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Steve's Journal: The Saga Continues....



Getting one last shave in with the Super Speed until it goes home. Again, I had a very decent shave with it, except towards the end of my last (ATG) pass. I could feel some tugging which I attributed to the blade and not the razor, but the blade was only on its second shave. Assuming it was just a dud I ended the shave after finishing the pass and tossed it. I normally do some touch up on the neck but I skipped that tonight. I can definitely feel a difference without the touch up. Both good and bad. Obviously the shave wasn’t as close overall, but there was also less irritation. Maybe from now on a compromise of less touching up is what I need to follow.

The soap/AS combo was also a great mix. The Clubman complimented the Mudder Focker really well in my opinion.
 
Took a break yesterday to allow time for mourning of the Super Speed’s departure. It will be missed...but back at it again tonight.

Changing the setup again, I went with the following:

Razor: RazoRock Tech II
Blade: Astra SP
Soap: WSP Barbershop
Brush: Stirling Kong Synthetic

Went with my standard 3 pass WTG/XTG/ATG and some touch ups. I just couldn’t seem to get as close I would've liked. I’m sure this is just because I’m back to constantly switching up hardware again...I’m my own worst enemy with that.

I do remember my last couple of spins with the Tech II not being great, but I had hoped for better results with my improved technique. I will say I have very little irritation, but I did have one weeper. Otherwise I’m DFS/CCS depending on which side of the jawline you’re checking. So not a complete failure.

I’m thinking of sticking with the Tech II for the rest of the month and maybe changing up the blade as needed. I have lot to try out still thanks to Doug and Chris (Gonzo) but I don’t know where to start lol. I’ve searched for a sharpness/smoothness chart but everything I find ranks certain blades completely different. I know this is a YMMV thing, but I Was hoping to find some sort of general standard. So I may just have to take a shot in the dark and hope for the best!

In other news, I had my first real estate deal fall apart and officially die today. It’s a bummer that I worked hard on it for a couple of months and won’t get paid for it, but I learned a lot from the experience. That in itself is probably going to end up being worth more than the commission!
 
Sorry to hear about the deal falling through, especially since I’m sure it was something you had no control over. Just salt in the wound when that happens. ?

Shave it all away with tomorrow’s lather!
 
GearNoir said:
Sorry to hear about the deal falling through, especially since I’m sure it was something you had no control over. Just salt in the wound when that happens. ?

Shave it all away with tomorrow’s lather!
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Unfortunately it was just a case of miscommunication. Like I said, a learning experience though. I was given bad information and by the time I found out the truth it was too late to save it.

But I always have good scents and a (mostly) smooth shave to pick me up!
 
Bummer about the real estate deal.

Keep an eye on the bay for another SS. I stalked the bay hard and scored my ‘56 for $10. A diamond in the rough that just needed a bit of cleanup. Great shaver, smooth as silk. Unfortunately I traded it away when downsizing.
 
Yeah I’ve already started looking Tim lol. My only hesitation is that I don't know exactly what to look for as far as defects or things to stay away from. But I’ve already found a few and they’re relatively cheap.

I was also told to keep an eye out for a Red Tip as I would probably like one of those as well. Found one for $7 but I’m afraid to pull the trigger ?
 
It really sucks when you work on something for months and then it doesn't materialize. For you that is taking money out of your pocket. But I think you have the right attitude. Learn how to make the experience better and don't make the same mistakes a second time. It will work out for you in the long run.

Blades are just one of those things. You are likely not going to find anything definitive. Just ask around (maybe even start a thread here) to find out which blades have a particular characteristic that you like. Which ones are the smoothest, the sharpest, the worst. Which ones are the favorites and why?

Honestly, with the razors, unless you check them out yourself, there is always going to be a risk with buying one. If you can pick up a razor that you might like for $7 bucks and maybe free shipping or just for a buck or two...I say go for it. That's about as cheap as they get on the bay. I know it's tough sometimes to buy things sight unseen...but in this hobby...you are going to have to do it from time to time. Hope you find what you are looking for.
 
I think you're right with the blades Don. So far my 2 faves are Kai and Vokhsod. I’ll just have to keep trying different ones and see how it goes.

As for the bay purchases, I think you're absolutely right. $7 plus a couple bucks shipping is worth the risk! Now I need to research Super Speeds vs. Red Tips...since that seed has been planted now. ?
 
