linen and 25x Leather)
Splash: Humphreys Witch Hazel
Splash: Stirling Bergamot Lavender (+Menthol) + Orange Chill (+Menthol) + Sandalwood (+Menthol)
Balm: none

Well it is official; my technique is 100% better than it was when I 1st used this razor in late July. I was able to complete a 3 pass shave without any problems. I may have over estimated the amount of soap that was left over from yesterdays shave, so my soap was a little thin. But even with that, it was a nice smooth shave that left me near BBS. This is the biggest blade I own (for now) and I do not see myself getting anything bigger (for now). I think once I get my honing skills tuned, there will be no reason for me to use anything but a straight razor. If I don't have enough time for a straight shave, I just won't shave.

 

A little persistence and regular use and now you're on your way!

 

Well done .

 

You started me down this path with your wicked Japanese straight razors... and I thank you

Thanks

 

20170912 Tue@0715

Prep: Stirling Bergamot Lavender Pre-Shave Oil
Shaving Soap: Tabac
Shaving Bowl: Jays Clay's "Best Grip" Lather Bowl
Brush: Omega 81052 Boar Brush (23 mm x 54 mm)
Straight Razor: Tanifuji "FAVORIT 750" 6/8" (17) WTG - XTG -WTG (face) WTG - WTG - WTG (neck)
Stropping: Tony Miller 3" Fast Bridle Leather "Plain Chocolate" (15x Linen and 25x Leather)
Splash: Humphreys Witch Hazel
Splash: Stirling Bergamot Lavender (+Menthol) + Orange Chill (+Menthol) + Sandalwood (+Menthol)
Balm: Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Tabac Tuesday! Tabac is tied for my #1 soap with Mitchell's Wool Fat. And it did not leave me disappointed this morning. The scent, cushion and post shave feel are truly AMAZING! It all added to a perfect morning shave. The Tanifuji glided over my face without a single hesitation. Left me near BBS but with a smile from ear to ear.

I have started refurbishing a few of the "project" straights I have purchased. Below is my 1st attempt.
Erik Anton Berg Swedish straight...



and here is the after...



I just need to take it to the hones and get an edge on it. It cleaned up real nice.

 

Very shiny. I hope that corrosion on the middle part of the edge isn't too deep. Keep us updated.
.

 

Nice! Where did you get the replacement scales?
Those faux bamboo scales are the absolute worst imo. I had one, I couldn't stand the look of it, so it got punted into the bay.