November 30, 2018- NOthing But Techs
Razor: Pre-War US Fat Handle Tech
Blade: 7 o'Clock Permasharp Stainless (5)
Brush: Razorock Plissoft 22
Soap: Stirling Sheep
Post: Alum, Listerine, WH
Today is the last day of the month and this is the last Tech in my den. It is only fitting, therefore, that here at the end, we go back to the beginning. The Nickel-plated pre-War Tech with its Fat Handle is an iconic DE razor. This particular one, while a little rough in spots, is one of the better looking of my pre-War Techs.
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As for its performance, today's shave lived up to all expectations for smoothness and efficiency. A fitting end to the month.
Since it is the end of the month, it seems appropriate that I take a moment to look back at the past 30 days. This is probably the most "on focus" that I have been in quite some time with no razor diversions, a single blade, only two brushes, and three soaps. I would have been more focused had I not switched to a Boar brush and Williams for Remembrance Week. I think that this minimalism worked well for me this month as I dealt with the family of razors that call themselves "Tech".
The seed of this focus came from the discussions of an EDRIO focus and was nurtured by the discussions of a no-variation focus. The "Aha!" moment came when I realized that I had acquired 19 Techs and that, given my shaving habits, that would probably be enough for the month with no repeats or need to use a non-Tech razor. I initially wasn't sure what to do about Veterans/Remembrance Day but you all assured me that using a razor from a Canadian Khaki Set was both appropriate and fitting; that ultimately turned into a full week centered around the varied versions of the Tech produced during WWII and supplied to our fighting men (and women?). All told, I used 20 Techs spanning a period of roughly 30 years, three major generations (plus variations due to material shortages), and several handle designs and redesigns.
Oddly, in many ways, I still only touched the surface of the Tech family. There were, for instance, no French or Argentinean razors. Neither were there any British Bakelite or post-War Canadian razors. Most regretfully, I do not yet own any of the truly unique variations such as an OC Tech or one of the English ones with the Perspex/Lucite baseplate; they show up from time to time on eBay but for more than I really can justify on a single razor. Someday, perhaps...
Still, the month did bring a surprise or two, even for me. Such was the wartime Canadian Tech with the Steel baseplate and British Bakelite handle. I hope that I was able to bring you all some other interesting ones as well.
I imagine that some of you are wondering if I have a favorite or even a least favorite one. The British Flat Bottom will probably be my favorite for a long time to come, though I prefer it with a Fat Handle rather than the two-piece one normally. My least favorite, oddly enough, is also British- the post-War Aluminium Tech; I actually made some peace with it this month, but not enough to justify regular use. I can honestly say, though, that I don't dislike any of them.
Few of my Techs are particularly attractive specimens. The newest one (not counting the Sterling Tech parts donor) is 49-years old. Most were, as the saying goes, "rode hard and put away wet". These were the common man's razor- a quality product made to sell at a low price in mass quantities. (Remember that the basic design of the Tech, including the iconic diamond indent, was created to facilitate the use of a stamped rather than machined manufacturing process.) I bought most of mine cheaply because no one else wanted them enough to bid or because they were dumped in with other razors and parts. If you've looked closely at my photos this month, you've seen lots of bare Brass and even some spray paint... but also some genuinely great razors, flaws and all.
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