1918 Gillette Thin Cap Old Type / Derby Extra / AoS Sandlewood pre/soap/balm — got caught up in the Seattle/Cardinal game I recorded, so did a quick two-pass shave. I don’t think I’ll get to all of my OCs, but all of the categories were represented (OTs NEWs Proback, GEMS Segal)
Pre: -
Razor: FOCS
Blade: Nacet 3rd use
Brush: Trafalgar T3
Soap: Tabac puck
Post: Tabac
Result: DFS
The lather is getting better. Many thanks for pointing out to gently squeeze out the initial water before loading up. It’s a major difference to shaking out a boar brush. The Nacet is smoothing out as well but still keeps a bit of a bite. I don’t think that I have found the right razor for it yet. OCtober is coming to a close so I will keep the Nacet for a round with my Gold Tech in November. Next one up will be a Gillette Silver Blue.
Razor:Gem Micromatic open comb- Mfg 1930-41, excellent mid range. More than likely saved the company through the dirty 30's. Blade: Gem Personna SS PTFE(4) Excellent blade, very sharp, good longevity, nicely smooths out & predictable. Soap:Razorock The Dead Sea- nice scent with excellent lather qualities- nice heavy glass container. Brush: Yaqi lucky dice tuxedo knot 26 mm- excellent lather creator with those cloud like soft tips & some back bone. Pre shave: Brush wash my whole face with CeraVe hand bar cleanser+ a dollop of clear Aloe Vera gel on clean beard area. Prep: cold water rinse after each pass of 2 + pick ups. WTG + ATG + pickups. Post shave: Razorock The Dead Sea aftershave with witch hazel + a dollop of Nivea balm. Results: CCS,DFS,BBS+ no irritation + 1 blemish weeper = Excellent shave with my Gem MMOC and Gem blade.
Have some great shaves! Stay & think safe in these times!
I think that the NEW SC has replaced the Old Type as my favorite OC. It's unfortunate that I can't trust the OT anymore, but I'm perfectly happy with the general efficiency of the SC.
This blade is my favourite pairing with the 26c. Despite not using the MWF since the end of August I had no trouble lathering because I keep it wet in an airtight tub (I have been on a 3017 kick since the beginning of September) it was great to have a change and made today's shave all the more enjoyable.
SOTD: Monday October 26, 2020
Razor: Gem MMOC mit Bumpen
Blade: Personna Stainless PTFE (1)
Brush: That darn Wilkinson Sword boar again...
Soap: Proraso Green tub
This MMOC was a wild find a couple of years ago. Seemed like I should have one, and as I recall it was about $10. It's in solid user condition, with a little brassing on the facets of the lid. Somebody used it a fair bit, but it lived in pretty clean circumstances. In the classic "real Gem" line the MMOC is the best shaver I've encountered. There isn't a huge amount of variation -- my Gem Jr. Bar is almost as smooth, but not quite.
A fresh Gem blade is a rare pleasure (because you only get it once per blade...). This morning's shave reminded me that the MMOC -- while not my favourite Gem-ish shaver -- has some serious chops. I managed a pretty effortless DFS, which has "bloomed" into a BBS as the skin has rehydrated. I was thinking that especially with my normal "it's Monday and I haven't shaved since Friday" that I should probably default to a 3-pass shave as I do with most vintage razors. However, once I started on a 2-pass I just kept at it. This may be my only vintage razor that can pull off that trick!
I have some new brushes I should use, and will eventually. I keep using the Wilkinson Sword boar because I leave it on the counter to dry for a couple days so I can put it away, but in a couple days I'm ready to shave again and here's this brush already on the counter that seems to be breaking in well. I have a new Omega (10005), a Semogue (Owner's Club Cherry) and a Simpson's T2 Trafalgar to try. I have a feeling either the T2 or my older RazoRock Beehive synthetic may become my travel brush. In the event I ever travel again, of course. These days driving to the mailbox is a real thrill and almost an excuse to pack a lunch.
OCtober 26 - MMOC Monday and the last cry of the Starling?
Brassy bumpless MMOC vs PAA Starling OC
GEM PTFE (8) shared
SliceOfLife puck - tribute to vintage Williams
Reknotted Solid Set boar
Alum, Richard's Rub, glassed Clubman
The MMOC won this contest on all fronts. It might be bye, bye birdie. PAA is out of stock and someone may need a Starling more than I do.
Even my unschooled nose can detect a difference between the Clubman decanted to glass and the remainder in the original plastic. I may need to do some blind tests.