January 2019 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

it is the reflection of the wood and the lighting.

 

January - Shavettes and Jeeves!

January 24

Razor - Luxor Pro Shavette
Blade - (2)
Soap - Jeeves Bay Rum
Brush - Jayaruh #312
Post - Alum

Another shave with the Luxor Pro to see how it performs and compare against the Parker SRX. Yesterday I determined that they are nearly identical in weight and the main difference in handling is the looser handle on the Luxor which can cause the blade to get dinged when closing if you don't watch it. The Luxor feels lighter than the SRX and is, but only by 2 grams. It's the handle design that creates that false feeling, I believe.

I grabbed the JR312 and the Jeeves Bay Rum to get a perfect lather and make sure this razor has a fair showing. My initial reaction last night was to prefer the SRX by just a bit, but after only one comparison shave I'm not ready to call it. So tonight is a key shave. I had no issues with the sharpness or smoothness of the Shark blade. Again, in shavettes, blade choice isn't the most important thing in the world. I performed three passes and noticed two specific things. One - I definitely shave a bit faster with the Luxor than I did the Parker. Not having to worry about corners is a freeing feeling. I didn't get crazy with it but it is nice not to have to think about blade corners. Two - the Luxor feels a bit "sticky" compared to the Parker. I don't feel like it has quite the same glide to it that the Parker does. They're both stainless razors, though the Parker is polished to a shine but I think something more is going on. Let's look at the blade holder of the Luxor in detail.

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That is a good view of how the razor covers the blade corners. And what it does is create a "no cut zone" on the toe of 3/16th of an inch. On the heel it's double that at 3/8th of an inch. Not huge but just enough to provide some drag as the razor works. You have both ends of the razor head with dull steel and the cutting blade in between. This is what creates the safe corners. But....I believe it's the main reason for a slight drag in the razor. Is it critical? No. The razor still feels smooth and still performs very well. I got equally good shaves with both the Parker and the Luxor. While I had to maneuver a bit differently to get close to my goatee and around the ears due to the corner guards, it wasn't impossible nor really difficult. Just a different approach to those areas. Technique certainly conquers that problem.

As to the feel of the razors in my hand - I do tend to prefer the SRX by just a tiny bit. The feel of the polished steel is nice and I think the tightness of the handle gives it a more solid hand feel. I also like not having to be quite as careful when closing the razor to avoid nicking the blade as well. One more item about that "floppy" handle - if it drops and you aren't ready for it you could possibly cut a finger etc. You have to provide more physical force to close the SRX.

So - do I have a preference? Yes. By the tiniest of margins I would say I would prefer the SRX. However, it's the mechanics of the razor that make me choose it. The shave quality of both is equal. And I will also say that if I'm in a hurry to shave and have to choose one I would probably grab the Luxor first because it's easier to rush the shave without corners. My true preference is to keep both handy because either way it's going to be a great shave! Non-comittal enough for you?

Have a fantastic Friday!

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Thank you, Gentlemen.

 

hello fello shavers,thursday night shave,swapped out the service tech for a regular flat bottom with my canadian military solid handle,great weight and balance..not head heavy..gsb does the hard work,a and e asian plum sprung into life with the ap shave tuxedo synthetic..lovely 3 pass shave,no drama..don t really have a matching splash for this soap..i really like this soap base so i tried this asian plum ,awesome scent ,but doesn t linger after the shave..i save my a and e grecian horse set for more special occasions..pinaud special reserve to finish..have a great friday,gary

 

After reading this you got me to thinking so I checked my Luxor Pro and its not loose or floppy . Yours might just need an adjustment on the rivet where it pivots.
I also think the brushed finish would make it less slippery than the Parker and easier to grasp with wet hand. Just my thoughts.

 

Wonderful pic and report Gary!

 

thank you patrick..

 

Thanks for that info. I wondered if mine was the only one like that or if all were that way. I also suspect the SRX could loosen up with wear so this could be a situational issue. I'll also have to give you points for the slippery handle comment. I did find the SRX to be a little slippery, but that didn't bother me personally as much as the different handle shape. Six of one, half a dozen of another and all that. Fun comparisons to run! I'll be shaving with both of these in the future, that much is certain.

 

I enjoy your comparisons, be it shavettes , blades , soaps , etc. Always very interesting and detailed . I learn something new everytime . Thanks for taking the time to do these comparisons Neal.

 

That's a helpful side-by-side comparison of the Luxor vs. the Parker SRX, Neal. Looking closer at the Luxor blade holder design, I think I'll stick with the SRX.

 

January 25th
Razor: Blackland Sabre L2
Blade: Gem PTFE (7)
Brush: PAA Green Ray
Pre-shave: Stirling Mentholated
Soap: Stirling Dunshire
Stirling unscented witch hazel
PAA Star Jelly unscented
AS: Stirling Dunshire

Good morning!

Great shave to start the day! I did need to a little touch up after my third pass to achieve the usual results. Just a hint of feedback from the alum. The Sabre will get a fresh blade for its next outing.

Have a great Friday!

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Excellent shave Gary.


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SOTD January 25, 2019
Alphabetical journey through soaps and creams
Letter S Fat Friday detour

Prep: Cold water and Stirling mentholated pre-shave soap
Blade: Schick
Razor: Schick H1
Brush: Omega 10049 boar
Soap: Mitchell's Wool Fat
Post: Witch hazel, Fine American Blend aftershave

Nice shave with the H1 Hussy razor and Fat Friday software. Slick lather, easy lather removal, and a top notch finish from the aftershave. Not much more to report.

Have a great day!

 

Beautiful scuttle Jim.


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Beautiful photo, Jim! Dunshire is one of my favorite scents.

 

Happy Friday Perry.


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Thank you, Clint! You as well.

 

I have the Omega 10049 boar brush. It is a good inexpensive brush and lathers the soap very well, especially the hard to lather ones such as Williams.

 

Thank you, Clint!

Fat Friday! I really like the effect you used for your photo!

Thank you, Perry! Dunshire is very nice. Stirling has so many great scents.

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January 25

Parker SRX
Lord Super Stainless (2)
JR # 160 Louisville Slugger handle w/Omega 10098 boar knot
Soap Commander Love
Alum, Thayers WH, USB, CC Bay Rum & Aramis
24th focus shave

It's an early morning, with errands planned for today. It's a toasty 16 F outside this morning, with a high of only 25 F expected. Ain't much relief in sight from Old Man Winter 'til next week.

Happy Friday!