Not different until, as you discovered, your lather started taking on a pinkish hue and you begin noticing a stinging sensation as you shave….

Day#3 of 6; 30-Days of June
Second day of use the the Big Red Imp. Yesterday's shave was after a 3-day layoff so this morning's whisker party offered, in comparison, very little resistance. The Imp just glided over me super-slickly lathered face, singing in full-hollow voice throughout the shave passes. The net result for my efforts was a true BBS shave that required minimal effort on my part. I was still well-aware of that spike point, daring me to take my eyes off the tip as I shaved. Great shave, finished off with a splash of Fine Fresh Vetiver…
The more I use this razor, the reasons are becoming obvious why these vintage Red Imps are in such demand!

For June I'll be doing a Stirling focus month, which means I'll be using Glacial Obsidian or Bay Rum almost entirely. When/if I shave on Saturdays, I'll probably still reach for Speick.

World Tournament of Blades - Russia vs. the World!!
June 3, 2015
Prep - Hot shower and towel
Brush - VDH Boar
Soap - Proraso Green
Razor - '59 Superspeed
Blade - (1)
Post - Alum, Nivea Balm

On to the next pairing of blades. The Rapira Platinum Lux versus the Gillette Silver Blue. Starting with the Rapira. I have used this blade on numerous occasions and it is one of the few Platinums that I truly like. In the superspeed it is pretty mild but that's expected. I doubt either blade will finish up in two passes with this razor. First pass was nice and smooth and yes, a typical mild pass. Second pass, XTG was also smooth with the blade working well. I did end up with a nice cut under my chin but that was a technique error. I added pressure working a Gillette slide up my neck and that's never a good idea. No harm, no foul for the blade. Third pass was neck only and I went back to the Gillette slide and some buffing to finish DFS. Pretty much what I expected with this setup.

Scoring - Sharpness - I'm going with a 2. It is a sharp blade but again there are some sharper. Smoothness - 1. No dragging, pulling, very nice feel. Irritation - 2. The alum bit across the shave, more on the neck. Had it been only on the neck I might have been more generous because I know the extra work involved. However my face also had a burn going so there you go. Result - 2. It's a DFS. A nice DFS but can't claim the baby.

Total - 7. Not bad. Tomorrow we load the GSB up and see how it does. Given my past experience this could be a very very close round.

I ussually shave around 4am, but I overslept this morning and was already late to work, so I thought the deck might give a better picture than the counter in the bathroom. The picture came out way better than I thought it would.

I'm interested in your review of the Catie's Bubble Soaps. I have access to some if I want it. So I wonder how does it compare to other soaps you've tried for the technical aspects and the scent? Thanks!

June 3, 2015
30 Day RULE - “Lather, Rinse, Repeat. Lather, Rinse, Repeat. Lather, Rinse....”

Prep: Lucky Tiger Lemon Facial Cleansing Cream
Morning Hot Shower
Pre-Shave Oil: The Art of Shaving
Soap: Arko
Brush: Omega Pro 48
Razor: Gillette Gold Tech “Fat Handle”
Blade: Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword Stainless (India) (3)
Mustache/Beard Trim: Schick Golden 500
Aftershave: Proraso Aftershave Splash Green



Continued focus on basic technique and using different head turns to get better observation view points of the blade angle against my face, rather than the swath of the stroke. I’m seeing immediate results in getting my hand placed correctly to get at trouble spots.

Very nice shave today, no nicks cuts or irritation. Face feels great.
Cheers!

- RT

Shave #2 (date 6/1/2015) - One month of shavette use

Prep: Hot shower
Soap: TOBS (Sandalwood...loving it)
Brush: Escali Badger
Razor: Parker SR1
Blade: Blade: Shark Super Stainless Half Blade
Aftershave: Old Spice Classic

6/1 was my second shave with the shavette - I travel out of town a LOT for work and do not use the shavette while away from home. I felt more comfortable with the grip this time around and felt confident enough to do the area below the sideburns to jaw line and the majority of the cheeks (WTG). That went so well that I did an ATG pass. Again, no nicks or cuts, no burn. VERY smooth shave as a result - as good as the best shave I get out of my cartridge razor minus all the irritation! I call that an excellent result!

Like Rufus, I too am trying to get a good feel for head and hand positioning to keep an eye on what the blade is doing and where.

So far I am very happy with my intro to shavette/straight razors. If this trend continues, there is no doubt I will be using it exclusively once I become proficient. Shave #3 happens tonight, then nothing for four days unfortunately...out of town again.

June Open Comb Focus
Day 3

Prep: Hot shower
Razor: Gillette New SC
Blade: Voskhod
Brush: Omega 10083 Boar Brush
Soap: Proraso Red
Post: Cold rinse, Alum, Witch hazel, Proraso White ASB

Not much growth today, but I had a really nice 2 passes. No bloodshed this time around.

I really wish Proraso made a Red aftershave balm.

I really like Catie's Bubbles. It's a very nice soft soap or croap. I find it very easy to lather and very slick. The post shave feel to me is very similar to MdC, not drying but not moisturizing either. My favorite vegan soap is Soap Commander because I like the post shave feel better. However, I would give the nod to CB Sandalwood for scent. I tested the CC Sandalwood Soap and the two smell very similar but I actually like the scent and performance of CB better. Hope this helps.

The only good thing I can say about Williams, is that it's not Arko.

Well, the good news is...the mosquitoes are leaving me alone!

Day 3 - 3 June 2015

30 Day Rule with an OC Cadet


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Day three and this blade is done. It was a bit tuggy today with a weeper or two. Overall not a bad shave. I think I have found the correct angle for minimizing irritation and maximizing the razor efficiency. Shallow is the way. I did the normal two passes with good results overall.

The lather today was still just ok. After a couple more days I may decide that just ok is all Williams has the potential to be! We shall see... Sorry for late post...tired and busy. Carry on!

Have a great Thursday!
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Glad there was less blood sacrifice today! Sounds like you're getting there!

First the mosquitos, then the roaches leave the house...can't argue that's a benefit. Dog and cat soon avoid you, and Mrs. Samurai is nowhere to be found.....until you find her whimpering from the ever more irritating scent. Day by day insanity creeps in......tick, tock, tick, tock. And finally................

It's not as bad as Kurtz, but the smell is, shall we say, unique!

"The horror, the stench of battle..."

Powerful movie.

I love the smell of Tabac, or MWF, or Proraso Green, or ARKO, or St. Charles Shave Sandalwood in the morning. Anything, really, except mosquito repellent soap. Now, SURF'S UP!

I sometimes play Wagner as I enter the den, it scares the hell out of my whiskers.

LOL I'll have to try that. It will probably get SWMBO to step in and give me that look, shake her head and say a couple of things under her breath. Especially if I shaved in rhythm to the Valkyries!