Twist-To-Open Exploration

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration One Reprise

Late 40s Super Speed

I had to look back and give this good guy another turn.

Yes, I wasn’t giving full attention to my shave with the Rocket HD yesterday. But 24 hrs later, I have minimal regrowth. And it feels even, my technique may be improving. So an easy shave, and close; and hardly trying. Yeah, that Rocket HD is a good one.

TTO Shave of the Day

Lather: Fendrihan Robusto

Brush: small boar 20/45 mm

Razor: Late 40s Super Speed

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 3)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

Yeah, revisiting this razor was a good idea. I’m a bit over the moon about it.

I find they often tell in the first couple stokes. Right away I thought it was marginally more edgey than the Rocket HD. I was acknowledging that it could be that I was using a third-shave-blade, and that this razor is the Hammerhead and has been sh. beat.

I was paying attention this time but was also deliberately cruising through this shave, going quick and light; not belabouring it or overworking any area, especially known sensitive spots. My result seems quite good right after.

I’m forgiving myself, only going XTG on that tricky spot on the other side of my Adam’s Apple; just not worth the irritation of always trying to go ATG. I still managed to give myself a good nick on the apple there, that bled a bit which is rare for me.

And I think Super Speeds have a rather narrow operating window with regard to angle, perhaps not as narrow as the Techs I’ve tried. But this may be why those good Rockets seem smooth, maybe they are more forgiving with angle. But the Hammerhead is great, a legit close and comfortable shave. I’m real happy to be working with it.

On to the next!

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration 3rd Group

Recap

I used the first set of razors to establish a base for myself and this Exploration. I used the second set of razors to introduce a broader range of shave characteristics, and continue that U.S. Brit one-two. Pow pow.

Preview.

Sorry, in the earlier post I said six more razors; it’s only five, but they’re good ones! Like the first group of razors, this set is straight ahead chronological. It sort of tracks the opening of shave characteristics through these models; the evolution.

As I’ve said, I had only used two of the previous razors, just a couple few times, before this Exploration. All of my razors are very recent acquisitions. Of this 3rd group, I got the Slim Adjustable first, as a single.

You may be questioning my method with all this, or my resolve. I can explain.

I received my Slim Adjustable, as of this moment, just about exactly six weeks ago. You can see I have no Fatboy (yet) and I have absolutely been busting to try the Slim. I am certainly not afeared of the thing. (I cut my teeth on two Schick Type Es and the Merkur Futur before this Exploration; significantly awesome and excellent razors all.) I’ve patiently put off the Slim so I could first try it in context of other similar razors; so that I may better understand and appreciate it’s qualities.

It’s just a kooky, fun way.

All the razors i've tested so far are much more similar to each other than different; all marvellous little tools. But God is in the details. Anyway, here’s the preview picture. Enjoy!

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Ten Preface

Fatboy Lineage ?

Fatboys aren’t rare where I shop but getting one at a price I was willing to pay has been an obstacle to ownership. It was at the time before my first larger vintage lot purchase, and there was a funny episode with a 700 dollar Red Dot. Acquiring the lower-status Slim Adjustable was a trick. One day I found a good example and bit the bullet. A couple more Slims popped up just after I got mine, I might have been able to get one for five or seven dollars less had I waited. It’s funny the things I whinge about. And comparable modern units are several times the price or more, without the austere charm.

And I was finding out which other vintage razors might be the best shavers and worth pursuing. As well as the Adjustables, I was looking at the Red Tip, and Rockets, etc. And then I was reading about the possibly desirable shave qualities of U.S. Aristocrats, and finding out they also weren’t rare; and the Diplomat. And that’s how I got that first larger lot and my uncased working Diplomat.

As I was learning about and purchasing these razors, I was comparing their specifications related to shave quality. I was comparing the size and weight and girth of the Aristocrats, Slim and Fatboy. And I was realizing that the Aristocrats were a valid proxy for the Fatboy in shave quality and dimension; especially since I had got the Slim, generally acknowledged to be an evolved Fatboy.

