2019 Shave Purchase Sabbatical - The Maltese Falcon Razor

[Pepin]

We have 71 still in, waiting on 13 to check in for the quarterly.
Have pm'ed #5 Sabin to find the details of his allegedly going out.

Sam Spades Team of Operatives

1. Pepin - vintage grail razor***2018***
3. johnwick - One Timeless baseplate swap
4. Ruckin–No exception***2018***
5. mikelz777 - No exception***2018***
6. Laird - Cap & Chris restoration & replate New Improved Tuckaway
7. Shave_Rat - New scuttle***2018***
8. meanpr - No exception
11. Vespasian- No exception
12. barko78 - witch hazel
13. KQY61 - No Exception ***2018***
14. martym - No exception ***2018***
15. VerbaVolant - one stainless razor.
17. Keen Edge - Blades
20. Howler - No Exception
21. emwolf - No exceptions
23 GaryTha - No exceptions
22. JohnYaddy - OneBlade Razor ***2018***
24. AlphaFrank75 – Balm ***2018***
25. bobmsp - Grooming Dept. Pre-shave
27. ‘Bout Time - Tallow & Steel Limited Release
28. T.Orso - Unicorn hair shave brush (60% mane, 40% tail)***2018***
29. Ryanshh - 1 lapping film restock
30. Jamesearthdrum - Spool of PLA filament ***2018***
32. SpannerX - No exception
33. krow - No exceptions ***2018***
34. Zed117- Karve OC (Aluminium or Brass)
41. Andromeda673 - No Exception
42. Mtnredhed - No exception***2018***
43. Sotiris_A - No Exception
45. gsurko- No exceptions
46. TreadwayJohnA - No Exceptions
48. byDoms - No Exception ***2018***
49. Jim99 - Schick injector blades
50. ShavingPanda - Tabac aftershave
52. Spookmeister - Christopher Bradley razor
53. Ajwien - no exception
54. jamiecm - no exception
56. Sabin -no exception
57. MuhleShaver - no exceptions ***2018***
58. CzechCzar - Muhle Rocca
59. Whisky- RazoRock SLOC
60. jldallas - Vintage DE razor
61. Macsen - Thayers Witch Hazel
62. Noodles - Post-shave balm
67. Brian C. - No exception
68. Invicta - No exception
69. Tokyospike - Menthol crystals
71. Treebeard - No exception
72. Heckle - mustache wax
73. FoxInfinitySunset - Synthetic brush***2018***
74. Shaved Fish - No exception
75. bjm - no exception
77. _Stormin_ - No Exception***2018***
79. 5Cantonas - Badger brush***2018***
80. Sgemmett- no exception
81. MarsEnglish - no exception
86. psfred- Nickel plating supplies***2018***
88. mishkaya- No exception.
89. Kcmodan - 1 zenith horse hair brush.
90. esetter – Variant razor ***2018***
91. Aziraphale - Hallows Soap and AS gift set
93. PhilC - No exception
94. CJB3 - New RR Game Changer release
95. tsimmns - OneBlade V1 with a GEM
96. StuartT - No exception
97.Thomas Darkblade - No exception***2018***
98. dg33 – Shave brush ***2018***
99. Rico Suave - blades
100. Boghopper – Blades
101. Midoio – No exception
102. Kluber – Tabac soap

