January 2019 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

While loading the Maggards brush with the Jeeves Bay Rum soap, a lot got on top of or over the edge of the puck, so my 25 seconds of loading was split between being inside of the puck and "scraping" the outside of it. Very pleased with the shave itself, though. Jeeves always does me good.

 

January 2, 2019- NOthing But Techs, Redux

Razor: Nacet-branded OC Tech
Blade: 7 o'Clock Permasharp Stainless (2)
Brush: Razorock Plissoft 22
Soap: Stirling Sheep
Post: Alum, Listerine, WH

Back at the end of November, I lamented the fact that I didn't own any of the truly unusual Tech variants. Recently, I was able to acquire one and shaved with it today- the OC Tech.

The term "OC Tech" is a bit of a misnomer but is the best description for a class of OC razors made by Gillette UK which adapted then-current Tech designs into an OC razor. This is similar to the relationship between, say, the Flat Bottom New and Flat Bottom Tech but the development likely went in the opposite direction.

A pair of photos illustrate the similarities between this razor and a contemporary Tech:

The center stamping and corner notches are identical as is much of the overall profile of the razor. The biggest differences are the deletion of the oval slots and SB texture in favor of the notches to make the comb. The caps are identical save for branding and the handle is used on contemporary British Techs.

Not a lot seems to be known about the production of the OC Tech. One of the best documented ones is an NOS set (actually several in a store display) for the French market prior to 1963. That particular razor is actually based on the post-War Tech. My razor is likely from the '70s and reflects the final redesign of the Tech. OC Techs have been seen carrying Gillette, Minora, and Nacet branding; this implies the possibility of distribution to both South Africa (Minora) and the Middle East (Nacet). My own example came from an eBay seller in Portugal and I have noted others from sellers in Eastern Europe. In general, these do not show up often on US eBay and carry outlandish pricing. Actual production numbers and, therefore, actual rarity is not known.

A decent starting point for more info and pictures is this thread over on B&B. If @Morman Bridge is still around, perhaps he may have some information as I seem to recall seeing one is a photo he published.

As for the shave... TBH, this is probably the mildest OC that I have ever used. I'm a little concerned that something might be off with mine as there is very little blade gap (more like an OT) and less blade feel than a contemporary Tech. I may the base with a different cap to see if it makes a difference. Overall, however, I'd call it a DFS+ with no issues.

 

This month, I am focused on trying to start to narrow down razors in search of the "daily driver" I will keep buying more razors, just doing yhit experiment for myself.
This week is Williams Week, across the street!
This setup is for sure in the running!

 

January 2

Parker SRX
Lord Super Stainless (1)
30DC LE
SC Love
Alum, Thayers WH, USB, Captain's Choice Bay Rum & Aramis

For the fifth shave of my focus, I performed two passes and some touch-ups with the Parker SRX for a nice shave. The Lord blade felt a bit less smooth than the Rapira, but it was fine on its first outing. Everything else fell into place per the SOP.

Have a great Wednesday!

 

Interesting razor !

 

Thanks Danny. Great video!

 

Another very informative write up, John! Congrats on the very interesting Tech.

 

I don’t have one, Bruce, but have seen a few positive mentions of them on here. Your enabling job is working!

 

Cool pic, Perry! Arko on day one? Nowhere to go but up...

 

It'll be shavettes all month, sir! Got yo back.

 

I hear you on the disappearing part. I do find that I have to be a bit expeditious with my shave when using it. That said, even when it appeared to be disappearing, the slickness remained. So at least there's that. I'm going to college this month with it!

 

Wait, we're enabling each other with cookware now?

 

Randy....apparently we enable everything.

 

Thank you, Jim! I'll need it.

 

Thanks, Charlie! It wasn't something I ever wanted to do, or so I thought. During a Christmas break years ago, she asked me to at least try it - and if I didn't like it, she'd never ask again. Of course, the first knitting project is almost always a dishcloth. Turns out, it was very enjoyable. I'd like to get back into it again sometime...I miss doing it.

 

I've been on the search for the "daily driver" for four years. No end in sight yet.

 

Would you prefer bakeware?

 

Look what just came in. The brush is awesome. I cannot wait to try it out in morning.

 

Once mine arrives, yes. I'll join you. At least until I run out of blood.

 

I did use a pretty good amount of water face lathering, I did have to load a little more on the brush for the second pass. But I think making the lather in a mug of bowl will take care of that. It was an enjoyable experience for the first use of it.