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Shave of the day
- Thread starter Pjotr
- Start date
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mr626
ARKO! TERMINATOR!
1st ever DE wet shave!
Under terrible conditions:
Edwin Jagger DE89 with Astra superior
Semogue 1470
TOBS Sandalwood
Basically, left face wet after shower, attempted to face lather. Lather was very 'thin' and nothing like what I have seen in videos :worried:
Started the shave anyway, going very slow and not applying too much pressure.
End result- a single pass WTG using this gear gives me the best shave I've had in ages, despite my rush job and horrendous lather. If its this good now, I can't for the results when I actually know what the hell I'm doing :laugh:
Under terrible conditions:
- I've only watched two short youtube videos about DE wet shaving
- I was in a rush (going out for dinner)
Edwin Jagger DE89 with Astra superior
Semogue 1470
TOBS Sandalwood
Basically, left face wet after shower, attempted to face lather. Lather was very 'thin' and nothing like what I have seen in videos :worried:
Started the shave anyway, going very slow and not applying too much pressure.
End result- a single pass WTG using this gear gives me the best shave I've had in ages, despite my rush job and horrendous lather. If its this good now, I can't for the results when I actually know what the hell I'm doing :laugh:
Monsta_AU
...can I interest you in some vintage blades?
Staff member
Forum Administrator
Grand Society
If you didn't shred your face, you have done well!
On lather - I would try bowl lathering for the moment. Just grab a $2 ramekin from the supermarket.
With TOBS, I soak the brush a bit, but yours is boar and they don't like that. Just dip in hot water for 5 seconds (ideally in your Ramekin which is now also hot), then shake out the excess. Then dab the brush into the cream. You don't need it an inch thick, just a nice covering on the bristles.
Pour out the water in the bowl, and start working the cream. You will see it smooth out, then you need to slowly add water to it. It's like making a mayonnaise, constant working the mix and slowly adding water. Eventually you will feel it loosen up a bit. That's when I stop.
Wet down your face again with hot water, grab your brush and start working it in.the extra water on your face should help to keep things slippery.
Practice makes perfect.
On lather - I would try bowl lathering for the moment. Just grab a $2 ramekin from the supermarket.
With TOBS, I soak the brush a bit, but yours is boar and they don't like that. Just dip in hot water for 5 seconds (ideally in your Ramekin which is now also hot), then shake out the excess. Then dab the brush into the cream. You don't need it an inch thick, just a nice covering on the bristles.
Pour out the water in the bowl, and start working the cream. You will see it smooth out, then you need to slowly add water to it. It's like making a mayonnaise, constant working the mix and slowly adding water. Eventually you will feel it loosen up a bit. That's when I stop.
Wet down your face again with hot water, grab your brush and start working it in.the extra water on your face should help to keep things slippery.
Practice makes perfect.
mr626
ARKO! TERMINATOR!
Thanks for the tips guys. Yes, I didn't cut myself at all which I was pretty happy with.
Was planning on purchasing a bowl. Not sure why anyone would buy one of the 'proper' shaving bowls other than for looks- a bowl is a bowl right?
I noticed when I installed the astra blade on the razor that it had 4 small 'dabs' of a gum-like substance in each corner, on one side of the blade. Is this normal? Or is it just residual from packaging?
One other thing that surprised me was the size of the razor itself- much smaller than I had expected.
Was planning on purchasing a bowl. Not sure why anyone would buy one of the 'proper' shaving bowls other than for looks- a bowl is a bowl right?
I noticed when I installed the astra blade on the razor that it had 4 small 'dabs' of a gum-like substance in each corner, on one side of the blade. Is this normal? Or is it just residual from packaging?
One other thing that surprised me was the size of the razor itself- much smaller than I had expected.
SmallYetDeadly
Brotherhood of Fanbois
The 4 glue globs are the (in)famous mark of blades from a particular Russian factory. Drives some folks nuts. Other blades tend to have much less glue on them.
I don't sweat it
I don't sweat it
Monsta_AU
...can I interest you in some vintage blades?
Staff member
Forum Administrator
Grand Society
I use a Muhle Pinsel bowl (black) but it costs $20-odd plus postage! Just grab a $2 ramekin from either of the supermarkets. You will find them near the baking trays and kitchen stuff like peelers.
