Iron Horse 1928's Journal

Iron Horse 1928 · Dec 16, 2013

alex2363 · Dec 16, 2013

Iron Horse 1928 said:
I decided to post my shaving results in one thread. My thinking is it might be helpful to those just beginning to wet shave and to those researching what wet shaving is all about. It also helps me keep track of my results so far, in particular, how the DE blades have performed for me.

Below is a list of previous threads I have posted. I am glad I discovered this form of facial grooming and I still have a lot to learn and products to experiment with as I continue on this journey.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/373732-Hello-from-Triangle-North-Carolina-formerly-from-NYC-Metro-Area
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/374241-First-Shave-Today
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/374540-Second-Shave-Results
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/375457-Fourth-Shave-moving-forward
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/375947-Fifth-Shave-today
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/376826-Interesting-Decision-Today
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/377079-Best-Shave-Results-So-Far
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/377372-Half-Good-Half-Mediocre

i posted.....http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/377079-Best-Shave-Results-So-Far

Iron Horse 1928 · Dec 17, 2013

Tenth Shave today......I believe I messed up my previous count .

Second shave with the Gillette Silver Blue blade.

Shower, pre-shave prep, Cremo Cream and VDH Deluxe mix.

I performed a DFS today. The second shave with the Gillette SB was better and closer than the first. Good results again around the nostrils and lower nose area. Face was BBS. Much better results on the jawline.

I still had minor irritation on the neck, particularly on the left side post shave. One decent weeper....mere flesh wound..... Corrected with the styptic stick.

Irritation cleared up quicker than last shave.

Instead of shaving N - S, I shaved NW - SE and SW - NE on the neck.

I still have an incessant temptation to complete more touch up passes than needed, especially on the neck.

Post shave consisted of cold water splash, Witch Hazel splash, and a mix of Clubman AS, Nivea Sensitive and Original Balms.

Slightly different prep....I used Cremo Cream as the pre-shave prior to the warm towel.

I also purchased a VDH Boar brush from CVS. I broke it in last night with a good wash with dish soap and warm water. I lathered some VDH Deluxe on it and left it to sit overnight. I rinsed and prepped it pre-shave. It worked fine. This will be my travel brush. For $7.99, I figured I couldn't go wrong.

The Gillette 7 O'Clock Yellow Blade is next up to sample.

TSTemplar · Dec 17, 2013

Very good journals. This morning I pulled an Iron Horse (since this is your thread) and I could not resist the temptation to overdo the touchups on the neck. As a result I got some minor razor burn. What did I learn from this? I need to try j-hooking or blade buffing but I must resist the temptation to make multiple touchup strokes in the same area.

Iron Horse 1928 · Dec 17, 2013

TSTemplar said:
Very good journals. This morning I pulled an Iron Horse (since this is your thread) and I could not resist the temptation to overdo the touchups on the neck. As a result I got some minor razor burn. What did I learn from this? I need to try j-hooking or blade buffing but I must resist the temptation to make multiple touchup strokes in the same area.

I feel your pain :scared:

.

TSTemplar · Dec 17, 2013

Iron Horse 1928 said:
I feel your pain.

You and I seem to have similar experiences. If I can resist the temptation to push for perfection then I get a nice irritation free shave. Some days I just can't resist though

Iron Horse 1928 · Dec 17, 2013

TSTemplar said:
You and I seem to have similar experiences. If I can resist the temptation to push for perfection then I get a nice irritation free shave. Some days I just can't resist though

I definitely can relate....this is my flaw and I pay for it if I push the issue.

Iron Horse 1928 · Dec 17, 2013

Blades: The Astras and Personnas have performed well so far. I only used each for two shaves so I can gauge the samples I have assembled. In addition I have used Polsilver (2 blades 2x's each) and Gillette Silver Blue.

Next up for me is the Gillette 7 O'clock Yellow Sharp Edge and then the Perma-Sharp Super.

Looking forward to taking a turn again with each to further evaluate them. My next go around, I will try and stretch each to see how many decent shaves I can achieve as well as continue to improve my technique.

Iron Horse 1928 · Dec 19, 2013

Eleventh shave today. First shave with the Gillette 7 O'Clock Yellow.

I showered. My pre-shave prep consisted of Proraso Pre-Shave Cream and an application of a warm, moist towel.

Cremo Cream and VDH Deluxe mix.

I used my $7.99 VDH Boar Brush. Submerged in warm water while I showered.

I performed a DFS today. Two pass with touch up passes on the neck and around the mouth. Good results again around the nostrils and lower nose area.

I still had some minimal irritation on the left side of my neck. I believe I need to tamper my expectations of what I think I should achieve. I am getting very reasonable results overall. I would like to use minimal touch up passes on the neck. Am I trying to be a perfectionist? More than likely, I am. I still need to experiment with directions and I'm certain I can improve my technique on the neck area.