It may be some time before before a Fatboy finds it’s way into my collection and may not even be desired. I have been thinking of and referring to my Aristocrats as Low Fat Fatboy.

This is all air; I haven’t even dragged one of the damned things on my face yet. I’m going there now.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Ten

1947 Aristocrat (U.S.)

It was part of my second large vintage lot from eBay. Super good value. One idea I had for wanting this Aristocrat was as an end cap donor for the Diplomat but that is no longer necessary. I would call it a ’46 - ’47 Aristocrat but I read something about the ’46 having a rolled baseplate ? and the ’47 being folded ? I don’t really know anything about that, but I’m going to call it a ’47 for convenience.

Mine is a fair to good condition working example. The gold plate is more opaque than my Diplomat and more scratched. The blade bed had green corrosion beside the lather ports, I had to work those areas pretty hard so the gold is damaged. But that’s inside, you don’t see it. Overall it’s quite nice and presents well.



The action is smooth and quiet but a bit long, about 3 1/4 turns. The knob and doors have just a little extra play when open. Depending on how this one shaves, it may be a candidate for replating.

Yesterday’s with the Late 40s Super Speed feels great. A healthy amount of regrowth with that 3rd-shave-blade.

TTO Shave of the Day

Lather: Fendrihan Robusto

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: ’47 Aristocrat

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 3)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

I had another 3rd-shave-blade so a direct comparison with the 40s SS. I noticed the Aristocrat shave had more in common with it than the previous Rocket HD. The Aristocrat also seemed to have more bite, in a good way, than the 40s. And maybe smoother. True to it’s name, it just seemed more . . . aristocratic. And it’s a bit heavier, weighted differently. I could feel it working for me when going light with a lower grip.

I may have gone a little light with the Aristocrat this morning, first try and all. I’ll likely try it again tomorrow with a fresh blade, to tee up for the Diplomat.

Loving my Omega 05 brush. I’m pleased with my now complete breaking in process. Plenty of backbone for loading soap, holds lots, very soft tips now, face lathering and painting is easy and effective. Between it and my small boar brush, I have no desire for another in this vein.

 

[ivan_101]

The best match I have to ID my Rocket HD is the Brit No. 59 Set from 1956, as shown by Mr. Razor;

If it has the patent number inside, it means it is 1955 or later. That exact model has been manufactured until around 1962. There is no way to pinpoint the exact year, even by weight, because sometimes there is accumulation of gunk inside the razor that adds a bit to the weight.

 

[eSteve]

If it has the patent number inside, it means it is 1955 or later. That exact model has been manufactured until around 1962. There is no way to pinpoint the exact year, even by weight, because sometimes there is accumulation of gunk inside the razor that adds a bit to the weight.

Thanks for the input Ivan. Even though I've only used it once, I was easily convinced of it's quality.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Ten continued

Yesterday’s was good but I wasn’t trying too hard with the 3rd-shave-blade. Still, feels quite close, comfortable and even.

TTO Shave of the Day

Lather: Fendrihan Sandalwood

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: ’47 Aristocrat

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 1)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

I was a little wary of edginess with the 1st-shave-blade as per discussion in Prof. Flander’s yesterday. This shave was better than expected.

It felt edgey right away, I seemed to sort the angle in a snap and it was all smooth after that. I went light, let the razor work. I just breezed through it but hit the tricky spots, going around under chin and along jawline. Mostly XTG on one side of apple, mostly ATG on the other. I like how I dealt with the 1st-shave-blade.

Sting was notably absent with the Clubman. Some hours later it’s proving a pleasing level of close, comfortable and smooth. I wanna say the U.S. Aristocrat is right there with the Aristo Jr. and Rocket HD. Somehow different but similarly close, smooth, easy. All maybe a step above more basic models of razor.

I had only used the Fendrihan Sandalwood soap a couple few times, weeks ago when I was more green. Didn’t quite get it then and thought I might nail it today. No, but it may have been too wet.

