Schmitz Bitz Shaving Journal

[Schmitz Bitz]

So, after a semi-hiatus from straight-razor shaving due to surgery, I decided this would be a good time to start a proper shave journal. I say semi-hiatus as I did attempt a couple of shaves while laid up; however they were nothing to write home about - simply a quick WTG pass to keep the stubble from turning into a full beard, although I did play around with creme for the first time (Proraso Green). You can see my earlier attempts at shaving here. As such, this journal will begin with SR Shave #6, and I will be deigning to shave every other day.

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Shave #6 - November 29th, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 45 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: Omega boar-hair
Soap/Creme: First attempt with super-lather; MJ's (tallow-based) Pina Colada, Proraso Green Creme, 6 drops glycerin - bowl lathered
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; WH; cold-water, Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Lather provided exceptional cushion, however could have been a touch slicker. Will attempt with more glycerin. Non-dominant side of neck (right) shows some irritation. Overall, DFS.

 

[Schmitz Bitz]

Shave #7 - Dec 1st, 2012 l Two-pass (WTG, XTG) w/preshave applied for each l 29 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Col Conk's Bay Rum
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; WH; cold-water; Nivea Sensitive AS balm; splash of CK Eternity

Notes: In a rush this-morning, had to get out the door so skipped the XTG pass. Noticeable difference in closeness, particularly around the Adam's Apple and jaw-line. Also nipped off a chunk of my moustache - good thing Movember is done with! Overall, SAS.

 

[Schmitz Bitz]

Shave #8 - Dec. 5th, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 40 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: Omega boar
Soap/Creme: Col Conk's Bay Rum and Proraso Cream
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Too many days between shaves. Had a lot of growth to get rid of - fortunately straights don't clog! Created WAY too much lather, had my bowl overflowing with luxurious awesomeness. Really like the combination. Beginning to feel a bit of a tug, and have minor irritation on the submissive side - wonder if I haven't messed up my edge a touch. Overall, a DFS.

 

[Schmitz Bitz]

Shave #9 - Dec. 8th, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 55 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Col Conk's Almond
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Took an awful long time to create lather today, unsure if it's the soap of if the construction in my area has caused sediment to be dislodged in the water-lines. Still managed a DFS with BBS cheeks and jaw.

 

[Schmitz Bitz]

Have a few shaves to write about here - had to replace my PC, so I fell behind.

Shave #10 - Dec. 10th, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 45 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: Omega Boar
Soap/Creme: Col Conk's Lime
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Not a fan of this soap, rather difficult to lather, even with distilled water. Perhaps it will make good uber-lather fodder. Overall DFS with sections of BBS.

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Shave #11 - Dec. 12th, 2012 l Two-pass (WTG, ATG) w/preshave applied for each l 25 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Col Conk's Lime w/ Proraso Green Preshave
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Nice slick lather, but still not as much cushion as I would like. Overall SAS.
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Shave #12 - Dec. 14th, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 55 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Col Conk's Bay Rum
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Definitely my favourite of the Col Conk soaps I've tried - it seems to create exceptional lather without much effort. DFS overall.

 

[Schmitz Bitz]

Once again, several shaves going up at once - with the holiday season and a flu bug I just haven't had time to sit at a computer very much lately.

