Twist-To-Open Exploration

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Summary Part 3

Late 50s Rocket HD

1957 Red Tip SuperSpeed

The Rocket HD may be my shiniest TTO.

I thought I’d been too casual with the Aristocrat Junior a couple nights ago and it got a little rough. I planned to focus more with the Rocket, slow it down a bit. I was thinking that some razors may cut more, but smooth or whatever doesn’t fall in your lap; I have to make it happen.

Before I got to shave with the the Red Tip, I did this. Thanks guys, I skimmed through a few threads here to learn how. Not perfect, kinda works though.



My previous shave with the Diplomat had been very comfortable and very close, I had minimal regrowth.

TTO Shave of the Days

Bowl: outlaw pottery

Lather: TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: The Jared badger

Razor: Rocket HD, ’57 Red Tip

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 2)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

With all of these more efficient razors, a smooth shave demands some respect. Given that, the Rocket offers a close, balanced shave. I had a “oh yeah!” feeling after one pass, that it was close enough and all I needed. And went around again in comfort.



I had been working a little feverishly to complete the paint on the Red Tip. It worked out and I settled into another bracing shave with this guy. Taking it slow I was getting some very close comfort, but the Red Tip has teeth. At one point I felt like I was about to embed the whole edge into my skin. I fortunately was able to back off from that moment. The Red Tip is a great shaver though. Again, I was finding myself shaving in residual slickness and dry with this razor; it was working well. This says something about real “efficiency” and the quality of this shave. In the end, although bracing, the Red Tip is a close comfortable shave.

And the paint! it was really fun. One of the recommended paints was in stock near me. It looks redder in my photos, it’s actually a very good match for the more maroon vintage paint. And my rough handling of it while it was curing has left it even original-looking. There was a little bleeding into the non-paint area I had to clean. The action was noisy with this razor and the twist was sticky after the paint but I kept working it. It’s smoothed right out. Fun way to end all this.

I’m so frickin’ done. It was fun! And I learned lots from all this crap. A huge leap for a man; a small step for mankind. I have a few consecutive Razor Explorations rolling around in my head; a bit more sideways and combined; and concise. We’ll see.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Aristocratic August

I’ve been busy writing here, I didn’t even see it until just now. And I owe this guy one.

TTO Shave of the Day

Lather: TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: 1947 Aristocrat

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 1)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

I’m glad I had another look at this one. It’s a fine and fun razor. It’s trying to be as aggressive as the Red Tip but it’s not smooth like the Diplomat. This Aristocrat rests after these two and the Rockets in the list.

 

[eSteve]

TTO Exploration Summary Final

Although two adjustable razors were part of this Exploration, they are really part of their own group. The test here has been about the fixed ones.

For me, at this time, the 1955 Gillette Diplomat was the easiest and most comfortable razor to shave with.

The Rocket HD was also remarkably smooth and comfortable.

The 1957 Red Tip SuperSpeed was the boldest of the razors tested and provides a smooth, bracing shave.

I have one other TTO razor; it was not part of the test. It’s a modern one, the newer Wilkinson Sword Classic in chrome. It’s the first DE razor I shaved with, about four months ago now. It was the only razor I used in those first weeks, until I was ready to try more razors. I wonder.



TTO Shave of the Day

Lather: Haslinger Coconut

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: Wilkinson Sword Classic

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 2)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

Funny, of course I didn’t know exactly what I was dealing with those months ago with this razor. It’s better than mild, trying to be as aggressive as the stronger razors in the test. Smooth-ish, not too rough. The shave is feeling somewhat close and comfortable next morning. There you go, TTOs.

 

[eSteve]

Razor Exploration Preview

Now that I’ve finished the TTO Exploration, I’m tossing around ideas for new groups of razors to explore.

The first group I planned to look at after the TTOs is Adjustables. I have a small collection of popular ones. I thought it would be good to go straight to this group, having just used the two Gillette Adjustables.