The Opposition: Kasper Gutman Joel Cairo & their Henchmen

1. January 9th Operative No. 103 Bakker1964 - exception Karve OC razor - (OUT - Proraso pre-shave cream)
2. January 13th Operative No. 19 Azwetshaver - exception - strop, (OUT - brush)
3. January 25th, Operative Ruva #36: exception – Witch Hazel. (OUT – Barbersol 100th Anniversary can)
4. February 2nd Operative No. 82 Haggises - Exception: Schick repeater. (Out - David Beckahm Instinct Aftershave)
5. February 4th Operative No. 76 Saxtont47 - Exception witch hazel. (Out - Simpson`s Duke 3 brush)
6. February 4th Operative No. 87 bdehne – No exception. (Out – Volga razor)
7. February 7th Operative No. 92. Mtn.Man – No exception. (Out – shiny BST buy)
8. February 9th Operative No. 44. Slipknot – No exception. (Out – Captains Choice & CRSW shave soap)
9. February 9th Operative No. 63 Clay S - Birth year/quarter razor (out – vintage Avon aftershave bottle for Pinaud Clubman Musk)
10. February 10th Operative No. 84 Hannah’s Dad - British #15 tune-up (out – FatBoy)
11. February 13th Operative No. 85 Sharp’s- Char Gds – (out – Grand Shave King razor)
12. February 13th Operative No. 37 Somnos - Full version: Shaving Buddy app.
(out - mint Aristocrat #66 set + NOS made in England travelling set)
13. February 17th Operative No. 40. Yminoh - No exception. (out – Charcoal Goods razor)
14. February 23rd Operative No. 26 Heron - Exception shave soap. (OUT - Harry's mail order razor)
15. February 24th Operative No. 83. Luecke2326: Exception straight razor. (OUT - EPIC treewhale of a barbers supply)
16. February 24th Operative No. 16. Galaktus: No exception. (OUT - self withdraw)
17. February 24th Operative No. 64 KW Driver: Exception Trac II blades. (OUT - self withdraw)
18. February 26th Operative No. 10 Kevdogg329: Exception Aftershave. (OUT - shave cream & cartridges)
19. March 2nd Operative No. 51. karhu: No exception. (OUT – Rockwell 6S Razor)
20. March 3rd Operative No. 66 Boar Fighter: No exception. (OUT - two synthetic shave brushes)
21. March 4th Operative No. 31 pbrmhl - Exception Charcoal Goods razor. (OUT - 4 bottles Chatillon Lux aftershave)
22. March 7th Operative No. 78 Neffarious: Exception pre-shave. (OUT - Shave Mac 24mm brush)
23. March 9th Operative No. 39 Nick Weepers: Exception Mike’s Bay Rum (OUT – NOS Old Spice soap in mug)
24. March 11th Operative No. 18 SAMB08: Exception Aftershave splash. (OUT – vintage 9/16 Genco Old Dutch straight)
25. March 11th Operative No. 35 deafficianado: No exception (OUT - Raw Shaving razor)
26. March 12th Operative No. 38 Joncr: No exception. (OUT - Gillette Skinguard cartridge)
27. March 15th Operative No. 65 Rev579: Exception 1 Vintage Grail Razor (OUT - 2 vintage ABC razor sets)
28. March 16th Operative No. 70 Dundak: No exception (OUT - mystery blue-light deal)
29. March 23rd Operative No. 2. Rockviper: No exception (OUT - Simpson's synthetic Chubby #2 brush)
30. March 30th Operative No. 55 AZBronco: Exception Tuxedo knot brush. (OUT – Stirling Coconut Lime & Glacial Lemon soap)
31. April 2nd Operative No. 47 Music: Exception Stirling post-shave balm. (OUT - hard to find mystery soap )
32. April 2nd Operative No. 9. Tony D: Exception shave soap. (OUT - binge soap buying)

 

[CzechCzar]

You are not called to Fast on a Feast Day, and every Sunday is an Easter Celebration, which is a Feast Day...

As a neophyte, I just found this out this year. Never have known that. Still, for consistency, have not indulged in any abstentions on Sundays so far.

 

[AZBronco]

I just got my two soaps that put me out. The lemon with menthol smell works really well, and the coconut lime is a perfect spring/summer scent. Plus I got a bath soap sample of Island Man. Stirling has great products!

I'll be playing the home game for the rest of the year--no tree whaling for me--but I'm not at all sad about how I went out!

 

[johnwick]

I just got my two soaps that put me out. The lemon with menthol smell works really well, and the coconut lime is a perfect spring/summer scent. Plus I got a bath soap sample of Island Man. Stirling has great products!

I'll be playing the home game for the rest of the year--no tree whaling for me--but I'm not at all sad about how I went out!

 

[REV579]

View attachment 969273

Is that a picture of @CzechCzar ?

 

[CzechCzar]

Is that a picture of @CzechCzar ?

I wish! What makes you say that?

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[Tokyospike]

Quarterly check-in by Agent 69. I’m still pounding the pavement. I’m getting close to polishing off a bottle of aftershave and having to go to the BST to trade something to replace it. It’s not like I don’t have others, but I’m really somehow getting to the point that if it ain’t Ghost Town Barber or Atomic Age Bay Rum, it ain’t squat.

Anyway, so far, so good.

 

[johnwick]

Quarterly check-in by Agent 69. I’m still pounding the pavement. I’m getting close to polishing off a bottle of aftershave and having to go to the BST to trade something to replace it. It’s not like I don’t have others, but I’m really somehow getting to the point that if it ain’t Ghost Town Barber or Atomic Age Bay Rum, it ain’t squat.

Anyway, so far, so good.

I enjoy the Atomic Age Bay Rum so much that I’m rationing. And I’ve got 75% of the bottle left... It’s the single aftershave that I don’t want to run out of. Easy pick for the restock window!

 

[REV579]

I wish! What makes you say that?

