Micromatic Open Comb Day #4

Razor: GEM MMOC
Blade: GEM Stainless (4th use)
Brush: Bluebeard Doubloon
Soap: TOBS Peppermint
Post Shave: Nivea Sensitive

First off, I cannot tell you guys how excited I am about this razor. I have never used a blade past 4 uses, and this GEM blade doesn't show any signs of tugging/slowing down.
Tonight, after WTG/XTG/Touch-ups (buffing and J-hooking the jaw), I've left the bathroom with a high class DFS on my cheeks, chin and jawline. My neck (still a low grade DFS) still needs a little more work but I'm getting there!
There is noticeably less 'burn' all over and my neck irritation seems to have decreased further. Oh and ZERO nicks or weepers.
I know that there is still huge amounts of improvement to be made regarding my technique with this razor . Today I focused on using small strokes, I am finding this to be more effective than longer ones (for me) for a couple of reasons:
1) Long strokes seem to reduce the amount of effective control I have over pressure and angle.
2) Shorter strokes means I can stretch the skin more closely to the area of the face that I am shaving, resulting in a closer, smoother shave.

Enjoy your shaves gents!

Stirling products are among the best out there, IMO. I would definitely recommend them to anyone.

Terrific picture, Doug!

Thanks very much Jim.

That looks to be a good summer choice from Stoylin...perhaps not freezing cold like the Glacials, but quite pleasant.

The soap isn't very cooling, but the aftershave will take your breath away Paul.

Oh ok....kinda like when I pair Razorock Acqua(soap)with Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue, perhaps.

Tuesday September 18

PAL Adjustable injector on Low / vintage Schick (unknown uses)
30DC LE Maple Cashmere synthetic brush
Jeeves Cherry Blossom soap
Alum and Jeeves Cherry Blossom splash

I have gone back and forth on this scent. When I first got it, I sort of maybe liked it. After a few uses, I settled on disliking it for being almost too sickly sweet -- I think it's the magnolia that put me off. Today, after it had been in my tradesies bag for about a month, I pulled it out and tried it again. And today I am sort of ambivalently okay with it. The performance of both the soap and splash is, of course, first rate; it's the scent that's at issue for me.

I think it's going back into the trading stack. I have enough other soaps and splashes with scents I definitely like that I don’t need to hang onto a 7 oz tub of stuff I am not wildly fond of...

Oh the shave itself was fine -- two passes to a DFS with no squawk from Mr Alum.

Current Events News Feed

If you were thinking about ordering any Chinese manufactured products, get those orders in soon. "The tariffs will start at 10 percent, beginning Monday of next week, and then rise to 25 percent on Jan. 1.". Might be the time to check Aliexpress.com and order those badger knots and Yaqi brushes.

That's a "ringing" endorsement John.

I would think this would be a cool shave.

Well, I didn't want to overdo it and have people saying I'm getting mushy in my old age.

Fortunately I have never done the getting mushy in my old age.

Just gorgeous Amigo. I enjoy your outdoor photos so much. One of the highlights of my day.

Excellent progress James.

I know exactly what you are saying. I hate to give up on things and keep them around far too long. I wish I was more like you and just put them in the out of here bag.

Thanks very much Amigo, you are to kind.

Thank you, Gentlemen!

Speaking of calling on Jared, when was the last time we heard from him? Over a month ago? Jared/@PickledNorthern you ok?

Awesome brush with a great write up on it, Doug!

Sounds like you've done a great job with a razor that doesn't tolerate much nonsense, James!

I should probably do the same with a few razors and software, John. Yup, time to make a trade / raffle/ pif bag.

That's a beauty, Randy. Congrats!