Beginning to end - my DE journey and search for a RFL

[PersistentlyBlunt]

Thank you @thombrogan and @Chef455 the nicks cleared with alum so all good I live to shave another day.

I am just thankful that I didn't go with the Feather blades otherwise I may have been able to do a reasonable van Gogh impression.

 

[DesertIguana]

OK. I give up. What is a RFL?

This abravation thing is a big pain for my old brain, I grew up writing every word down so the reader did not have to ask what is this code.

Yes I know code or cyphers have been around since the war with Great Britain in 1700’s.

Hate have to say or think what the great Cuban comic use to say to his Red Headed wife in TV.

Ricky Recardo Aja Desi Arnez use to say, Splain It, meaning explain what you mean.

 

[PersistentlyBlunt]

Splain It, meaning explain what you mean.

Ahh you mean ELI5.

I agree and it is only fairly recently that I have caught up on some of the abbreviations and acronyms. Reading the messages that my son writes to his mates, they are a different language.

Perhaps it is because I read them that it is a different language.

I regularly check the B&B abbreviation list here. Because there are a lot of new and interesting abbreviations and acronyms on this forum.

ELI5 = Explain it like I'm 5 (or in simple terms) or at least I think it does...

 

[Guido75]

With RFL I am gonna go with Razor For Life - at least that’s what I went with at the start of your journal, so.

 

[PersistentlyBlunt]

Razor For Life

Correct, sorry for not noting this before @DesertIguana. RFL = Razor for Life.

I am trying to find the one razor and blade combination that I can happily use for the rest of my life to give good, consistent and comfortable shaves. Something that also lasts out my days, which is a much smaller task than it would have been if I started looking for my RFL when I started shaving.

That is at least what I am telling myself. I will one day have just one double edge safety razor and one or maybe two types of blades that I use. I think I could probably settle on Arko! as my one soap though.

Happy shaving.

 

[lasta]

Correct, sorry for not noting this before @DesertIguana. RFL = Razor for Life.

I am trying to find the one razor and blade combination that I can happily use for the rest of my life to give good, consistent and comfortable shaves. Something that also lasts out my days, which is a much smaller task than it would have been if I started looking for my RFL when I started shaving.

That is at least what I am telling myself. I will one day have just one double edge safety razor and one or maybe two types of blades that I use. I think I could probably settle on Arko! as my one soap though.

Happy shaving.

Hmm, apologies if this is me bursting your bubble too early! But:

All razors are blade holders
All soaps are slick enough
Brush makes no difference

With enough preshave hydrating and practice, most blades work.

Find something shiny and call it a day!

 

[Phoenixkh]

Hmm, apologies if this is me bursting your bubble too early! But:

All razors are blade holders
All soaps are slick enough
Brush makes no difference

With enough preshave hydrating and practice, most blades work.

Find something shiny and call it a day!

I’m not sure I agree with that in totality. I’ve had several highly regarded razors and brushes here that I’ve either sold or given away. None of them were horrible but I’m sure enjoying the ones that remain.

Can I get a decent shave with any razor? Perhaps. Do I enjoy the process with some over the others? No doubt in my mind. And it’s possible, it’s all in my mind. That’s okay with me.

I feel the same way about brushes. I know what face feel appeals to me and those are the brushes I keep around and continue using.

If there were no differences, a place like this wouldn’t exist. We could all return to cartridge models and call it quits.

 

[lasta]

I’m not sure I agree with that in totality. I’ve had several highly regarded razors and brushes here that I’ve either sold or given away. None of them were horrible but I’m sure enjoying the ones that remain.

Can I get a decent shave with any razor? Perhaps. Do I enjoy the process with some over the others? No doubt in my mind. And it’s possible, it’s all in my mind. That’s okay with me.

I feel the same way about brushes. I know what face feel appeals to me and those are the brushes I keep around and continue using.

If there were no differences, a place like this wouldn’t exist. We could all return to cartridge models and call it quits.