Shave #13 - Dec. 16th, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 45 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Col Conk's Almond w/ Proraso Green Preshave
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Better lather than with Lime, but still not as easy to work up as Bay Rum.
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Shave #14 - Dec. 18th, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 55 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Col Conk's Bay Rum w/ Proraso Green
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: DFS shave, some irritation around the Adam's Apple.
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Shave #15 - Dec. 20th, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 55 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: Omega Boar
Soap/Creme: MJ's Pina Colada w/ Proraso Green
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: DFS shave with SAS jawline. First real bleeder on chin.
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Shave #16 - Dec. 22nd, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 55 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: Omega Boar
Soap/Creme: MJ's Pina Colada
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Took forever to build lather today; need to check my water. Noticed some grabbing and pulling, wondering if my razor doesn't need a touchup.
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Shave #17 - Dec. 24th, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 45 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Proraso Green
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Razor was grabby, with lots of skipping. Didn't feel right; very convinced my razor needs a touch-up but some small part of me is wondering if it isn't the creme. SAS with lots of irritation.
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Shave #18 - Dec. 26th, 2012 l Two-pass (XTG, WTG) w/preshave applied for each l 40 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Col. Conk Bay Rum
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Lathered up with no problems; razor was like a hot knife through butter. Issues must be stemming from the Proraso Green. SAS with DFS sections.
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Shave #19 - Dec. 26th, 2012 l Two-pass (XTG, WTG) w/preshave applied for each l 40 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Col. Conk Bay Rum
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Lathered up with no problems; razor was like a hot knife through butter. Issues must be stemming from the Proraso Green. SAS with DFS sections.
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Shave #20 - Dec. 28th, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 35 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: Omega Boar
Soap/Creme: Proraso Green
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: SAS with lots of irritation, heaps of pulling and grabbing. Couple of nicks and weepers. Very convinced this is a result of the Proraso Green; guess I'll set it aside for PIFfing as others seem to like it.
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Shave #21 - Dec. 30th, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 55 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Col Conk Lime
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: More difficult to build lather than with the Bay Rum and Almond, but far superior (for me) to the Proraso creme. Took my time to ensure a BBS shave all around, as I won't be shaving again prior to New Years.
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Shave #22 - January 1st, 2012 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 40 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Col. Conk Bay Rum
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Built hot-lather for the first time (bowl in the sink method; aka ghetto scuttle) - holy decadent Batman! Best lather I've yet acheived; the razor seemed to effortlessly scare whiskers away. Couple of minor nicks around the goatee. DFS.

 

[Schmitz Bitz]

Once again, a few entries...

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Shave #23 - January 3rd, 2013 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 45 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: Omega Boar
Soap/Creme: MJ's Pina Colada
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Once again really enjoying the hot-lather. Seems to help load the brush too.
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Shave #24 - January 5th, 2013 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 25 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Col. Conk Bay Rum
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Quickest shave yet. DFS all around, with minor irritation around the Adam's Apple.
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Shave #25 - January 6th, 2013 l Two-pass w/preshave applied for each l 25 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: Omega Boar
Soap/Creme: MJ's Pina Colada
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Quick 2-pass to knock down the stubble before the days meetings. SAS with hints of DFS and BBS cheeks; a fair amount of irritation around the neck.
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Shave #26 - January 8th, 2013 l Two-pass w/preshave applied for each l 40 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: Col. Conk Almond
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Another quicky before the days meetings. Serious irritation today - all I could think when I hit the Alum was 'the burn lets you know it's working'. Also noticed several tell-tale red spots in my lather. Don't think my face likes the back to back shaves. Still acheived SAS.

 

[Haggises]

You be much more organized than me! Love the detail you put in.

Good luck with the Col Conk - seems to be a love it or hate it item round these parts.

 

[Schmitz Bitz]

Shave #27 - January 10th, 2013 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 35 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: Omega Boar
Soap/Creme: Col. Conk Almond
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: At the suggestion of others, I am using boar to try and build better lather with the Col. Conk products. So far, I don't really notice a difference other than in loading the brush - but I'll keep at it anyway. Overall, SAS with DFS spots.
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Shave #28 - January 12th, 2013 l Three-pass w/preshave applied for each l 40 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: Omega Boar
Soap/Creme: Col. Conk Bay Rum
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Still not noticing a difference between the lather with the boar and synthetic. Guess I need to acquire a silvertip, so I can throw it into the mix too! SAS with DFS spots.
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Shave #29 - January 14th, 2013 l One-pass w/preshave applied for each l 10 mins ttl
Preshave: Proraso preshave; two-minutes hot towel; more Proraso preshave
Brush: FS Synthetic
Soap/Creme: MJ's Pina Colada
Razor: Greaves and Sons Stubby Wedge; stropped x30 on Dovo black, white and canvas; stropped x60 on suede and leather
Aftershave: Alum; cold-water; WH; Nivea Sensitive AS balm

Notes: Figured since I was using the boar with the Col., I would try the synthetic with the MJ's tallow-based soap. Acheived a very rich lather, however I found it much more difficult to load.
First pass brought lots of pulling and irritation. Inspection of my edge with a loupe revealed some awesome scratches - guess I have to decide if I want to venture an attempt with lapping-film, or find a honemeister. /sigh
Completed the shave with a Fusion, flipped over to use the single "edging" blade rather than the mass of five - actually not a terrible shave, although I notice the red-bumps and ingrowns have already reared their ugly heads.