JoWolf’s Lather Slide

[JoWolf]

Sunday April 14

Blade - Single Use Feather
Razor - Lupo OC95 driven with a Chiseled Face Pineapple Twist Titanium Handle
Brush - Zenith Boar B35-31x57mm
Soap - SV-Franken - Three combined soaps Felce Aromatica, Tundra Artica, Cosmo

Last month in a half I’ve gotten back to my weekly shaves. Prior to that, from last November I was using the electric with shave intervals anywhere from four to eleven days. I believe shavers with regular shave intervals accomplish best comfort and skin health. ATG single pass shaves continue in efficiency refinement. Enjoying my locked four. Simplicity of the four and single pass shaves have enhanced my skin comfort. Shave enjoyment continues.

I’ve never cared for razors that required me to change my shave style to adapt to their efficiencies. My long run with the Fatip Grande was because it suited my shave style perfectly. My change to the Lupo was possible because the physical dimensions and weight mirrored the Grande’s. A custom handle change required to close the deal. Increased efficiency was the driver for the change. Improved styling, lower head profile also appreciated. I certainly don’t miss fiddling with blade alignment on nine out of ten blade changes. I thought I would just carry on with improved efficiency.

Lupo’s efficiency has driven me to change my shave stroke. Moving away from my quick short triple stroke. Too a hybrid buffing stroke. One quick stroke, backslide and quick forward stroke. Basically a buffing stroke that I have used from my beginnings with DE shaving. Only now I use it exclusively for my full face and head shave. It was very natural and easy for the head shaves because of my choked grip on the handle just under the razor head. The last two face shaves I’ve adapted to that same grip. Over my shave journey I would always think an improvement would be my last. My close shaves are usually 24-36 hrs before full whisker growth is established. I believe I’ve moved it up to 36-48 now. This week’s face shave was my first complete shave with the hybrid stroke. There was a slight warmth on my neck areas with the alum, but no irritation. Great skin comfort was enjoyed with post shave elixirs.

I won’t make any bold efficiency statements about the Lupo. I know better. My journey with the wolf has indeed been short. I do know I love this wolf and believe there are still dark secrets to discover.

View attachment 1829690

Happy Shaves

A follow up on Sunday’s shave. Twenty four hour whiskers just broken through skin. Buffing stroke used for complete face and head shave very successful. First shave where both face and head whiskers are at the same length post shave. Uniform whisker growth. Strong argument for consistency in stroke and shave plan. The second backstroke of the triple buffing stroke re-applies lather ensuring good lubrication and skin protection. Only an open comb can do this. My standard triple stroke does not have that re-lather application. My concern for skin irritation especially after alum warmth felt on neck, unwarranted. Post shave skin nourishment delivered elevated skin comfort. Definitely more blade feel with a buffing stroke. Soft touch is critical. Looking forward to next Sundays shave. Exploring new techniques exciting. Expanding efficiency and comfort rewarding.

 

[Eric_75]

A follow up on my Sunday shave. Twenty four hours and whiskers have just broken through skin. The buffing stroke used for all of face and head shave has been very successful. It is my first shave where both face and head whiskers are at the same length post shave. Uniform whisker growth. A strong argument for consistency in stroke and shave plan. The second backstroke of the triple buffing stroke re-applies lather and ensures good lubrication and skin protection. Only an open comb can do this. My standard triple stroke does not have that re-lather application. I was concerned that I might have skin irritation especially with the alum warmth felt on my neck. Post shave skin nourishment has all skin at an elevated skin comfort. There definitely is more blade feel with a buffing stroke. Soft touch is critical. Looking forward to next Sundays shave. Exploring new techniques very exciting. Expanding efficiency and comfort rewarding.

Have a blessed evening, John.

 

[JoWolf]

Have a blessed evening, John.

And to you as well. Thank you Eric.

 

[Guido75]

Did you also change directionally John or are your strokes (still) S-N (presuming you are ASP ATG)?

I might tag along to try this with my ATG pass as well - I also think I mighty have already?!…hmmm… need to check this morning.

 

[JoWolf]

Did you also change directionally John or are your strokes (still) S-N (presuming you are ASP ATG)?

I might tag along to try this with my ATG pass as well - I also think I mighty have already?!…hmmm… need to check this morning.