There are differences, and the differences are savored to the last drop!

Don't worry, I still buy shaving stuff!

I've got 7 Techs, still trying to calibrate the perfect one. So far, a Pre-War US top cap + baseplate from a service issue Flat Bottom is as close to optimal as I can get!

Canadian cap + post war Flat Bottom is another decent combination for people who want a 2 degree steeper shaving angle

 

[PersistentlyBlunt]

Find something shiny and call it a day!

@lasta you only just minted my crown as a member of BOSC... now you're telling me to polish my Tech and call it a day...

I will one day have just one double edge safety razor and one or maybe two types of blades that I use.

Until that day, I will never stop searching... never.

I've got 7 Techs, still trying to calibrate the perfect one. So far, a Pre-War US top cap + baseplate from a service issue Flat Bottom is as close to optimal as I can get!

Canadian cap + post war Flat Bottom is another decent combination for people who want a 2 degree steeper shaving angle

I hadn't even considered that my razor for life (RFL) could be a frankenrazor... this search could take a lifetime, with any luck.

Thank you @lasta I knew you had my best BOSC interests at heart.

 

[thombrogan]

@lasta you only just minted my crown as a member of BOSC... now you're telling me to polish my Tech and call it a day...

With just one safety razor, one brand of blade, one brand of soap/cream/shave oil/hair conditioner, and one brush and/or two hands, there is still infinite variety in what’s possible for shaving quality.

 

[Guido75]

Find something shiny and call it a day!

@PersistentlyBlunt, this is one of the BOSC anthems as far as I am concerned. I believe Big Nurse meant this as a daily prescription - so everyday find something shiny and call it a day!!

Guido

At least that’s my story and I am sticking with it.

 

[PersistentlyBlunt]

Day 2 for the Lord Cool.

Today was another new step with the Rockwell 6c taken to plate 5 for the shave. Other prep was standard shower and splash of water. Soap was Arko! with stick applied to face and then face lathered with badger brush.

The lather was again smooth and slick.

@lasta while I agree that you can get a shave with anything, since using the badger and Arko! I have not been able to replicate the same lather feel with my Tabac (new non-tallow recipe) and can't get as good a lather with my synthetic brush as seems to come instantly with the badger. With practice and more time perhaps I could, but had @Chef455 not sent me these items I may have continued on not knowing that the shave, lather and ease of brush use, could be so much better. My Tabac lather is good and still nice to shave with, the Arko! lather is better, in my honest opinion.

When I used the badger and the Arko! for the first time, if I had turned around to see angels warming up their trumpets I would not have been surprised, the clouds above my wash basin may well have opened to let through some heavenly light. Not having a skylight in the ensuite I couldn't tell for sure. But it was that different to what I had experienced to that point.

I am not advocating for needless purchasing, despite my comments and memberships. Similarly, I am not shaming those who can afford to and do spend on the hobby, if you enjoy it there are far worse things to spend money on (and far more expensive). Had I come to B&B for advice on my brush before purchasing I would likely have purchased better and cheaper to start with.

But like I am finding now, and like @Phoenixkh, despite all blades just being sharpened thin steel, some feel great while others don't. There is nothing I haven't been able to shave with yet, just some that I would rather not use daily, and others that I would. Similarly some cheap blades have lasted the four days of my trial easily while other more expensive blades have felt dull and tugging after three. Have some of my early blades suffered a poor ranking because of my poor technique? Possibly, but I have also had nice blades followed by bad blades so I am not sure my technique would change that much (it may be bad, but it is likely consistently bad). I will also go back and try some blades again. Except the Tiger Platinum and Derby Extra, they are never coming back.

@thombrogan with my 30-40 odd blades and four razors and two soaps and two hands, I should have a multiple of infinite shaves to come, I just need to live until I am...

