One thing is for certain. Your shave reports are never boring. Nicely done and I have confidence you'll eventually beat that soap into oblivion.

Your independent, entrprenurial, uh, entreprenurial, uh entrrpreneurial, uh, self-employed nature was showing on those flights. Which explains your success at peddling ice cream versus living in the corporate world which isn't really healthy for anyone. As to the shoeless part - at this point in your ice cream selling career, you should at least treat yourself to a cheap pair of sandals. You've earned them.

Congrats to you as well, John! Keep up the great work!

Thank you, Jim.

Thanks Clint. It's par for the course here, but it's a little early.

Thanks Perry. Yes, winter has arrived early this year. I was hoping for a few more months of Fall.

Your kind attention to the following Cartel announcement is requested.

​

Just a quick update on the Stirling Gift Card race this month. When we began the month our accounting staff had been using all their toes, fingers and other, ummm, appendages to figure out how many posts we needed to officially surpass the 2017 yearly total. It was announced that it would be possible, though not guaranteed, that we could do so this month.

As Czar, I ordered a review of the numbers today as it is officially the halfway point of NOvember. I am pleased to inform you that, barring an unexpected disaster such as the implosion of the internet, we will indeed be passing that number before the end of the month. How soon before the end? Well, now, I can't give everything away can I.

Great first half of NOvember in many ways around here. Lots of discussions, some awesome gear and setups and it all adds up to why we're the busiest shaving spot in the universe. (Ok, we lack data for that but we're manufacturing it as we speak).

The prize awaits!

You may now return to admiring the shiny stuff in your den.

Thank you, John, for the kind words.

Thanks Andrew. All good so far!

I don't know what kind of company you worked for, Randy, but we flew the jet to golf courses and sporting events.

Thank you so much, Bruce. How is the bathroom project going?

Here is another post toward that prestigious goal!

November 15, 2018- NOthing But Techs, Remembrance Week

Razor: Gillette Bakelite Tech (US)
Blade: 7 o'Clock Permasharp Stainless (4)
Brush: VdH Boar
Soap: Williams
Post: Alum, Listerine, WH

Back again today with another Gillette Tech whose production was limited to WWII military production- the Bakelite Tech.
Bakelite razors are fairly common for this era due to the rationing of various metals, including Brass. Similar razors were produced for the military by companies such as Conrad (Clix), ASR (Star), and Simplex. Often these razors came with a Bakelite case.

I purchased this razor by itself and the case was a generous PIF from our Czar, @NCoxSTL. Initially, the handle would not fit in the case and it was not until later that I learned that there are actually at least two handle variations. This razor now sports the (later?) more common one.

This was my second shave of the month with a Bakelite Tech; the previous one was with a bit of a mashup with a later cap and fat handle. This one is pretty much as it would have been used by a serviceman. My impression? A smooth and efficient razor with a light touch. I did need to do some buffing in a couple of tough areas, but that may be the blade starting to show its age. I'm impressed with how Gillette continued to produce such quality razors under such difficult circumstances.



This is the 10 Tech in my Den and, with this shave, we pass the midway point of both the calendar and my collection of Gillette Tech razors. I apparently miscounted originally as it appears that I only have 9 more instead of 10 before I must switch to various Tech clones. As it currently appears, the remaining razors consist of:

• 2 Pre-War US
• 4 Post-War US
• 3 Vietnam-Era US (including one Travel Tech)

thank you for the kind words - I have a new bunch of T-400 for sale if anybody really wants one? Beautiful knots.

Terrific post, John!

Thank you sir.

Who knew that the 30DC could produce our own philosopher equivalent of Rene Descarte? Thank you for this masterful explanation of the reality of our modern society.

Another fascinating post on the intricate history of the humble Tech. They have been a pleasure to read this month.

I thought it was a reasonable attempt - given that I was still on my first cup of coffee when I wrote it.

All right, you mathematicians out there .* I've been studying two brands to try to figure out which one is the best deal, pricewise. Jeeves of Hudson gives us 7. oz of shave soap for roughly $20. Bill Neumann(Wm. Neumann&Co). gives you 8 oz. for $28. Which my better off choice? Showing your work is optional.

*As we all know, a "mathematician" is one with a degree in the field of Mathematicia.