If I remember correctly the red tip was aggressive. The blue tip was mild and the black tip was in-between. Also generally speaking the older ones were more aggressive than the newer ones. So a 40s model would have been more on the aggressive side.

I had refused to pay more than $10 for a razor, so I missed a bunch. But I kept after it and got what wanted. As long as there was no visible plate loss, I would buy it. Knock the crude off and see what I had.
 
SteveChuckFrank said:
I was also told to keep an eye out for a Red Tip as I would probably like one of those as well. Found one for $7 but I’m afraid to pull the trigger
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There's no risk at $7. Those usually go for a lot more.

SteveChuckFrank said:
Now I need to research Super Speeds vs. Red Tips...since that seed has been planted now.
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The red tip is a SuperSpeed. There are 4 different types of SuperSpeeds. 40's Style, Blue Tip, Flare Tip and Red Tip.
 
MilkCrate said:
If I remember correctly the red tip was aggressive. The blue tip was mild and the black tip was in-between. Also generally speaking the older ones were more aggressive than the newer ones. So a 40s model would have been more on the aggressive side.

I had refused to pay more than $10 for a razor, so I missed a bunch. But I kept after it and got what wanted. As long as there was no visible plate loss, I would buy it. Knock the crude off and see what I had.
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The Black Tip Super Speed was made in the 1950's during the Korean War. The use of aluminum or steel for the handle and Bakelite for the knob was due to brass shortages. Also, just a bit more razor trivia, the tip wasn't always black.

It is in between the Blue Tip and Red Tip in aggression, but so are the 1940's style SS and the Flare Tip SS. If I remember correctly, it goes Blue Tip, Flare Tip, 40's Style, and finally Red Tip going from least aggressive to most aggressive.
 
MilkCrate said:
If I remember correctly the red tip was aggressive. The blue tip was mild and the black tip was in-between. Also generally speaking the older ones were more aggressive than the newer ones. So a 40s model would have been more on the aggressive side.

I had refused to pay more than $10 for a razor, so I missed a bunch. But I kept after it and got what wanted. As long as there was no visible plate loss, I would buy it. Knock the crude off and see what I had.
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The one I had on loan was a 40’s model. So more aggressive I suppose.

Spider said:
The red tip is a SuperSpeed. There are 4 different types of SuperSpeeds. 40's Style, Blue Tip, Flare Tip and Red Tip.
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Sorry KJ. I knew they were all Super Speeds, I was Just referring to the plain Jane 40’s style as a Super Speed to differentiate. I was also told that unless I’m really sensitive to stay away from the blue tip because it’s way too mild. I don’t know much about the flare tips. And I’ve also seen black tips.
 
dkeester said:
The Black Tip Super Speed was made in the 1950's during the Korean War. The use of aluminum or steel for the handle and Bakelite for the knob was due to brass shortages. Also, just a bit more razor trivia, the tip wasn't always black.

It is in between the Blue Tip and Red Tip in aggression, but so are the 1940's style SS and the Flare Tip SS. If I remember correctly, it goes Blue Tip, Flare Tip, 40's Style, and finally Red Tip going from least aggressive to most aggressive.
Click to expand...

So the Flare Tip is less aggressive than a 40’s SS? And a Black Tip would fall in between the 2? If that’s the case I think I might be looking for a Black Tip based on aggressiveness. If I was strictly based on looks it would the Red Tip for sure!
 
SteveChuckFrank said:
So the Flare Tip is less aggressive than a 40’s SS? And a Black Tip would fall in between the 2? If that’s the case I think I might be looking for a Black Tip based on aggressiveness. If I was strictly based on looks it would the Red Tip for sure!
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The Black Tip was made in 1951 and 1952. It is basically just a 40's style SS, so should have the same level of aggression as other 40's style Super Speeds. The Flare Tip came out in 1954.

I suggest giving them all a try.
 
dkeester said:
The Black Tip was made in 1951 and 1952. It is basically just a 40's style SS, so should have the same level of aggression as other 40's style Super Speeds. The Flare Tip came out in 1954.

I suggest giving them all a try.
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Oh I plan on giving them all a spin at some point! I was just thinking the Black Tip would be a good starting point for me. I just did a quick search on the bay (I’m supposed to be working so it was a very quick search ?) and I found at least one of each variety.
 
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