Yes Guido all my passes are ATG. The whorls on the back of my head need multi directional passes which I had done with my previous strokes as well. Either side of my neck are opposites and ATG is east to west. Under the chin line are the same. Directly under my chin is S-N as both of my cheeks are as well. All sides of my head are S-N. Not a very complicated shave map. It took me a few shaves to adapt the grip on the razor to duplicate my head passes. Once that was accomplished everything became straight forward and simple. All my strokes are the same for full face and head. Although my razor grip is choked under the razor head, it is a very loose grip. I had also lightened up on the touch as well. There is more blade feel but also a softer touch. Using the same blade, the same razor and the same strokes maintains a very tight consistency. I believe your multiple razor changes and blade campaigning on every shave will complicate your challenges to shave in this fashion. As you know buffing strokes are the most difficult and prone to skin irritation. My suggestion to you would be to use a locked four and a fresh blade. Otherwise your multiple adjustments will be difficult in maintaining a good consistency.

 

[JoWolf]

Yes Guido all my passes are ATG. The whorls on the back of my head need multi directional passes which I had done with my previous strokes as well. Either side of my neck are opposites and ATG is east to west. Under the chin line are the same. Directly under my chin is S-N as both of my cheeks are as well. All sides of my head are S-N. Not a very complicated shave map. It took me a few shaves to adapt the grip on the razor to duplicate my head passes. Once that was accomplished everything became straight forward and simple. All my strokes are the same for full face and head. Although my razor grip is choked under the razor head, it is a very loose grip. I had also lightened up on the touch as well. There is more blade feel but also a softer touch. Using the same blade, the same razor and the same strokes maintains a very tight consistency. I believe your multiple razor changes and blade campaigning on every shave will complicate your challenges to shave in this fashion. As you know buffing strokes are the most difficult and prone to skin irritation. My suggestion to you would be to use a locked four and a fresh blade. Otherwise your multiple adjustments will be difficult in maintaining a good consistency.

Guido I forgot to mention that all my shaves have always been designed to shave ultra close and extend my shaves to once a week. That may not be your goal. I know you enjoy shaving daily. This shave is indeed closer because of the Lupo’s efficiency. I’ll have a better read on the shave next Sunday. Continued practice with the locked four will also improve consistency and comfort. My shave design and routines are exactly opposite to yours. There is no right way to shave. There are however many different shaves.

 

[Guido75]

Thanks John for your elaborate replies. Helpful and you are right…

I know you enjoy shaving daily.

….Shaving once a week is not going to fly for me or the LOTH for that matter. My skin doesn’t take to ASP-ATG either at this moment (and I know you didn’t just do it either - it is a journey). But I do like to increase effectiveness where I can.

 

[JoWolf]

Thanks John for your elaborate replies. Helpful and you are right…

….Shaving once a week is not going to fly for me or the LOTH for that matter. My skin doesn’t take to ASP-ATG either at this moment (and I know you didn’t just do it either - it is a journey). But I do like to increase effectiveness where I can.

My skin doesn’t take to ASP-ATG either at this moment (and I know you didn’t just do it either - it is a journey).

The skin is definitely a major factor Guido. It was over two years of trial and error with products and techniques before arriving at suitable skin comfort. Like all shavers we gravitate towards our best comfort and in my case that is weekly shaves. Improving upon our shaves with efficiencies enabling higher comfort. The most exciting part of the hobby. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to enjoy this community in supporting our OCD practices. Our shaves have become a hobby. If you mention your shave practices to a non believer. I love the look they give you.

 

[Guido75]

If you mention your shave practices to a non believer. I love the look they give you.

Did just that in a meeting with external people visiting our office trying to explain the concept of and idea behind GRUYERE…

 

[Balin]

Did just that in a meeting with external people visiting our office trying to explain the concept of and idea behind GRUYERE…

View attachment 1830582

Yeah, I keep that stuff to myself

 

[JoWolf]

Sunday April 21

Blade - Single Use Feather
Razor - Lupo OC95 driven with a Chiseled Face Pineapple Twist Titanium Handle
Brush - Zenith Boar B35-31x57mm
Soap - SV-Franken - Three combined soaps Felce Aromatica, Tundra Artica, Cosmo

A wonderful close shave. Lupo’s efficiencies continuing to improve with each shave. Reminiscent of my early Fatip Grande shaves. A new razor exciting, challenging with each experience. Striving for enhancement of greater skin comfort. A pleasant journey. Early days with the Grande were complicated. Learning techniques and trying to acquire the elusive Soft Touch. A patient two year journey. Another year to be totally relaxed during the shave. Fifty some odd shaves per year stretching the DE experience.

Your one week whiskers are still socially acceptable. A rare comment from my wife. Today’s shave I still encountered a little alum warmth on my neck. A little return buffing the cause. My razor grip for face shaving not quite as good as the head shaving grip. No head buffing required. The shaves very close. Enjoying the single pass shaves.