More recently I have been drawn back to the Schick Injector razors Type E. I have a desire to work through some blades. It’s a lot of shaves, the injector blades last longer than DE.

I’m thinking I should look at these two groups of razors at the same time, back and forthing a bit. I’m going to get reacquainted with the E3 twin first and then get right back on to the Slim Adjustable.

I have a plan.

 

[eSteve]

Type E Exploration Introduction

This group of razors is Eversharp / Schick Injector Type E, I’m going to be using three in these comparisons. It may be more of a blade comparison: original blades, stainless and pre-stainless vintage, and one currently produced blade.

I’ve done the reading, injector blades have a reputation for longer life than DE blades. I’m just at the point of finishing some blades, we’ll see.

Type E Exploration One

1946 - ’47 Canadian Eversharp / Schick Injector Razor Type E3 or 6th v. (aka Eversharp E3)

This Eversharp E3 is a workhorse. The brass on the guard is worn down from regular use. The blade it came with shows this razor could have been used for around thirty years or more. The blade is also a little bad, a twin blade, not recommended for older-type injectors.

Yes, getting reacquainted with the type and using up some shaves on this blade, and get parity with the other razors. Continuing to compare the vintage Trac II twin blade with the current Personna single. Anticipating delivery of the third test razor.

Type E Shaves Of The Day

Lather: Haslinger Coconut

Brush: small boar 20 / 45 mm

Razor: Eversharp E3

Blade: Gillette Trac II twin (sh. 6, 7)

Passes: one pass WTG, and WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

It was my 6th and 7th shaves with this razor and blade.

The 6th shave was just as I remember it. It just cuts really well, sort of astounding from such a little thing. It’s efficient, sharp and maneuverable. It really feels like something and I was done after one pass. Felt absolutely fine.



Suddenly on the 7th shave, I think I’ve started to feel the end of the twin blade. I was able to finish, a close and comfortable shave, but it felt like it was slowing down. This is a few shaves short of what I was expecting of the twin. I’ll try again with it but I’m going to start Adjustables first.

 

[eSteve]

Adjustable Exploration Introduction

Adjustable razors can produce very close shaves. But I would like to continue my Adjustable as Daily Shaver activity from the TTO exploration. It’s going to be quick and light, one-pass and pass-plus shaves.

I’m going to start using a new blade, I don’t do that too often. I got some blade dispensers today, my first. I cleaned them and counted the vintage blades. Another very fun shaving thing. I loaded one of the empty dispensers with new blades for the Adjustables. I’ll actually be doing the Super Speed notch thing with the Gillettes.



Adjustable Exploration One

Lather: Fendrihan Robusto

Brush: small boar, Omega 05 boar

Razor: ’63 Slim Adjustable (4, 2), (2, 2)

Blade: Rockwell (sh. 1, 2)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

This Rockwell blade seems scratchier than the Astra; seemed sharp enough though. I managed to get a reasonably comfortable shave, and close.



The Rockwell blade calmed down a little on the 2nd shave. Then I saw I hadn’t changed the setting on the razor, I had started on setting 2. It was fine though, seemed the same. Until I got to thicker growth, I could have used setting 3 or 4. Next time. On to the Super Adjustable.

 

[eSteve]

Type E Exploration One Continued

Type E Shave Of The Day

Lather: Fendrihan Robusto, TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: Eversharp E3

Blade: Gillette Trac II twin (sh. 8, 9)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

I tried to go slower and was rewarded with a very close shave. Perhaps the Trac II twin is slowing down, I’m not plowing through the thickest areas in a single stroke. But it’s smooth and close; I can definitely try shave no. 9.



Yeah, 9th shave was fine. I may be understanding limitations of the twin. I’m being careful to rinse more when the hair is thick. Looking forward to shave 10. After a couple turns with the Super Adjustable.

 

[Guido75]

Blade: Gillette Trac II twin (sh. 6, 7)

Gillette Trac blades in a Schick injector?! How did you manage to do that?

