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Strop Dragging My Journal Around...
- Thread starter Strop Dragging
- Start date
I was having that problem sometimes when bowl lathered. I found that just because I got a lather that looked good, didn’t mean it would shave good. Then I started face lathering. When I build the lather on my face, when it feels ready, it’s ready! No guesswork.
I also load a lot! And that helps get great lather.
I also load a lot! And that helps get great lather.
Shave #217
I have always depended on the kindness of shavers...
or
Your friendly (not in the) neighbourhood Spiderman
Razor - Schick Injector
Brush - vulfix badger
Soap - Sapone Di Paolo Lime & Basil
After - Henri et Victoria Cognac & Cuban Cigars
Well...from very early on, connecting with the wet shaving community online, I discovered that this really is a cadre of kind, gentlemanly folks. Right when I started trying to hone (which was right when I started trying to SR shave - brilliant!), I had made a mistake in which lapping film to use...buying the only type I could find...the stuff with the sticky backing. Expressing my frustration at my mistake and the ensuing failure, an online friend (Kevin - known on forums as lishijia) sent me a little starter kit of the right stuff. I honestly couldn't believe a "stranger" would do that just to be helpful and kind. It was just so lovely. And since that time, witnessing, being part of and receiving that kind of friendship and camaraderie in this community has continually restored my faith in humanity. I feel very grateful to be part of it...even if I'm not the most involved, every day member of the cadre. It is special here.
So when I mentioned in my journal that I have only used a safety razor a couple of times - when my girlfriend is in town and brings her's! - KJ very kindly offered to send me an old one from his den which he said was "spilling out" with old Gillettes. I very gratefully took him up on his offer.
A package came in the mail a couple days ago.
I believe the term is "above and beyond". KJ sent a note saying he wanted me to have the "full experience" of the different systems...so sent one of each, plus blades and some soap samples.
Blown away by the thoughtfulness and kindness. Thank you, Spidey. Truly, above and beyond.
So - the shave!
I must admit that I have paid little to no attention to the different post SR, pre Mach razors, beyond trying the Parker DE I gave my lady for Christmas. So much so, that I didn't even really know what an injector was! I have seen Chris (cmh737) rave about the shaves he gets from his...but I never really understood that it was a different thing from a "regular" SE razor. So, I figured I would go with it!
Wow! This was some shave!!
Choosing to limit the variables of new things, I decided to lather up a soap that always preforms perfectly for me - the Sapone Di Paolo. It also was a perfect day for its lovely scent. After the last few shaves of struggling to get a "perfect" lather from my new Stirling soaps, it felt good to not overthink it...lathering a great, yogurty consistency.
The injector gave me one of the closest shaves I've ever had! It is funny to have kinda "skipped" over the whole safety razor thing...going from mindlessly using a 3 or 5 blade monstrosity to a straight - because this razor felt so effortless to me. This is not to say it was a perfect shave...I did give myself a couple weepers on my neck, but a splash of cold water made them disappear without much trouble. 3 passes left me BBS on most of my face, and the tricky spots were smoother than they usually are. Very, very nice!
So, I'm gonna have some fun experimenting with these razors as I continue to be a very dedicated straight shaver. A little variety has me excited!
Thanks again, KJ.
Onward and shaveward....
I have always depended on the kindness of shavers...
or
Your friendly (not in the) neighbourhood Spiderman
Razor - Schick Injector
Brush - vulfix badger
Soap - Sapone Di Paolo Lime & Basil
After - Henri et Victoria Cognac & Cuban Cigars
Well...from very early on, connecting with the wet shaving community online, I discovered that this really is a cadre of kind, gentlemanly folks. Right when I started trying to hone (which was right when I started trying to SR shave - brilliant!), I had made a mistake in which lapping film to use...buying the only type I could find...the stuff with the sticky backing. Expressing my frustration at my mistake and the ensuing failure, an online friend (Kevin - known on forums as lishijia) sent me a little starter kit of the right stuff. I honestly couldn't believe a "stranger" would do that just to be helpful and kind. It was just so lovely. And since that time, witnessing, being part of and receiving that kind of friendship and camaraderie in this community has continually restored my faith in humanity. I feel very grateful to be part of it...even if I'm not the most involved, every day member of the cadre. It is special here.
So when I mentioned in my journal that I have only used a safety razor a couple of times - when my girlfriend is in town and brings her's! - KJ very kindly offered to send me an old one from his den which he said was "spilling out" with old Gillettes. I very gratefully took him up on his offer.
A package came in the mail a couple days ago.
I believe the term is "above and beyond". KJ sent a note saying he wanted me to have the "full experience" of the different systems...so sent one of each, plus blades and some soap samples.
Blown away by the thoughtfulness and kindness. Thank you, Spidey. Truly, above and beyond.
So - the shave!
I must admit that I have paid little to no attention to the different post SR, pre Mach razors, beyond trying the Parker DE I gave my lady for Christmas. So much so, that I didn't even really know what an injector was! I have seen Chris (cmh737) rave about the shaves he gets from his...but I never really understood that it was a different thing from a "regular" SE razor. So, I figured I would go with it!
Wow! This was some shave!!
Choosing to limit the variables of new things, I decided to lather up a soap that always preforms perfectly for me - the Sapone Di Paolo. It also was a perfect day for its lovely scent. After the last few shaves of struggling to get a "perfect" lather from my new Stirling soaps, it felt good to not overthink it...lathering a great, yogurty consistency.
