Micromatic Monday

MMMonday, July 15th 2024

Razor : Gem Damaskenne open comb. Mfg 1914-17, mild to tame mid range. Excellent stamping, coatings + QC for that time period. The 1914 and similar following 1914 variants is what helped ASR corporation get through the dirty 30's great depression period. Had a wonderful close comfortable shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE(3) very sharp, great longevity, smooths out nicely , predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Razorock M.F. croap, nice cologne fragranced with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi " Lucky dice" 26mm tuxedo knot. Excellent lather generator, cloud like soft tips, nice splay scrubber + excellent lather painter.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Razorock M.F splash with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBs + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Gem Damaskenne with a coated Gem blade.


Have some great shaves!

 

British Ever-Ready 1912 Razor
Gem Stainless Blade
FS Ex. Dense Two Band Badger Brush
Speick Shave Soap
Sea Breeze Astringent
Speick After Shave

Monday's shave, but having intermittent internet issues..........

 

GEMonday, July 22nd, 2024

Razor : Gem Junior bar 1907-11 Lather catcher with stropping attachment in the handle. Mfg 1907-11, mild range. Excellent lather catcher and great for folks who like to buff a little. The razor is brass stamped out with a with beautiful script on the razor back with a Nickel coating. This razor was a master piece for the bar securing the blade and giving operator better protection in lather catchers of that era. This razor is very smooth and I feel confident when wielding it across my face. Had a close comfortable shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE(4) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Ach Brito Lavanda, very nice mild scented lavender with a touch of peppermint <(?), with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Moka Express" 26 mm synthetic brush. Excellent lather generator, luxury heavenly cloud like soft tips, gentle splay scrubber + excellent lather painter. Very nice brush to work the face.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Ach Brito Lavanda with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Gem Junior bar L.C. with a Coated Gem Blade.


Have some great shaves!

 

GEMonday, July 29th, 2024

Razor : Gem G bar. Mfg 1955-58, milder to tame mid range. Well built to last generations, it has a excellent heavy chrome coating. In a skilled hand with good technique the results are excellent. Had a close comfortable stellar shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE(5) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Yaqi "The Green", nice scented fresh forest scent IMO with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Viper" 24mm boar bristle knot. Excellent lather generator, soft split end bristle hairs, nice splay scrubber + great lather painter.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Yaqi "The Green" + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBs + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable stellar shave this morning with my Gem(ASR) "G" bar with a coated Gem blade.

Have some great shaves!

 

MMMonday, Aug 5th 2024

Razor : Micromatic flying wing{AKA= Bullet tip, Guiding eye, MMBT, MMFW...). Mfg 1947-50, mild to tame mid range. Well built to last generations with the micromatic rack & pinion clamping system. Brass metal base with a chrome coating. Had a close comfortable shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (5) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Razorock Lavender(obsolete) nice fragranced soap with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Purple haze" 24mm synthetic, Excellent lather generator, luxury heavenly cloud like soft tips, gentle splay scrubber + excellent lather painter.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Ach Brito Lavanda splash with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Micromatic flying wing with a Gem coated blade.

Have some great shaves!

 

MMMonday, Aug 5th 2024

Brush : Yaqi "Purple haze" 24mm synthetic, Excellent lather generator, luxury heavenly cloud like soft tips, gentle splay scrubber + excellent lather painter.


Have some great shaves!

 

GEMonday, August 12th 2024

Razor : Gem Jr 1912 variant paton style handle. Mfg 1938 variant, mild to tame mid range. Excellent stamped razor made of brass with a light tapered plastic handle that acts like a stand(Not sure why other manufactures don't offer similar handles). This little razor just performs and once mastered is a shavers treasure when it comes to results and no irritation IMO. Had a close comfortable stellar shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTEF (7) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Cyril R Salter(CRS) Wild Rose, nice scented rose scent 6/10 strength with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi" Atlantis" 24mm synthetic(G4?). Excellent lather generator, cloud like soft tips, nice splay scrubber + excellent lather painter. Nice handle + great badger closeness to a 2band badger.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Italian barber Amici with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBs + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable stellar shave this morning with my Gem Jr 1912 with a coated Gem blade. (Very enjoyable close shave this morning)


Have some great shaves!