I also always thought the Schick Twin injectors were for the higher letters (say M upwards). I do see E mentioned here and there, but I would have assumed these were made more for the single injector blade.

Nice explorations!

Guido

 

[eSteve]

Gillette Trac blades in a Schick injector?! How did you manage to do that?

I also always thought the Schick Twin injectors were for the higher letters (say M upwards). I do see E mentioned here and there, but I would have assumed these were made more for the single injector blade.

Nice explorations!

Thanks for asking Guido, it’s a fascinating topic for me.

I didn’t know anything about Schick injectors when I got this E3, it came with the Trac II loader and a blade installed. It’s what I had, I installed a fresh blade and started using it. Then I learned that twin blades appeared later and the earlier injector types, like E and G, weren’t designed to accept twin blades. I came across many repeated warnings online against using twin blades in the early types, that permanent damage would occur. I even saw close-up photos of a twin blade installed in one of these early types.

Curiously, I have not read any accounts of actual damage. I can imagine how damage might occur.

All this is the beginning of my Type E comparisons here:

1. compare twin and single blades

2. compare E3 and 4th v. razors

3. test single-blade use in former twin-toting E3, and make it work

I’m just about to receive the third test razor for these comparisons. I’ll post descriptions of the razors and how I plan to use them. They’re one each of the 4th, 5th and 6th variants.

 

[eSteve]

Adjustable Exploration Two

1975 Super Adjustable

I was brief with the Slim Shavey. Here’s the story. The Slim shave in the previous Exploration was surprisingly easy and close; so I rated the Slim high. The Super Adjustable seemed more edgey, maybe more aggressive at the same setting, but good. They used matching Astra SP blades.

This time, in this Adjustable Exploration the Slim seemed more nervous; trying the Rockwell blades.

Adj. Ex. Shaves Of The Day

Lather: Tobs Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: ’75 Super Adjustable (3, 2), (3, 2)

Blade: Rockwell (sh. 1, 2)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

First shave, blade seemed just a little edgey at first and quickly smoothed out. Seemed like a close, easy shave; more comfortable than in the previous Exploration. I was happily surprised and left wondering. Looking forward to shave two.



Second shave; yep, the Super is cutting smooth with the Rockwell. I’m not sure how sharp though, next morning doesn’t seem terribly close. I’m thinking I wanted more blade on the plus pass, maybe settings 3, 3 next time.



But yeah, I shaved the Slim Adjustable and Super back-to-back previously with Astras; the Slim was surprisingly close and smooth, the Super was close and sorta smooth. This time with the Rockwell, it’s a bit reversed; two shaves each too. Is it the blades or my hand?

 

[eSteve]

Type E Exploration Razors

All I know about the Type E razors I have read in these forum pages. Please forgive my errors and omissions.

It’s about naming systems, many thanks to the collectors who have produced them. The E1, 2, 3 system is good and I use these names when it’s convenient. The 1st - 6th Variant system is clearer, I use it when that level of differentiation is required.

I got my first Type E (6th v.) by accident; I was immediately interested. It had the twin blade, I wanted to test it against a single blade. I got a second Type E (4th v.) for this purpose. Now I want to do more blade testing, it would require modifying a razor. I ordered a third Type E (5th v.) for this other purpose.

My current understanding of these razors and blades, and ideas of testing them look something like this, it’s my three test razors:



It’s the Type E 4th variant, the first variant with a locking spring. The earlier variants had no stop on the left so the spring could be turned freely to open the razor; for cleaning or blade replacement without using the loader.

I’ve opened this one a couple times, I’ve used a wedge to help the spring over the stop. But I’d rather not open it. I decided that this Type E, the 4th v., will sort of be the control; blades will be installed from the loader, used until done and ejected when a new blade is installed. I call this razor Alberta E2 or 4th variant.



The Type E 5th v. is differentiated from 4th v. by the fully locking spring. The spring on the later variants can also be wedged over the locking tab to defeat it but it’s more difficult; the spring has to be pushed further in a more awkward direction. I don’t like doing it.