Post shave; I used a cold water splash, Witch Hazel splash, rest, and then a mix of Clubman, Nivea Sensitive and Original Balms.

Irritation cleared up quickly and was less obvious than my previous shave.

My question is for when I start stretching out my blades past the initial two shaves to get through the samples I have, do I flip the blade in the razor after two or three shaves? I noticed the numbers on the blades (side 1&2, flip 3&4) and wonder if this is what they are there for?

Some enlightenment on this question would be welcome.

Iron Horse 1928 · Dec 20, 2013

Twelfth shave today, first on back to back days. Second shave with the Gillette 7 O'clock blade.

Different pre shave prep. I used some left over Fusion Hydra Gel (can) while in the shower. Why waste it and it gave me an opportunity to experiment.

I continued with plenty of warm water splashes post shower and a warm, moist towel.

I used a mix of Cremo Cream with CO Bigelow Cream Green lathered in a mug with a Semogue 830 Boar Brush.

Two pass shave with some touch up passes. DFS and was surprised at the minimal irritation today. I did have some minor weepers around the corners of my mouth as a result of my ATG pass. I was too careless, plain and simple.

Post shave of cold water splash, Witch Hazel, rest, and then a mix of Old Spice and Nivea Sensitive and Original Balms.

Iron Horse 1928 · Dec 24, 2013

Last two shaves have been with Personna Med Prep Blades.

Pre shave has consisted of using Barbasol post shaver with generous hydration. This has worked well for me. I modified my usual ritual because of Holiday travel.

I used Williams Mug Soap with a mix of Cremo Cream. This was my first time using Williams.

I had very good results with both shaves. No irritation!!!! Williams worked just fine for me.

I look forward to opening my Christmas presents and using them. (Weber PH with the Classic Handle and some Stirling Soaps.)

Merry Christmas to all!

Iron Horse 1928 · Dec 27, 2013

The Weber PH with the Classic Pole was unwrapped on Christmas morning. Personal observation comparing the Merkur 34C reveals similar heads. The Weber is substantially longer than I anticipated it would be compared to the Merkur. I like the feel of the longer handle while shaving.

I decided to shave on Christmas day even though I had shaved the previous day.

I used an Astra SP blade. A five pack came with the Weber PH.

While I showered, I used Barbasol Shave Cream as a pre shave in the shower.

I lathered a combo of Williams Mug Soap and Cremo Cream on the puck.

I had a decent shave with two passes and a touch up pass. I did have some irritation. I am not sure if I could attribute this to back to back days of shaving or my technique with the new Weber.

Post shave consisted of a cold water splash, Witch Hazel, rest and a combo of Clubman and Nivea Sensitive Balm.

Iron Horse 1928 · Dec 27, 2013

Second shave with the Weber was much better!

While I showered, I used Barbasol Shave Cream as a pre shave in the shower. I then applied more barbasol post shave and applied a warm moist towel over the second application of Barbasol.

I used my Stirling Clubman Shave soap for the first time. It lathered nicely. An excellent purchase Nice and slick.

I made two passes as well as a touch up pass. Second shave with this Astra SP blade.

A DFS shave was achieved with no irritation. I was very pleased with my secondary results with the Weber and the Astra SP blade.

Post shave consisted of a cold water splash, Witch Hazel, rest and a combo of Clubman and Nivea Sensitive Balm.

Iron Horse 1928 · Dec 30, 2013

I shaved today with my Merkur 34C HD with the Persona Med Prep Blade (3rd shave with this blade)

This is the first time I have used a blade beyond two shaves.

While I showered, I used Gillette Fusion Cream as a pre shave in the shower. I then applied more Gillette Fusion post shave and applied a warm moist towel over the second application of Gillette Fusion.

I used my Stirling Clubman Shave soap.

I had my best shave since I started this journey into wet shaving. I hope my progress continues in this direction. I continue to minimize my pressure and let the razor do the work. I achieved a DFS and the closest to an overall BBS. The Stirling Clubman Shave Soap has been excellent so far.

Post shave consisted of a cold water splash, Witch Hazel, rest and a combo of Old Spice AS and Nivea Sensitive and Original Balms.

alex2363 · Dec 30, 2013

Iron Horse 1928 said:
I shaved today with my Merkur 34C HD with the Persona Med Prep Blade (3rd shave with this blade)

This is the first time I have used a blade beyond two shaves.

While I showered, I used Gillette Fusion Cream as a pre shave in the shower. I then applied more Gillette Fusion post shave and applied a warm moist towel over the second application of Gillette Fusion.

I used my Stirling Clubman Shave soap.