 

SE Sunday Shave, August 18th 2024

Razor : Gem push button SE. Mfg 1958-65, mild to tame mid range. Well built to last, it is a nice razor to wield when shaving and is attractive with the gold and black handle. Had a close comfortable shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS (7) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Yaqi Dragon, mild scent with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Ferrari" 24mm boar bristle. Excellent lather generator, soft split-end bristle hairs, nice splay scrubber + excellent lather painter. This brush has turned out to be a decent shave brush.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Razorock American barber with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Gem push-button SE with a coated Gem blade.


Have some great shaves!

 

MMMonday, August 19th 2024

Razor : Micromatic Clog Pruf(Peerless 17 nib SB variant) solid brass. Mfg 1945, mid range. Excellent design and workmanship with a rack & pinion blade clamping tightening system. From my limited research millions of the 3 main Micromatic variants(MMOC, MMCP & MMBT variants) that where manufactured over their lifetimes.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE(8) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Razorock XXX Fresco, nice mentholated XXX clean scent with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Moka express" 26mm timberwolf synthetic. Excellent lather generator, luxury heavenly cloud like soft tips, gentle splay scrubber + excellent lather painter. 26mm synthetics rocks for my shaving needs.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Razorock XXX Fresco with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Micromatic Clog Pruf (Peerless variant) with a coated Gem blade.


Have some great shaves!

 

Sunday Shave, August 25th 2024

Razor : Ever-ready Streamline 2nd generation. Mfg 1949-53, mid range to upper mid range. Very well built razor for its time with stamping and machining. Interesting looking razor with blade forward feel and blade stops are small and close to front of safety bar base plate. I use a RIGS shim under the spine of new blade to smooth out the shave like the older thicker spine of the past. Had a close comfortable shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (9) Very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Ach Brito Lavanda cream, nice mild scented lavender + excellent lather qualities. One of my favorite soaps.
Brush : Yaqi "Viper" 24mm boar bristle. Excellent lather generator, soft split end boar bristle tips, nice splay scrubber + great lather painter.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Ach Brito Lavanda splash with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Ever Ready streamline SE razor with a coated Gem blade.


Have some great shaves!

 

MMMonday, August 26th 2024

Razor : MicroMatic OC buttonless. Mfg 1930-32, mid range to upper mid range. First Micromatics built for the new double edge blades were introduced(New Gem Micromatic DE blades came out in 1933 approximately.) Built to last generations with excellent stamping and machining know how, blade is tightened with a rack and pinion design. Had a close and comfortable shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (10) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Ach Brito Lavanda cream, nice mild scented bright lavender with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi"Dandelion" 24mm cashmere knot. Excellent lather generator, cloud like soft tips, gentle splay scrubber + excellent lather painter. Very nice overall brush in my hand to work the beard, nice handle.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Ach Brito Lavada splash with witch hazel+ a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Micromatic buttonless razor with a coated Gem blade.

Have some great shaves!

 

MMMonday, September 2nd 2024.

Razor : Star bar lather catcher(Kampfe brothers, Brooklyn NY), Mfg 1919-20, mild to tame mid range. excellent stamping technology for that time period. Kampfe brothers of NY started the safety razor industry as we know it today, they were the pioneers of the affordable safety razor in the 1880's. They started out small and grew to worldwide fame. Had a close comfortable stellar shave this morning. Awesome razor with a fresh blade.
Blade :Gem Personna SS PTFE(1) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Speick stick(tallow), nice mild scent of spices with excellent lather qualities. Triple milled and my favorite stick soap!
Brush : Yaqi " Ferrari" 24mm boar bristle knot. Excellent lather painter, soft split end boar bristle hairs, nice splay scrubber + excellent lather painter. Great boar brush for my shaving needs.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Nivea refreshing lotion + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable stellar shave this morning with my Star Bar #4 LC with a coated Gem blade. Had a wonderful close shave, hard to beat this razor for consistent great shaves over the years of use. One of my best chance taking buys over the years of buying vintage razors.