The shaves I have planned are going to require frequent hand-loading of blades. It would be great to have an earlier variant razor with the non-locking spring but I don’t. So I have to modify this 5th v. to defeat the spring lock and enable easier opening. I call this razor Modified E2 or 5th variant; it has random striations on the guard.



The last is my first Type E; it’s the 6th v. and differentiated from earlier variants by the parallel striations on the guard. This was the last big improvement to the cutting technology and completed the type.

I’ve decided to modify the E3 in the same way as the 5th v., to enable easier opening for blade changes. I call this razor Eversharp, E3, or 6th variant.

 

[amateur]

I greet you from far-off snow-covered Russia. I don't have any of the razors you listed. But it is with great pleasure that I read your texts. You're very good at it. Continue without stopping.

 

[eSteve]

I greet you from far-off snow-covered Russia. I don't have any of the razors you listed. But it is with great pleasure that I read your texts. You're very good at it. Continue without stopping.

And greetings to you from the temperate lower mainland of BC Canada. I got my first Type E three months ago. I'm glad you're enjoying this stuff, thanks for the compliment. Yes, I'll be continuing, it's going to be a lot of shaves.

 

[eSteve]

Type E Exploration Modification

Thanks to buddy Subie for his content on injector razor modifications. The information is tricky to reference and sometimes blown out. I’m recording what I’m doing here to organize my thinking and make the trials linear. And share of course.

I just got this razor set a couple days ago. I knew I was going to modify it so I tried to get the sort of grungiest one I could find. It came complete with rusty old blades, etc. The before modification shot is also before I cleaned it. Yuk.



Yes. The comparisons and testing I’m going to do here require many frequent manual blade changes. I need to modify the Type E so the spring can be turned free of the lock and the razor opens and closes easily. I’ll remove brass from the right side of the spring so it can pass under the lock tab and be turned to the left.



It’s the Type E 5th variant, or (soon to be) Modified E2. I want to take the left side of that right nib, it’s soo tiny, so that it still offers a bit of resistance to turning; maybe goes up in the middle to make tension and separate, and low on the other side to go under the tab when closing. How did I do?

It opens, stays closed. I like it.



It’s funny, I got the dirtiest one and sure enough, even after grinding away at it for a while, and yeah, washing it a ton, it practically gleams. We’ll see how I do with the E3, I have to finish that twin blade first.

 

[eSteve]

Type E Exploration Two

Schick Injector Razor Type E 4th variant (Alberta E2)

I got this second Type E to test the single Personna blade against the vintage Trac II twin blade. The Personna has seemed rougher than the twin. I’m shaving to finish this blade, and the twin in the E3, to prepare for comparisons with the new 5th v. razor.

Type E Shave Of The Day

Lather: Haslinger Coconut

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: Alta. E2

Blade: Personna (sh. 5, 6)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

It’s not so much rougher, it seems there is more blade out there, the gap seems larger or something. I feel just a little more vulnerable than with the twin. It has so much cutting power for such a small thing. But it does cut smooth. It wants me to go very light. It’s so efficient, I can’t go over areas too much at all. The next day it’s comfortable, smooth. It seems very close.



Shave six. Yeah, it’s a really interesting, exhilarating shave. Maybe the closest of any. With so little energy. So I find myself going slow and deliberate where I can, and light. And a bit careful. I know it sounds crazy but I find myself doing that same stroke as the Futur. Anyway, it sets the Clubman off. The feeling after is the clean, close shave.



I want to return to the Adjustables. The next one is the Rockwell 6C, I only used it once or twice when I was very, very green. But I want get through these two injector blades, and load the Modified E2. I’m going to flip between the E3 and Alta E2 as much as I can, until they’re done. Nine and six shaves respectively with those blades.

