awesome Keith..

Thanks for the kind words and thoughts gentlemen! Was a fun afternoon and evening. Shopping, dinner, home made carrot cake cake and presents.

Think I got everyone’s post. A couple were direct earlier...if I missed anyone’s, apologies!

That’s a great setup to match your day Joe! Looks like it was a great time.

That’s a nice shave setup Keith! Had to go look up that PAA soap. Hilarious label.

Terrific shave, Keith!

Sorry the shave didn’t go the way you’d wish, but as we all know, my friend, there’s always tomorrow! I still remember the fishing trips with my sons, grandsons and one granddaughter. I’m a fly fisherman and have passed the skill on. I hope you have a great trip, Joe! I was never an ocean-going fisherman. Trout, Bass, Perch and Pike were always my thing. Have a great time!

I’d be real interested in your thoughts on those light blades. I was under the impression that light blades won’t work in my AC razors (Hawk, Vector, General). Is that your understanding? I really like the Feather Super, so never looked at the Light because I thought it incompatible.

Thanks, Gary; that was an interesting article!

August 21, 2020
Wolfman WR-2 1.05mm
Gillette 7 O’clock Yellow
BSB-2 Two Band
MdC Fougere
Myrsol Agua Balsamica

​

TGIF!! Broke out the MdC Fougere for Fougere Friday. The little BSB-2 has a fantastic hand tied Vie Long 2 band fan knot. I only wish the handle was a little larger. However, the BSB did a wonderful job loading and lathering the MdC. The knot has excellent scrub and flow through which makes face lathering a joy. Three passes and touch ups ended in another automatic drama free BBS shave. A splash of Agua Balsamica and I am ready for the day. Happy Friday Everyone. I hope you have a fantastic day.

Great shave, Keith! Glad your shave went well. Enjoy your day!

I wasn't aware they wouldn't work. I'll give them a try and let you know.

Fabulous Fougere Friday shave, Clint!

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Thank you Jim. I am looking forward to giving the Tradere a go tomorrow morning.

I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of the OC version.

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DE-Vette shaves 4&5

I got inexplicably busy in the last week so I'm a bit late on my progress reporting with the DE-Vette.

I also had to skip a ton of posts to get current. I hate missing so much.

Not a whole lot to report other than shaves continued to improve as my experience on an unguarded DE progressed. My final shave was the best and I became quite comfortable using it.

#4
Feather on (3)
View attachment 232961

#5 & final
Back to GSB on (5)
View attachment 232962

While it was my original thought that 'riding the cap' technique was going to be king here, it turned out to be more like most other open blade shaving where you feel the edge on stretched skin at minimal angles.

Closing comments and thoughts.
Here are a few tools I'll reference.
View attachment 232963
Right center is our pass around tool. Some refinements could make this tool better for me to use.

On the far right is an all aluminum shavette (Focus R28 Slim Al) I use with recessed blade and corner guards. It's design does employ a 'ride the cap' type style at about 23 degrees if I remember correctly. The DE-Vette shaves nicely at a similar angle, but you're on blade feel alone. I like this tool.

On the far left is a pivoting head safety razor (Focus Dynamic R48 1/2 DE) derived from its shavette cousin. It is a very mild shaver that delivers irritation free top level results if you; load it right, use the right pressure to engage the mechanism correctly, make enough passes. All due to a guard and cap geometry requiring that you 'ride the cap & the bar'. I like this tool.

Left center is the very popular EJ DE89. Using a 'ride the cap' technique has always required some 'buffing' for me to get nice shaves. I've found it the most difficult of the pictured tools to get a top shave. I used it as a follow up shave confirming the same. I'll be doing some 30DC focus work with that tool. This tool has not been a fave and currently gets little use.

I do recall one of the guys with a good supply of modern DE gear making the statement that 'riding the bar' zoned in one of his tools better than 'riding the cap'. I'll be doing focus work in this thinking.

I close very satisfied with the experience and insight that I have gained in this exercise. A special thanks to Joseph for the inspiration & to Tom for making this possible.

The tool is in route to the next tester.

Best Regards,
Bill

I was very impressed with the Tradere unboxing. The top plate was very well polished. I did touch it up with some Maas metal polish. It looked like it might have rubbed the packaging during shipping. If I am being super picky the bottom plate is mirror polished but has some lines in the finish in certain light. With the engraving I will just leave that alone. If the Tradere shaves as good as it looks, I will have a winner. Based on the reviews thus far, I would be shocked if I didn't like the razor.

Excellent report Bill. Happy Friday.

Extremely nice Fougère Friday shave Clint! Great looking image!

Great thoughts and report Bill! Sounds like it was a fun experiment.

Thank you Blair. Happy Friday.

Fantastic Fougere Friday shave Clint! Have a great day!