A newbie’s journey into DE shaving

[Guido75]

Date:	14.08.2022
Focused participations:	14/31 Days in GRUME (45.2% completed, still in and holding on) 224/226 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Gillette Tech
Blade:	Gillette 365 (4)
Brush:	Blue Aluminum Synthetic
Soap:	The AlphaMen 2.0
Bowl:	Face lather
Preshave:	Cold splasH
Postshave:	Proraso Green (A/S) Proraso Green (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant ATG (S-N) | Slightly Gillette Slant Touch up pass on the neck
Efficiency:	9/10 (15 minutes)
Quality:	8/10 (Couple of weepers ATG)
Comfort:	10/10 (Super comfortable)
Effectiveness:	8.5/10 (DFS+ near BBS)
Notes:	Super smooth and efficient shave with the Tech today. I am so in love with this little gem. And I am beginning to appreciate that blade as well - fourth run was smooth and occasionally (particularly during ATG) is does show its teeth. The combination works very well. Two passes and I was done today! Even my Fatip does not pull that off so easily. Or my technique can be even better with the Fatip - let’s go with that. Awesome shave.

 

[Guido75]

Date:	15.08.2022 Mow Monday
Focused participations:	15/31 Days in GRUME (48.38% completed, still in and fought off several itches) 225/227 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Razorine Flatboy /w KCG handle
Blade:	Gillette 365 (5)
Brush:	Omega Proraso Boar
Soap:	The AlphaMen 2.0
Bowl:	Proraso Green
Preshave:	Cold splash KCG Face Wash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	Proraso Green (A/S) Executive Man (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant Touch up pass on the jawline
Efficiency:	7/10 (25 minutes)
Quality:	8/10 (One weeper)
Comfort:	10/10 (Super comfortable)
Effectiveness:	9/10 (BBS)
Notes:	Fifth run with this to me new blade. Initial use was slightly rougher than I wanted to, but it has definitely smoothed out and is enjoyable in at least two of my favourite razors. The Flatboy delivered today with a two pass no ATG needed BBS ending. Amazingly close shave. I did do my XTG slightly slanted which is enough to have a mild ATG while doing XTG. The 365 blade gave me weepers on those final passes and therefore glad i could skip them without compromising the overall effectiveness. One weeper near the Adam’s apple even though I did some skin pulling to the side. Lather was good after paying extra attention to slickness and wetness. This soap lathers just by watching it. Excellent.

 

[Guido75]

Date:	16.08.2022 Tech Tuesday
Focused participations:	16/31 Days in GRUME (51.61% completed, still in!) 226/228 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%) Tiger Week (1)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Gillette EFB Tech
Blade:	Tiger Platinum (4)
Brush:	Razorock Plissoft 400
Soap:	Dutchy Bergamot
Bowl:	Proraso Green
Preshave:	Cold splash KCG Face Wash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	New Floïd's The Genuine (A/S) Nivea Sensitive (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	8/10 (20 minutes)
Quality:	10/10 (Clean as a whistle)
Comfort:	10/10 (Super comfortable)
Effectiveness:	7/10 (DFS-)
Notes:	A wonderfully simple shave. Soap performed and using my lather king wipped up a very nice lather in no time. Much wetter than I usually do, but this brush has so much backbone with softness that you can get away with even too much water. The Tech performed very well and gave the Tiger another run for its money. I do feel the blade is reaching limits - but sometimes Tigers surprise me and resurrect. I think it has to do with the fact that I have used this particular blade in the Razorine Flatboy which has a very different angle of attack. I also see it in the effectiveness results: I could have gotten to BBS but that would have required another pass or I should have changed my stroke during the last ATG. It could have been even smoother than it is now. No irritation is more important.

 

[Guido75]

Date:	17.08.2022 Warpsmooth Wednesday
Focused participations:	17/31 Days in GRUME (54.84% completed, still in!) 227/229 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%) Tiger Week (1)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Mühle R41
Blade:	Gillette 365 (6)
Brush:	Omega Super Badger
Soap:	The Alpha Men 2.0
Bowl:	Proraso Green
Preshave:	Cold splash KCG Face Wash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	New Floïd's The Genuine (A/S) Executive Man (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant Touch up ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	8/10 (20 minutes)
Quality:	8.5/10 (One tiniest of weepers)
Comfort:	10/10 (Super comfortable)
Effectiveness:	9.5/10 (BBS)
Notes:	I wanted to try this blade in the most honest feedback razor I have - R41, because if your blade is off or your technique slushes she will let you know. I had an amazing shave. Buttery smooth and comfortable. Two passes and I was done, but I did not want to stop! So I did a totally unnecessary touch up pass and with the exception of one or two remaining follicles BBS galore.

