A newbie’s journey into DE shaving

[Guido75]

25.04.22 Today's shave was again very comfortable with an amazing BBS result. Solid 10/10.

Prep: KCG Face wash
Blade: Tiger Platinum (3)
Razor: Fatip Special Edition OC
Cream: Proraso Green
AS and Balm: Proraso Green
Bowl: Proraso
Brush: Razorock Plissoft 400
Passes: WTG (Gillette Slide), XTG (Gillette Slide), ATG (slanted), ATG (slanted).

Nice third performance by the Tiger. I thought it was a bit tuggish but when I rinsed my face after the final pass (I do not rinse in between), man! that was smooth!! No nicks, no cuts, no irritation. Lather was super with the brush that keeps on giving.

Have a great day everyone.

 

[Guido75]

26.04.22 Today's shave was again very comfortable with a smooth BBS result. Solid 9/10.

Blade: Tiger Platinum (4)
Razor: Fatip Special Edition OC
Brush: Omega Proraso Boar
AS and Balm: Proraso Green
Bowl: Proraso

No nicks, no cuts, no irritation. Solid performance.

 

[Guido75]

27.04.22 (King's Day in the Netherlands) Today's shave was again very comfortable with a smooth BBS result. Point deduction for technique and lather, but in all a solid 8.5/10.

Blade: Tiger Platinum (5)
Razor: Fatip Special Edition OC
Brush: Razorock Plissoft 400
Cream: Proraso Green
AS and Balm: Proraso Green
Bowl: Proraso

Blade felt a bit tuggish as did the Dorco at shave #5, so we will see what tomorrow brings. I think it has some mileage left. Lather was a bit dry so that may have contributed too. I think one weeper, but no cuts, no irritation. Solid performance.

 

[Guido75]

28.04.22 Today's shave was an ok shave. DFS- because of les passes (I usually do four). Point deduction therefore 8/10.

Blade: Tiger Platinum (6 and retired)
Razor: Fatip Special Edition OC
Brush: Omega Black badger
Cream: Proraso Green
AS and Balm: Proraso Green
Bowl: Proraso

Blade again felt a bit tuggish. I think it probably should have been retired yesterday. I think one weeper, but no cuts, no irritation. Overall fine performance first time using this blade. Value for money is definitely there.

Have a great shaveday everyone!

 

[Guido75]

29.04.22

Prep:	KCG Fash Wash Proraso Green preshave
Razor:	Fatip Special Edition Gentile
Brush:	Omega Proraso Boar
Cream:	Proraso Green
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	KCG (1)
Passes:	WTG - Gillette Slide (NE-SW and E-W horizontal on the neck) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE and S-N on the neck) ATG - Slightly slanted (N-S and SW-NE) ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck)
Aftershave:	Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	9/10 BBS

The KCG blade is still my favorite blade at the moment. Ever so smooth and very comfortable. And very sharp with two nicks to boot. Took more passes on my trouble areas which I did not have with both the Dorco or the Tiger - interesting observation.

And credit where credit is due - I used @BobbyB ’s table structure today as I like it (my OCD for my SOTD posts finally got the better of me).

 

[Guido75]

30.04.22

Prep:	KCG Fash Wash Proraso Green preshave
Razor:	KCG
Brush:	Omega Proraso Boar
Cream:	TOBS Jermyn Street
Bowl:	None - face lather
Blade:	Tiger Platinum (1)
Passes:	WTG - Gillette Slide (NE-SW and E-W horizontal on the neck) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE and S-N on the neck) ATG - Slightly slanted (N-S and SW-NE) ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck) And touch up pass ()
Aftershave:	Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	8/10 CCS/DFS-
Comments:	First time with a Platinum in the KCG razor making it even milder than it is. Based on this first shave I would say that a Dorco makes the razor slightly more efficient. But I had a similar experience with the first time of the Tiger in the Fatip. Quite a fair bit of stubble left to invoke a touch up pass. All in all decent shave nonetheless and no nicks or irritation which is always my secondary objective. Face lathered for the first time today. TOBS is creamy and that helps but Jermyn Street leaves my skin a bit dry like soap dry. Proraso is more slick in my opinion. I will bowl lather tomorrow because I might have lathered with less water contributing to the dryness.

Have a great weekend everyone.