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Because I meant @kcmodan and his giving up the razor for Lent

 

[kcmodan]

You are not called to Fast on a Feast Day, and every Sunday is an Easter Celebration, which is a Feast Day.

Rev 579...
It's a fine idea and I can grasp the theological argument. On the other hand, the only other thing that would be less unsatisfactory than my present state would be the same desultory beard of 1 to 6 days growth each week from now till Easter. Tom Ford I am not...

 

[CzechCzar]

Because I meant @kcmodan and his giving up the razor for Lent

Gotcha!

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[ShavingPanda]

confession time...

I found out yesterday that I had to travel today for a work meeting tomorrow. The trip is short, just an hour and a bit flight one Province over and just for one day. It wasn't worth checking a bag, so no DE and I haven't used a cartridge for probably 4-5 years. I used to have some yellow bics that I couldn't find and couldn't find any old cartridges but found my old Schick handle. So... I grabbed one of my wife's Schick lady quattro cartridges for the trip.

I just finished shaving tonight with it and hotel bar soap. The scent was typical hotel bar soap and provided little to not protection. The cartridge was meh, not great but not particularly awful. I was surprised that I had to apply some pressure. I think the technique from the DEs helped me not butcher my face. Did one pass and it was enough for me.

#50 still in. Miss my DEs already.

 

[GaryTha]

 

[REV579]

Rev 579...
It's a fine idea and I can grasp the theological argument. On the other hand, the only other thing that would be less unsatisfactory than my present state would be the same desultory beard of 1 to 6 days growth each week from now till Easter. Tom Ford I am not...

But then you could truly experience the significance of fasting, right there with wearing sackcloth on your face! LOL.

 

[GaryTha]

I like the Catholic Church and its old traditions. I wish they still said the mass in Latin.

Catholics used to fast on Fridays during Lent. As I recall, the two smaller meals were supposed to be smaller than the biggest meal.

Catholics used to refrain from eating meat on Fridays. They would eat fish instead, but this was never a command that I'm aware of.

I think people are the God they believe in. Those who do evil don't believe the covenant of bad results or they are being willfully rebellious. Those who do good do it either because they love God, or they believe in the covenant of good results. (Simplified version.)

Enough on the different faiths. I respect those who observe Lent by giving things up.

 

[Clay S]

confession time...

 

[Pepin]

So No. 56 Sabin is still in, as he only paid for shipping (the trade/pif rule).
32 have disappeared from Sam Spade's team so far.

 

[Pepin]

April 2nd Operative No. 47 Music (OUT – hard to find mystery soap)

April 2nd Operative No. 9 Tony D (OUT – binge soap purchases)

Sam Spade put the newspaper down on his desk, and stared at the two men sitting across from him, “Okay, the papers have been filled these past few day about the opium dens and their bad influence on our society. But there is another angle to these establishments as well. They deal in almost anything, not just opium. There is a series of dens operated by a formidable Chinese lady, a Yim-Ying Kwok. She runs her operations from the large building on the waterfront. Get in there, we have to find out about the Fatman’s shipping operations. One of you as a client trying the delights of opium, and then the other can try and explore the building.” He looked at operatives Music and Tony D. “You two okay with that?” Operatives Music and Tony D. looked at each other, and then Sam, both nodded. “I’ll go in as a client.” Said operative Tony D. Operative Music replied “That leaves me to wander and explore the joint. I think I will dress down, perhaps as a waterfront ne’er-do-well. Gives me a chance to practice my lock-picking skills.” He laughed at the image.

The two met at a local bar, and then finalized plans over a few Manhattans. They will go in late at night, first Tony D. as someone looking for a new fancy to try, then about half-an hour to an hour later Music would follow. Seeing what he could find in the complex, and in Yim-Ying Kwoks office.

A light drizzle made it a miserable night, operative Tony D. pulled up the collar of his trench-coat, and moved quicker. As he entered the building he saw a large figure behind a desk, a sort of concierge. He steadied himself, and approached, wavering and appearing unsteady, “Good evening my good friend, I have been recommended to your fine oriental establishment to try the joys of the evening, to find new ways and forms if you get my drift.” The fellow gave an oily smile and nodded, “Certainly, certainly” looking Tony D. up and down, at the fancy evening dress “Perhaps one of our special rooms of the orient. Very soothing. This way please.” He waved his arm, and a lady appeared with a tray. Tony D. stared at her for a few seconds then understood. He pulled out a roll, and peeled off a few bills, passing them to her. She smiled and led him down the hallway. Operative Tony D. walked slowly, trying peek into all of the rooms they passed. He started asking the lady questions about the place, the clients, where they got their opium …. Suddenly she stopped walking and pushed open a door, “Here is your room for the night.” She led him in, and put down the carved pipe and a small round lump. “Enjoy yourself.’” She smiled and left. Operative Tony D. looked over the room, painted a deep red, glittery cushions laid around the floor, an oriental print on the wall. He eased the door open and looked out. He saw the lady down the hall staring at him. He smiled and waved, then went back in. “What to do, what to do” he muttered to himself. “Have to make it look real I suppose. Should be able to keep my wits about me, even with this stuff.” He sat down and started to jam the opium into the bowl. Taking out his lighter he flicked it on, and started to draw on the pipe, the lump glowing brightly now.

