never-stop-learning's Quest for Knowledge

[Chan Eil Whiskers]

I like all of my AC razors - original SS General, DLC SS Hawk, AT SE1 and SE2 - but would rank them (here I'm going by memory) as follows:

• Hawk
• General
• SE1
• SE2

The SE2 (Open Comb and I think aggressive geometry) is a handful but still useable.

I probably like the Hawk more than most fellows. I've also not used any other AC safety razor since I received the Hawk. This is because the others were on a road trip. (From which they returned months ago.)

Happy shaves,

Jim

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220629
365 Shaves in 2022: 179 of 180 = 99.4%
Blackland Brotherhood
High Efficiency June and July 2022
Steep Angle Shaving Alliance (SASA)

Razor: Blackland Razors Vector SB (Timeless Crown TRH8 Titanium Handle)
Blade: Kai Captain Titan Protouch MG (6)
Brush: Omega Jade 011842 Premium Pure Bristle
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Geo. F. Trumper's Extract of Limes
Aftershave: Gabel's Lime
Fragrance: Classic Match Volatile EdT Spray

My feelings regarding the Blackland Razors Vector SB are well documented. In all respects, this was a superlative, top tier shave. The Vector surpasses expectations for all of my required attributes: Efficient + Smooth + Nimble&Maneuverable = Highly Effective!

The Omega Jade 011842 Premium Pure Bristle is an outstanding brush. Definitely one of my favorite brushes!

GFT soaps do not have the reputation for being easy to lather. There are a few intrepid souls here at B&B who are able to get good results using GFT soaps. Load heavily (and often) - then load more prior to lathering for each pass. Add water as needed. The "easy button" is to add a bit of Cremo to the bowl prior to beginning. Either way, GFT is very capable of producing a good, slick lather with excellent post shave skin feel!

Gabel's Lime (with Menthol) is a refreshing and satisfying splash! Classic Match Volatile EdT Spray finishes things nicely!

Superb shave!

 

[GBerry]

The ST is probably the sane choice, but I figured I'd get both heads while they were still available.

The HA is probably not a daily driver, but an excellent very high efficiency razor that actually controls the blade. It's moderately smooth, but I was keenly aware that it demands full attention.

Still churning my thoughts around my brain on the HA. I am very interested in your impressions of the ST.

I had been looking at the Stirling SS for months and then simply forgot about it. The when I read Rod’s description, I could not resist. My gut says it will be made to order.

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220630
365 Shaves in 2022: 180 of 181 = 99.4%
High Efficiency June and July 2022
Steep Angle Shaving Alliance (SASA)

Razor: Claymore Evolution (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Cu/Al Handle)
Blade: Kai Captain Titan Protouch MG (7)
Brush: Zenith B34 Butterscotch Chubby
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Geo. F. Trumper's Extract of Limes
Aftershave: Gabel's Lime
Fragrance: Classic Match Volatile EdT Spray

I wrote my most recent thoughts regarding the Claymore Evolution elsewhere in my Journal. Quoting myself: "The Claymore Evolution is an interesting, and very good, AC razor. "Deceptively" efficient, smooth, not as nimble and maneuverable as the Vector or The General. A very effective razor. I'm still noodling the ultimate placement of the Claymore Evolution in the AC blade and overall hierarchies. Right now, I'm leaning toward the Big Dogs!"

The Zenith B34 Butterscotch Chubby is another one of my favored boar brushes. Looks cool. Performs wonderfully!

Same GFT Limes soap, Gabel's Lime Aftershave and Classic Match Volatile EdT Spray as yesterday! Wonderful performance and the scents are great!

Superb shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220701
365 Shaves in 2022: 181 of 182 = 99.5%
Clubman Friday
Fatip Friday
High Efficiency June and July 2022
SOTD - Supporting Vendor Week - “A.E. Simpson Shaving Brushes” June 27th, 2022 to July 3rd, 2022
Steep Angle Shaving Alliance (SASA)

Razor: Schöne OC
Blade: German Bolzano (4)
Brush: Simpson Chubby 2 in Platinum Synthetic Fibre
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Pre de Provance No. 63
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Vault EdT Spray

The Schöne OC is one of my favorite Fatip Friday razors!