 

[Guido75]

01.05.22

Prep:	KCG Fash Wash Proraso Green preshave
Razor:	KCG + Fatip Piccolo OC
Brush:	Omega Proraso Boar
Cream:	TOBS Jermyn Street
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	Tiger Platinum (2)
Passes:	WTG - Gillette Slide (NE-SW and E-W horizontal on the neck) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE and S-N on the neck) ATG - Slightly slanted (N-S and SW-NE) ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck) And a double three pass shave with the Fatip Piccolo OC (touch up to the max)
Aftershave:	Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	7/10 from SAS to SAS+ to BBS
Comments:	Second time with the Platinum in the KCG razor. This blade and razor are not a match made in heaven. Even after a four pass shave I am still as SAS level. So I took the blade and put it in the Fatip Piccolo OC and did a second three pass shave. BOOM! BBS-. Touch up took a bit longer, but that was purely due to my OCB. BBS achieved for this Sunday. Still no nicks or irritation even after 7 passes. I think in part because of the Jermyn Street. Nice creamy soap. I am not yet in purchasing mode, becuase it leaves my skin dry like soap dry. So yes, mileage varies between razors and blades. So far KCG works well with KCG blades and Dorco's ST300 HQs. Fatip works with KCG and Tiger and less so with the Dorco's.

Have a great weekend everyone.

 

[Guido75]

02.05.22

Prep:	None
Razor:	Fatip Piccolo OC
Brush:	Omega Black Badger
Cream:	Proraso Green
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	Tiger Platinum (3)
Passes:	Random WTG XTG ATG
Aftershave:	Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	8.5/10 CCS/DFS
Comments:	I did not really needed to shave. Yesterday’s BBS was so good that I woke up with SAS. But yeah, a man needs his shave! So no prep and straight in to het the little stubbles. Third time with the Platinum and performed nicely in the Fatip. No nicks, cuts or irritation. Happy bunny.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Guido75]

03.05.22

Prep:	KCG Face wash Proraso Green Preshave
Razor:	Fatip Piccolo Nickel OC
Brush:	Razorock Plissoft 400
Cream:	The Alpha Men 2.0
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	Dorco ST 300 HQ (1)
Passes:	WTG - Gillette Slide (NE-SW and E-W horizontal on the neck) and curved XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE and S-N on the neck) ATG - Slightly slanted (N-S and SW-NE) ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck)
Aftershave:	Proraso Green
Balm:	Stirling Executive Man
Rating:	7.5/10 BBS
Comments:	The first shave with the new Fatip Piccolo OC nickel. I thought I would give the Dorco a second chance. I was painfully reminded about the aggressiveness of this combination. Minor weeper on the first pass. But the first ATG was slaughter and onslaught to my neck and cheeks. Nothing major but a pass with the alum block stand like you cannot imagine - maybe the worst stinging since starting DE shaving. I had a similar experience the first round with a Dorco in the KCG but after the first shave things smoothed out. So definitely points deducted for the overall experience. However, after rinsing man I felt smooth! BBS minus the comfortable shave. Lots of nicks, no cuts, no irritation. Somewhat of a happy bunny.

Have a great day everyone.

 

[Guido75]

04.05.22 Remembrance Day in the Netherlands so two minutes of silence throughout the country at 8PM.

Prep:	KCG Face wash Proraso Green Preshave
Razor:	Fatip Piccolo Nickel with SB from the Special Edition
Brush:	Omega Proraso Boar
Cream:	The Alpha Men 2.0
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	Dorco ST 300 HQ (2)
Passes:	WTG - Gillette Slide (NE-SW and E-W horizontal on the neck) and curved XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE and S-N on the neck) ATG - Slightly slanted (N-S and SW-NE) ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck)
Aftershave:	Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	8.5/10 CCS+/BBS-
Comments:	The second shave with the new Fatip Piccolo nickel. I have the Dorco a second try, but I did swap the OC for the Gentile base plate. And bring extra attentive to no pressure! Very few weepers on the first pass - especially compared to yesterday. Did the first ATG very lightly and in the neck went XTG again to prep for ATG in the fourth pass. No alum needed this time with a modest BBS after the fourth pass. Definitely more comfortable then yesterday. It might deserve a third try being three times is a charm, but I think the ST300 and the Fatip are not the best of matches for me so I swapped the blade with a KCG for tomorrow’s shave and use the Dorco in the KCG razor instead. Minor nicks, no cuts, no irritation. Good shave.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Guido75]

