Feb. 29
Epilogue: “There Can Be Only Three (and One Exception… for Now)”
Today was a free shave, and I was planning to take another crack at the Variant with a feather blade (and actually set it correctly this time, cause why not?) But then Jim
@Norcalnewb out of the blue offered to PIF me the Gillette Slim he won in the recent raffle. I have never seen so many thoughtful people all in one place. Ever. Seeing as today is the last day that I will be free to shave with anything other than a shavette for the next 100 or so days, I had no choice but to load up the Slim with a Feather to see what would happen...
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Gear
- Razor: Gillette Slime (set at 9)
- Blade: Feather (2)
- Brush: Kong
- Soap: Barrister Reserve “Cool”
- AS: Aqua Velva Ice Blue
- Balm: Stirling Glacial Unscented.
The Shave
Mistakes were made. 1st off, throwing a Feather into a new razor (then setting it to ‘9’) was probably kind of stupid. It was surprisingly tuggy and rough. I blame myself for this. Walked away pretty smooth though. Only two passes--WTG and XTG--chin a bit rough, but BBS and DFS everywhere else. I’d call it a DFS, maybe DFS/CCS. Experiencing slight irritation though. I’m excited to see what this razor can do, but that’s not happening for another 100 days.
The Showdown--Results
The goal was to end this month owning 3 razors: the 2 best showdown razors, and then a shavette. That almost happened. Before I name the winners, I must first say that if I had to shave exclusively with just one of the razors I’m parting with, I would consider myself fortunate. Once I got things dialed in, they were all great performers--I’ll be sad to see them leave.
So what razors made the cut? I will be keeping my far-and-away favorite razor, the Flare Tip, and perhaps my poorest performer… the Parker Variant.
"What, the
Variant!?!
" you say? Yes, for a few reasons: (a) I misadjusted the settings when I used it, so it never got a fair shake, (b) it was a gift from my mom and is actually the priciest razor I have, and (c) it will participate in a future adjustable razor showdown with the 4th razor I’m keeping for the time being… the Gillette Slim.
Further Justifications
I know there are a lot of single edge advocates out there that are probably disappointed with this decision, and after the last half year, I understand why. The 1912 is a gorgeous, smooth shaver; it's one of my favorites. And oddly enough, I might even be more sad to let go of the MMOC. This is my 1st 30DC razor; I learned it's wily ways; and my last shave with it was truly a wonderful experience--the MMOC is just an incredible razor.
Then why let go of them? Practicality. I initially moved to SE razors because I was struggling with my DE’s. But I don’t really struggle with DE’s anymore (or at least more so than anything else

). When you factor in that DE blades are cheaper, easier to store and purchase, and that my shavette also uses DE blades... well, for a pragmatist/pseudo-minimalist, bringing on an additional platform just doesn’t make sense. Will I miss my GEM shavers? Heck yes--but at least I got to know them.
One last look at some worthy contenders...
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BTW, I know I'm talking to a group of people that have some
amazing gear, but if anyone is either interested in any of the above razors, or know someone you'd like to pass one on to, shoot me a PM. Otherwise, they're off to the Cancer Federation thrift store on the next collection day.
Gentlemen, it has been a pleasure and a privilege reading through all your posts and comments this month. Very much looking forward to all the upcoming March madness. Enjoy your weekend, everyone

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