The Simpson Chubby 2 in Platinum Synthetic Fibre is dense, with decent backbone and soft tips. Performance is quite good!

PdP 63 is an excellent soap with a very well deserved positive reputation. Lathers easily. Great face feel. Great performance!

Pinaud Clubman provides a wonderful finish to my shave! Applied Belcam Vault EdT Spray before going out for the day. Really nice scent. Very satisfying!

Superb shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220702
365 Shaves in 2022: 182 of 183 = 99.5%
High Efficiency June and July 2022
SOTD - Supporting Vendor Week - “A.E. Simpson Shaving Brushes” June 27th, 2022 to July 3rd, 2022
Steep Angle Shaving Alliance (SASA)

Razor: Timeless Ti Slim SB (Timeless Crown TRH8 Titanium Handle)
Blade: Personna Med Prep (5 and retired)
Brush: Simpson Trafalgar T3 in Sovereign Synthetic Fibre
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Pre de Provance No. 63
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Vault EdT Spray

Love the Timeless Ti Slim SB. Efficient, very smooth and very effective! My favorite Timeless and a solid Big Dog!

The Simpson Trafalgar T3 has really grown on me over time. A very enjoyable brush! Good performance!

Used the same soap, aftershave and EdT Spray as yesterday. Really nice scents. Very satisfying!

Superb shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220703
365 Shaves in 2022: 183 of 184 = 99.5%
High Efficiency June and July 2022
Single Edge Sunday
SOTD - Supporting Vendor Week - “A.E. Simpson Shaving Brushes” June 27th, 2022 to July 3rd, 2022
Steep Angle Shaving Alliance (SASA)

Razor: Colonial Razors The General (Timeless Spiral TRH6 Titanium Handle)
Blade: Schick Proline P (5)
Brush: Simpson Tulip T3 in Super Badger
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Pre de Provance No. 63
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Vault EdT Spray

The General is an excellent Alpha Big Dog razor that provides superb, top tier performance. A complete pleasure to use!

The Simpson Tulip T3 in Super Badger is a wonderful brush. The handle is very ergonomic and the Simpson Super Badger is excellent!

Used the same soap, aftershave and EdT Spray as yesterday. Really nice scents. Very satisfying!

Superb top tier shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220704
Happy Independence Day
365 Shaves in 2022: 184 of 185 = 99.5%
Blackland Brotherhood
High Efficiency July 2022
MdC Monday
Steep Angle Shaving Alliance (SASA)

Razor: Blackland Razors Vector SB (Timeless Spiral TRH6 Titanium Handle)
Blade: Kai Captain Titan Protouch MG (8)
Brush: Rudy Vey Keyhole (Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Martin de Candre Nature
Aftershave: Old Spice Classic
Fragrance: Red Classic Match EdT Spray

The Blackland Razors Vector SB is, in all respects, a superlative, top tier razor. The Vector surpasses my expectations for all required attributes: Efficient + Smooth + Nimble&Maneuverable = Highly Effective!

The Rudy Vey Keyhole (Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan) is one of my favorite brushes! A complete pleasure to use!

Martin de Candre Nature is as good as shaving soap gets!

Old Spice Classic is a venerable aftershave with great performance and scent! My face is very happy! Applied Red Classic Match EdT Spray before going out for the day. Very nice scent. Very satisfying!

Superb top tier shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220705
365 Shaves in 2022: 185 of 186 = 99.5%
Blackland Brotherhood
High Efficiency July 2022

Razor: Blackland Razors Vector SB (Timeless Spiral TRH6 Titanium Handle)
Blade: Kai Captain Titan Protouch MG (9)
Brush: Rudy Vey Butterscotch Beehive (Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Martin de Candre Nature
Aftershave: Old Spice Classic
Fragrance: Red Classic Match EdT Spray

Pretty much the same kit as yesterday. The Rudy Vey Butterscotch Beehive also uses a Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan.