Notes to this shave can be found here:A newbies journey into DE shaving - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/a-newbies-journey-into-de-shaving.622889/post-11890327

 

[Iridian]

Did you ever try Floid with a vaporizer, these balloon style spray pumps? Something I always wanted to do but still haven't.

Edit: the direct Life of Brian Roman Centurion feedback is indeed something to love. I noticed my technique and myself get sloppy when shaving with other razors.

 

[Guido75]

Did you ever try Floid with a vaporizer, these balloon style spray pumps? Something I always wanted to do but still haven't.

Edit: the direct Life of Brian Roman Centurion feedback is indeed something to love. I noticed my technique and myself get sloppy when shaving with other razors.

Not yet! But definitely on my list for later. Proraso has a nice one too - not sure if they are compatible. It would definitely benefit not splashing everything around. One thing sort of holds me back and that is that vaporising means a smaller surface of touch and therefore more impact. So I am anticipating more stinging during post shave routines.

Guido

 

[Guido75]

Date:	18.08.2022 Tamed Thursday
Focused participations:	18/31 Days in GRUME (58.06% completed, still in!) 228/230 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%) Tiger Week (1)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	King C. Gillette
Blade:	Dorco ST300HQ (2)
Brush:	Omega Super Badger
Soap:	Haslinger Sandelholz
Bowl:	Proraso Green
Preshave:	Cold splash KCG Face Wash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	New Floïd’s The Genuine (A/S) Nivea Sensitive (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	7/10 (25 minutes)
Quality:	8/10 (Small weeper that disappeared on me)
Comfort:	10/10 (Super comfortable)
Effectiveness:	7/10 (DFS)
Notes:	After yesterday’s shave with the R41 I had lighter stubble today so felt like taking my most mild DE for a spin. During the shave I thought that this blade was at its last legs but looking at my shave journal it was only the second run. So very mild indeed. I was planning to do a two pass with ATG on the second pass, but I messed up and did XTG instead so a three pass it was. Everything else performed like a charm. Haslinger is a very mild/subdued sandalwood and only starts scenting after the shave. I like the calmness. Maybe I should have went with a second Tiger for Tiger Week - have not been keeping up.

 

[Guido75]

Date:	19.08.2022 Fatip Friday
Focused participations:	19/31 Days in GRUME (61.29% completed, still in!) 229/231 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%) Tiger Week (1)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Fatip Special Edition OC
Blade:	King C Gillette (19)
Brush:	Blue Aluminium Synthetic
Soap:	TGS ReNero
Bowl:	Proraso Green
Preshave:	Cold splash KCG Face Wash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	Proraso Green (A/S) Proraso Green (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	8/10 (20 minutes)
Quality:	10/10 (Clean as a whistle)
Comfort:	9/10 (Very comfortable)
Effectiveness:	9/10 (BBS)
Notes:	Ahhhh….such bliss. Hadn’t used my Fatips in a while. I need to get more experience with rotation - or maybe all my razors are just a pleasure to use and I can’t choose. KCG blade appears to go around the corner. During the shave I thought of retirement but when I was done with my three passes BBS was the end state so I wasn’t complaining and I wasn’t going to retire it - perhaps one more run. ReNero is a wonderful soap. Smells nice and forestry right out of the tub. Lathers like a mad man. All is well!

 

[Butch Waxx]

Date:	19.08.2022 Fatip Friday
Focused participations:	19/31 Days in GRUME (61.29% completed, still in!) 229/231 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%) Tiger Week (1)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Fatip Special Edition OC
Blade:	King C Gillette (19)
Brush:	Blue Aluminium Synthetic
Soap:	TGS ReNero
Bowl:	Proraso Green
Preshave:	Cold splash KCG Face Wash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	Proraso Green (A/S) Proraso Green (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	8/10 (20 minutes)
Quality:	10/10 (Clean as a whistle)
Comfort:	9/10 (Very comfortable)
Effectiveness:	9/10 (BBS)
Notes:	Ahhhh….such bliss. Hadn’t used my Fatips in a while. I need to get more experience with rotation - or maybe all my razors are just a pleasure to use and I can’t choose. KCG blade appears to go around the corner. During the shave I thought of retirement but when I was done with my three passes BBS was the end state so I wasn’t complaining and I wasn’t going to retire it - perhaps one more run. ReNero is a wonderful soap. Smells nice and forestry right out of the tub. Lathers like a mad man. All is well!

A wonderful shave as you enter the approaching weekend!

 

[Guido75]

A wonderful shave as you enter the approaching weekend!

Can’t stop touching my face Butch ! I love being BOSC!

Guido

 

[Butch Waxx]

Can’t stop touching my face Butch ! I love being BOSC!

Guido

Hahaha…..Nothing wrong with that!