And the Low Fat Fatboy thing. I have to rely on online specs for the Fatboy but I’m measuring my two here. It appears all three have the same thickness of handle and knob, a pretty significant similarity. My two share the same handle and overall lengths of 74 mm and 82 mm, the Fatboy somewhat longer at 78 mm and 87 mm.

The Aristocrat’s 66.6 g is marginally heavier than the Diplomat’s 65.3 g. (I bathed and blew out these razors very well of course but the variability here could represent gunk inside, as Ivan kindly pointed out. I haven’t checked online specs for these two) The Fatboy, true to name, is rather more portly at 79 g.

The Aristocrat and Diplomat are not specifically identical to the Fatboy in the lineage but certainly close enough to warrant my Low Fat Fatboy moniker.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Extra

It's the Schick and Eversharp Type E. These razors are super fun but I have a couple other Razor Explorations after this one. It could be a month or two before I make it back to these guys. I saw a clip from a movie and Cary Grant is clearly using one of these types.



The first one I got was this Canadian E3 with box and Trac II loader. It can be dated to 1946 - '47 by the Eversharp Schick stamp on the base of the spring. E3 confirmed by parallel striations on bar and spring with locking tab. It's not hard to wedge the spring off the tab to open for cleaning. It has a nice plastic handle trying to look and feel like Bakelite, and doing a pretty good job. I had read that the twin blades last even longer than regular ones and I wanted to compare.

The second one is exactly the one I wanted to compare with. It's an older Canadian Schick E2, it has the random striations on the bar. The spring has detentes but no locking tab so can be turned. I still help it by wedging when I open it for cleaning. It has a real Bakelite handle, a bit rounder and warmer feeling than the E3; and more amber than the E3's ivory. The E2 has seen less use so the gold is nicer.



I just about peed my pants when this U.S. Schick E2 "Popularity Kit" came up in a vintage lot. It has the shipping box so the case is mint. But no loader! The gold is excellent, like new. The Bakelite handle is nice Butterscotch.

Injector blades were looking expensive or you had to buy a 3-pak of loaders. Fendrihan carries this Personna branded one but there were reports that it had no key attached, for loading in a shavette or something. I decided to get a good vintage loader in case I had to reload blades from a no-key one. (Earlier I said I had no Schick blades, forgot I had this.) The box is a little banged up but the loader is like new. The seller didn't know how many blades were in it, but they're all there. I'm pretty stoked to have some new-in-box vintage blades. I was hoping to put the vintage loader in the case but all these are somewhat larger than the original loader and won't go.

There are many comparisons possible with this kit: twin to regular blade, vintage to modern blade, Canadian E3 to E2, Canadian E2 to U.S. E2.

I'm curious if anyone has tried reloading modern injector blades into an original loader.

That's my crazy Type E story. Peace.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Expansion

Gentlemen:

I’m having another good day and I hope you are too.

I put up that very storied post last night about the Schick Injectors. You may have thought that was windy and boring. There’s more.

I wrote yesterday, (a couple times), that I was missing the original loader from my cool Popularity Kit. As I was writing, I was thinking, maybe as some of you do: I’m putting that information out there; maybe something will come back. It’s like a message in a bottle. Or?

I had a meeting scheduled with my insurance agent this morning. He’s a great guy. His service is mobile; he visits me annually, wherever I am, to renew my auto insurance. I’ve been seeing him this one day a year for over twenty years. As I was writing last night and reminding myself of my meeting with him today, I found myself wondering if he might like to be introduced to DE shaving.

I looked at my razors, I have thought of this before. They’re all a bit cheesey but I chose them carefully. Each has a place in my collection and I’m going to use them all. There isn’t one I want to part with. It was easy deciding, it was the good 40s Super Speed I’ve been profiling in this TTO Exploration.

I have written that I had stopped looking at razors for sale. I looked at facebook marketplace over coffee this morning, first real time doing that in maybe a week. First thing that showed was this.

In-person purchases like this can be a little dodgey, mostly just logistically. I had to whip up a plan instantly and get my arse out the door, drive a ways over town, perhaps for nothing, and get myself back to meet with my insurance agent.

