SOTD Wednesday, 04/15/2020

Well today marked my first shave with the aluminum TAR. It was a less-than-illuminating experience. I have never been a fan of light razors, because they make it difficult to maintain ‘negative pressure’ for me. However, after three shaves with the brass version, which worked beautifully for me from the first shave, this shave was somewhat acceptable and bloodless. I shaved my face with the razor wide open at 6 and my dome at 4. My major complaint was that I had to concentrate on managing my tremors while also focusing on shave technique, and consequently did not end up with the level of closeness that I seek in a shave. Now don’t get me wrong, many would be happy with a good CCS. It just doesn’t ring my chimes.

The shave began with a cold water rinse. I selected Palmolive shave cream for today’s shave. The Alpha Shaving Brush with its super dense 26mm Two Band Badger again generated a thick, yogurty lather. I really like the feel of this brush on both face and dome. The first WTG pass with the Aluminum TAR didn’t clear away the whiskers like the brass version, even wide open. I also noticed that the razor didn’t feel as slippery as the brass version. Whether this is an artifact of the guncote coating, or simply reflects my attempt to balance shave technique and avoid positive pressure with this light version is open for discussion. In any case, two and a half passes later at 4 (XTG, ATG, ATG) and I was still left with numerous rough areas, some in places I normally have no problem with.

In conclusion, I’m hoping that my shaves will improve with this aluminum version. Out of frustration, an hour later, I lathered up a fifth time and tried my new SS Hawk V3, which arrived yesterday from Italian Barber. I loaded up a Feather Super blade, and you guessed it, buffed away all the roughness till I had my BBS. The new SS Hawk V3 has a slimmer head than my aluminum Hawk V2, and works much better for me. A quick application of Cremo Post Shave Cooling Balm sealed the deal! We’ll see how the aluminum TAR performs tomorrow, but now, in addition to feeling clean and refreshed, I now feel smooooth!

RAZOR: Aluminum TAR (6,4)
BLADE: Suneko(1)
PREP: Cold water rinse
BRUSH: Alpha Shaving T-400 Tribute with 26mm Super Dense Two Band Badger Knot
CREAM: Palmolive Shave Cream
POSTSHAVE: Cold water wash with Glyce Glycerin soap followed by Thayers Lavender WH and finished with Fine Accoutrements Fresh Vetiver AS Splash

thank you Myles,good morning..

fine shave and pic Jeff..

Too bad the aluminum razor didn't work better for you. It sure looks cool though!
Congrats on the new razor!

good morning to you sir!

Sorry to hear the Aluminum TAR wasn't so great for you today, Jeff. Your description and use of the V3 has me super excited for mine to arrive tomorrow, though!

Thank you, Gentlemen. Jim- I think No Repeat November was the last time my MMOC saw action as well.

Hi all!
Earlier shave, later post.
The net was on and off today, a coworker would say, "and that surprises you how?".
Got a J4 Ladies Gillette razor in the mail for the wife, no really!
Just a pretty Super Speed in my book.
Does work OK though with a new Feather blade.

Went with Tobac, a good brush and some Nivea to finish .
2 passes no issues.
I'm OK clean and smooth ready for today.

All
be safe

ENJOY!
tp

fine shave and pic Terry.,yes ,a longer handled super speed it is..

Brilliant shave, Jason!

Great shave, Angelo!

Great stuff, Terry!

Great looking shave!

I'm sure you'll use all your experience and get that razor dialled in soon, Jeff!

Thanks, James, that’s the goal, although light razors tend to be my nemesis!

You need a Hone Type 15 then!
Solid brass. 185g.

Thanks, Jason, the TAR will be leaving soon, but the new SS Hawk is awesome! Looking forward to a full shave with it, although it’s performance today checked all the boxes for me!

Thanks Gary!
If anyone should know, the G-man should!

Thanks James!


tp

Thanks, Jim!

Thanks, Gary!