Isn't that the truth? Maybe just consider it suffering for your art? I think your razor decided you were starting to take it for granted and made you pay for it today. The other possibility is that the posts are thin enough to allow the blade some wiggle room in its placement and it ended up a bit crooked today, giving your shave a bit of a slicing action. One of my razors was like that and the results could be painfully messy.
Great picture, Jason. I've had one or two of those shaves recently as well. Tomorrow is a new day and a new shave.
OCtober!!! October 21 Razor - '46-'47 Gillette Aristocrat Blade - (1) Pre-shave - Stirling Mentholated Pre-Shave Soap Soap - Arko Brush - Wolf Whiskers Custom Silvertip Post - Alum So how ARE you fixed for blades? Gillette Blue Blades, that is. Well, thanks to @BearCWY I'm quite well fixed for them. He requested that I try a shave or two with the original Gillette Blue Blades, all carbon of course, and sent me a pack with several in it. He even added some oil to the blades to keep them nice and rust free. I've gotten these NOS blades before with razor purchases and never tried any of the them, mostly because they showed signs of rust and I've read too many bad reviews of people trying it. Like that would normally stop me, right? Well, by request, I'm giving them a go. My choice of gear is based on history a bit. The old Blue Blades were around back in the 1940's so my Aristocrat seems a perfect fit. It's also an excellent razor that should provide no issues in technique. For the soap it's Arko (on top of pre-shave soap) for its history and the fact that there is zero risk of making a bad lather. And the brush - my Wolf Whiskers Silvertip. Gotta have a natural badger to match up with the history as well. As far as my stunt/shenanigan shaves to this one seems pretty tame. However, carbon blades can be tricky. Especially old ones that have had plenty of time to oxidize and generally feel the effect of time. I considered stropping the blade first but decided against it. It looks good under examination in a bright light. Edge looks nice and shiny with no visible rust or pitting. We'll give it a go without any extra help from the strop. After all, what's the worst that could happen? The Wolf felt great for a change up from the synthetic rotation. It holds the hot water well from the soak so the lather goes on nice and warm. Got the typical great Arko lather and got ready to find out what this blade will do. The first stroke or two wasn't bad. I was pleasantly surprised. A bit rough feeling but not nearly as bad as some I've used. As I got down my right cheek and onto my neck the tugging and roughness seemed to increase a bit. My imagination or something else? Whatever it was it kept getting more and more obvious as I moved to the left side. By the time I finished the first pass I was about 2 seconds from throwing in the towel. Especially since it didn't seem like it had done much to reduce my beard by feel. But, I hate to throw in the towel so on to the second, XTG pass. Better on this pass which told me it had done something with reduction. Still rough but not to the point of driving me off the blade. I finished the second pass including some sliding on the neck for touch up and called it good. Alum was surprisingly quiet but I could feel a bit of irritation sting overall. Still, the result ended up as a near-DFS. I shouldn't have to reshave for work tomorrow morning, though I'm sure my beard will be more obvious by the end of the day. First day results - better than I could hope for probably and certainly not as bad as I was ready for. Carbon blades are usually a bit on the noisy side and can be a bit tuggy. If this blade is essentially the same as when it was new I can see why everyone was so excited when stainless blades came out. But, I can also see how it could be adjusted to and be a better and quicker shave than other options. I think I'll give it a go again tomorrow night after checking the blade tomorrow. I dipped it in 91% alcohol and it's drying in front of my desk fan to stave off rust.
OCtober 22, 2017 Wolfman OC Ti (0.74mm) Personna 74 (7) Simpson Chubby 2 Synthetic Reef Point Test Depth Myrsol Agua Balsamica I like getting up early on the weekend. With everyone else sleeping, the house is peaceful and I can just quietly enjoy my morning routine. I do have a rare weekend client meeting later this afternoon so I appreciate the relaxing start even more. The CH2 Synthetic is just a lather making machine at the expense of tearing through soap. The Reef Point Test Depth never stood a chance against the "Soap Destroyer" as it was whipped into a rich slick lather. Sticking with a traditional 3 pass shave followed by touchups along my jawline and neck ended in a near perfect shave just missing the baby. The Personna 74 has smoothed out nicely and continues to deliver great shaves. A splash of Myrsol Agua Balsamica and I am ready for the day. I hope everyone has a great Sunday.
Great photo and setup Jason! Love that razor...and the brush, of course! I'm convinced that weepers are just to keep us humble. I'll have a series of shaves without any, then for whatever reason - BAM! - a shave with several. It kinda takes the wind out of your sails. Fortunately, there's always another chance of a great shave tomorrow.
@clint64 - How is Maya doing Clint? I hope she is recovering quickly, and enjoying some pampering in the process.
Maya is actually doing great. Really better than we had a right to expect or hope for. She dropped the pain meds yesterday at 3 pm since she didn't like the way they made her feel. We are down to anti inflammatory meds 3 times a day which help some with the residual pain. I think she is enjoying the pampering and milking it for all its worth. Of course as the youngest daughter, she had mastered that art long ago. At least where dad is concerned.
That is fantastic news Clint! I will continue to keep her in my thoughts...no doubt other Denizens will too! Just keep on delivering the snacks, etc. and keep the pampering up. After all, someday down the road you'll want her to return the favor!
