Glad you’re feeling better and had a Fat/FaTip shave. MWF smells practically effervescent so I hope it helps eliminate fatigue.
1/28
Slept terribly, feel very out-of-sorts today.
Yesterday's shave was very persistent, probably Light- growth but certainly enough to warrant removal.
Going with the '57 SS because we're not undertaking heavy lifting today. Decide to try the Simpson X2L Best Badger with Tabac, start the lather in a bowl to hopefully avoid irritation. I add a bit too much water and end up with something rather airy, I also neglect to fully "squeeze" the lather from the brush later in the shave, don't know why I missed such a rudimentary step. I thought I loaded the brush substantially, but overall it's a pretty weak lather. I blame my unfamiliarity with this brush, mostly.
Brush has a little scritch, certainly more than my other brushes. I think it's compounded by my extra delicate skin, yesterday's face lather with boar, and my occasional sensitivity to Tabac.
WTG feels very unproductive, like I'm removing lather more than anything else. Little bladefeel in XTG and far too much beard remaining, I do a third XTG/ATG pass. A couple weepers at the base of the neck, I think I had some ingrowns or bumps from yesterday's shave. Overall DFS+ and no discomfort from the razor, but the lather left a lot to be desired. Hydro Boost. Maybe I need a nap.
I also neglected to fully "squeeze" the lather from the brush later in the shave, don't know why I missed such a rudimentary step.
brush squeezing
Although, really I should have napped first.
The best lather-y bits are always hiding in the brush. Some folks squeeze this lather out at the beginning, depositing in the lather bowl for immediate use—others (myself) use this lather for the final pass. It’s typically less aerated/billowy, I’m usually wanting slickness over cushion in the final pass. See geofatboy do it in his first shaving video from 30,000 years ago when YouTubes could only be 10 minutes long (At about the 7 minute mark).
Great post. I appreciate your modest collection of razors and your choice of blades (miGreetings, fellow travelers.
I joined this forum nearly 11 years ago, hoping to find support and community as I embarked on wetshaving in my early 20s. After a period of experimentation (and some tools supplied by generous B&B members from PIFs) I settled into a routine that produced results that satisfied me at the time, and I dropped off the forum. In the intervening years I have modestly expanded my equipment, though I'm still using the same two brushes from all those years ago. I've seen shaving primarily from a utilitarian, rather than a hobbyist perspective. However, I'm finding that I need to give a little refreshment to my routines. In the last 5 years I'm shaving almost daily, and I hope some new purchases and diligence in documenting my progress will provide me with better results--and perhaps my experience will be valuable to others.
Currently, my equipment is as follows:
I use exclusively AstraSP blades, probably for 7+ shaves before replacing--though I don't keep very close track. I've been reluctant to try other blades, but perhaps with a more organized approach I can maintain enough consistency to notice differences between blades.
Razors Merkur 34C
Gillette Fat Handle Tech
Gillette Old Type OC
Gillette Flare Tip SSBrushes Omega 49
TGN Badger in vintage Ever Ready handleSoaps Tabac
Arko
Cremo
MWF (I've run out, currently)
I've ordered a replacement Omega 49 because mine has been in service for so long, as well as a RazoRock 400. Additionally, I've ordered a RazoRock GC .84 closed comb and Fatip Grande OC. I should probably get another soap into the mix, just for the sake of variety.
In the meantime, the Gillette SS was my most recent purchase and I find myself reaching for it somewhat frequently--especially on days when I need comfort and DFS more than BBS, which I struggle to achieve with the SS without irritation. I'm hoping the new razors I purchased will fill the gap in aggressiveness between the Merkur and the Old Type--I really only reach for the Old Type for WTG passes with heavier growth, I can't recall the last 3-pass where I used the Old Type for the entire shave.
My technique is pretty dialed and consistent--shower followed by Arko as pre-shave, face lathering and a consistent 3-pass with the necessary directional adjustments to accommodate my beard grain pattern. Alum block followed by rinse and balm.
