SEPT 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

I only a have 3 SE razors which I will use for 3 weeks, then finish off with the one I like best.
Aloha. Enjoy the beauty of the ocean.

 

So many Single Edge razors this month (SE-ptember... I get it.). Regrettably, I find myself without the use of traditional SE razor—although I think if I dug deep enough I'd be able to locate a 1912 GEM somewheres in the storage archives.
That being said, I could argue that every straight razor I use qualifies as the 'single-edged' razor in its original form...but I won't.

I am awaiting the arrival of a spectacularly-scary straight razor (courtesy of fellow TSD enabler, entropy49—Mike) that sort of raises the bar on how intimidating a straight razor can be.
The razor is a Masto Livi custom. 8/8' (1.0" wide blade), Spanish point, half hollow, Olivewood scales.
As Mike describes, using this razor is "...Like shaving with a meat cleaver. An HHT-5+ meat cleaver!"

Here is the Italian Behemoth next to a Wonderedge razor of standard proportions...

So what does HHT mean? It stands for 'hanging hair test'—a non-standard method of determining edge sharpness by how effortlessly a blade's edge cut through a hand-held single hair placed against the edge. A scale of 0-5 is often used,with five being the sharpest.
Heres how one shaving site described the variances in the Hanging Hair Test:

• HHT-0 - shave: The hair can be shaved immediately at the holding point. This is strictly speaking not a true HHT, but it does tell us that the edge is capable of shaving.
• HHT-1 - violin : The hair doesn't cut, but it "plays violin" with the edge. This is due to the shingles catching the edge, but it's not sharp enough to penetrate. On a full hollow razor, a faint ringing sound can be heard. On all razors it can be felt with the fingertips that hold the hair.
• HHT-2 - split: When it is dragged across the edge, the edge catches the hair and splits it lengthwise.
• HHT-3 - catch&pop: When it is dragged across the edge a bit, the edge catches the hair and pops it. The severed part will jump away.
• HHT-4 - pop: The hair is popped immediately when it touches the edge. It still jumps away.
• HHT-5 - silent slicer: The hair falls silently as soon as it touches the edge.

I'm not a big proponent on the reliability of the HHT as far as one achieving comfortable shave resulting from a higher number. I've had razors that easily hit the HHT 4 mark that were uncomfortable shavers. I've had HHT 2 & 3s razors that were dreamy smooth.

Well ,with all this blather being said, I know this incoming custom razor shall be extremely sharp and large.

I'll have it for seven consecutive days of shaving. Using it will require some serious FOCUS on my part. Not 30 days of focus....simply seven.
Hopefully I'll live to tell.

 

Thanks for this information. I didn't know any of it before.

 

The scent is described as lavender and lime but I get a lot more lime than lavender. Like most citrus scents it's gone to my sense of smell by the time the shave is over. I also have the TSD Signature Scent and really like it as well. It's a very interesting take on Bay Rum.

 

Thank very much for your information @clint64. Much appreciated.

 

September 3, 2015

Single-Edge SEptember
Injectors and perhaps a GEM

During this first week, my first with injectors, I’ll look to familiarize myself with them by starting with one that has been described as mild and perhaps move to experiment with others along the aggressiveness spectrum. I’ll be doing SEs all month.

Hot Shower, Morning Shave
Soap: Proraso Green
Brush: Omega Pro 48
Razor: Schick Eversharp Type I2
Blade: Schick Injector (China) (2)
TSD Witch Hazel
Aftershave Cream: Proraso
After Shave: Proraso Green

After three great shaves with the J3 - "Golden 500” I’ve followed with two shaves with an I2 - another hydro-magic Schick with a reputation for a mild shave, similar to the J3.

After getting indoctrinated to the shorter and rectangular handle of the I2 on the first shave (which was very good), this second shave was ...well no stubble was left standing and none have appeared in the 5 hours since. Call it what you like, but if this lasts until dinner with Mrs. F. tonight - I’ll call it...


I will be looking to spend a lot more time with these two razors in the future, but I’ll be moving on sometime this 3-day weekend to the next Focus razor a Schick G1. I’m anxious to continue reading reviews from those of you presently using it and will join you soon.

Have a great Labor Day weekend and many thanks to all those who toil through an honest day of work for an honest day of compensation!

Cheers!
RT

 

Great summary of your shave today. Have an excellent weekend you and yours.

 

For September 5th:

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threa...uss-se-safety-razors.46760/page-8#post-888757

 

Thank you Douglas, same back at you!

 

Nothing here could possibly compare with where you've been!

(Oh except that @Bama Samurai finally had a bad shave!)


Anyway, how's that tan line?!!

 

RT

 

Razor: Valet Auto Strop/ Red Tip(4 Feather blade)
Blade: Feather (4)
Brush: Frendrihen Silver Tip Badger Faux Black Ebony Handle 22/49
Bowl: Yokohama Studio
Cream: Real Shaving Company
A/S Lucky Tiger
Day 4
Getting better with the Valet. I backed off the blade a touch and have improved my angle. 2 passes and the Red Tip touch up. There are certain areas I'm having difficulty shaving. Against the grain is not working for me yet. This cream is excellent, and the Lucky Tiger finish makes my day. Good focus this SEptember.

 

I gave up on my Valet. It's fun watching you try to conquer it.

 

Thanks, I will stay with this one until Sunday then move onto a Model C Valet. Thank you for your support.

 

September 4

Batch 2 Mongoose with Dr. Bomber handle
Feather Professional blade (6)
Shavemac two-band silvertip brush
Trumper's Coconut cream
One pass
Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Trumper's Coral Skin Food

I enjoyed a surprisingly close one-pass shave this evening on a day and half of growth. This was my simulated "I'm running late for work" shave. I have a light beard, and this would be an acceptable shave on most any day. It was difficult making myself stop after one pass, but I'm curious to know how it will look and feel tomorrow morning. It was a very hot and sunny day here in my neck of the woods....all in all, not too bad for a Friday.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

 

back to basics for me to...

We can't blame you, Hawaii is a bit of a distraction!

 

These SE razors are proving to be a bit of a challenge at times!

 

Beautiful blade! Looks like a beast...

 

Tomorrow, I am going back to basics with my Injector. I am determined to get it right with this razor!

 

Leave it to a Marine! See the mission through Sir!