I have always loved the ceremony of going to a barber and having a total SE shave experience and regularly lament the fact that
a) it seems to cost so much in the UK and
b) I don't know of anywhere near me where I can get one done.
So I recently purchased a vintage Bismarck SE from a knife forum I am a member of for £15 as I've been considering SE shaving for a while now thinking, "hey at that price, why not?". No markings on the blade itself but "Bismarck" and "Solingen" on the shank, white/yellowish plastic type scales with "Bismarck Registered" inset, with a black spacer (at least I think it's "registered" rather than "Solingen"; it's 0415 in the morning and I'm on my last night shift of the week!) and held together with 2 pins. It was already pretty sharp when I got it with some pitting/character on the blade but seeing as I have a variety of strop paddles and compound for sharpening my knives I gave it a touch up just for the calming effect of the back and forth whilst I watched some Youtube "how to" and various product vids for creams, bowls and brushes. I used my normal shave gel for the first 2 shaves, because I couldn't wait, which was ok but not ideal so have bought TOBS sandalwood on rec from a friend which does make quite a difference and smells great; I had to lather by hand because my brush and bowl haven't arrived yet and like I said, I couldn't wait! I really enjoy using the razor having had nothing more than 2 or 3 minor nicks so far and already am looking at dropping a wad to buy a modern Bismarck with some custom scales! I don't quite get as close a shave as I do with my cartridge razor and it's not as smooth but am definitely willing to persevere with both my shaving and stropping/honing technique which will only improve (think positive!). Any comments or advice will be very welcome.
a) it seems to cost so much in the UK and
b) I don't know of anywhere near me where I can get one done.
So I recently purchased a vintage Bismarck SE from a knife forum I am a member of for £15 as I've been considering SE shaving for a while now thinking, "hey at that price, why not?". No markings on the blade itself but "Bismarck" and "Solingen" on the shank, white/yellowish plastic type scales with "Bismarck Registered" inset, with a black spacer (at least I think it's "registered" rather than "Solingen"; it's 0415 in the morning and I'm on my last night shift of the week!) and held together with 2 pins. It was already pretty sharp when I got it with some pitting/character on the blade but seeing as I have a variety of strop paddles and compound for sharpening my knives I gave it a touch up just for the calming effect of the back and forth whilst I watched some Youtube "how to" and various product vids for creams, bowls and brushes. I used my normal shave gel for the first 2 shaves, because I couldn't wait, which was ok but not ideal so have bought TOBS sandalwood on rec from a friend which does make quite a difference and smells great; I had to lather by hand because my brush and bowl haven't arrived yet and like I said, I couldn't wait! I really enjoy using the razor having had nothing more than 2 or 3 minor nicks so far and already am looking at dropping a wad to buy a modern Bismarck with some custom scales! I don't quite get as close a shave as I do with my cartridge razor and it's not as smooth but am definitely willing to persevere with both my shaving and stropping/honing technique which will only improve (think positive!). Any comments or advice will be very welcome.