The injector gave me one of the closest shaves I've ever had! It is funny to have kinda "skipped" over the whole safety razor thing...going from mindlessly using a 3 or 5 blade monstrosity to a straight - because this razor felt so effortless to me. This is not to say it was a perfect shave...I did give myself a couple weepers on my neck, but a splash of cold water made them disappear without much trouble. 3 passes left me BBS on most of my face, and the tricky spots were smoother than they usually are. Very, very nice!
So, I'm gonna have some fun experimenting with these razors as I continue to be a very dedicated straight shaver. A little variety has me excited!
Thanks again, KJ.
Onward and shaveward....
Dave in KY
Shave Newbie
To Brad and KJ
To Brad and KJ
Hahahaha! Thanks!
Brad...you sell yourself short...you are very much a contributing member to this community as anyone else here! Don't worry about how many comments you make in other's threads...we know you are here and reading and posting! The important thing is that you are learning and teaching when you can. We all appreciate you being here and part of this modest section of the interwebs!
I have only tried an Injector a few times and just never really got it. It is likely in part because I still probably apply too much pressure! Glad your shave was a good one. Oh! And about that Spider dude...i guess he is an okay guy.
I have only tried an Injector a few times and just never really got it. It is likely in part because I still probably apply too much pressure! Glad your shave was a good one. Oh! And about that Spider dude...i guess he is an okay guy.
Great catching up, Great stuff
Way to go KJ! And Brad, all I have to say is: "IN...JEC...TOR"!!!!!!!!!!!
Thought you would approve, Chris... ?
Thanks, Craig. And agreed.
Brad...you sell yourself short...you are very much a contributing member to this community as anyone else here! Don't worry about how many comments you make in other's threads...we know you are here and reading and posting! The important thing is that you are learning and teaching when you can. We all appreciate you being here and part of this modest section of the interwebs!
I have only tried an Injector a few times and just never really got it. It is likely in part because I still probably apply too much pressure! Glad your shave was a good one. Oh! And about that Spider dude...i guess he is an okay guy.
Nice of you to say, Don!
And yes...that Spider guy seems pretty good. ?
Thanks, Dave!
Thank YOU, Chad!
Shave #218
Hone Call...
Razor - Northfield Cutlery Co
Brush - vulfix badger
Soap - Latha Unscented
After - Henri et Victoria Cognac & Cuban Cigars
Well, it's been an exciting time, shave wise, around here. First I received such a lovely, generous mail call from Spiderman...and then I decided to bite the (small) bullet and buy a Naniwa 12K Specialty Stone. New shave toys week!
I decided, for it's inaugural honing (after it's inaugural lapping, of course) to pull out a razor that I have actually shaved with...but with only decent results.
I remember finding the Northfield on the internet at some point...and really loving it when I got it in the mail. It was in great condition and has a lovely (to me, anyway) blade shape. I was always a little disappointed that I wasn't able to give it a great edge.
Well, the 12K sure did the trick!
This was a great shave! I spent a good amount of time giving the razor light laps on the stone, and after stropping it was in great HHT shape.
With possible sensitivity in mind, I lathered up the Latha Unscented and went to it.
The Northfield was wonderful, and three passes left me very smooth! I could certainly feel that it was a synth edge - not as buttery as the JNAT or Coti edges my face knows and likes - but it was not crazy harsh. No weepers, and no zing from the aftersplash. I would like to experiment a bit with giving a blade some super light JNAT laps after this stone to see if I can "mellow" it a bit...but I think I'll wait a bit on that - perhaps use the 12K on some other blades first. In any case, I was left with a really nice result! Oh so happy to put this razor in the "great" pile!
Onward and shaveward...
Hone Call...
Razor - Northfield Cutlery Co
Brush - vulfix badger
Soap - Latha Unscented
After - Henri et Victoria Cognac & Cuban Cigars
Well, it's been an exciting time, shave wise, around here. First I received such a lovely, generous mail call from Spiderman...and then I decided to bite the (small) bullet and buy a Naniwa 12K Specialty Stone. New shave toys week!
I decided, for it's inaugural honing (after it's inaugural lapping, of course) to pull out a razor that I have actually shaved with...but with only decent results.
I remember finding the Northfield on the internet at some point...and really loving it when I got it in the mail. It was in great condition and has a lovely (to me, anyway) blade shape. I was always a little disappointed that I wasn't able to give it a great edge.
Well, the 12K sure did the trick!
This was a great shave! I spent a good amount of time giving the razor light laps on the stone, and after stropping it was in great HHT shape.
With possible sensitivity in mind, I lathered up the Latha Unscented and went to it.
The Northfield was wonderful, and three passes left me very smooth! I could certainly feel that it was a synth edge - not as buttery as the JNAT or Coti edges my face knows and likes - but it was not crazy harsh. No weepers, and no zing from the aftersplash. I would like to experiment a bit with giving a blade some super light JNAT laps after this stone to see if I can "mellow" it a bit...but I think I'll wait a bit on that - perhaps use the 12K on some other blades first. In any case, I was left with a really nice result! Oh so happy to put this razor in the "great" pile!
Onward and shaveward...
Awesome shave! I hear that Spider guy is okay!
