Well, here's another razor for the rack, to coin a stupid phrase...
October 30th, OCtober Shave No. 10 -- I think.
Razor: Above the Tie S2
Blade: Astra SP (3)
Soap: Proraso Green Tub
Brush: RazoRock Beehive Synthetic
After: Nivea Sensitive Skin
Looking back through the shave diary I spend a little time with every time I shave, I note that most of my OCtober shaves are with the S2. That noted, in my limited "collection" of OC razors I have quite a bit of diversity across just five examples. Those examples, in approximate order of manufacture, are: Kampfe Star "New Model", Gem MMOC, ATT S2, PAA Starling V2, and ATT SE2. I tend to mentally place the Star and the SE2 at the extremes of razors that need a very close level of attention, while the other three all seem to be mild forgiving razors though there are differences between them.
The MMOC is the oldest of the three, one of most iconic razors in the SE world, but notwithstanding is a little more irritating than other Gem-styles I use. The PAA Starling V2 comes with its own set of baggage, but setting aside the constant debate (and resultant free advertising) over the maker this is in my opinion a very well-thought-out Gem style razor.
The best that can be achieved with it is to fit a stainless handle to it for a bit of additional mass. I would really like to see this razor come out in stainless. I get the economic decisions behind aluminum, but find them less engaging. Somebody makes this exact geometry in stainless, they're gonna get my money. (And yes, I've made that opinion known to the designers.) Very honestly: with the ATT Kronos handle the PAA Starling V2 is good enough that I'd grab it SECOND if I were fleeing a forest fire. Which could happen. We've been close two out of the last three years -- one reason I'm not keen on a huge collection of anything: it's not portable in an emergency.
As I say, I spent the most time with the ATT S2. In fact, I'm amused to further note that I spent the majority of time with the S2 during SLANTember last month, although I also celebrated SEptember (and spent most of that time with the Starling). I guess that reflects my own approach to shaving. We all have to find our own balance between getting a shave good enough to take to work or out for the evening; and using cool, quirky, idiosyncratic or downright scary razors just to see how they work.
Since most of the time I want a drama-free shave that requires just enough attention to make me concentrate, I went with the razor that fills that need for me. I had a couple of mornings when I knew I had a little more time, and used it to roll out the Star or the SE2. One good thing about OCtober is I finally came to a workable arrangement with the SE2. No blood was spilled, decent shaves were had, it was OK.
So there you go...that was my OCtober.
O.H.
October 30th, OCtober Shave No. 10 -- I think.
Razor: Above the Tie S2
Blade: Astra SP (3)
Soap: Proraso Green Tub
Brush: RazoRock Beehive Synthetic
After: Nivea Sensitive Skin
Looking back through the shave diary I spend a little time with every time I shave, I note that most of my OCtober shaves are with the S2. That noted, in my limited "collection" of OC razors I have quite a bit of diversity across just five examples. Those examples, in approximate order of manufacture, are: Kampfe Star "New Model", Gem MMOC, ATT S2, PAA Starling V2, and ATT SE2. I tend to mentally place the Star and the SE2 at the extremes of razors that need a very close level of attention, while the other three all seem to be mild forgiving razors though there are differences between them.
The MMOC is the oldest of the three, one of most iconic razors in the SE world, but notwithstanding is a little more irritating than other Gem-styles I use. The PAA Starling V2 comes with its own set of baggage, but setting aside the constant debate (and resultant free advertising) over the maker this is in my opinion a very well-thought-out Gem style razor.
The best that can be achieved with it is to fit a stainless handle to it for a bit of additional mass. I would really like to see this razor come out in stainless. I get the economic decisions behind aluminum, but find them less engaging. Somebody makes this exact geometry in stainless, they're gonna get my money. (And yes, I've made that opinion known to the designers.) Very honestly: with the ATT Kronos handle the PAA Starling V2 is good enough that I'd grab it SECOND if I were fleeing a forest fire. Which could happen. We've been close two out of the last three years -- one reason I'm not keen on a huge collection of anything: it's not portable in an emergency.
As I say, I spent the most time with the ATT S2. In fact, I'm amused to further note that I spent the majority of time with the S2 during SLANTember last month, although I also celebrated SEptember (and spent most of that time with the Starling). I guess that reflects my own approach to shaving. We all have to find our own balance between getting a shave good enough to take to work or out for the evening; and using cool, quirky, idiosyncratic or downright scary razors just to see how they work.
Since most of the time I want a drama-free shave that requires just enough attention to make me concentrate, I went with the razor that fills that need for me. I had a couple of mornings when I knew I had a little more time, and used it to roll out the Star or the SE2. One good thing about OCtober is I finally came to a workable arrangement with the SE2. No blood was spilled, decent shaves were had, it was OK.
So there you go...that was my OCtober.
O.H.