 

[eSteve]

Type E Exploration One Continued

Type E Shave Of The Day

Lather: Haslinger Coconut
Fendrihan Robusto

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: Eversharp E3

Blade: Gillette Trac II twin (sh. 10, 11)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

I was being mindful of this aging twin blade. It was mostly comfortable and smooth but it was a bit of work. I found myself wanting to use more pressure and it’s going slow through thick stuff. No irritation though, Clubman was a surprisingly mild blast. The morning after it’s not feeling too close. I’ll keep going, I think 11 shaves may be the end.



It’s funny, eleventh shave I think it’s ok. I just went slower, lighter. It’s still cutting, not as fast as the first shaves. But still comfortable, no irritation. I’ll keep going. I would switch to the single blade for a couple shaves but I have reason to work through Adjustables.

 

[eSteve]

Adjustable Exploration Three

Rockwell 6C

Yeah, I’m pretty jazzed about this one too. I’ve had one or two shaves with this smooth and popular beast months ago when I first started. I’m green now, was very green then. How’s it gonna be?

Yes, I’m trying to get through these Adjustables. There are four razors in the group. I’m slowly rounding out the far corners of my larger collection; GEM and vintage blades now. But one razor notable for it’s absence is the Adjustable 195. I’ve just found one at a price, should be here this week; we’ll see how that looks. So I wanna get through these other Adjustables and finish this Exploration with a bang, in short order.

Adj. Ex. Shave Of The Day

Lather: Fendrihan Robusto

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: Rockwell 6C (3, 3), (4, 3)

Blade: Rockwell (sh. 1, 2)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

First shave: It seemed mild on plate 3, there was no blade feel. I could go pretty quick without getting into trouble, it helps the razor’s a bit heavy. It seemed to be cutting well though. I’m gonna start on plate 4 next time. Clubman application was very mild, zero irritation.



Second shave: Seems quite close, certainly very comfortable. The 6C feels easy with the R4 and R3 plates, and balanced by it’s weight. It’s good.

Now back to the Futur.

 

[eSteve]

Adjustable Exploration Four

Merkur Futur 701C

I hadn’t used the Gillette adjustables and had barely tried the Rockwell. But I’ve had a good round of shaves with the Futur. I’ve been cautious, I’m diggin’ it.

Adj. Ex. Shave Of The Day

Lather: Fendrihan Robusto

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: Merkur Futur (1, 1), (2, 1.5)

Blade: Rockwell (sh. 1, 2)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

First shave: The Futur continues to be perhaps the closest and smoothest shave of my razors. Even at the lowest setting it cuts very well with very good blade feel. I’m comfortable in the trickiest spots, I’ve been careful. I’m going to increase the settings.



Second shave: Oh yeah, increased the settings; so brave. I had reviewed an online document of blade gaps for this razor, not the biggest jump from setting 1 to 2. Just a really great performing razor. Easy close and smooth shave, very comfortable. The Clubman tells after, it’s a bit insane, pretty much zero sting with the splash. I want to say top three of my razors. Very fun.

 

[eSteve]

Adjustable Exploration Five

E4 1959 Adjustable 195 (Fatboy)

I started collecting 3 1/2 months ago, I now have a stack of vintage razors. I got one of the most sought after models, the Fatboy, only yesterday; just in time for today’s shave.



It’s a bit dark on the bottom and there’s just a bit of brassing between the lather channels. Other than that it’s another tidy, working razor. The spring in the adjustment dial seems tired, it doesn’t really click, especially going up and, with little effort, it can be turned past nine; overclocked. Sometimes I have to poke the spring down to get it back. I wonder if the original spring can be retensioned or if something is worn that is letting the dial pass.

Adj. Ex. Shave Of The Day

Lather: Fendrihan Robusto

Brush: Omega 05 boar, sm. boar

Razor: ’59 Fatboy (4, 4), (5, 4)

Blade: Rockwell (sh. 1, 2)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

First shave: The Fatboy didn’t seem to have the same cutting power of the others on the first pass. I think it’s ok, I’m going to start with setting 5 tomorrow. I thought it felt more SuperSpeedy, if that’s an adjective, than the Slim And Super Adjustables; those two more like each other than the Fatboy. It did well on the plus pass, very comfortable. But the tricky areas don’t seem too close right after. Clubman lit up pretty good for a second.