As SYD said... it's just a packaging thing for the paper wrapping. Pretty much makes zero difference but on another forum the bleating about it is getting near stupidity. Forget it is even there.
It's not just on PPI-produced blades, but some of the earlier Gillette European plants (Old Astra factory in the Czech Republic, I'm looking at you) had them also.
mr626
ARKO! TERMINATOR!
Thanks for the tips guys. Yeah, I wasn't stressing about the glue globs, just curious. I'm glad this isn't a place where people get obsessive over tiny things like that- you guys seem to have a good balance of paying attention to the small details without going overboard 
Round 2- I used a bowl for the lather this time. Much better results- I actually had a proper lather!
Still sticking to single WTG pass at the moment while I get used to everything. My neck still presents a challenge (but it always has). Still, I feel like progress has been made.
Round 2- I used a bowl for the lather this time. Much better results- I actually had a proper lather!
Still sticking to single WTG pass at the moment while I get used to everything. My neck still presents a challenge (but it always has). Still, I feel like progress has been made.
SmallYetDeadly
Brotherhood of Fanbois
Good stuff Mr626.
Expect a few more aha moments with lathering. It is the most arcane bit of trying to wet shave successfully.
Expect a few more aha moments with lathering. It is the most arcane bit of trying to wet shave successfully.
Razormonsta I think I have the same bowl as you - black with the gold pinstripe?
A very fancy ramikin lol.
Anyway back on topic.
Today I used the Voskhod for the fifth shave. It was so dull it felt like I had barely shaved.
I've switched to La Toja cream, giving the Green Moose a rest, and using the boar. I really should use badger for cream, the boar is fantastic for lathering soap but a bit coarse for cream work.
Finished with Floid AS. Damn I love that stuff.
A very fancy ramikin lol.
Anyway back on topic.
Today I used the Voskhod for the fifth shave. It was so dull it felt like I had barely shaved.
I've switched to La Toja cream, giving the Green Moose a rest, and using the boar. I really should use badger for cream, the boar is fantastic for lathering soap but a bit coarse for cream work.
Finished with Floid AS. Damn I love that stuff.
Monsta_AU
...can I interest you in some vintage blades?
Staff member
Forum Administrator
Grand Society
Yeah, the pinstripe! I have already removed the logo off mine from wiping it after use. The pinstripe is thicker though so will take longer to come off.
626 - Any bowl will doo but a ramekin of approx 3" diameter seems about best. Most have some scalloping on the inside lip edge that helps you make lather too.
Past a bowl, there is such a thing as a Scuttle. This is like a double-bowl where you fill the gap in between with hot water and stays hot throughout the shave. There are a few places that make them in the US but there is a local lass in Melbourne who also makes a decent one at what I think is a reasonable price.
http://hgpottery.yolasite.com/hg-scuttles.php
Bloody hell Jugs, if you are on the 5th shave with a Voskhod then I don't understand how you aren't in intensive care! Bleues will be available once my incoming load hits.
626 - Any bowl will doo but a ramekin of approx 3" diameter seems about best. Most have some scalloping on the inside lip edge that helps you make lather too.
Past a bowl, there is such a thing as a Scuttle. This is like a double-bowl where you fill the gap in between with hot water and stays hot throughout the shave. There are a few places that make them in the US but there is a local lass in Melbourne who also makes a decent one at what I think is a reasonable price.
http://hgpottery.yolasite.com/hg-scuttles.php
Bloody hell Jugs, if you are on the 5th shave with a Voskhod then I don't understand how you aren't in intensive care! Bleues will be available once my incoming load hits.
It was a case of sheer laziness. I was in a hurry and couldn't be arsed changing blades. No cuts, it just didn't take a lot of stubble off.
I think I will switch to the r41 and use the astras for a week.
Mate I would love some bleues at some stage.
2
I think I will switch to the r41 and use the astras for a week.
Mate I would love some bleues at some stage.
2
Last edited by a moderator:
pablo_h
Member
mr626, don;t be afraid of using too much soap, go at it to make good lather. Most of my soaps are 2 years old and I'm not shy with them.
A lather too watery is not a good shave, to much soap can easily be amended before or between passes.
My SOTD.
Well, my SE blade went blunt. It was a sad occasion so what to do?
I skipped a shave in sorrow and the next day thought, meh, may as well try a DE again.
