Good news... My Turkish #6 brush arrived in the USA and is on its way to its new home. I may get it tomorrow. Woohoo!
Waiting on: * Black handle 1967 (birth year again) SS Flare Tip. EBay, $12.00. * From bestshave: 100 Astra superior stainless blades (Blue Pack); Arko cool after shave cream 50 ml; Arko shaving soap 90 gr with bowl x2; Arko shaving soap sticks 75 gr x3; Turkish Copper shaving cup; Fûme Cool Shaving Soap 300g; Profesionel (sic) shaving brush no.1, x2; Shaving cup (acacia); Wooden Handled Shaving Brush no.6. (Gotta get that free shipping somehow!) * Pre-war Fat Handled Tech w/ triangle slots. ($6.99 on the 'Bay. A restore candidate.) * Vie-Long Lord Randal Bullgoose mixed badger and horse hair brush (courtesy of a nice little trade). * Black leather felt lined DE razor head cover from Maggard Razors. * Vintage shovel-head Ever-Ready SE with ornate handle. ($6.77 on the Bay). * Vintage gold Gillette ball-end tech (no date code) * L'Occitane Mint Pine Rosemary shower gel (stolen via eBay for $1.69!) * Nickel plated brush stand from China. (For $2 including shipping? Sold!) My wife thinks I am crazy. I am inclined to agree.
Oh yeah, forgot: * Maas polishing creme * Ogallala Bay Rum, 8 oz. * Clubman Pinaud Lilac Vegetal, 12 oz. * Merkur #34C * 4711 Aftershave splash by Muelhens
DE89BL, blade sampler, a tub of Arko, and a tube of Proraso. Going to play around with the Arko and Proraso to find the best way to lather them then start working towards dropping the cartridge razor. Pretty excited.
Barrister & Mann Leviathan tallow soap (scent is described as leather, sandalwood, coffee, cedar, and musk) Omega B&B Essential boar brush, seafoam green handle (to match the vintage Fender guitars and Bianchi bicycles I covet but don't own).
Well if you mean waiting to start with the DE until after I've tried the new soap and cream, I was actually just talking about building lather with them a few times outside of shaving to get a feel for how much water each needs. If you meant the whole "working towards" dropping the cartridge type part, I may, it just depends how each pass goes. If it looks like I'm peeling my face off on a WTG because I'm not use to the different technique needed for a DE I would imagine trying to do XTG or ATG with the DE isn't going to make things any better. On the other hand, if I can get through the WTG without any major blood loss I'll go for the full shave.
Try not using any pressure and let the razor do the work. Its not like a cart where you can push it into your face and get away with it.
It's not a bad idea to do a couple of test lathers, it can only help. As far as your EJDE89, I have the same razor, it's a very forgiving razor, efficient, but forgiving. No pressure, let the razor head slid down your face, your first time out you can do one or two or three passes WTG if you want. Take your time. Happy Shaving! One more thing. Don't over think it, after all, it's just shaving
Im just curious haw many razors that makes now...over a dozen? Talk about closing the gap quick..lol. Nice job.