This kit is a complete pleasure to use! Very satisfying in all respects!

Superb top tier shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220706
365 Shaves in 2022: 186 of 187 = 99.5%
High Efficiency July 2022

Razor: Razorine Flatboy (Timeless Crown TRH8 Polished Titanium Handle)
Blade: Personna Med Prep (1)
Brush: AP Shave Co Jade (AP Shave Co 26mm Synbad Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Martin de Candre Nature
Aftershave: Old Spice Classic
Fragrance: Red Classic Match EdT Spray

First shave with the Razorine Flatboy. Nice construction, 100% Brass head. Paired it with the Timeless Crown TRH8 Polished Titanium handle and Personna Med Prep blade. When they say "Flatboy", they mean it. Reminds me of the Roedter 1909, in this respect. Nice balance. Used a steep angle. Quite efficient. Lots of audible feedback. Not the smoothest razor in the world - I'd peg it as the low side of medium. Maybe medium effective. I'll dial things in after more shaves. Probably not a daily driver. Good value for the price if, and only if, you like high efficiency razors. More to follow.

The AP Shave Co Jade (AP Shave Co 26mm Synbad Fan) is a wonderful brush. Lathers great. Feels great.

Same soap, aftershave and EdT Spray as yesterday. Very satisfying in all respects!

Excellent shave!

 

[Guido75]

I had my inaugural shave with the Flatboy this morning too! I went shallow at first but indeed steel works well also. Used a fresh Dorco Titan. I thought it was much more comfortable than I anticipated at least. On your Timeless handle the head looks amazingly good too.

Enjoy your future shaves. I will do a couple of consecutive runs to establish my feel for the razor.

Guido

 

[never-stop-learning]

I had my inaugural shave with the Flatboy this morning too! I went shallow at first but indeed steel works well also. Used a fresh Dorco Titan. I thought it was much more comfortable than I anticipated at least. On your Timeless handle the head looks amazingly good too.

Enjoy your future shaves. I will do a couple of consecutive runs to establish my feel for the razor.

Guido

I'm doing Blackland Thursday tomorrow and Fatip Friday after that. The Razorine Flatboy is back on on tap for Saturday - this time with a Feather.

 

[Guido75]

I'm doing Blackland Thursday tomorrow and Fatip Friday after that. The Razorine Flatboy is back on on tap for Saturday - this time with a Feather.

Excellent David! It's a Fatip SE for tomorrow (obviously..duhh! for Friday nothing else ) and then my new R41 (the real McCoy - I had the original head delivered today after my last horrendous shave with the cloned version; turned out to be modelled after the 2011 version).

Looking forward to your further explorations and findings on the Flatboy.

Cheers,

Guido.

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220707
365 Shaves in 2022: 187 of 188 = 99.5%
Blackland Brotherhood
Blackland Thursday
High Efficiency July 2022

Razor: Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird
Blade: Feather (1)
Brush: Saponificio Varesino Custom LE, Golden Pewter Crown, Olive Wood Handle (Hand-tied 2-band High Mountain Manchurian White Badger Knot)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Martin de Candre Fougère
Aftershave: Brut Classic
Fragrance: Brut Original EdT Spray

Love the shaves I get with my Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird! My Alpha Big Dog DE Razor!

The Saponificio Varesino Custom LE, Golden Pewter Crown, Olive Wood brush is incredible. Lathers beautifully and feels great. Outstanding performance!

Martin de Candre Fougère is as good as shaving soap gets! Simply outstanding!

The perfect match for MdC Fougère is Brut Classic Aftershave. Applied Brut Original EdT Spray before going out for the day. A combination that is wonderfully satisfying in all respects!

This kit fires on all cylinders and delivers an absolutely superb top tier shave!

 

[Chan Eil Whiskers]

Beautiful brush.

What makes it a custom LE? How's it different from the SV 2.0?