Great success. The seller was a fine guy. Not only did he have exactly what I came for at a very good price, he brought along a small flat of other very relevant razors, that I won’t describe, that I had to decline. I had time to drive back safely for my insurance meeting.

What I received is too astounding. It’s an older and complete Canadian E3 set, very good or excellent condition. Differentiated very well from my existing E3: barely used, zero wear on the gold in the striations, a nicer still and varied Bakelite handle, and cool deco Bakelite box. Not just that, an extra loader to complete my previous kit. It questions belief.



I am no stranger to synchronicity. And razors are mere things. If I may say, He speaks to me through everyone and everything, great and small. I should listen.

I met with my insurance agent, I asked how he shaved. His kit was in his car: two disposables, one was a modern one he said worked very well, that I hadn’t heard of. I asked if he knew of DE shaving. He did not know what DE blades were, or razors. I drew the 40s Super Speed from my pocket, then he barely knew what it was. He heartily accepted it and a tuck of Astra SP.

That’s it.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Eleven

1955 Diplomat

It was masquerading as an Aristocrat in my first lg. vintage lot from eBay. A bit grungey, missing both end caps so a bit lumpy and dirty that way. But what I saw through all that was a Diplomat with good plating that would clean up real nice. And it absolutely did.



Removing the solder to reveal the brass on the bar ends worked very well on my nickel razors. It’s even better with gold like the Diplomat here. Easy and effective.

The gold plate is good on this one; it’s even, no scratches. It looks real nice. I didn’t realize how thin it was until I got a razor with heavier gold; but the Diplomat still looks nicer because it’s even and has no scratches.

I got real busy yesterday and didn’t have time to shave which was ok because I want to start shaving in the evening. And so I did last night. I had minimal regrowth from the ’47 Aristocrat, it’s a close and comfortable performer.

TTO Shave of YesterDay

Lather: Fendrihan Sandalwood

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: ’55 Diplomat

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 1)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

The Diplomat shave was nothing but smooth. Due to that, at one point I was using too many strokes and moved on just this side of irritation for that spot. It was feeling more efficient than the Aristocrat; has some bite. It was a quick, light shave: feeling rather close and quite comfortable.

Clubman had a more unique quick hit feeling than burn or sting. It was good.

The Diplomat is smooth, I don’t want to say agressive; it may the most efficient razor in this Exploration, so far.

The Fendrihan Sandalwood is working but not well. I’ll likely move on for now, with the notorious Red Tip Super Speed!

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Twelve

1957 Red Tip Super Speed

I got it in a vintage pair from eBay. It may have been the roughest razor I’ve received. There was old dirt encrusted inside and outside of the bottom of the twist knob. Plate loss on the guards and inside. Doors a little shiney but lots of subtle watermarks. But it cleaned up pretty good.



There was minimal regrowth from yesterday’s daily shave with the Diplomat. A very close and comfortable shave.

TTO Shave of The Day

Lather: Haslinger Coconut

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: ’57 Red Tip

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 1)

Passes: WTG

After: Clubman Classic

I hadn’t done half my face and I knew this was a one-pass shave; that the Red Tip was a one-pass razor for me. It’s fits real well with the last four. Of the five he is the least smooth and the most efficient. I found myself taking longer, slower strokes; and smoothed it out a little. A really great shave; sort of bracing. I was taking shorter strokes and, again, I had to move on before irritation in that spot. Feels remarkably close and smooth after. Clubman went on very smooth, just a couple bright spots.

I would say these last five razors are a step above the others, in shave quality and comfort. On to the Adjustables.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Excessories

These first are items that I use for every shave.



You may have seen the stand in my SOTD photos. I got it used as part of a set. I wasn’t sure I would use it but it’s proved very useful during shaves, to hold my soapy brush between lathering. I want to use the stand more, in it’s full capacity.

It has the nice removable stainless dish which I suppose is for soap. I’m not a soapy guy, I have some good ones. But I think soap would work for me in this bowl so I want to get another soap. I found a Edwin Jagger one I think I’d like, that has a shape to fit this bowl. I would make a proper lid for it.