Have some great shaves!

 

SE SOTD, Sunday, September 8th 2024

Razor : Gem Junior bar lather catcher. Mfg 1907-11, mild range. Very easy going shave this morning. This was a popular razor for its time until the 1912 models arrived with the flip cap for securing the blade + gave Gem different ways to throttle aggression as time went on through the following decades of the different caps IMO.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE(2) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Razorock Irish Countryside, nice fresh scent with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Rainbow" 26mm brown whiskers synthetic.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Razorock Irish Countryside with witch hazel+ a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Gem Jr bar L.C with a coated Gem blade. There was not much to shave from yesterday's very close shave!


Have some great shaves!

 

GEMonday, September 9th 2024

Razor : Gem G bar. Mfg 1955-58, mild to tame mid range. Well built to last generations, heavy chrome for longevity. It was my first Gem razor tested years ago and still enjoy using it. Had a close comfortable shave this morning.
Blade : Gem Personna SS PTFE (3) very sharp, excellent longevity, smooths out nicely, predictable + safest blade to handle.
Soap : Razorock XXX, unique fresh scent with excellent lather qualities.
Brush : Yaqi "Artic sky" 24mm 3band silvertip badger. Excellent lather generator, luxury pillow like soft tips, nice splay face feel scrubber + great lather painter. Great brush for my shaving needs.
Pre shave : (Dedicated Cashmere synthetic)Brush wash whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser with a dollop of clear Aloe Vera on the cleaned beard area.
Prep : Cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pickups. WTG + ATG + pickups.
Post shave : Razorock XXX splash with witch hazel + a dollop of CeraVe moisturizing lotion(scentless).
Results : or CCS,DFS,BBS + no irritation + no weepers= Had a close comfortable shave this morning with my Gem G bar with coated Gem blade.


Have some great shaves!

 

I had a wonderful relaxing shave this morning with my Gem Junior Lather Catcher and Never Alone 4. I love Lather Catcher razors they are so elegant and well designed. The artistry in the lettering is wonderful. The fact that they are 100+ years old and still functioning beautifully. And knowing that if cared for properly they should function for 100+ more years. We don't have as much time here. So make your time count. Enjoy each moment. Find ways to treat yourself well. It doesn't have to be expensive or extravagant.

If you are struggling to find joy, reach out. Find a friend or family member to talk to. If you don't feel like you can than call 988 and seek help. I struggled with severe depression for over 20 years before I reached out for help. I wish I would have talked to someone sooner. It took another 10 or so years to get to a place where i was consistently happy to be alive. Had I reached out sooner it probably wouldn't have taken so long. It's been so much better living with the support I could have had all along. I still have low days but they aren't as bad, not as often and not as hopeless. Don't let the bad days win. You really are Never Alone. There are people that want to help, you just have to give them the chance.

Thanks so much to everyone who put this together. I'm not sure who is OK to tag. Check out The Razor Company for more info on who was involved.

 

Thank you.

 

Me? Or someone else?

 

Yes, for this…

If you are struggling to find joy, reach out. Find a friend or family member to talk to. If you don't feel like you can than call 988 and seek help. I struggled with severe depression for over 20 years before I reached out for help. I wish I would have talked to someone sooner. It took another 10 or so years to get to a place where i was consistently happy to be alive. Had I reached out sooner it probably wouldn't have taken so long. It's been so much better living with the support I could have had all along. I still have low days but they aren't as bad, not as often and not as hopeless. Don't let the bad days win. You really are Never Alone. There are people that want to help, you just have to give them the chance.

 

Ah, you are welcome then. And I'm always open to a conversation. I usually check in here every few days.

 

Thanks. I’m going to take you up on that. Look for a PM Thursday or Friday.