Happy Shaves

 

[JoWolf]

Sunday April 28

Blade - Single Use Feather
Razor - Lupo OC95 driven with a Chiseled Face Pineapple Twist Titanium Handle
Brush - Zenith Boar B35-31x57mm
Soap - SV-Franken - Three combined soaps Felce Aromatica, Tundra Artica, Cosmo

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence” Vince Lombardi

I’m not a big sports fan. I’ll watch a little baseball if my team is winning. Discovering inspiration in quotes from the greats. Always chasing perfection in my shaves. Most shavers in our community strive in achieving excellence. Travelling the paths we enjoy.

I accomplished excellence with The Fatip Grande Razor. A three year journey began with three passes, morphed into a single pass and returned to a two pass shave. Excellent shaves compressed excitement and challenge. The indented thrill and exhilaration is now expanding with The Lupo. Chasing Perfection.

A fine Sunday afternoon shave. The helpful suggestions discussed on @Raven Koenes journal this week were pursued. A big thanks to @AimlessWanderer Al. Loading my blade much more efficient and so much easier than what I had been doing. The face and head shave above average as I continue to chase perfection. My razor grip for face and neck still requires more practice. The head shave brilliant. No follow up buffing required. Alum warmth on neck areas as a reminder. Lighten up and improve razor grip and shave angle strokes. Many of us improve our shaves with challenges to overcome. Even with the added excitement the shaves remain relaxed and meditative.

Happy Shaves

 

[JoWolf]

Sunday May 5

Blade - Single Use Feather
Razor - Lupo OC95 driven with a Chiseled Face Pineapple Twist Titanium Handle
Brush - Zenith Boar B35-31x57mm
Soap - SV-Franken - Three combined soaps Felce Aromatica, Tundra Artica, Cosmo

My shaves are improving. Practiced familiarity with the Lupo is progressing. Neck shave angles and a lighter touch has almost eliminated the slight alum neck warmth. All components of the four continue to delight me. My shaves are much closer. My weekly growth is like a five day, before the Lupo. I am surprised an extremely familiar blade has gained so much in efficiency, allowing a lighter touch. Very little follow up buffing on the face shave and none on the head shave. Great skin comfort. A locked four has far exceeded my expectations of what a close shave can be.

Happy Shaves

 

[JoWolf]

Sharpest Blades & Softest Touch​

Like many new DE shavers I had to try the sharpest blades by reputation. Like many shavers I soon learned that Nacets and Feathers were rough uncomfortable unforgiving blades. A few years later bottom and middle tier blades held back the efficiency I strived for. A combination of technique and soft touch came together in my third year of DE shaving. I moved from Bic Platinums and Nacets to single use Feathers. Over three years of exclusive use of the Fatip Grande had me yearning for a shaper blade. Feathers are the sharpest blades. The .095 OC Lupo may not be the most efficient razor but considerably more efficient than the Grande. A greater blade exposure and blade gap gave the single use Feathers another gear in speed and sharpness. It took a half a dozen shaves to reach the smoothness I was accustomed to with the Feather. Another half dozen shaves to achieve a softer touch.

The Lupo’s blade exposure and gap very apparent without measuring. A combination that softened the blade touch and increased blade efficiency. Quicker closer shaves with reduced strokes and passes. I’m still in the honeymoon stage with the Lupo being the newest member of an efficient locked four. Sharper blades demand a softer touch. Efficient razors excel a sharp blade. Will new found sharpness and efficiency keep me satisfied? Time and familiarity will answer that question.

Happy Shaves

 

[JoWolf]

How’s He Do It

I thought I’d post my weekly shave routine. I am a minimalist using a locked four. The pre and post shave products and process were learned and developed over a three year period. Many pre & post shave product's were tried and eliminated if they did not work for my skin. Exclusive use of Saponificio Varesino products have worked best for me. In a perfect year I would do fifty-two face and head shaves. I have experimented and strived to chase perfection and settle for excellence. I look forward to my weekly shaves and think about them a lot.

Blade - Single Use Feather
Razor - Lupo OC95 driven with a Chiseled Face Pineapple Twist Titanium Handle
Brush - Zenith Boar B35-31x57mm
Soap - SV-Franken - Three combined soaps Felce Aromatica, Tundra Artica, Cosmo

Pre- Shave Prep

Long semi- hot shower. Face towel gently exfoliating face and head whiskers. Using various bath soaps. I don’t have a favourite. I have 12 ounces of chilled water on hand to replenish perspiration loss from hot shower.

Saponificio Varesino Shea Buttermassaged well into all face and head skin. I let the Shea Butter soak into the skin for a least ten minutes.