The only razor I have that will hang from this stand is the razor I got with it, the Merkur Futur; and it doesn’t hang too well. I’m concerned the upturned fork on the stand will damage the plating around the lather holes on the bottom of the Futur’s head. I may try bending the ends of this fork down to accommodate more razors, and not damage any of them. I have shrinking tube that may work there too. I would use this area to put the razor for my next shave.

Another item is the fancy plastic cup, in yellow. It’s a repurposed kid’s cup. I use it before shaves to soak brushes, and then to warm up the razor. I put the razor in the cup during the shave, to hold it when I’m lathering, and to keep it warm. The yellow plastic cup works perfect in both these capacities.

At a point as I collected razors, gold and silver blade banks started appearing as part of my purchases. An appropriate one of these found it’s way to my bathroom shelf. It’s funny that such a small thing could make my shelf so much tidier and handsome.

I also wanted to show my best soaps or rather their containers, all good and practical units. My default lathering method is loading a boar brush from the container and face lathering. All I really use a bowl for is loading cream into softer brushes.



All these containers work very well for loading soap. I made a temporary lid for the Old Spice cup, looks funny but works well. I’m going to make a proper lid here too. The TOBS container is top notch, it’s getting a replacement puck soon. Even the cheesier Wilkinson container works perfectly well; especially with Haslinger Coconut.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Tools

Here are other behind-the-scenes equipment. (Sorry for weird hue in first photo).



The toothbrush, of course, for cleaning new razors and bits, and ones I’ve just used. I also use it to brush the bristles just above the handle, to prevent soap buildup. The little plastic scoop for creams and soft soaps. I mostly use the knife to remove wax from blades; also for soap and containers, or anything. And the marker for diligently recording shave counts on every blade.

Below are photos of my never-seen-before Industrial Capacity Razor Bathing Facility; also known as my kid’s repurposed lunch kit. You may see in the photo that I’m having a good go at no fewer than five razors. I won’t be using it so much anymore.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Thirteen

1963 Slim Adjustable

I got it as a single from eBay, so I paid a bit of a premium for this one. It was just a bit grungey, cleaned up well. The doors are worn but not too scratchy, a little shiney. The handle shines a bit in good light. So it’s a tidy, nondescript working Slim Adjustable.



Adjustable Setting

Six and a half weeks now since I got this iconic razor, enjoying my first iconic shave with it today. Coming off those earlier fatter Gillettes, firmly planted in the daily shave mode, I was going to use just one setting for these Adjustables; adjustable razor as daily shaver. I read that the cut of the Red Tip is comparable to setting five. I thought of using setting five, right in the middle. But I found the Red Tip a little rough a couple of times. I decided to err on the side of caution and use setting four as a starting point. Also, I had read that a lot of guys are using setting four.

On a lark, I picked up the Red Tip and Diplomat to compare with setting four on the Slim. Please be aware that my understanding of blade geometry is rude at best. Just eyeballing the “gap” of the three, setting four appeared equal or just less than the Diplomat, and less than the Red Tip. It all seems to agree.

Previous one-pass shave with the Red Tip was mostly comfortable and proving very close.

TTO Shave of YesterDay

Lather: Haslinger Coconut

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: ’63 Slim Adjustable (4, 2)

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 1)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

My previous shave with the Red Tip was sort of thrilling. It was pretty much what I had read about it: efficient with some bite, a good close shave. Too aggressive for some. It’s about as far as I want to go down that road, for now.

Setting four was a good choice for the Slim, performing as imagined. Just this side of the Red Tip in efficiency. Similar blade feel but smoother, and I noticed the lower profile head. Maybe not as bold and balanced as the Diplomat. Feeling good and light and efficient though. One pass felt great! I felt confident going around jaw and chin.

I didn’t overthink it, and went ahead with another half-pass, the plus pass: focussing on the tricky lower areas. Turned to setting two.

My plan had been to use a single setting but I naturally wanted to lower it. It worked real well. I got those areas comfortably closer. Clubman was smooth with some bite.