Operative Music checked his watch, 11:15 as agreed upon. He left his car and made his way down the alley, and then across the street. Avoiding the front door he made for a side path, to what appeared to be a service door. He listened at the scarred door, just the muffled sound of faint voices. He carefully eased the door open, trying to stay at one side. As he stepped into the gloomy dim hallway the sweet burnt smell of opium hit him. Looking down the hall through the haze all he could see was a worn carpet, with tattered holes here and there, and a series of doorways, most covered with dirty curtains. No sight of his quarry, he advanced slowly, pausing to look into the cubicles, he shook his head in disgust. Most had only a crude cot or bed, a side table with a small lamp or candle. A few hooks on the wall held the odd coat, or jacket. Most held a gaunt figure sprawled out on the cot or bed, eyes vacant, staring, one hand holding either a long pipe or flexible hose with a mouth-piece. Some stared up at him when he peered in, but most ignored him, lost in their own world, the smoke trickling from the corner of their mouth. In one he saw a young woman, still attractive, holding a small ball of a wax-like substance, dark in colour. He watched as she crumbled it into the bowl of a carved ivory pipe. She held a flame to it, and a smell like "old tires" filled the cubicle. The chunks glowed in bowl of the carved ivory and gold pipe as she drew deeply on it. Operative Music, let the curtain fall, and moved on. He must find operative Tony D. and then Yim-Ying’s office. Then he heard louder voices up ahead. He moved down the hall, carefully looking around the corner. More cubicles, but a few solid doors as well. He stopped by the first one, crouching down to peer through the keyhole, it was dark. He slowly tried the door handle, it opened and he stepped in, closing it softly behind him. Flicking on his lighter he observed a small bedroom, much better than the cubicles. With its red-painted walls and carved jade candlesticks. Nice stuffed cushions were piled about the room, and a washstand occupied one corner. Must be for the more upper class clientele of the business, wonder if Tony D. is in one of these he thought. He went back out into the hall, stopping by the next few doors, all seemed to be similar fancy rooms, and some had what appeared to be well heeled people lounging about. The smells of different qualities of opium permeated the place. It was all operative Music could do not to break down in a fit of coughing. Then he heard a muffled conversation coming from a room, listening at the door, he heard a woman's voice: "It was like this warmth would spread through me and I could feel my body relaxing. It was this peaceful, restful place where my mind would wander, much like it might in a dream. I was on a different planet that was filled with all these strange living creatures, flying, walking, and crawling. It was beyond belief. A beautiful song was playing in the air and they were all gathering to watch the coming sunrise and the song rose to a crescendo that filled me with love. I took off with a small group of creatures, riding some, and then flying on others." "That is so amazing." A second younger voice responded. "I have to try it too." Moving on he came upon a metal encased door, examining the lock, he saw that it was new and quite substantial. He tried to listen at the metal door, and even peek through the keyhole, but no luck. He could not tell if it was occupied. Then he knelt down and tried to peer under it, to see if it was dark or lit. Seeing no light, he pulled out his lock-picking tools, and set to work on the lock. It took some time, and large beads of perspiration stood out on his forehead by the time he heard the click, and the last tumblers give way, it was open. He glanced around the hall and then in one quick motion opened the door and rushed in. It was a well-furnished room, like an outer office, the only light coming from a desk lamp. A side-door led to what he assumed to be Yim-Ying’s personal office. Operative Music froze as he heard some movement from the other room. Looking around quickly he saw the receptionists desk, and he ducked behind it, crawling into the leg space. Peering out he saw a pair of woman's shoes walk in and pause. "Hello, is there someone here?" He watched as the feet walked about the room, pausing now and then, before leaving to go back to the inner office.


