I just got into the 3-and-out routine for blades as a new shaver testing a variety of blades. For me, I find it a bit easier to judge a variety of blades that way. I'd imagine that once I establish a group of brands I prefer, that I'll still use the 3-and-out routine for each blade but vary it under different circumstances since my confidence with a particular blade or razor/blade combination will have grown.
hmmm...calling something 'sweet' and then 'tough' and 'manly' in the same sentence?!!! Herm (this is scary but) I think I actually get what you mean!
October 5, 2015 OC October - This month I'll introduce myself to my OCs. Gillette New LC Gillette Goodwill Standard Safety Razor OC Schick Type C1 OC Hot Shower, Morning Shave Soap: Razorock P160 Brush: Omega Pro 48 Razor: Gillette New LC Blade: 7 o’clock (Blues) (5) Thayer's Lemon Witch Hazel Aftershave: Myrsol Limon After the excellent Sunday shave (@9 a.m.) I took a step onto the high-wire. At 8 a.m. Monday, I had just a minor amount of stubble that normally might make me skip a shave, but a business day to deal with caused me to shave. ONE-pass shave (ATG). Done and done! I'm very satisfied. Though I’ve committed myself to experiment and experience as much as I can with this new-found passion (at such a late stage in life, comparatively) - this is the first razor and blade that unequivocally gets a spot in my rotation - if I ever develop one. Everything about this shave combo is a delight. It adds up to a smooth, sharp, comfortable and trouble-free process on a consistent basis - if I can say that after just 5 shaves. (and I think I can because they were daily shaves, as well as a shave with a multi-day growth.) Feedback is nearly silent, but just enough to let me know it was working. Every shave ends with a completely smooth, irritation free face. Caveat, I do not mean to imply that each shave is automatic. I’ve got just enough experience under my belt now to know that I cannot take anything for granted when shaving. The minute I do, there’s a slip resulting in a weeper, cut or just plain irritation. Like I said when I first started, much of the draw for me to traditional wet shaving is the complete focus it requires, (that reminds me somewhat of meditation), and provides me a bit of ‘me’ time. Cheers! RT
Prep : Hot shower with Stirling Glastonbury soap and MRGLO Soap: Italian Barber Aquatico Brush: Razorock synthetic Razor: Phoenix Double Open Comb Blade: Gillette Blue Post: Alum, Stirling Lemon Chill WH/Aloe After: Myrsol F/Extra First off, I know I said all Russian blades were banned from the den as I decided to use only those I had never used, but I forgot that Rufus generously sent me a tuck of the Gillette Blues and I had never tried them before, so I lifted the embargo and loaded one in the PDOC. I was afraid it was going to be a really good shave as the Blues are no longer being produced and I wouldn't be able to find any more. I was right. This blade is great. One of the smoothest I have ever tried. Maybe it was just the blade or maybe it was the combination of blade and razor, but I had one of the closest smoothest shaves ever. I almost wept. As for the soap and brush; the Razorock synthetic whipped up great lather and maybe I got lucky as some have mentioned losing a couple of fibers, but I didn't have that problem. The soap was not the slickest, but more than adequate. Not the most cushion, but more than adequate. Not the best anything, but more than adequate, and at $4.99 for 4.2 oz. it's a bargain. The shave was a 3 pass WTG, XTG, ATG routine and very little touch up to get BBS. I used the alum block and had to check if I hade taken it out of the case. Zero irritation, no feedback from the alum. I was so impressed with this blade I hopped on the Bay to buy some before I took pics or anything else. Too pricey and shipping from Ural, but couldn't let them slip away. Thanks Vince, I think.
Charlie is just the ultimate razor salvage rock star! - taking a chance on a clearly damaged item (long, hairline crack at the top of the handle) and restoring it to its long-lost glory. I remember sending him that razor. (and keeping its healthy twin for myself!) I kept my fingers crossed that he'd get at least a couple good shaves out of it that would convince him to find an undamaged model in the future. And now it turns up, as Herm says a "tough, manly razor" that provides a "sweet" ride. Ride on Charlie, ride on...
Thanks for that Chris, I really needed you to write that and place your order. Perhaps now I'll be back in the good graces of the cartel again. Hopefully the local commissar @NCoxSTL will plead my case and convince them that Ivan does not need to cross Siberia and visit me in Seattle.
Razor: Gillette SS 1947 NDC (Birth Razor) Blade: Personna Prep Blade Blue (7) Brush: Fendrihen Silver Tip Black Faux Handle 22/49 Soap: Razo-Rock Don Donato A/S: Pinuad Lime Day 5 Only a 2 pass shave tonight as it is the last day with this blade and my angle of attack (Gillette Slide) has improved. Hate to put this razor away for a while, as it is one of my favorites. But my rule is to use a razor and blade for 7 days then change. The Don Donato is a good soap, but I firmly believe that Iced TSD soaps are better. IMHO(YMMV). I really like the Pinuad Lime A/S.