I had tried the Rockwell 6C, just a couple times when I was very green. And I had four good shaves with the Futur on setting one not long ago. Changing the setting on the Slim mid-shave is very noticeably easier. Two light clicks, done. Changing either of the other two not like that, also great razors but different.

It really was an exhilarating shave with the Slim Adjustable. Feeling close and even the next day. I would try settings 4 - 3 in an adjustable exploration.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Fourteen

1975 Super Adjustable

Previously named Super-109. There is a date code anomaly with these razors. The letter Q was eliminated from the date code continuum so, although my razor is stamped V1 and should be a 1976 model, it appears in fact to be a 1975 model. 1976 was the last model year with the nickel-plated brass bottom; later models used plastic bottoms and the date code stamp moved to the blade bed.



I got it in a pair from eBay, an ok deal. This Super Adjustable, although looking a little rough, was functionally inoperable. I wasn’t worried; I knew it’s inherent value would come out in the wash.

There was so much resistance to the twist that I didn’t want to try to move the doors, the adjustment knob not really able to turn. The razor detective in me told me that, as this Super got gunked over time, it could no longer be turned and someone has taken pliers to both the twist and adjustment knobs in an effort to free them. I have attached a before photo.





I bathed it successively, a bunch of times. I was blowing it out with compressed air too. A lot of stuff came out. Full functionality has been restored: twist and adjustment both turn freely now, with light effort. There is some of the final part-turn closure of the Slim but it’s not as clear.

The black paint had been damaged by the suspected pliers. I had some enamel and applied it to the numbers and handle. Not perfect but pretty good, a big improvement. Had fun with that.

My Super Adjustable still looks a little rough but in a smoother and shinier way. Online, this model enjoys a good reputation. I’m excited to be having a first shave with it right after I first used it’s older brother. The handle and twist-knob of the Super are, of course, longer than the Slim’s but the diameters are nearly identical. The Super has 69.6 g to the Slim’s 70.9 g. I think they share similar performance, I will likely try the 4 - 3 settings tonight.



Previous shave with the Slim Adjustable was very comfortable and close. There was a minimum of regrowth.

TTO Shave of YesterDay

Lather: Haslinger Coconut

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: ’75 Super Adjustable (4, 3, 2)

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 1)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

It’s about razors and movies. I’ve seen clips on youtube of George Harrison and the Slim Twist in A Hard Day’s Night; Cary Grant duking it out with Myrna Loy and a Schick Injector, a Type E ? or G ? I’ve just found a razor in a movie from my own collections.

A couple years ago I discovered I was enjoying a few Lasse Halstrom movies. I found myself in possession of one, with Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman. I was popping in the disc a couple days ago, while making lunch in the kitchen. In the scene, at 15:40, the Redford character is helping the Freeman character, who is disabled, to shave. There is just a corner of the razor showing a couple times; I immediately recognized it, (like a visual Name That Tune), even though I hadn’t shaved with mine yet. It was the Super Adjustable!

Back to SOTD. The Super was working well on setting four, maybe a bit more aggressive than the Slim. First pass felt comfortable enough and very smooth. Used setting three for plus pass but it was too much and I turned it to setting two. It all worked very well. Some bright sting with Clubman along tricky areas that I went over more, otherwise just refreshing. Twelve hours later it’s barely growing out; yeah, nice and even.

The Super Adjustable is a fun and efficient razor; maybe more efficient than the Slim at settings, the Slim maybe more comfortable. I seemed to get a more comfortable and closer shave with the Slim Adjustable, this time.

Ok. That’s the end of fourteen Twist-To-Open razors. It was a great way for me to check them out and improve my methods and technique. To summarise and finalise I’m going to briefly revisit what I’ve observed as the five most effective fixed razors from this list. And slide into another smaller group of razors to explore.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Summary Preview

These top five were the last fixed razors in the series. I was able to order them well without ever having shaved with them; I only knew about them by what I had read. I was pleased with the order, I sort of nailed it. I’m reordering them for the summary; straight chronology again for the Final Group.