I had a 2 day growth (that's the equivalent of a 4 day growth for humans), so reached for the ball end long comb NEW.
Only blade that goes with that is a israeli plat
(truth be told I only like the israeli in the NEW, I can't stand it in any other razor. Probably many other blades would work in the NEW, but I got lots of israelis to use)
Last DE test was various blades in the slim, because it's adjustable it could try out the blades to evaluate them.
But even the adjustment of the slim makes it a rubbish razor compared to the NEW with the right blade.
That NEW flies, I had to go easy the first time yesterday (back to DE again, new razor, new blade).
Today a 3 min shave, my hand was a blur, the NEW and the israeli blade is fool proof for me, quicker at shaving, less passes required, no irritation, can hardly feel it.
BTW the israeli blade is terrible in any other razor for me, and even with the slim optimised at the perfect setting and a really good blade matched, it doesn't come close, and is more likely to nick, cut or irritate, and I wouldn't dare dream of shaving so fast with it.
I went with it because of the 2 day beard, but it did even better the next day. Love my NEW as it's harmless and gentle. I can see why these were popular, and I still think they were the best gilettes.
My only explanation is my stubble stands up and is coarse, a solid safety bar is harder to get the right angle (might slightly press it down), with the open comb new, it's so easy to get the perfect angle, if you feel the teeth or see it in the lather, you're angle is wrong so it's easy to adjust and get the perfect angle even mid stroke. Once you got the angle, nothing but perfect blade cutting beard, so I can fly and shave really quick and get the job done right with minimum irritation and passes.
edit: Oh, horsey and tabac, as it will be most of the winter.
A lather too watery is not a good shave, to much soap can easily be amended before or between passes.
My SOTD.
Well, my SE blade went blunt. It was a sad occasion so what to do?
I skipped a shave in sorrow and the next day thought, meh, may as well try a DE again.
I had a 2 day growth (that's the equivalent of a 4 day growth for humans), so reached for the ball end long comb NEW.
Only blade that goes with that is a israeli plat
(truth be told I only like the israeli in the NEW, I can't stand it in any other razor. Probably many other blades would work in the NEW, but I got lots of israelis to use)
Last DE test was various blades in the slim, because it's adjustable it could try out the blades to evaluate them.
But even the adjustment of the slim makes it a rubbish razor compared to the NEW with the right blade.
That NEW flies, I had to go easy the first time yesterday (back to DE again, new razor, new blade).
Today a 3 min shave, my hand was a blur, the NEW and the israeli blade is fool proof for me, quicker at shaving, less passes required, no irritation, can hardly feel it.
BTW the israeli blade is terrible in any other razor for me, and even with the slim optimised at the perfect setting and a really good blade matched, it doesn't come close, and is more likely to nick, cut or irritate, and I wouldn't dare dream of shaving so fast with it.
I went with it because of the 2 day beard, but it did even better the next day. Love my NEW as it's harmless and gentle. I can see why these were popular, and I still think they were the best gilettes.
My only explanation is my stubble stands up and is coarse, a solid safety bar is harder to get the right angle (might slightly press it down), with the open comb new, it's so easy to get the perfect angle, if you feel the teeth or see it in the lather, you're angle is wrong so it's easy to adjust and get the perfect angle even mid stroke. Once you got the angle, nothing but perfect blade cutting beard, so I can fly and shave really quick and get the job done right with minimum irritation and passes.
edit: Oh, horsey and tabac, as it will be most of the winter.
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mr626
ARKO! TERMINATOR!
Thanks for the tips all. Will look for a later bowl today. Yeah, I think being generous with the lather was part of the reason that my second attempt was better than the first.
Today will be my third shave with the Astra. Very happy with it, will be interesting to see if I get four shaves from it. I figure there's a good chance- since I have a goatee I shave that little bit less surface area so that may well translate into a longer lasting blade :laugh:
I think I'll try the Derby blades next.
Today will be my third shave with the Astra. Very happy with it, will be interesting to see if I get four shaves from it. I figure there's a good chance- since I have a goatee I shave that little bit less surface area so that may well translate into a longer lasting blade :laugh:
I think I'll try the Derby blades next.
SmallYetDeadly
Brotherhood of Fanbois
SmallYetDeadly
Brotherhood of Fanbois
Finally got around to trying a personna lab that Mark generously sent over to try.
