December Focus

The Twelve Blades of December!

Hard to believe we've almost put this year to bed. Wow. Where did the time go? But, here we are and as a gift to everyone here I'm offering up my shaves with twelve blades that have never touched my face, randomly paired with twelve of my DE razors. Two shaves with each setup to finish on Xmas Eve. So, sit back, get the fire burning and enjoy what I hope is an enjoyable month of further proof Technique Trumps Tools. I hope for that....my expectations aren't as optimistic.

December 13

Razor - Rimei A2002
Blade - (1)
Brush - Wolf Whiskers Silvertip
Soap - Tabac
Post - Cold water, Witch Hazel, Nivea

Well, back to China this morning. These overnight trips around the world are exhausting! The randomizer saw fit to hand me a Chinese razor as well today, with the Remei up in rotation. The Rimei razor is a very inexpensive 3 piece but actually delivers a decent shave. I compared it to the Weishi when I tried it the first time. Mild but effective with the right blade. The one difference in the Remei and Weishi - the three piece design doesn't bend the blade quite as much as the TTO on the Weishi so there's a bit of extra gap between guard and blade, so it isn't quite as mild.

The blade is the Vincent VT300B, made in China by or for Sewicob, Inc. Sewicob is a hair care/salon supply business based in Lansdowne, PA. So, I actually expect the blade to be decent because once again it's a foreign owner using Chinese manufacturing to their specs. Schick injectors are made in China and most around here love the blades. Same thing should apply here........I hope.

The WW Silvertip and Tabac for an amazing lather this morning. Really cushiony and slick. First stroke was a bit on the "oh-oh" side as it felt rough, but I went for the second stroke and adjusted angle a bit and got a smooth result. The blade seems very sharp. Not Feather sharp but sharp. Comfortable, though. Smooth with no tugging or other issues. First pass was quite good, although I picked up a small nick right under my chin against the goatee. Most likely I went in too steep there. It happens.

Second pass was also nice. Still smooth and when I finished I only needed a touch up on the neck to get DFS. For a Chinese made blade that is an awesome result. No complaints at all on blade or razor. Given the overall feel, though, I was expecting a bit of irritation but the witch hazel went on quietly and Nivea finished it off for a really nice shave. Day one on the Vincent is a good one! Whew! We'll hope day two continues the trend.

I have been noticing a trend in my shaves this month that I'm going to share later this evening. For now it's off to work. Hope you have a great Sunday!

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@Bama Samurai, Did you survive the Christmas Party?

I agree. I find I have to "overwork" things with such a mild razor.

Of course. Just not my favorite thing to do, but it turned out ok. Apologies for whining publicly.

Rimei appears to be a Tech clone.

No apologies necessary. Shaving with a dull Flying Eagle is better than company xmas parties in my opinion.

Nice!

Hence the dentist/sewer combo!

It's a great looking restoration!

It's easy to love a great boar brush!

We have all the cookies!

Yeah I enjoyed that comparison.

I can't say I ever had to suffer through a Christmas party. I guess that makes me lucky.

Razor: Gillette Super Speed 1948-49 No Date Code
Blade: Gillette Platinum (7)
Brush: Brass Handle Boar (I know nothing about this brush)
Soap: TSD 2X Oakmoss Sandalwood
A/S: TSD 2X Oakmoss Sandalwood.

Doug, do you remember the classic photo of the ski-jumper in action with the skyline of Sapporo in the background? SI, I think it was.

No I don't remember that picture, however, it should be noted that I can't remember what I had for breakfast.

It is nice looking brush handle. How does it work for you?

The handle is heavy and feels good in my hand. The knots needs some work. Overall I like it.

I definitely like how it looks. I don't know that I have seen a brass handle before, so it is nice.

I don't recall a brass handle brush either. I can't find anything about it. Perhaps some one here can chime in on it.