1947 Aristocrat (U.S.)

1949 Aristocrat Junior 2nd gen (Brit)

1955 Diplomat

Late 50s Rocket HD

1957 Red Tip Super Speed

This selection looks very cool, the Brit - U.S. one-two showing right away, and in the order: late 40s Aristocratic heads, balanced 50s leaders. And the rather fierce Red Tip. It’s goin’a be good.

I used fresh blades with the last five shaves in the regular Exploration; so I have five nicely-prepared 2nd-shave-blades to use with this Final Group. I’m hoping for a quick and concise comparison and conclusion for the TTO Exploration.

 

[Guido75]

it appears in fact to be a 1975 model.

It is. V1 first quarter 1975. Excellent razor for an excellent year . V3 is my birth quarter.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Summary Part 1

1947 Aristocrat (U.S.)

1949 Aristocrat Junior 2nd gen (Brit)

TTO Shave of the Days

Lather: Fendrihan Robusto

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: ’47 Aristocrat, ’49 Aristocrat Jr.

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 2)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

My previous shave with the Super Adjustable was very close; I barely had enough growth to bother with.

I had a couple shaves with the U.S. Aristocrat in the regular Exploration. I remember it as mild but efficient, a close shave. It had a bit more bite last night, felt just a bit more aggressive. The Robusto has great slickness but at one point I was shaving dry with the Aristocrat. It was more than a few strokes. I haven’t really done that before, deliberately. I was letting the razor work and experienced no irritation. Clubman was a warm even sting. Twelve hours later it’s barely growing out.



And I’ve just had a shave with the Junior. First strokes it felt milder than the Aristocrat and I was flying along but then I could feel it was plenty efficient. I almost drew blood at a point. But I settled down and got a close comfortable shave.



The ’47 Aristocrat and the Aristocrat Junior are both smooth, efficient shavers; the Junior perhaps smoother and the ’47 more efficient. Although I’m learning well, I think my technique is not too consistent. I would have to use these razors more over time to choose a favourite.

I had a great time equipping the Diplomat yesterday, can hardly wait to shave with it today.

 

[eSteve]

It is. V1 first quarter 1975. Excellent razor for an excellent year . V3 is my birth quarter.

'75 was a good year: pre-punk and the peak of 70s rock. Socio-political decline was just becoming apparent and didn't overwhelm the 80s.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Summary Part 2

1955 Diplomat

This one is proving to be my most balanced and pleasing fixed razor. There is another story.

I’ve told that my acquisition phase is winding down; it’s mostly true. My corner of the ebay world is quite good; I manage to avoid international shipping. Day before yesterday I was looking at eBay in the U.S., rare for me; to see what is out there and it’s cost; for entertainment. I found something.

Now, you know I have the good and handsome Diplomat. You may also know that I have a small opening in my razor collection, specifically with Late 40s SuperSpeed. Look at what I found; pretty much completely kitty-corner to me on this continent.



It’s the original Diplomat case, excellent condition; even has the clear plastic inside cover to separate contents from lid, and for display. Complete with a better Late 40s SuperSpeed. I’m also interested in DE razor dispensers, I don’t have one yet; this dispenser appears to be original with some blades.

My collection is absolutely about shaving. I like handsome, not glitz and glam. But somethings are very good with this acquisition. It’s price was dear compared to the small cost of the razor itself but not exorbitant. I don’t understand international shipping, there may duty, etc. Stoked; that’s the story, it’s a lonely one.

My previous shave with the Aristocrat Junior was comfortably close, I had some growth.

TTO Shave of the Day

Bowl: outlaw pottery

Lather: TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: The Jared badger

Razor: 1955 Diplomat

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 2)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

It’s like the other top razors in this Exploration. There’s something easier and refined about the Diplomat.

Last night’s shave seems close and was very comfortable. The shave with the Diplomat feels efficient but never like it’s going to bite. So yeah; feels easy and refined: quick and light with substance. Boom.

Lushing out, loading the badger with Mr. Taylor’s from the bowl.

Moving right on to the Rocket HD tonight.