Variety is the spice of life, if that variety is changing the 8 cent blade in my razor to a 12 cent blade and adding a half pass to my shave routine then so be it. Also, the 10 cent blade in your razor may be one I hated but the one you look forward to, we are all different.

Sorry for the longer than expected post, these are my thoughts and your results may vary, I accept no liability for any actions you may or may not take from following the comments or observations in this or any previous post.

Lord Cool blade was nice and smooth, faint blade noise in places but not excessive. Shave was 2.5 passes again, with the grain all over and then across the grain all over and then against the grain on the neck and under jawline. No nicks, cuts, weepers or burn and alum feedback was minimal at best. Final result was a damn fine shave plus.

Happy shaving all.

Now what will be today's shiny thing ... @Guido75 any ideas??

 

[Guido75]

Well you have a chrome Rockwell right? Chrome is shiny to the max!

 

[PersistentlyBlunt]

Well you have a chrome Rockwell right? Chrome is shiny to the max!

Correct, and the number 5 plate had not been used by me either so it too was shiny. I may flip it over tomorrow for a shiny, new to me, number 6 plate... So much shiny.

 

[Chef455]

Today's shave was a tribute to @PersistentlyBlunt . Kind of an acknowledgement/comparison of what he started off with.

Hot Shower
Gillette KCG with KCG blade (1)
Veggie Tabac Stick on my Face
Yaqi Tuxedo 24mm
3 Passes W/X/A
Alum Block
Lucky Tiger Tonic
Thayer's Aftershave Balm w/ Aloe
Lucky Tiger Aspen

I was just playing around with the gear that I have and thought I'd match my shave up as best I could to his original post. I really do think a few of us have adopted Jamie as our favorite newbie because of his consistent and well thought out write ups on this here thread.

I've found myself at a place where I really have found my RFL(s) and the rest of my kit that makes me gush and look forward to shaving. It is more varied than a single razor, blade, brush and aftershave but it's not an excessive collection. It's just a nice chunk of gear that gives me the ability to change things up according to my whims and fancies.

Back to today's shave.

Lathered some veggie Tabac on a stick with my Yaqi 24mm Tuxedo. No issues here. Great lather, good soap.

I bought a King C Gillette when they hit the shelves here in the USA. If I recall correctly the razor uses a DE89 head. I'm really not a fan of the knurling on this razor. The handle is a great length but the grip is a bit slippery for my taste. The blades that come with it are fine, sharp and smooth enough. Today's shave was a bit "tuggy" on the fist pass wtg. I don't fault the blade or the razor, I'm simply used to sharper (Feather) blades that glide through my 1st pass. 2nd and third passes were absolutely fine. Knocked down whatever remained to a DFS+.

Alum gave me virtually zero feedback. Thayer's and Lucky Tiger soothed. Aspen for a tiny sting to close it out.

To sum up- the KCG razor and blades are perfectly adequate to give a great shave. But just like similar razors in the same class (EJde89, merkur 34c, Muhle r89, etc.) it lacks any "wow" factor. Tabac is a fine soap, I imagine the tallow based formula performs better. Brush, aftershaves and all were no brainers

All in all a very nice shave. I hope the KCG is still readily available it's a perfectly serviceable razor for a decent price.

Thanks for letting me ramble. Happy shaves!

 

[PersistentlyBlunt]

Thank you @Chef455 for your kind words.

our favorite newbie

Aww shucks, I am all embarrassed now. But who is this Jamie guy?

It's just a nice chunk of gear that gives me the ability to change things up according to my whims and fancies.

Well put, I think this is where I hope to eventually land as the trials and experimentation continue on. Just as I don't wear the same style and colour clothes everyday, listen to the same music everyday or eat the same food, having just enough to have a bit of variety is a great goal. Glad to hear you are in a good place with your shaving den.

Also, glad to hear you can still try the KCG razor and didn't mind the shave!

Thank you for following along and your generous PIF. I know @Alum Ladd would say I was under the influence of the Arko! fumes but using the items you sent did give me a truly shave changing experience. I am forever grateful.