05.05.22 Freedom Day in the Netherlands

Prep:	KCG Face wash Proraso Green Preshave
Razor:	Fatip Special Edition Gentile
Brush:	Omega Proraso Boar
Cream:	The Alpha Men 2.0
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	Dorco ST 300 HQ (3)
Passes:	WTG - CB Slide (curved N-S) and slanted / horizontal on the neck (E-W) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE and S-N on the neck) ATG - Slightly slanted (N-S and SW-NE) ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck)
Aftershave:	Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	9.0/10 BBS-
Comments:	The third shave with the Dorco in my Fatip Piccolo Special Edition with the Gentile base plate. It deserved a third try being three times is a charm. And it did! A modest BBS after the fourth pass. Very comfortable shave. I did pay extra attention to no pressure. And as was my earlier experience: something about the Dorco needs to break in and then it performs very well. I know I can do 7 shaves with one blade (even with my usual four passes). But I would suggest to break it in with a R89-type razor. No real nicks, no cuts, no irritation. Good shave.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Guido75]

06.05.22

So I decided to continue the evening shave pattern in the hotel as well. As I was travelling somewhat lightly I did not bring all of my shaving attire with me - and I paid a price.

Prep:	-
Razor:	Fatip Piccolo OC
Brush:	Omega Black Badger
Cream:	Proraso Green
Bowl:	- Face lather
Blade:	Tiger Platinum (4)
Passes:	WTG - CB Slide on the cheeks (NW-SE-SW) and horizontal on the neck (E-W) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE) and S-N on the neck X/ATG - Slightly slanted on the neck (N-S) and SW-NE in the cheeks ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck and S-N on the cheeks)
Aftershave:	-
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	7/10 SAS/CCS-
Comments:	The nickel Piccolo appears to be slightly more aggressive than the Special Edition. And the Tiger on its third run did not make it more comfortable. So it was somewhat close on the cheeks, but the neck was more of a SAS level shave. Face lathering was also less successful than I had hoped. So something to learn! Still I think the combination with the Fatip and the Tiger is a good one. I just have to keep an eye on the number of shaves (as opposed to the KCG which seems to run as long as it needs to).

 

[Guido75]

07.05.22 My father’s 75th birthday.

Prep:	-
Razor:	Fatip Piccolo OC
Brush:	Omega Black Badger
Cream:	Proraso Green
Bowl:	-
Blade:	Tiger Platinum (4 or 5 can’t remember!)
Passes:	WTG - CB Slide on the cheeks (NW-SE-SW) and horizontal on the neck (E-W) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE) and S-N on the neck X/ATG - Slightly slanted on the neck (N-S) and SW-NE in the cheeks ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck and S-N on the cheeks)
Aftershave:	-
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	7/10 SAS-
Comments:	Again the nickel Piccolo appears to be slightly more aggressive than the Special Edition. And again a rather harsh shave to be honest. Did end up with smooth cheeks but went for no irritation on the neck (which I barely managed).

 

[Guido75]

09.05.22 skipped my Sunday shave and therefore two days of growth today. And back at home so all equipment available!

Prep:	KCG Face wash Proraso Green preshave
Razor:	Fatip Piccolo OC
Brush:	The lather king: Razorock Plissoft 400
Cream:	Proraso Green
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	KCG (2)
Passes:	WTG - CB Slide on the cheeks (NW-SE-SW) and horizontal on the neck (E-W) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE) and S-N on the neck X/ATG - Slightly slanted on the neck (N-S) and SW-NE in the cheeks ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck and S-N on the cheeks)
Aftershave:	Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	9.5/10 BBS
Comments:	The nickel Piccolo paired with a KCG blade transforms into a beast. First pass already at near CCS level and after the second pass I am at DFS. I continue my usual four passes as I really needed to feel smooth after the SAS Weekend shaves. Ahh…BBS how I have missed you!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Guido75]

10.05.22

Prep:	KCG Fash Wash Proraso Green preshave
Razor:	Fatip Special Edition Gentile
Brush:	Omega Proraso Boar
Cream:	Proraso Green
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	Dorco ST300 HQ (4)
Passes:	WTG - Gillette Slide (NE-SW and E-W horizontal on the neck) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE and S-N on the neck) ATG - Slightly slanted (N-S and SW-NE) ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck)
Aftershave:	Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	9.5/10 BBS
Comments:	In all honesty a shave was not entirely necessary, but I am a shave crazy so I cannot help myself! The Dorco blade keeps performing and therefore amazing new. Very smooth and comfortable shave. One or two weepers, but really a none issue. And almost BBS smooth in two passes. I went for three with a touch up just to lengthen the experience!

