Great looking photo and scuttle. I might get a scuttle when I get older and retire.

Thank you Charlie. I really like the Zenith boar brush. My only other boar brushes have been Omega brushes. The Zenith is softer out of the box than an Omega with over 30-45 uses. The bristles are smaller diameter than the Omega brushes so I am not sure the Zenith will be as durable as the Omega.

I do have a hair brush in my old Army Kit. Never used brylcreem but I have used hair wax when I kept a flat top hair cut. So you didn't do too bad on your joking.

I love the filter, Brian. Great looking picture.

Beautiful photo, Charlie!

Thank you, Charlie!

No shave yesterday, so it's on to today...

November 7, 2017

Razor: Gillette Contract Tech
Blade: German Wilkie (4)
Brush: 30DC LE/Pure Badger
Cream: KMF fragrance-free
Post: Alum, Listerine, WH

Three shaves with the pre-War Tech and we move on to a newly-acquired Contract Tech. This is pretty much the archetypal wartime Tech: black, notched handle, black top cap, and an "S" baseplate with oval slots. Comparing it to both a pre-War and an NDC post-War Tech, it is interesting to note the changes made in response to material shortages. The cap, for instance, appears to not be Bass and is not as tall as other Tech caps (though it does retain the basic design). The baseplate is chromed but is a decidedly thinner metal than a "normal" Tech; in that regard, it is probably closer to a modern Tech clone. The baseplate is also interesting in that it is something of an evolutionary "missing link". It has the basic shape of a pre-War baseplate, but with the oval slots of a post-War one. I'm not sure if the "S" designates a part made by a subcontractor or if it denotes the baseplate material and handling. FWIW, Mr. Razor shows at least one example of an "S" baseplate with triangle slots.

In terms of the shave, I'd say it handles much like a pre-War Tech. I did have moments with a bit more blade feel but nothing a light touch and some cap riding wouldn't take care of. Overall, a DFS with no issues except for a couple of spots which were not as close as I would have hoped for. This was probably a technique fail or some overcautiousness on my part.

My one other impression was that this was a more "utilitarian" razor. I'm a bit hard press to explain that feeling, however. I think it's a combination of several factors including weight and finish coming together to produce a less polished/luxurious experience.

Part of me really wants to find one of the wartime Bakelite Techs now. They tend to get a bit pricy, though, so I may have to settle for the Clix I got a few months ago or, perhaps, a Bakelite Star razor. Also, anybody got a spare of one of those wartime Gillette black plastic cases?

Some breaks in her toes, mainly the second and middle toe. Big toe is affected as well. She has a boot she must use for walking. Has an MRI later this week and goes back to the ortho doctor in three weeks. Can't drive right now, obviously, and it wouldn't matter anyway since her car is a total loss! But, that's life! We'll roll with it. Thanks for asking!

Thank you Doug.

Thank you!

Great write up. I enjoy reading the history of the razors. Thanks for taking the time.

Thanks, Clint. I did use it again this morning, and loaded the brush with a ridiculous amount of product. More volume, too much work. Binned.
Another beautiful picture, btw. Those Nuavia bowls are certainly photogenic!

Another nice effect! I agree, Jim, the Baker Street scent is a keeper.

Cool photo, Perry. I enjoy the Jeeves soap and am thinking of pulling the trigger on this AS.

Are you summarizing your soap tests on a thread, Brian, or maybe planning a write up when done?
Edit- found the thread

Nice gear and a very good write-up, Charlie.

Yup. Done.

Very informative summary, John. Thank you.

Thank you Jason. Honestly the bowl and the scents are the exceptional parts of the soap. While the soap is very good, there are many other with the same attributes at a better price point.

Us oldsters are always looking for warmth and a bathroom.

I always notice when you post the PRC Siren. It is a very striking razor. Did you have to special order or is it one that is in stock?

Thank you, Jim!

Razor: Gillette Red Tip
Blade: Personna Tungsten (5)
Brush: El Druida Red Heart Chakte Kok/African Blackwood 2 Band
Soap: Nuavia Blu
A/S: Floid Blue

We got a little bit of sunshine today, even though it is cool. Took advantage to have a relaxing early shave.

Awesome photo Rick! I'm unsure why you are having such a hit and miss experience with this razor.

You gave it a good run Jason! I really like Florida Water too and given its price I don't know why I don't use it more often.

Enter setting "Neal"!

You are going to love it! Congrats!

Very cool shave Jim! Love Baker Street and the J is a mild yet efficient injector!

Beautiful photo, Clint! The knot on your Zenith look more like a badger then a Boar from the top!

Excelent photo, Mark! Great color matching going on!

Great setup, Perry! I think you should put a G-Bar on your list. It has the same head as the featherweight and pushbutton but a much heavier handle.

Cool photo, Brian!

Great shot, Charlie! I use a scuttle every shave too!

I hope she heals quickly and has minimal pain.

Awesome photo Doug, that El Druida and your Red Tip are showstoppers!

Thanks Andrew! I lurked on another forum when I started out, and it seemed like everyone used a scuttle. That's what got me started with them. I hope your day is going well.

Thank you so very much Andrew.