Boar brush is always soaked minimum twenty minutes before use. Squeezed to remove water, rehydrate brush with bloomed shave soap water. Squeeze and save bloomed water from brush. Lather loaded from SV shave tin. Saved soap water is used for brush tip dips. Exclusive skin lathering for face and head shave. I’ve never had lathering problems or issues. Luxurious lathering is my favourite part of the shave. I take my time and enjoy the process.

A Nice Close Shave.

Post Skin Care and Nourishment

Osma Alum Block liberally applied to wet skin and allowed to dry.
T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel liberally applied to dried skin and allowed to dry.
Face and head skin gently rinsed with warm water using a face towel removing any Alum or Witch Hazel residue.
Timeless Hyaluronic Acid liberally applied to all face and head skin.
Saponificio Varesino Mango Butter is applied to damp skin, massaged and allowed to soak in for ten minutes.
Lucky Tiger After Shave & Face Tonic liberally applied and allowed to soak in for ten minutes.
Saponificio Varesino Shave Balm applied liberally. I’m finishing a Cosmo. Felce Aromatica will be used thereafter.

During the dry times I reload a fresh cleaned & oiled Feather blade for next shave. Various clean ups and replacing shave kit and elixirs back to their shelves. I usually spend in excess of two hours on my face and head shaves. I consider it my weekly spa time and thoroughly enjoy my weekly shaves. Very efficient. If I were to divide 150 minutes of shave time by 7, I would have seven 21.4 minute shaves. My skin cannot handle shaves under a weeks time without irritation.

Happy Shaves

 

[JoWolf]

Sunday May 12

Blade - Single Use Feather
Razor - Lupo OC95 driven with a Chiseled Face Pineapple Twist Titanium Handle
Brush - Zenith Boar B35-31x57mm
Soap - SV-Franken - Three combined soaps Felce Aromatica, Tundra Artica, Cosmo

Last week’s shave ushered in the honeymoon stage. Familiarity, complete comfort with your kit. Exploring limitations the new driver. The realm of continuous improvement. A small space ceding desired gifts. Chasing perfection expanding efficiency and performance.

The shaves continue to improve. The combination of a sharp blade and efficient razor has noticeably lightened my touch. I didn’t see that coming. Improving on shave angles and handle grips. The face shave requires many more than the head shave. The Lupo is a pleasure to use. Enjoying the single pass shaves. The pre shave and post shave routines now seem lengthened. The excitement continues.

Happy Shaves

 

[VaughnB]

Boar brush is always soaked minimum twenty minutes before use. Squeezed to remove water, rehydrate brush with bloomed shave soap water. Squeeze and save bloomed water from brush. Lather loaded from SV shave tin. Saved soap water is used for brush tip dips. Exclusive skin lathering for face and head shave. I’ve never had lathering problems or issues. Luxurious lathering is my favourite part of the shave. I take my time and enjoy the process.

Have you had any issues with the tin rusting? I saw a video posted by IAMCDB just yesterday after his one year hiatus. And yes, that's my favorite part of the shave!

 

[JoWolf]

Have you had any issues with the tin rusting? I saw a video posted by IAMCDB just yesterday after his one year hiatus. And yes, that's my favorite part of the shave!

The SV tins are aluminum so they won’t rust. They are an ideal size and are comfortable to hold well loading lather. The pucks are loose in the tin when new. Even though the soap is milled, it is soft enough that I can work the edges of the puck into the side of the tin. This keeps the water from leaking down the sides making a good seal. Lathering is the luxurious part of the shave I stretch it out as long as possible.

 

[Guido75]

I have good experience with my enamel shave mugs. They are lidded as well as protective. And I like the vintage vibe they give.

Cheers John!

Guido

 

[JoWolf]

I have good experience with my enamel shave mugs. They are lidded as well as protective. And I like the vintage vibe they give.

Cheers John!

Guido

It’s all good Guido. Whatever elevates the lathering experience to luxurious. I used a shave scuttle for a few years. Enjoying warmer lather. Larger brushes, switching to cold water lathering and shaves changed that. An interesting observation with cold shaves and lathering. There was an increase in lather temperature getting to the head shave. Scuttles are more suited to bowl lathering. I switched to face lathering, warm water shaves and minimalism. Using a large boar 31mm brush. I prefer holding the lather vessel when brush loading. The SV aluminum tins are very light. Conveying good feedback from lather and brush. Warm water use for brush soaking, face and head rinses. Promotes excellent lathering comfort for my shaves. All lathering options should be explored. There are many options and variations.