Thanks, and happy shaving.

 

[PersistentlyBlunt]

Day 3 Lord Cool.

Today was the new standard, shower, splash of hot water prep and Arko! loaded from old spice mug (thanks @Chef455) and face lathered with badger brush.

The razor was the Rockwell on plate 6. The shave started smooth with the blade and razor working well together for the first pass which is with the grain all over. Although on wash-up it felt a bit more stubbly than before.

My first lather was good, smooth and slick, my second pass lather I just painted on without anymore water added (other than remaining water from first pass rinse) and consequently was a bit dry for the across the grain all over pass. In some sections this felt a bit tuggy as well. Not sure if this is the blade getting dull, the effect of my technique on the plate 6 or the dry lather, will watch how it goes.

For the final half pass going against the grain on neck and under jawline, I added a bit more water and the lather was again like shaving on an ice rink.

I was amazed that I had no nicks or cuts, burn was present in a couple of small patches and alum feedback pointed those out nicely.

I got very lucky on this shave, I was worried already about the more aggressive plate 6 and as I was going through the with the grain first pass, I caught the edge of the blade on the corner of my bottom lip. Caught it so well that it stopped the razor movement. I then waited to see how deep the cut was and how fast the flow of blood was, but got nothing. I pressed it a bit to check and there was a thin line but no deep biting claret freeing cuts. Either the blade is really dull or I got lucky with the position or angle or some divine intervention from the shaving gods. I must remember to burn another tuck of Tiger Platinum blades in their honour tonight.

Final result was a damn fine shave with a nearly baby bottom smooth shave on the neck and under jawline with the three passes.

Lord Cool has been a good blade so far although, it does feel like it is dulling now with more tugging on this shave. Will see what day four brings.

Happy shaving all.

 

[PersistentlyBlunt]

Day 4 of the Lord Cool.

Like the little skier on the tuck, the experience with the Lord Cool has been a lot like watching a downhill ski race. Starts out smooth and slow then speed progresses but it is still smooth with clean lines. Finally, as the end of the run approaches fatigue and excessive speed cause the run to get a bit ragged before the skier finally pushes it to the edge and falls over the line at the end.

The Lord Cool was good for three days but it had reached its limit on day four. It did make it to the end of the shave and fall over the finish line but today was ragged and did not feel like it had as clean lines as the previous three days.

Shave prep was hot shower, splash of water in face and Arko! soap loaded in old spice mug then face lathered.

Shave was two and a half passes, with the grain all over, across the grain all over and then against the grain under jawline and on neck. Lather was good today, fantastic for the first pass and good for the second except under jaw and neck which was a bit grabby, I think the lather was low on soap. For the half pass I gave the brush another swirl in the old spice mug and the lather was again slick and smooth.

Final result was a near DFS with the shave not as close as previous and there was considerable tugging and pulling in several areas. No alum feedback was felt and there were no nicks, burn or weepers.

A nice blade but today's shave although perfectly adequate shows the blade for me probably only has three good comfortable shaves in it. A keeper but probably not one I will buy a lot of if there are others available.

The next blade will be:

Happy shaving all.

 

[PersistentlyBlunt]

Day 1 Dorco Titan with New Cutting Edge Technology.

Today's shave was with the King C Gillette razor, hot shower and splash of water prep and Arko! loaded in old spice mug and face lathered.

Lather this morning was probably the best I have had so far in this journey. Since my little lather breakdown, I have been running on thin lathers. More than @thombrogan's poisoned water (I think) but not approaching a santa beard, my attempt at what I think @AimlessWanderer describes. Today I must have hit a good soap to water ratio because I had a good load of thick but not quite runny lather in the brush that coated my face smoothly and evenly. Resulting in a good covering of thin white lather for all 2.5 passes. Coupled with the slickness of Arko! it was a pleasurable experience. I just need to do exactly the same from now on.