As far as improvement is concerned, I'm hoping I can further refine my technique and get better results in trouble areas. I have delicate skin and struggle to balance comfort with the closeness of shave I seek. I also wonder if face lathering is a source of irritation, that perhaps prolonged skin contact with soap and the abrasion of the brush is contributing to the problem. However, I recall in my earlier days that my attempts at bowl lathering were hugely unsuccessful and I abandoned the method--though I'm sure my technique was lacking. Any recommendations for lighter-scented, gentler, or sensitive-friendly soaps would be greatly appreciated.
In any case, I'm glad to find B&B still kicking after all these years, with the same friendly spirit I remember. And to any newbies reading--life is a marathon, not a sprint.
--DC
Great post, which I read with interest. I'm a Cremo and Astra SP fan too, so that caught my eye.Greetings, fellow travelers.
I joined this forum nearly 11 years ago, hoping to find support and community as I embarked on wetshaving in my early 20s. After a period of experimentation (and some tools supplied by generous B&B members from PIFs) I settled into a routine that produced results that satisfied me at the time, and I dropped off the forum. In the intervening years I have modestly expanded my equipment, though I'm still using the same two brushes from all those years ago. I've seen shaving primarily from a utilitarian, rather than a hobbyist perspective. However, I'm finding that I need to give a little refreshment to my routines. In the last 5 years I'm shaving almost daily, and I hope some new purchases and diligence in documenting my progress will provide me with better results--and perhaps my experience will be valuable to others.
Currently, my equipment is as follows:
Razors Merkur 34C
Gillette Fat Handle Tech
Gillette Old Type OC
Gillette Flare Tip SSBrushes Omega 49
TGN Badger in vintage Ever Ready handleSoaps Tabac
Arko
Cremo
MWF (I've run out, currently)
I use exclusively AstraSP blades, probably for 7+ shaves before replacing--though I don't keep very close track. I've been reluctant to try other blades, but perhaps with a more organized approach I can maintain enough consistency to notice differences between blades.
I've ordered a replacement Omega 49 because mine has been in service for so long, as well as a RazoRock 400. Additionally, I've ordered a RazoRock GC .84 closed comb and Fatip Grande OC. I should probably get another soap into the mix, just for the sake of variety.
In the meantime, the Gillette SS was my most recent purchase and I find myself reaching for it somewhat frequently--especially on days when I need comfort and DFS more than BBS, which I struggle to achieve with the SS without irritation. I'm hoping the new razors I purchased will fill the gap in aggressiveness between the Merkur and the Old Type--I really only reach for the Old Type for WTG passes with heavier growth, I can't recall the last 3-pass where I used the Old Type for the entire shave.
My technique is pretty dialed and consistent--shower followed by Arko as pre-shave, face lathering and a consistent 3-pass with the necessary directional adjustments to accommodate my beard grain pattern. Alum block followed by rinse and balm.
As far as improvement is concerned, I'm hoping I can further refine my technique and get better results in trouble areas. I have delicate skin and struggle to balance comfort with the closeness of shave I seek. I also wonder if face lathering is a source of irritation, that perhaps prolonged skin contact with soap and the abrasion of the brush is contributing to the problem. However, I recall in my earlier days that my attempts at bowl lathering were hugely unsuccessful and I abandoned the method--though I'm sure my technique was lacking. Any recommendations for lighter-scented, gentler, or sensitive-friendly soaps would be greatly appreciated.
In any case, I'm glad to find B&B still kicking after all these years, with the same friendly spirit I remember. And to any newbies reading--life is a marathon, not a sprint.
--DC
nice to have some favorites
Clearly, you're not indulgent, which is one of the things that I enjoyed about your thread.Thanks for reading @Lockback
Since starting this journal in early December the favorites have definitely changed! Once the GameChanger.84-P entered my collection, it immediately usurped the Merkur. I think I’ve only returned to the 34C once or twice, it just can’t keep pace with the GameChanger’s efficiency and comfort. Otherwise I’ve just added affordable vintage Gillettes.
Cremo still has a place in my routine as a pre-shave and lather enhancer, but I no longer use it as the sole lather ingredient. Still, I like having it on hand.
I feel like I’ve expanded my options without falling too deep into indulgence. When I do another inventory photo or post I’ll tag you.
So that’s with the 1/4 turn extra in the end? Should clamp alright then.I even check the TTO handle, and I've got it firmly twisted.