?

Is Arko the greatest value in all of shaving?

Poll closed Apr 30, 2020.
  1. Yes

    16 vote(s)
    72.7%
  2. Yes

    6 vote(s)
    27.3%
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Man, Mr. Cawtuh, you just threw a lot of numbers at us. :). I think the 6' thing has been difficult to maintain. Course I make it more difficult when I drive the wrong way in the supermarket. "Possibly 4th coats", eh?
    Keithmax, wristwatchb, 9nein9 and 8 others like this.
  2. Won't be long now and you will be pulling that shave out for expediency.

    The BIG difference between a true straight shave and the shavette is the time you will want/need to use maintaining gear.

    I spend more time in post-shave care of safety razors then I do shavettes.
    Keithmax, wristwatchb, 9nein9 and 6 others like this.
  3. 8F1A55C1-D201-4C70-BA4A-07EE24A0C9DE.jpeg
    SOTD Saturday, April 18, 2020

    I grabbed one of my fat handled Techs to join @brit and @jtface in their Gillette Tech shave party. It’s been quite some time since I’ve shaved with this razor. After a week of shaving with the TAR razors, it felt like I was adhering to Monte Python’s adage, “Now for something completely different!”. The razor weighed in at 62 grams, so roughly equivalent to the aluminum TAR weight wise, but the head geometry is quite different - safety bar versus the Famex-influenced open comb TAR design. The handle is also slimmer on the Tech. Given the rounded OC TAR design, riding the cap with the Tech would prove to be a no-brainer.

    I selected MWF as my soap of choice along with my new 26mm Two Band Badger Fan knot for the Alpha Shaving T-400 Tribute brush. After my shower, I began the shave with my usual cold water rinse. The brush knot is honkin’ huge in comparison to my other brushes, and generated a very healthy, thick, protective lather. I loaded a Feather blade and had at it. The razor sang as it cut on that first WTG pass. After lathering up again, the second XTG pass cleaned things up nicely, leaving my usual rough spots around the Adam’s Apple, and on the back of my head. The third ATG pass cleaned things up nicely, leaving me with a very acceptable DFS++ shave. Alum revealed some serious heat around the focus of that final pass, the usual rough areas. Nevertheless, I feel clean, acceptably smooth, and refreshed.

    RAZOR: Gillette Fat Handle Tech
    BLADE: Feather
    PREP: Cold water rinse
    BRUSH: Alpha Shaving T-400 Tribute fitted with 26mm Two Band Badger Fan Knot
    SOAP: Mitchell’s Wool Fat
    POSTSHAVE: Cold water wash with brush squeezings followed by Thayers Lavender WH and Aqua Velva AS Splash (Spanish Version) and finished with A&E Post-Shave Serum
    Keithmax, wristwatchb, 9nein9 and 9 others like this.
  4. Wow...I came REAL close to another Top Of The World shave this morning, but decided to be modest. The shave itself WAS TOTW, but two mishandlings of the Weekend Rodeo aftershave(from Central Texas Shave Soaps)robbed me. It's nice that it says right on the bottle to shake it before using. I did, but probably not enough as it was still rather thick as it came out. I used a little too much on the face, but had the presence of mind to realize this, and therefore eased up on the neck. The thickness/stickiness is calming down as I write. It's a real nice leather scent.
    As I say, the shave was real good. 30 seconds to load, 2 solid passes. I think I said before that CTS soaps show that they have been well-used after one or two shaves. I like that. NO nicks or cuts. Missed a little astroturf on the right but this time took care of it right away. Very pleased overall, but thanks to the aftershave mishandlings, I'll have to "sadly" settle for Super Duper Excellent.
    Keithmax, wristwatchb, 9nein9 and 9 others like this.
  5. Nice, Jeff! That knot is huge! Love it!
    9nein9, brit, Trigger and 3 others like this.
  6. Jeff, did you purchase your MWF from PAA or some other site?(Please excuse the "alphabet soup" of my question lol).
    9nein9, MrEE, brit and 5 others like this.
  7. No problem from me on thermal tests, as long as done correctly. A passing grade at 85 degrees proves the existence of an equipment or procedural inaccuracy.

    That 85 degree individual they found on a spot check could very well be carrying a communicable disease.

    There are very few hand sanitizer dispensing stations. Way too few.

    They closed up our lunch/break area, yet everyone goes through the restroom/locker area all the time touching all kinds of stuff before they can possibly hit hand sanitizer.

    I also find it interesting that the gym is still open and those accelerating resperatory action do not have masks on.

    I struggle with just how stupid, smart folks really are at times.

    Sorry for the rant
    Keithmax, wristwatchb, 9nein9 and 7 others like this.

  8. Very nice Myles


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    9nein9, brit, myles wilson and 4 others like this.
  9. April 18th
    Razor: Paradigm Diamondback
    Blade: Astra SP (3)
    Brush: Simpson Petrol Head
    Pre-shave: PAA The Cube
    Soap: Fine Platinum
    PAA Galactic witch hazel
    PAA unscented Star Jelly
    AS: Fine Platinum

    Good morning!

    Terrific shave to start the day! Three passes for near BBS. A bit of extra warmth from the alum on my neck.

    Have a great day! [​IMG]
    Keithmax, wristwatchb, 9nein9 and 8 others like this.
  10. Tech Focus - Shave #4
    Razor - English Flat Bottom Tech
    Blade - Feather (2)
    Brush - Yaqi Tuxedo
    Soap - TOBS Peppermint
    After Shave - Proraso Green Balm

    Webp.net-resizeimage.jpg

    Shave #4 in the books. I swapped out the standard handle for my iKon Bulldog just because. I worked on building a good slick lather and mission accomplished in that area! I stretched the skin and focused on the angle, but the blade felt terribly rough from the very first stroke. I've experienced this with Feathers before. I persevered and complete 2 passes. I didn't punish my face with a third. A pretty horrible shave, despite finishing with a presentable finish. I don't think I'll bother with Feathers if they're going to crap out on me after 1 great shave! Going to try a Bic next time around. Might need to give my face a day off - I'll see how it looks and feels tomorrow!

    Stay safe and enjoy your shaves gentlemen.
    Keithmax, wristwatchb, 9nein9 and 8 others like this.
  11. B-E-A-U-TIFUL!
    9nein9, brit, Trigger and 3 others like this.
  12. Sorry about the rough shave, James. The Tech does look good with that handle though.
    9nein9, brit, Trigger and 3 others like this.
  13. The aesthetic makes me want a Game Changer! I hear they're simple, nimble and have those simple tech-like lines!
    9nein9, brit, Trigger and 3 others like this.
  14. T-H-A-N-K-S-!
    9nein9, brit, Trigger and 3 others like this.
  15. The morning news did a report on the number of super speeder citations issues last week. If I recall correctly they issues in excess of 50 tickets for over 125mph.
    Keithmax, wristwatchb, 9nein9 and 7 others like this.
  16. Great looking shaves Keith but the food looks just fantastic.
    Keithmax, 9nein9, jtspartan and 5 others like this.
  17. I had a order ship from the UK on 3/29 with no tracking. It has not been delivered yet.
    9nein9, jtspartan, brit and 4 others like this.
  18. Great shave report and photo Jeff. I hope you have a great Saturday.
    9nein9, brit, Trigger and 3 others like this.
  19. Beautiful shave lineup and photo Jim.
    9nein9, brit, Trigger and 3 others like this.
  20. The Tech looks great with the handle. Sorry about the rough shave James. I hope the rest of your day goes better.
    9nein9, brit, Trigger and 3 others like this.
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.