The blade initially felt very smooth and I was getting a lot of blade noise, a good start. On the second across the grain pass it began to feel a little tuggy and pulling especially on the ear to chin jawline run, struggling with the stubble. Then it was almost uncomfortable on the across the grain on the chin and under bottom lip from the tugging.

Final against the grain half pass on neck and under jawline felt smooth.

Alum feedback was minimal to non-existant and no burn, nicks or weepers. Final result was a damn fine shave (plus) so very close to a baby bum smooth shave. Oddly, in the direction of shaving it is close but does not feel as close as other blades but in the unshaven directions it is smoother than my normal shaves.

The jury is still out on this blade, it wouldn't be the first blade to feel bad on day one only to recover itself for the rest and it wasn't as bad as the Derby Extra so it will get another day at least but if the pulling continues its days are numbered.

Happy shaving all.


PS: I am trying something new in the testing, I may end up confusing myself but it may also work well. This is a razor for life (RFL) thread but I am testing blades. I feel having shaved (I think successfully) with a number of safety razors to date I can mix it up a little and I also found it hard to truly feel what the Lord Cool blade was like compared to the rest because I didn't feel it in the King C Gillette razor.

So my four day test is now going to use King C Gillette (Day 1), Gillette Tech (Day 2), Rockwell 6c (Day 3) and if they make it King C Gillette (Day 4). I have put the Rockwell in at day 3 because if the blade feels like it is getting dull I can up the aggression to see if that helps, or if it is too sharp lower the aggression. While I know the King C Gillette won't be my forever razor (other than travel maybe) having started the testing with it I am most familiar with its feel for blade testing, for now.

This way I should be able to feel how the blade is tracking at the start and end in my familiar King C Gillette, but also get a feel for how it performs in two of my other razors. We shall see what we shall see.

 

[PersistentlyBlunt]

Day 2 Dorco Titan.

Well consistency has gone out the window. A while ago before I found Arko! and was PIF'd anything by @Chef455 I ordered a tub of Cella Red to complement my Tabac after seeking advice from B&B. When ordering some more blades through Connaught Shaving that I had not been able to get elsewhere, the Cella was cheaper than locally and helped maximise the order for postage. How Connaught Shaving in the UK can deliver to me in Australia products cheaper than Australian suppliers can, I don't know.

Anyway, today was hot shower and splash of water prep, Gillette Tech with Dorco Titan blade and Cella Red soap face lathered.

For my first pass with the grain, the lather was great, face lathered like I do Arko! and had a rich smooth and slick lather. For the second pass across the grain I lathered again using my brush and the lather was okay but not as much as I would normally have in the brush with the Arko!, I reloaded a bit of the Cella to bolster the lather and it was again smooth and slick.

For the final half pass under jawline and on neck, I again tried to lather with just the remainder in the brush and again it was a bit too thin, quick swirl in the Cella tub and I had enough soap for a final half pass.

The lather from the Cella was great, very smooth and had a great feel. Clearly I am not loading enough of this cream/soap initially or need to load more than I do with the hard soaps.

The Tech performed well and I really like the small size and manouverabiilty of the razor. The shaving angle for this razor seems steeper (I would say steeper, razor handle moving toward the perpendicular, but sometimes I read steeper means further from the perpendicular, razor handle getting flatter to the face. However, now I think about it though maybe it is referring to the blade not the razor, the blade is perpendicular to the razor handle and hence reversed, handle shallow = blade steep). So a shallower angle for the blade, steeper for the handle.

Blade also performed well, no significant tugging or pulling although in some places it was not what I would call smooth, but better than the day 1 feel.

I had a couple of weepers that cleared with alum and post shave product. Alum also gave more feedback than normal across most of my face.

Final result was a damn fine shave (plus). I shaved later in the day so had closer to 1.5 days growth, hopefully I can grow enough to shave tomorrow.

Happy shaving all.