 

[Guido75]

Date:	20.08.2022
Focused participations:	20/31 Days in GRUME (64.52% completed, still in at the moment) 230/232 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%) Tiger Week (2)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Gillette EFB Tech
Blade:	Tiger Platinum (5) retired
Brush:	Omega Proraso
Soap:	TGS Re Nero
Bowl:	Proraso Green
Preshave:	Cold splash KCG Face Wash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	Proraso Green (A/S) Proraso Green (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	6/10 (30 minutes)
Quality:	10/10 (Clean as a whistle)
Comfort:	7/10 (Doable)
Effectiveness:	7/10 (DFS-)
Notes:	I have to inspect my journal entries on the Tiger, because lately I have not been able to get it past 4-5 shaves with tugging and liking starting from shave 3-4. Weird. Other than that, a mild shave with decent results to get going on a Saturday. Enjoy the weekend!

 

[Guido75]

Date:	21.08.2022
Focused participations:	21/31 Days in GRUME (64.52% completed, somewhat in) 231/233 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Gillette EFB Tech
Blade:	Personna Platinum (1) - Israeli
Brush:	Razorock Plissoft 400
Soap:	TGS Re Nero
Bowl:	Proraso Green
Preshave:	Cold splash KCG Face Wash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	Floïd’s The Genuine (A/S) Nivea Sensitive (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant Touch up pass: XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	8/10 (20 minutes)
Quality:	8/10 (Weeper above the lip)
Comfort:	10/10 (Superb)
Effectiveness:	9/10 (BBS)
Notes:	Following conversations and suggestions I had with David @never-stop-learning I used an Israeli Personna Platinum today. From the first stroke in the first pass I could tell this was going to be an amazing shave. Buttery smooth (did I put the blade in?) and comfortable. And effective!! Two passes and done, but I like it too much so used a touch up pass to enjoy the shave a bit longer. Went too ATG too soon al one or two weepers in the moustache area. All in all marvellous shave! Thanks David! These will go on there too buy list soon.

 

[Guido75]

Date:	22.08.2022
Focused participations:	22/31 Days in GRUME (out at 64.52%) 232/234 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	R41
Blade:	Gillette 365 (7)
Brush:	Omega Super Badger
Soap:	The AlphaMen 2.0
Bowl:	Proraso Green
Preshave:	Cold splash KCG Face Wash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	Proraso Green (A/S) Executive Man (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant Touch up: ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	8/10 (20 minutes)
Quality:	9/10 (Tiny weeper)
Comfort:	10/10 (Superb)
Effectiveness:	9/10 (BBS)
Notes:	Splendid shave with the R41. Two passes to the marble kingdom - some hairs remaining in the moustache area as I did not want to go ATG there.

 

[Guido75]

Date:	23.08.2022
Focused participations:	23/31 Days in GRUME (out at 64.52%) 233/235 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Gillette EFBT
Blade:	Personna Israeli (2)
Brush:	Blue Aluminum Synthetic
Soap:	Dutchy Bergamot
Bowl:	Face lather
Preshave:	Cold splash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	Proraso Green (A/S) Proraso Green (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	9.5/10 (little over 15 minutes)
Quality:	9/10 (Tiny weeper)
Comfort:	10/10 (Superb)
Effectiveness:	9/10 (BBS)
Notes:	After yesterday’s shave the mild and loveable Tech showed its capabilities for a three pass excellent finish. Smooth, comfortable, and paired with the Personna very effective. This unbranded brush is actually becoming one of my favourites. Lathers quickly, great splay and nice backbone. Bergamot is a great soap that lathers up just by looking at it. Easy glide for the Tech and helped with the touch up here and there.

Link for today’s shave: A newbies journey into DE shaving - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/a-newbies-journey-into-de-shaving.622889/post-11898578

 

[Guido75]

Date:	24.08.2022
Focused participations:	24/31 Days in GRUME (out at 64.52%) 234/236 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Fatip Special Edition OC
Blade:	King C. Gillette (20)
Brush:	Omega Proraso
Soap:	The AlphaMen 2.0
Bowl:	Face lather
Preshave:	Cold splash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	Floïd The Genuine (A/S) Executive Man(Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	8/10 (little over 20 minutes)
Quality:	9/10 (Tiny weeper)
Comfort:	10/10 (Superb)
Effectiveness:	9/10 (BBS)
Notes:	Wonderful shave with the Fatip. Mild yet efficient. Third pass was the final touch up. After two passes I was already DFS enough to call it a day, but why would I when the shave is that good. One weeper on the right jaw which did made me wonder if this blade is about to turn the corner or not.

