Blade pairing advice w/Old Type

[4hits]

Just did the aluminum foil/baking soda routine - Thanks Brad for the Brian link on my ---

Old Type - serial no. dated 1907
New Improved (Richwood) serial no. dated 1921

I have been using my 40's undated SS exclusively for the past few months. I have used Tech's, Fat Boys and Slims before, but never an open comb.

My blade stash consists of Israeli IPs, Iridiums, Astra SPs, and as of last week Medical Personnas.

My beard - if you can call it that - is really a 36-hour type beard, rather than the standard 24-hour type.

I am seeking advice for tomorrow's shave - which of my newly cleaned razors should I use first, and with which blade.

My initial thought is go with the Old Type and a Medical Personna - with Tabac soap of course.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Use the IP'reds a nice middle of the road blade. The Old Type is a bit aggressive.

 

[BBrad]

Glad that the link helped out . . . that trick always works for me!!

Whenever I try a new razor, I use a blade that I know very well and has proven itself to me as a good reference. Doesn't matter if it is aggressive or mild or somewhere in between . . . just as long as you KNOW its performance parameters.

For me, that blade is the lowly Dollar General Dorco. For others, it is the Israeli Personna, and for others it is a Feather.

In any case . . . enjoy!! . . . and, congratulations again on restoring a great razor!

 

[Casey]

What were the Old Types made out of, brass with silver plate?

 

[Dave Deluxe]

I have an "Old Type" so far I've used:

- Israeli Reds
- Astra SP's
- Unknown brand vintage blades

Of the three, I think I preferred the Israeli Reds the best. It had the best combination of smoothness with enough sharpness to make it work well. I also found that the cream/soap used made quite a bit of difference in the outcome.

DD

 

[4hits]

Well, I used the New Improved this morning with an Israeli IP (blue dots wrapper).

First thing I noticed after loading the blade is that more of the blade itself is visible by the comb edge - an intimidating sight.

There is definitely more heft to this razor, compared to my 40's SS. I very consciously allowed the weight of the razor to move across my face; tried very very hard not to apply any pressure. Trying to find the best angle during the shave also helped prevent aggressive raking - will continue to work on the optimal angles.

I "heard" a lot more shaving/cutting going on with this razor. Did my usual routine, even touching up the jaw line which sometimes results in some blood loss.

Result -- a fantastic shave. BBS, except for my upper lip, where I treaded very carefully, a spot where also some blood occasionally occurs. I would rate that area this morning CCS (clean, close shave -- I just saw that acronym here and like it!)

Felt some mild stinging during the cold water-removal of excess alum.

I plan on two more days with the Israeli IP, then will use the Medical Personna, and if successful with that try out an Astra SP.

Fascinating to know I am shaving with a 90 year old shaving tool.

 

[media]

watch out for that old type. It's the most aggressive razor I have used.

Even more aggressive than a fatboy or slim on 9. Slow and steady wins the race.

 

[Dave Deluxe]

I think the Gillette NEW is slightly less aggressive than the "Old Type". Both are very efficient razors.

DD

 

[magelsen]

I just tried a bulldog old type head the first time Sunday. Used Astra SP, aggressive and I had to be careful, but I may have had my best shave ever. it was at least in the top 5.