First thoughts are noty bad at all. Will see how it goes over subsequent shaves before getting too excited. About as sharp as an Astra SP but much, much smoother.
Might be a good blade for my Rocket HD which has really only liked Derby and Feather so far. I'll try it in that once i've exhausted this one in the merkur.
Cella
Vie Long Horsey/Badger
34C
Personna Lab #1
Witch Hazel
L'oreal ASB
First thoughts are noty bad at all. Will see how it goes over subsequent shaves before getting too excited. About as sharp as an Astra SP but much, much smoother.
Might be a good blade for my Rocket HD which has really only liked Derby and Feather so far. I'll try it in that once i've exhausted this one in the merkur.
Cella
Vie Long Horsey/Badger
34C
Personna Lab #1
Witch Hazel
L'oreal ASB
Monsta_AU
...can I interest you in some vintage blades?
Staff member
Forum Administrator
Grand Society
- Slim on 7
- Dark/Maltese Platinum, 1 shave down
- Proraso Red
- Smoggie 730HD
Feels a bit patchy actually now after a few hours, neck area especially. No irritation, just a warm water rinse-off and pat dry with towel. The Shea Butter in the Proraso does a great job, similar to what the Lanolin in "Da Fat" does.
gthomas04
...was Drubbing's first. AKA Captain Tightarse
I have been a little neglectful in my postings, but then what can I say. I am persevering with the Tabac and trying various brushes with it. Two or three shaves since my last visit and it is beginning to grow on me. Given I only shave every 3 to 4 days (love the sound the SE makes mowing through the forest) I am probably expecting too much from the soap.
The blade testers have inspired me to move away (only temporarily) from the TM. Since I figure I have got that down pat I shall try my collection of DE blades in the Slim. I know I like the Indian Wilkinson so I will leave that out, but I have an assortment of Gillette blades of various shapes and sizes, some Sharks and other odds and sods. I will only comment on anything really good or really bad. Must look through my stash of razors as I am sure there is a NEW in there somewhere and I might give it a go. Isuspect it will mean shaving more often as I have doubts a DE blade will handle the extended growth as well as an SE.
The blade testers have inspired me to move away (only temporarily) from the TM. Since I figure I have got that down pat I shall try my collection of DE blades in the Slim. I know I like the Indian Wilkinson so I will leave that out, but I have an assortment of Gillette blades of various shapes and sizes, some Sharks and other odds and sods. I will only comment on anything really good or really bad. Must look through my stash of razors as I am sure there is a NEW in there somewhere and I might give it a go. Isuspect it will mean shaving more often as I have doubts a DE blade will handle the extended growth as well as an SE.
Mark1966
Canberra dwelling Happy Clapping Bean Counter
Staff member
Site Moderator
Grand Society
2016 Sabbatical Fail
2018 Charity Auction Winner
2019 Charity Auction Winner
2020 Charity Auction Winner
Well a little over a week down in the US and a little over a week to go.
Shave consists of my EJ Travel Brush (well broken in by now), La Toja Shave Stick and some decanted La Toja After shave with...
... my Sensor Excel twin blade cart razor.
I don't take a DE when traveling as my kit is in my carry-on.
Great lather from the La Toja stick - really really impressed.
The a/s is obviously alcohol based - you feel all the 'micro-cuts' from the cart after use.
Shave consists of my EJ Travel Brush (well broken in by now), La Toja Shave Stick and some decanted La Toja After shave with...
... my Sensor Excel twin blade cart razor.
I don't take a DE when traveling as my kit is in my carry-on.
Great lather from the La Toja stick - really really impressed.
The a/s is obviously alcohol based - you feel all the 'micro-cuts' from the cart after use.
SmallYetDeadly
Brotherhood of Fanbois
34C
Personna Lab #2
Gut 2,2 Palmolive stick
Semogue 830
Witch Hazel
Stella and Marco ASB
Had to try the palmolive stick again after yesterday's tete-a-tete with RM. You tripping big fella! Awesome lather to shave 3 men
Personna Lab #2
Gut 2,2 Palmolive stick
Semogue 830
Witch Hazel
Stella and Marco ASB
Had to try the palmolive stick again after yesterday's tete-a-tete with RM. You tripping big fella! Awesome lather to shave 3 men
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