November 27 I was so close (and lazy) this morning that I decided not to shave. Even when I don't shave, I wash my face, moisturize with unrefined shea butter, and finish with a splash of after shave. It was CC Bay Rum this morning. I love this stuff. I repeat this routine at night also. I think it helps keep my skin ready for the next great shave, especially during the winter months. I took some time this morning to thoroughly clean my razor and brush. I spray my razor weekly with scrubbing bubbles and use a toothbrush to clean the nooks and crannies. I soaked my brush to remove the soap residue. Then, I hit it with shampoo and conditioner. Even though I rinse all my tools well after each shave, they still need a little extra TLC every so often. I'm not sure if any of this really helps my tools, but it makes me feel better when I use them. The Semogue brush continues to break in and has developed a nice bloom. It has lost a few hairs, and I hope this will eventually stop. It feels great on my face (I face lather), and it has begun to release lather better. I'm officially a Semogue boar brush fan! I have gone back and forth on my decision to try a Feather Super Pro blade in the Pain Stick. I'm gonna try it, beginning with tomorrow's shave. Hey, what's the worst thing that could happen? I ventured out briefly today to swap movies at the Red Box and pick up some Chinese food for lunch and dinner. The house is decorated for Christmas, and Mrs. Pain Stick and I plan to remain horizontal for the remainder of Black Friday. I hope everyone has a great Friday and a wonderful weekend.
I run my razors through the ultrasonic cleaner at least once a month. You did remind me to clean some of my brushes. I have them soaking now. Thanks for the reminder.
To quote one of Rock'n'Roll's greatest poets: But that's the way I like it, baby I don't wanna live forever
I'm curious to see how the Super Pro blade will perform in the Feather AC. I have used the Super Pro in the Mongoose, and I'd say that it provided a marginally closer shave for me in that razor. I've read a few reports about how it performed for others in the Feather AC. As you would expect, some prefer the Pro, and others prefer the Super Pro. I assume theses folks had reasonable skills, for the most part, and I didn't read any horror stories about the use of the Super Pro. Without proper technique, you can have a very bad day with any blade in the Feather AC. Here's a comparison between the two blades. The Super Pro is 22 % thicker at the base and has 21 % more vertical blade exposure. I don't expect the shave angle to change appreciably. I already keep the blade holder close to my skin on the WTG pass using a Feather Pro. I guesstimate the angle to be 15 degrees. I keep the blade holder almost right against my face on the ATG pass. I do expect to feel more of the Super Pro blade, as it protrudes significantly more from the blade holder. In that way, I'd expect it to feel more like a traditional straight razor. As a result, I think skin stretching will be even more important to ensure a flat shaving surface. Do you guys think I'm missing anything, other than a few marbles?
I don't think you have missed much if anything. Given how much you've worked on perfecting your use of the Feather AC this year, I would give it a try.
Well I'll tell you what. Tomorrow will be my last shave for the pain stick for the month. I'll switch to the super pro along with you. If you go, we go. BOPS all the way.
Thanks Clint. I'll take it slow and easy, and I think it will be fine. A Saturday morning will be a perfect time to try the Super Pro, as I'm not rushed for time. I'll start with my easiest areas, which are my cheeks, and move to the more challenging areas. If something doesn't seem right, I'll drop back and load a Feather Pro. If I don't post my shave by noon, please send a search party. Seriously, though, if I can use this razor, anyone can.
I tried to ride a motorcycle when I was younger, and I never could do that. You'll always have that over me. However, I'm sure Neal rides to the Cartel meetings...
I just loaded the Super Pro. Yeah, that looks a bit wicked. Not a huge difference in exposure I guess but enough to make you look twice. Like you said, though, strong technique, slow and steady and start easy. Now, to make sure my insurance cards and living will are all where they are supposed to be. You know, just because.