I had my best shave since I started this journey into wet shaving. I hope my progress continues in this direction. I continue to minimize my pressure and let the razor do the work. I achieved a DFS and the closest to an overall BBS. The Stirling Clubman Shave Soap has been excellent so far.

Post shave consisted of a cold water splash, Witch Hazel, rest and a combo of Old Spice AS and Nivea Sensitive and Original Balms.

Tommy, why are you not using a brush to apply the shave product?

Iron Horse 1928 · Dec 30, 2013

alex2363 said:
Tommy, why are you not using a brush to apply the shave product?

Alex, sorry for not clarifying. I always use a brush to apply. The two brushes I use are the VDH Boar and the Semogue 830 Boar. Today, I used the Semogue 830. I lathered directly on the puck of Stirling Clubman. Recently, I have been getting decent results with my lathering technique. I always soak my brush in warm water while I am in the shower.

I am trying to use my leftover shave can goo as a pre shave. Why waste it. I have had good results using the Barbasol and Gillette Fusion Gel as a pre shave cream. Quite frankly, I might consider this as a pre shave routine going forward.

alex2363 · Dec 30, 2013

Iron Horse 1928 said:
Alex, sorry for not clarifying. I always use a brush to apply. The two brushes I use are the VDH Boar and the Semogue 830 Boar. Today, I used the Semogue 830. I lathered directly on the puck of Stirling Clubman. Recently, I have been getting decent results with my lathering technique. I always soak my brush in warm water while I am in the shower.

I am trying to use my leftover shave can goo as a pre shave. Why waste it. I have had good results using the Barbasol and Gillette Fusion Gel as a pre shave cream. Quite frankly, I might consider this as a pre shave routine going forward.

Atleast it may be cost effective.

Iron Horse 1928 · Jan 1, 2014

Third shave today with the Weber PH Classic Pole. Third shave with the Astra SP blade.

This is the first time I have used the Astra SP blade beyond two shaves.

Prep: I soaked my Semogue 830 Boar Brush in warm water. I placed some warm water in my mug with my VDH Deluxe puck. While I showered, I hydrated my whiskers and applied Gillette Fusion Shave Cream as a pre shave application. After I got out of the shower, I applied more warm water to my face and applied more Gillette Fusion to my face as a pre shave. I lathered my brush on the puck in the mug. I applied a warm moist towel to my face on top of the Gillette Fusion Cream for a couple of minutes.

I tried an experiment today. I purchased some glycerin from CVS and applied four drops to my VDH Deluxe puck. I then proceeded to lather on the puck with my brush. This produced some very nice lather. This is the first time I have used VDH Deluxe Soap exclusively. I have used it in the recent past with a mix of Cremo Cream.

Two passes WTG and ATG along with a touch up pass. I achieved a very serviceable shave with no irritation. I had a small weeper on the right side of my neck that was the result of losing focus for a moment. I continue to try variations of NW to SE and NE to SW directions on my neck. This seems to be helping me limit my irritation. I also believe my technique and use of minimal pressure are having positive results.

I noticed today the difference between VDH Deluxe and Stirling Clubman soaps. I like VDH Deluxe, but Stirling Clubman is a better shaving soap. This is not to say I will stop using VDH Deluxe, but I am merely pointing out the difference between these soaps as they performed on my face.

I do have two pucks of VDH Luxury Scented Shaving Soap that I am eventually looking forward to trying.

I am curious to see how the fourth shave on the Astra SP and the fourth shave on the Personna Med Prep blades turn out.

TSTemplar · Jan 2, 2014

Thanks for these detailed journals. They are very helpful.

Iron Horse 1928 · Jan 3, 2014

Above is my current set up: I do have some CO Bigelow Green Cream, Proraso Green Soap, Proraso Green Cream and Cremo Cream not shown. In addition, I also have some pucks of VDH Deluxe, Luxury, Williams Mug Soap and Stirling Spice.

I shaved today with my Merkur 34C HD with the Persona Med Prep Blade (4th shave with this blade)

While I showered, I used Gillette Fusion Cream as a pre shave in the shower. I then applied more Gillette Fusion post shave and applied a warm moist towel over the second application of Gillette Fusion. I also soaked my VDH Boar Brush in warm water.

This VDH Boar Brush has been a pleasant surprise.

I used my Stirling Clubman Shave soap. I lathered on the puck.

I did a two pass shave WTG and a modified ATG as per the direction of my whiskers on my neck and jawline. A third touch up pass was performed. I achieved a DFS with slight neck irritation. Some of the irritation was directly related to friction with my shirt collar post shave. The Stirling Clubman Shave Soap has been excellent so far and enhances my shave experience.

Post shave consisted of a cold water splash, Witch Hazel, rest and a combo of Clubman AS and Nivea Sensitive and Original Balms.

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