The Ultimate Shave Off

[DunEdinRanger]

This should determine without a doubt, the all time champeen of the shaving world, at least, maybe, possibly, for Summer 2009.

This is the plan. Starting every Sunday, for the next 5 Sundays, with a two day growth and a fresh blade, the following razors and blades will do battle.

Week 1 Merkur Futur @6 Astra Blades
Week 2 Gillette Slim Adjustable @9 Astra Blades
Week 3 Merkur Open Comb Barber Pole Astra Blades
Week 4 GEM/Ever Ready 1912 Single Edge, Ted Pella Stainless Steel blades
Week 5 Merkur Slant Astra Blades

Each razor/blade combination will be given a week's worth of shaves, about 6 shaves, and will be rated for closeness, smoothness, and durability of shave.

Let the games begin!

 

[JimBow]

This intriguing. I can't wait until you start posting results!

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Join me during Week 1 and post your Futur results.

 

[JimBow]

Join me during Week 1 and post your Futur results.

I don't have any Astras!!! Would it be okay to use Derbys? I usually use Feathers because they get a very close shave, but I've only just gotten my Futur in so it's still new to me. What say ye?

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Jimbow,

Use whatever blades you want. It may make the results more interesting!

 

[82R100]

No injectors?

- Chris

 

[DunEdinRanger]

I just got my first. It will have to wait. The Injector reminds me of a Bic Single Blade Disposable on steroids.

 

[JimBow]

Jimbow,

Use whatever blades you want. It may make the results more interesting!

Awesome! I'm gonna join you on Week 5 as well. (it's the only other one I have that you're using!)

 

[Tommy C]

Awesome! I'm gonna join you on Week 5 as well. (it's the only other one I have that you're using!)

JimBow, let us know how you are doing with the Future. If it works well for you I may just have to get one.

 

[Myanmar Shave]

I'm betting the 1912 takes the cake here...

call it a hunch..

Marty E.

 

[spinyeel]

I'm betting the 1912 takes the cake here...

call it a hunch..

Marty E.

+Plenty.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

The betting has already begun?

The Ultimate Shave Off will begin Sunday. As I had stated, the shaves will be rated for "closeness, smoothness, and durability" - I will also add how long it takes me to shave.

I shaved over 12 hours ago using a 1912 GEM with Ted Pella blades and am still smooth. That is the same result as when shaving with the Barber Pole Slant and the Futur.

In any event, in about 36 hours the Futur goes first. May the best razor/blade combination win.

 

[uberculture]

Wow... I only have the Slim. And I've never gone up to 9... 7 once, but never 9.

 

[JimBow]

JimBow, let us know how you are doing with the Future. If it works well for you I may just have to get one.

I have a thread here, that's been tracking my use of the Futur....I guess I'm just ahead of the curve!

 

[JimBow]

So, the shave off begins THIS sunday, correct? My sense of time has been thrown off since deployment.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

So, the shave off begins THIS sunday, correct? My sense of time has been thrown off since deployment.

Correct. This Sunday, the 19th.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

SC TOBS St. James

You all know how great the audible feedback is from a Futur. Compared to a GEM SE, this sounded like a Fusion.

I timed the shave and it took just over 22 minutes for a three pass, including touch up, shave. BBS all over.

Very smooth and painless, except for a weeper.

Now, how long will it last?

 

[DunEdinRanger]

I'm still smooth, at least as smooth as a GEM. I'm still surprised at the difference in audible feedback. The Futur gives a great deal of feedback, and compared to the GEM it was a weenie.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Basics: 23 minutes, Mosswood SC & AS, BBS

Details: IWoke up, stumbled to the bathroom mirror, looked and thought there was hardly any stubble for the Futur to cut. Boy, was I wrong!

Normal Prep, got a good, rich lather from the mosswood, and went to town. I could hear the stubble getting cut, and three passes and 23 minutes later, I was BBS. I am still highly presentably, with no 5 O'clock shadow. I can feel stubble in some places, but it is more than 12 hours since I shaved.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Not a good day. Woke up late and had to shower and shave.

Short story - 3 quick passes, and 15 minutes of shaving later, one weeper and a very very smooth shave. I'm at the point where I can get at least 12 hours out of a shave before stubble appears and this is no exception.

By appears, I mean that it can be felt. It really is nowhere near being 5 O'Clock Shadow at this point.

Shave 4 coming up tomorrow.