Have a very good day everyone!

 

[Guido75]

11.05.22 - Excellent shave today!

Prep:	KCG Fash Wash Proraso Green preshave
Razor:	Fatip Special Edition Gentile
Brush:	Omega Black Badger
Cream:	Proraso Green
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	Dorco ST300 HQ (5)
Passes:	WTG - CB Slide and Gillette Slide (NE-SW and E-W horizontal on the neck) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE and S-N on the neck) ATG - Slightly slanted (N-S and SW-NE) ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck)
Aftershave:	Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	9.5/10 BBS
Comments:	The fifth run with the Dorco blade. Again an amazingly comfortable shave. Minor weepers around the usual spots - none issues. And BBS- smooth in 2.5 passes. I went for three with a touch up and get that full BBS. This will last me until morning.

Have a very good day everyone!

 

[Guido75]

12.05.22 - Thought I would include a picture for a change.

Prep:	KCG Fash Wash Proraso Green preshave
Razor:	Fatip Piccolo OC
Brush:	Razorock Plissoft 400 Aluminium
Cream:	Proraso Green
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	KCG (3)
Passes:	WTG - CB Slide and Gillette Slide (NE-SW and E-W horizontal on the neck) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE and S-N on the neck) ATG - Slightly slanted (N-S and SW-NE) ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck)
Aftershave:	Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	9.5/10 BBS
Comments:	Still my favourite blade. And compared to Monday’s shave more comfortable today with the Fatip. One weeper in the moustache area. Stopped itself. And BBS- smooth in 2.5 passes.

Have a very good day everyone!

 

[Guido75]

13.05.22

Prep:	KCG Face Wash Proraso Green preshave
Razor:	Fatip Piccolo OC
Brush:	Omega Proraso Board
Cream:	The Alpha Men 2.0
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	KCG (4)
Passes:	WTG - CB Slide and Gillette Slide (NE-SW and E-W horizontal on the neck) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE and S-N on the neck) ATG - Slightly slanted (N-S and SW-NE) ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck)
Aftershave:	Cold splash Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green and Executive Man
Rating:	9.5/10 BBS
Comments:	Smooth sailing today. Some blood apparently, but that was gone before I knew it. Even down the chin is smoother than I usually accomplish. Happy camper.

Have a very good day everyone!

 

[Guido75]

14.05.22

Prep:	KCG Face Wash Proraso Green preshave
Razor:	Fatip Piccolo Gentile
Brush:	Razorock 400 Plissoft
Cream:	Proraso Green
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	Dorco ST300 HQ (5)
Passes:	WTG - CB Slide and Gillette Slide (NE-SW and E-W horizontal on the neck) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE and S-N on the neck) ATG - Slightly slanted (N-S and SW-NE) ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck)
Aftershave:	Cold splash Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	9/10 BBS
Comments:	Smooth sailing today. Some blood on the final pass which was a signal to retire the blade. But man! Five comfortable and smooth shave again with the Dorco. An amazing blade, who would have guessed at that price point. Somehow I do believe this blade deserves a second chance given the history of bad reviews on the web.

Have a very good day and great weekend everyone!

 

[Guido75]

15.05.22

Prep:	KCG Fash Wash Proraso Green preshave
Razor:	KCG Fatip Piccolo OC
Brush:	Omega Black Badger
Cream:	The Alpha Men 2.0
Bowl:	Proraso
Blade:	Tiger Platinum (1)
Passes:	WTG - CB Slide and Gillette Slide (NE-SW and E-W horizontal on the neck) XTG - Gillette Slide (NW-SE and S-N on the neck) ATG - Slightly slanted (N-S and SW-NE) ATG - Slightly slanted (W-E horizontal on the neck) And another three (!) passes with the Fatip.
Aftershave:	Proraso Green
Balm:	Proraso Green
Rating:	8/10 DFS
Comments:	Note to self: when will you learn? The Tiger makes the KCG too mild. Three passes and we are still dabbling at SAS with lots of stubble. I bring out the Fatip and pair that with the Tiger. Three more passes and we are back to my usual levels. That many passes obviously meant putting on the splash was going to be a ride - yep. For me to singing Edelweiss! So I kept the Tiger in the Fatip but changed to the Gentile baseplate. The KCG has been loaded with a Dorco ST300HQ.

Have a very good Sunday everyone.

Cheers,

Guido