Meanwhile operative Tony D., having smoked a good sized lump of opium was feeling it's effects. Thoughts of resisting and keeping his wits about him long gone. He got up and walked around his room, looking at the designs; somewhere in the back shadows of his mind a voice was murmuring "focus, look for your friend Music, look for clues, .... clues? yes clues, somewhere here." He made for the door, stumbling a little, then wrenching open he rushed into the hall, stopping to look around as he was unsure of where to go. He flipped a coin, laughing at the coin spinning through the air. Then he started down the hall until he came upon a staircase, he made decision somewhere in his mind, and went up. As he crested the landing of the 5th floor he found himself in a large open loft-like area. The open area seemed to terrify him, and he cowered by the railing of the stairs. He glanced around the area looking for a place to hide; there, in the corner, a small living area, shelves, tables, seating. He made a quick dash for the couches, reaching it he dove behind it, finding comfort in his hiding spot. he stayed there listening, silence prevailed, slowly he raised himself up and sat on one of the couches. He looked around in the gloom, the shelves looked full, he made his way to one and started opening boxes, soaps, creams of all sorts. A wonderful though entered his foggy mind, smell these swell scents. He grabbed an armful of boxes and sat down, opening them all, sniffing them he let the variety of scents take him to distant lands. He was so engrossed that he did not notice a pair of figures standing there looking at him. "Looks like we have a late night visitor" remarked Slim. "Have to set out larger rat traps to catch them." replied the FatBoy. "Shall we exterminate this pest?" With weapons drawn the Gillette brothers approached operative Tony D., who was still enthralled by the soaps. Suddenly Tony D. stood up, the bars of shaving soap falling about him, he spun around arms raised up high. When he saw the two figures approaching him he paused, and called out "Do you dare to try and take me? I am Spartacus a Warrior of the Howling Fjord; wow!" The Gillette brothers stopped and looked at each other, puzzled as to this strange outburst. "Hey!, do you believe this? He is really wired." "Yeah, this will be like taking candy from a baby." They laughed as they opened fire on operative Tony D.

The force from the hail of bullets drove him back, and he fell in a crumpled heap among the bars of soap. "I am an Elan, my Grecian Horse shall carry me away, veritas, .... veritas" were the last words to escape his lips.

Operative Music started to crawl out from under the desk, then froze as a knock came from the outer door; quickly he scurried back under. Just in time as he saw the pair of feet walk by and answer the door. A woman's voice "Leroy, Alexander what are you doing here?" A refined voice replied "Good evening Yim-Ying. We were just checking out things when we saw a familiar figure wandering about, one of Sam Spades operatives." "Spade!, what does he want with me?" "Not you necessarily, but us. Anyway to make a long story short there is some, .... clean-up required in the top floor. So sorry, but it could not be helped." Operative Music felt like a bucket of ice-water had been dumped on him. Tony D. dead! He needed to get out in one piece. He waited, and to his relief Yim-Ying left with the two Gillette brothers to see about what had happened upstairs. He waited a few seconds after the door was closed, then getting out he was about to run out when a thought came to him. He turned around and ran into Yim-Ying's office. She had left the light one, and he saw that it was a very nicely decorated office, going to the desk he looked about for information. He spotted some waybills, grabbed them and crumpled them into his pocket. Then checking the hall, and seeing it empty he left. He was about to enter the front lobby, when he stopped, looking down at his grubby disguise, he changed his mind and found the service door, leaving as he came in. Unbeknownst to him, as he opened the service door a small light came on behind the front desk. The large "concierge" nodded at a couple in the shadows. They got up and left by the front door, one going left, and the other right.

Walking down the dark and deserted streets, operative Music was glad that the drizzle had stopped. It was still cold and he shivered as he made his way along the sidewalk. After passing an alley with several water-barrels he spotted it. There in the window of the shop! He stopped and crouching low he stared at the object. He had been looking for this so long, it was almost impossible to find. He started to search his pockets for his notebook and pen. He carefully jotted down the address and name of the store. Straightening up, having a last look at the hard to find object of his desire, he was so enthralled that he never heard the figure come up behind him until it was too late. He felt a large cold hand wrap around his mouth, then he was pulled back, the sharp pain of a knife being thrust into his neck, as tried to scream.

In the gray dawn of the next day a newspaper vendor stood by his small news-stand, having a cigarette. The delivery truck rolled by, bundles of newspaper hit the pavement by his feet, the truck drove off leaving him there in a cloud of exhaust. He opened his knife to open the bundles, he gasped at the headline "BODY OF MURDERED DETECTIVE FOUND FROZEN IN WATER-BARREL"

 

[GaryTha]

 

[ruckin]

April 2nd Operative No. 47 Music (OUT – hard to find mystery soap)
[much good prose snipped]

He opened his knife to open the bundles, he gasped at the headline "BODY OF MURDERED DETECTIVE FOUND FROZEN IN WATER-BARREL"

Oh snow, we lost another one!

Ruckin (punishing the list due to lack of morning coffee)