 

[Butch Waxx]

Date:	24.08.2022
Focused participations:	24/31 Days in GRUME (out at 64.52%) 234/236 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Fatip Special Edition OC
Blade:	King C. Gillette (20)
Brush:	Omega Proraso
Soap:	The AlphaMen 2.0
Bowl:	Face lather
Preshave:	Cold splash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	Floïd The Genuine (A/S) Executive Man(Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	8/10 (little over 20 minutes)
Quality:	9/10 (Tiny weeper)
Comfort:	10/10 (Superb)
Effectiveness:	9/10 (BBS)
Notes:	Wonderful shave with the Fatip. Mild yet efficient. Third pass was the final touch up. After two passes I was already DFS enough to call it a day, but why would I when the shave is that good. One weeper on the right jaw which did made me wonder if this blade is about to turn the corner or not.

“Mild yet efficient” a beautiful phrase!!

 

[Guido75]

Date:	25.08.2022
Focused participations:	25/31 Days in GRUME (out at 64.52%) 235/237 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Razorine Flatboy on KCG handle
Blade:	Dorco ST 300 HQ (4)
Brush:	Razorock Plissoft 400
Soap:	Dutchy Bergamot
Bowl:	Face lather
Preshave:	Cold splash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	Proraso Green (A/S) Proraso Green (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	9/10 (15 minutes)
Quality:	7/10 (Couple of weepers)
Comfort:	6/10 (Bit rough)
Effectiveness:	9/10 (BBS)
Notes:	I think I have never used the ST in the Razorine before - or maybe just once, but it was a rough ride today. Started out okish, but as I came to my jaw I felt weepers surface. Maybe too much pressure, wanting to shave too fast or going ATG too soon. Not sure yet. The results however were amazing. Two passes and I was at BBS- so the final ATG was for touching up the cheeks. All in all a good shave with splendid results. Blade-wise I need to see if a next run is similar to this morning, because based on this morning the blade is ready for retirement.

 

[Guido75]

Date:	26.08.2022 Fatip Friday
Focused participations:	26/31 Days in GRUME (out at 64.52%) 236/238 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Fatip Piccolo Mixed Metal Gentile
Blade:	Dorco Titan (6)
Brush:	Omega Super Badger
Soap:	The AlphaMen 2.0
Bowl:	Face lather
Preshave:	Cold splash Proraso Green preshave
Postshave:	New Floïd’s (A/S) Executive Man (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant ATG (N-S) | Alternating Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	9/10 (15 minutes)
Quality:	8/10 (One tiny weeper I think)
Comfort:	9/10 (Smooth)
Effectiveness:	8/10 (BBS-)
Notes:	Easy going shave today. And based on the Titan’s performance yesterday’s ST was indeed too rough so retired that one on the spot. The Gentile provided a close and comfortable shave although less effective than the Originale if I am honest. Still great razor and excellent result. According to my tracking info the New Flat Bottom is moving in the right direction!

 

[Guido75]

Date:	27.08.2022 Anniversary Saturday
Focused participations:	27/31 Days in GRUME (out at 64.52%) 237/239 in 365 days of shaving (99.11%)
Other participations:	Steep Angle Shaving Alliance High Efficiency Razors Summer Mild to Medium August All Aventus August
Razor:	Razorine Flatboy with KCG handle
Blade:	Shark Chrome (1)
Brush:	Unbranded synthetic
Soap:	The AlphaMen 2.0
Bowl:	Face lather
Preshave:	Cold splash
Postshave:	Alum Nivea Sensitive (Balm) Proraso Green (Balm)
Passes:	WTG (NE-SW) | Gillette Slant 2x XTG (W-E) | Slightly Gillette Slant
Efficiency:	9/10 (15 minutes)
Quality:	5/10 (Cut near Adam’s apple)
Comfort:	5/10 (Bit rough)
Effectiveness:	6/10 (DFS-)
Notes:	Not what I had hoped for today. It started out alright with blade feel but nothing wrong with that. On the first pass on the neck a huge user error made an end to the smoothness. I decided to do SE-NW after my usual NE-SE. Under normal conditions that is no problem at all. I was holding the Flatboy and this the blade perpendicular to my neck during that decision. And that’s when the Shark saw its chance for blood. All week during Shark week nothing whatsoever. Let your guard down on a random Saturday and you get bit. At first I thought it was just a nick, but as I progressed to my other cheek I was seriously drawing blood. So much so I had to bring out the alum which was tucked away in my cabinet. And of all the days I could have picked I choose my anniversary (the mrs had similar thoughts when I came downstairs)! Glad at the moment I did not stock up on Sharks after Shark week, because this was no fun at all. I am going to place it on user error, but next time my preferred blades go first. Bought a DVG synthetic to console myself. And tonight we are having dinner with the family to celebrate - she lights up my world. Period.