Second shave: Setting 5 worked pretty darn good. I think I was able to muster a fairly close and comfortable shave. It’s the first time I went as high as 5 on any Gillette adjustable. The Fatboy did better on the tricky areas under my jawline. I like it.



I was thinking as I was shaving that setting 5 is sometimes stated as equivalent to the Red Tip, which I had first tried a couple few weeks ago; I really like the Red Tip but found it “efficient”. As I was using the Fatboy last night I was aware that I was comfortable increasing the setting; with more “efficiency”.

Also, the Clubman kinda set my face on fire for a moment. This is the opposite of how the Futur feels after. It seems the vertical presentation of the Futur, and the SE razors I’ve tried just cut the hair and sort of leave the skin alone; DE razors, with their more horizontal presentation seem to drag to cut the hair leaving my skin feeling more abraded. Something like that. The Fatboy is working though.

Well, the 195 is my last Adjustable. A further quick comparison is warranted. I’m going to return with one shave each, ordered chronologically. Yeah, compare those Gillettes boom boom boom, the Futur and 6C.

 

[eSteve]

Adjustable Exploration Six Review

I4 1963 Slim Adjustable

Happy to be using the Slim again. It’s sort of in the context of just having got and used the Fatboy. It’s like that eternal question: the Beatles or the Rolling Stones? The Slim Adjustable or the Fatboy?

It’s also in the context of a very thin sliver of metal and my own ridiculous self.

My Fatboy has probably seen a lot more use over time. It’s a little grungier and the adjustment spring seems worn out. The quarter-turn locking twist is much nicer on the Slim.

Adj. Ex. Shave Of The Day

Lather: Fendrihan Robusto

Brush: sm. boar 20/45mm

Razor: ’63 Slim Adjustable (5, 4), (5, 4), (4, 3)

Blade: Rockwell (sh. 3)
Astra SP (sh. 3)
Astra SP (sh. 3)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

First shave: I liked it. I upped the setting to 5 like I had done with the Fatboy. I think my Slim is just a little more aggressive at settings than my Fatboy; the Slim at setting 5 feels more Red Tip-ish. I think my technique has progressed enough that I’m comfortable using the more aggressive razors.

I’ve had notably smooth and comfortable shaves with the Slim. And so was this shave. I was able to get everything around my lips easily and under my nostrils. I had a good bunch of weepers though. And similar to the Fatboy I experienced a good deal of sting with the Clubman.

As much as I want to just do one shave with each razor at the end of the Adjustable group and move on, I want to do more here. I’ve been using the Rockwell blades for the first time, with this group. I’ve found them to be sharp and not so smooth. I want a direct comparison with a 3rd shave Astra SP. I’ll try and stop short of throwing another blade in the Fatboy.



Second shave: It appears that the Astra SP is somewhat smoother than the Rockwell. Perhaps the Rockwell is a two-shave blade. This was a pretty smooth and close shave. But, again, the Clubman had me hopping. My skin feels abraded. I’m wondering: if “efficient” razors might be too much on my skin for daily shaves; if I should be using the lower setting on my adjustables; if the angle and drag of DE razors is less desirable than SE.

Ok, one more try with the Slim. And then I’m movin’ on, that’s it.



Third shave: Yes, I think the 4, 3 settings on the Slim is the way to go for me. I like the Slim shaves, I know I had a couple very smooth and comfortable ones before, I think it was a fresh blade. But I’m starting to find all shaves somewhat abrasive. My skin is fine, no weepers. But I’ve read Thom mention “cumulative irritation”, I may be experiencing this. Perhaps I should be moving away from daily shaves.

I’m looking forward to another shave with the Futur, and I want another go with the Rockwell 6C. But I find myself wanting to leave DE razors and look at single edge for a while.