That's an interesting pamphlet, Gary. Adjusting the blade angle with the handle screw is not commonly advised these days. Some have had bad experiences from not securing the blade properly. For that reason, I always check to make sure the screw is tight. In doing so, I am overlooking a design feature in my vintage Gillettes. The pamphlet did not suggest multiple passes, and it recommended shaving in whatever direction worked best. That implies that it would be considered OK to shave ATG on the first pass if the user felt comfortable doing so. I think that's great advice. That's different than Gillette's current advice using cart razors of always shaving WTG. The pamphlet didn't expressly advocate the use of no pressure, but it sure looked like the man in the diagram was using a feather-lite touch. And I also didn't know I could burn the used blades in my stove. Overall, it's not surprising how little the basic advice for a great shave has changed in the past century. Thanks for sharing!
Nice score, Andrew! Arko is one of the best values in traditional shaving. $40 will purchase a Gillette Super Speed, 100 Voskhod blades, an Omega boar, and a few sticks of Arko. Stop by the mall, get a free dab of moisturizer & a squirt of cologne, and use the money left over for a cone of ice cream. I've never seen a dozen sticks for $9. Where did you find that deal?
It's an Amazon Prime deal this weekend (Prime membership required). I just checked and it is still active. Here's the link: 12 Arko Shaving Sticks
i believe the handle adjusting part is for old type razors that only used the 3 hole blades.no mention of it from 1930 ish onwards when the modern gillette blade/new series razors were introduced..
And what you said earlier about the supplies you can buy for $40 is very true. That was my first intention (saving money) when I switched to traditional shaving. I just keep telling myself that's what I am doing...
I am not missing! Aside from my Less (vs no) Shave November, I wound up COVID quarantined for two weeks and so let myself go, get scruffy, no attention to bad shaves or whatever. My Dad's Sr. home has an out break, and kids in my teacher wife's class had covid, so we both wound up housebound for two weeks and socially distancing from eachother in our own home . But we are fine, and COVID free. However one of my Dad's (Sr) friends did not make it, and I have a close friend in an induced coma on breathing tubes and machines that is touch and go, so I don't mind just having to stay home a bit and wear a mask when I'm out. However overall I learned to not be so fixated every time on being BBS, esp if pressed for time. I'd even let my head go a day sometimes. My favourite face-only razor, for a perfectly acceptable WTG one pass is my Colonial General. For my head it's a bit wide, a narrower DE does better. My pref for a fast head shave for a near BBS, DFS one pass ATG is was RazorRock BBS or Above the Tie (open comb slant) S2. The S1 would not do it, Others felt too rough to use ATG first pass and I'd have to do two, XTG ATG. Sometimes I'd use my Rex Ambassador, which can do anything depending on the setting, but the RR-BBS or CG have NO blade feel despite being efficient, which I like. Coming up November, I'm going to learn Straight technique with an AC shavette and straight also PIF'd by a member here, Thanks so much. I've cut my finger, already. Also I found my PIF open comb gift out still in the envelope under the seat of my car, so sorry for the person waiting, it will go out, as I though it had. Concussion brain.
I'm glad you're back! I'm very sorry to hear of all the COVID-related bad news and also glad that your immediate family is healthy. I saw a friend this morning on Zoom that is recovering from COVID. He was released yesterday from the hospital, and he is receiving supplemental oxygen at home. It was great to see him, but it was all he could do to say hello. It will be fun to follow your shaves with the AC shavette. Just remember, it's for your mug, not your fingers.
That is also how I wound up with a lifetime supply of Arko a while back . I wound up putting into tube dispensers and giving some away. Still have lots left though.
@dvdhviid David, glad you are all ok. Congrats on embarking into the adventures of straight/shavette shaving. May I suggest going to the thread Straight Razor and Shavette Guide for Newbies. I started the thread with the knowledge that I obtained from open blade shaving. Other members also have offered their insights as well. I know that it will give you a better foundation to begin using your straight and shavette. The thread would be under the Forum Category- Straight Razors. Hit the link and hit page 5. You will see the title Straight Razor and Shavette Guide for Newbies on that page. Good luck.
