The secret is my special shopping shirt

Thanks, guys!

Thank you Andrew. It does still need a new set of scales though, I’ve been back and forth between horn and leopard wood.

Thank you Bruce.

Thank you Jason, I remember the Mets one but I’m not sure who adopted that one.

March 13th
NEW SC w Permasharp (3)
APShaveCo Synbad/Poculi handle
Asylum/SV Colonia SS&AS
Thayers

One more day with the SC. Got an exceptional lather from the Colonia and had 3 relaxing passes. I think this is my favourite brush right now, tbh. I do have a CH2 synthetic waiting for me at the border that I'm looking forward to comparing it to as well.
Went truly ATG around my mouth, which I usually don't do, but was rewarded with complete smoothness where I had a little sandpaper the past few days. Zero irritation from this SC on any day with it. Some have posted that they find the SC more efficient than its LC cousin, but I am not one of those folks. Both excellent, but the LC remains my fave.
Have a great day, all!

Thank you Jim. It shaves great too.

Thanks Jim, but I still haven’t found an app that I can use the filters easily.

Thank you Perry.

Thanks Clint, I’ve been doing good, keeping very busy. I received a call from work to let me know they needed me in Kansas City for a cell tower job the next morning, then we are heading to Wichita and then on to Des Moines. So I’ll be doing a lot of driving in the next two weeks.

Terrific picture, Jason! The knot/handle combination is a perfect pairing. Simply stunning.

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Safe travels, Paul.

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I think the Weber razor is for the ones who like their steaks extremely rare. So you can just shave the cow and take a bite.

Great pics and gear so far today everyone.

Thank you, Paul!

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March 12
Evening travel shave
Craftsman 9207
Col conk almond
Jayaruh 117
Nivea post shave balm

Had a great shave yesterday evening with the craftsman, a great way to unwind after a hard 14 hour day working in the rain. Which still beats sitting around in a hotel room on a rainy day, not working.

Gillette New Deluxe Weber Bulldog handle
Polsilver Super Iridium (2)
Semogue BC Texugo
TOBS Avocado SC
Dr. Sana Bay Rum

Skipped yesterday as I really didn't need a shave. This morning, I paid a little extra attention during prep and was rewarded with a nice shave.

5 hours in to the shave and still as smooth as a catfish's belly.

Enjoy your day.

Shavette Newbie !
BLOOD EVERYWHERE








​

just kidding!


I do wish to dedicate my first shavette shave to Charlie @wristwatchb

One of the things that caused me to drop from lurk mode here, was reading a month long journey from a guy who hated Derby blades, but did a 1 month focus on them with the end results showing they weren't as bad as he originally proclaimed. I noticed many others slowing down and allowing their skills to develop on numerous things. I have watched Charlie (and the others here too) undertake shavettes with commitment. It is this great spirit of open mindedness and dedication to learn that makes TSD so nice. I salute!

Seeing all the folks doing a shavette focus, I decided to go out and get me one of them 'Focus Shavettes'.

From the makers of the much maligned Focus R48 Dynamic, I present the Focus R21 Evolution. A razor that unlike the all metal R48 does have a plastic doodad in it. And an ingenious one at that. I think it was last year at March Madness a number of recruits were boot camping shavettes. It was Jim's @Jayaruh suggestion that the Luxor Pro with the recessed edge was less likely to be a gouger (I know of a couple of razors with this feature). I really liked how the blade holding mechanism here does the same thing. It provides blade stops front and back for positive positioning. Nice weight, comparable to my lightest straight. Other than the blade 'doodad' part, all metal (stainless or enameled) . I like it! 15-20 bucks!

I picked up some of my Stirling favorites including the mutton tallow soap that I already know offers great protection. I used Gillette Silver Blue that I cut with shears, a boar brush, and Noxema before I showered. Hot washcloth.... pretty much the same routine as for straights. Finished with Deep Blue Sea (nice comments from the Lovely Mrs Headroom).

Even though I have been on straights almost exclusively for 9 months I did have some apprehension with a shavette on take off. Alum gave a little more noise than normal with I straight, but no screaming. End result, a really nice shave. I probably need to actually do a focus with this Focus, but I will say it consumes less time than a straight because no blade maintenance is required. Below are some of my observations.

-Blade feel was similar to an adjustable opened up.
-Starting flat and then tipping towards the edge gives a good start.
-Auditory feedback is there, but minimal.
-Extra concentration is prudent. Thought I got myself once, but was surprised I didn't.
-Really nice to not have to be concerned about the corners.
-A slightly more delicate touch then with straights was all that was needed for this first shave on this blade. I can't comment on blade life.
-If I was still a road warrior like years ago, I'd be schlepping this rather than a straight.

Glad I went with straights first. Probably not required, but I'd recommend it, just because it worked for me.

Here are the pics:







Be well.
Long live the freedom of the shave.

Did you just get that vintage Shulton, Gary? Nice haul. Love the Endurance as well. Quality product.

Agree totally, Brian. My best finds have been in small town Antique shops, no question.

What a great combo, Jim! The Seville is a personal fave as well.

I guess I'm kind of lucky, in that SWMBO doesn't look too closely, or particularly care about, the drawers or cupboard in the Den. I did get a comment or two when I built the display rack for razors and brushes. I said at the time that the brushes cost me next to nothing because I made them (true for handles, not so true for knots...) and many of the razors came via trades for turned goods or as gifts (OK, a bit of a stretch, but true for a handful of them...). I've also been really lucky in that she has been with me in Antique stores for two of my best deals ever- a $10 NEW LC and an $8 Fat Handled prewar Tech. She probably thinks they are all that cheap. Not worth disagreeing about. I get the occasional comment about 'there is another package for you again', but talk about how some are trades for stuff I'm moving out (this is true, but the % doesn't need discussion...)
Soaps and splashes are in the cupboard...no chance I'm building a display rack for those.

Sounds like Olympic Figure Skating judges, Perry! Superior ratings are just confirmation for all the great work and time you are putting in.

When can we look forward to your 'Crat thread, John? Whe the Tech run is done?

Thank you, Jason!

Thank you, Paul!

Beautiful photo, Jason! Great shave.

Wonderful shaves and reports!

Wonderful photo and shave, Perry!
Sounds like the students did well, and all you can ask is that they do their best. As for Mr. Crankypants...maybe Neal can send Boris to have a little talk with him.
Enjoy your day. With any luck, you'll have a little downtime.