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Similarities to Shaving

Every time a Twsbi comes up, the threads run a lot like an Arko or Veg thread in the shaving side

Noodlers pens seem to be a lot like modern Williams

Dip pens take time to learn and some people have difficulties a lot like MWF threads with people

The Pilot metro is kind of our 34HD or is it the EJ89


and of course with FPs and handwriting its all about taking your time to learn, and of course angle and pressure...

Anyone notice anything else that runs similar to something on the other side ?, maybe with paper or accessories, pens or inks ?
 

Isaac

B&B Tease-in-Residence
Here is something funny. When I hear about the veg, I think of Phil. When I hear about TWSBI, I think of Brian.
 
Well, I get the same confused look from people if I tell them I am interested in either! And get the same comment - "Oh, people still use those?"!
 
If people think about classic safety razors and straights at all, they assume that they have been superseded by something superior, cartridge razors.

They think that you'll cut yourself to shreds with one of the old razors (well, it could happen).

If people think about fountain pens at all, they assume that they have been superseded by something superior, ballpoints.

They think that you'll get ink all over yourself if you try to use a fountain pen (well, I have heard of cases).

By the time you're an adult, you probably assume that you know perfectly well how to shave and write. Using old technology can make you reevaluate that assumption, get you to admit that maybe you have something to learn, and get you back to basics. Using an SE razor or a fountain pen can teach you to get better results if you do temporarily go back to cartridges and ballpoints.

Both "old" razors and fountain pens are also, for me, examples of how an older technology can have clear advantages over new developments. Cartridge razors and ballpoints offer convenience and ease of use, but encourage sloppy technique, and sacrifice fine control.

One difference. I have kept detailed spreadsheets for both wetshaving gear and pen expenses. For me, at least, the pens have been much more expensive.
 
Some product comparisons.

An Esterbrook J is kind of like a Schick E2 injector. Attractive in a quiet way, and totally reliable.

Namiki Blue ink and MWF soap. When I just want results and don't want to think about it too much.

Conklin Crescent filler and Gem Junior Bar. They look like such antiques; why do they work so well?

Noodler's pens and modern Williams? Well, modern Williams works perfectly well for me, never understood why some people can't get the hang of it. I do have a good Noodler's "piston flex", but I understand why some people can't get the hang of the Ahab.

No idea what "the veg" smells like, but to me, aftershaves are an unnecessary add on for shaving. Tried them, didn't see the point. Not sure what a pen and ink equivalent of aftershave would be. I do sometimes use a blotter, but could get by okay without one if I hadn't started up on dip pens.
 
I'm new to both DEs and FPs, but cartridges seem to be viewed the same way in both shaving and writing. They get the job done, but there's a better way.
 
DE/SE are like FPs -- when all is right, the experience is unmatched.

cart razors are like rollerballs -- not the ultimate, but functional under a wider range of applications.

electric razors are like word processors.
 
Fountain pens and shaving brushes both rely on capillary action in order to work properly. (Nerdy, I know. I was a soil physicist in a previous career.)

-Andy
 
I'm new to both DEs and FPs, but cartridges seem to be viewed the same way in both shaving and writing. They get the job done, but there's a better way.

IMHO, refilled cartridges work better than a converter. All you need is a syringe with a needle, to flush and refill the cartridge. I often use my c/c pens this way.
 
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