Happy shaves,

Jim

 

[never-stop-learning]

View attachment 1484602


Beautiful brush.

What makes it a custom LE? How's it different from the SV 2.0?

Happy shaves,

Jim

Don't know for sure. Could be the 30mm knot?

Here's the info enclosed with the brush.

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220708
365 Shaves in 2022: 188 of 189 = 99.5%
Clubman Friday
Fatip Friday
High Efficiency July 2022

Razor: Fatip Mixed Metal Grande
Blade: German Bolzano (5 and retired)
Brush: Saponificio Varesino, Pewter Crown, Bog Wood Handle (Hand-tied 26mm 2-band High Mountain Manchurian White Badger Knot)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Classic Match Polo

The Fatip Mixed Metal Grande is a wonderful razor for Fatip Friday!

My comments regarding the SV Olive Wood brush also apply to the Saponificio Varesino, Pewter Crown, Bog Wood Handle brush. The Hand-tied 26mm 2-band High Mountain Manchurian White Badger Knot lathers beautifully and feels great. Outstanding performance!

Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti is another soap that is as good as shaving soap gets! Luxurious!

Pinaud Clubman provides a wonderful finish to any shave! Applied Classic Match Polo EdT Spray before going out for the day. A wonderfully satisfying combination!

Superb shave!

 

[Phoenixkh]

20220708
365 Shaves in 2022: 188 of 189 = 99.5%
Clubman Friday
Fatip Friday
High Efficiency July 2022
View attachment 1484900
Razor: Fatip Mixed Metal Grande
Blade: German Bolzano (5 and retired)
Brush: Saponificio Varesino, Pewter Crown, Bog Wood Handle (Hand-tied 26mm 2-band High Mountain Manchurian White Badger Knot)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Classic Match Polo

The Fatip Mixed Metal Grande is a wonderful razor for Fatip Friday!
View attachment 1484899
My comments regarding the SV Olive Wood brush also apply to the Saponificio Varesino Custom LE, Pewter Crown, Bog Wood Handle brush. The Hand-tied 26mm 2-band High Mountain Manchurian White Badger Knot lathers beautifully and feels great. Outstanding performance!

Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti is another soap that is as good as shaving soap gets! Luxurious!
View attachment 1484898
Pinaud Clubman provides a wonderful finish to any shave! Applied Classic Match Polo EdT Spray before going out for the day. A wonderfully satisfying combination!

Superb shave!

I have a similar brush... but not a "limited edition".... just the SV 2.0 26mm Bog Oak Manchurian currently available. It looks the same as yours, David. I bought mine here from Doug (SgtCrppls). It's wonderful.... so much so, that I purchased a couple more with different handles. I don't have much experience with badger brushes. Before I bought the SV brushes, I only had the Zenith M23 Manchurian with the Copper 506 style handle with which to compare the SV brushes. It's also quite nice but the SV brushes are luxurious... I don't know how else to describe them.

 

[never-stop-learning]

I have a similar brush... but not a "limited edition".... just the SV 2.0 26mm Bog Oak Manchurian currently available. It looks the same as yours, David. I bought mine here from Doug (SgtCrppls). It's wonderful.... so much so, that I purchased a couple more with different handles. I don't have much experience with badger brushes. Before I bought the SV brushes, I only had the Zenith M23 Manchurian with the Copper 506 style handle with which to compare the SV brushes. It's also quite nice but the SV brushes are luxurious... I don't know how else to describe them.

My apologies. The Bog Wood brush is not an LE. That is a typo.

The Olive Wood brush is an LE.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will edit appropriately.

 

[Chan Eil Whiskers]

Don't know for sure. Could be the 30mm knot?

Here's the info enclosed with the brush.
View attachment 1484723

Thanks, David.

I'd hold onto that one if I were you.

Drooling.

Since you have the two SV brushes, the LE and the Bog Oak, would you measure them to see how they compare in your measurements?

I know SV also made a larger brush with an octagonal shaped handle. Forgotten the name.

Happy shaves,

Jim