The Straight Road - Part 61: JaNorton Returns
After a break to test out my kamisori and two new restores, it was time to return to the JaNorton experiment. Sunday is usually a slow day around our household, though today we had a birthday brunch with my dad, so we were getting ready to head out rather more early than usual. Nonetheless, I set aside the time to thoroughly test out my latest JaNorton edge. This will be my combination for the entire week, hopefully at least four or five shaves, which should help me dial in the edge, my lathering technique and my shaving technique.




The Anticipation
I was quite eager for this shave, especially because I had ample time to pamper myself. SWMBO was doing her thing, getting ready and SWMBO Jr. was dressing her American Girl doll, so I was free of obligations for the next hour or so. The JaNorton shaves have been a bit of a struggle for me, so I was hoping this one would turn out better.

The Prep
First up, I ran the tap water as hot as it would go, splashed some onto the MWF puck and then filled the scuttle. Then I dunked the SOC into the reservoir, set everything up on the counter and jumped into a long hot shower, topped off with Real Shaving Exfoliating Scrub. The razor had already been stropped, but I gave it another 50 passes on the episaacs 'roo, just to be sure. That out of the way, I turned to my brush and scuttle.

The Lather
Once again, the MWF lather gave me some trouble. I have been testing the technique of using a very wet brush to start out, but it doesn't seem to be working as well for me as I've seen it work for others. Today's attempt certainly was better than last time, but the lather still felt a bit thin, like I may have used too much water. Still, I have heard that MWF never gets quite so slick and creamy as other soaps, so this might just be the nature of the soap. For my next shave, I plan on starting with drier brush and then adding water as I go, which will hopefully get me back to my MWF happy place. There was enough lather for three passes and it certainly got the job done, though it just didn't feel quite like I am used to having. It's a bit of a strange one, but in the end, I suppose I should be happy that the shave worked out.

The Shave
This was the high point, which is sort of the point. The edge still isn't 100% where I'd like it to be, but it was a nice smooth shave. In fact, if I didn't know this razor could shave better off the Norton 8k, I'd probably be satisfied. But I do know it can get smoother than this, so I'll take it back to the 8k for a few more finishing strokes. The first pass started out tentatively, as I was getting the feel for the edge and the razor, but my confidence grew quickly as it was smooth enough to get the job done. I relathered for pass two, which is my XTG pass outward from the centre of the face, and things were still sailing along smoothly, so I was quite content up until the moustache area, where a momentary lapse in concentration allowed the spike point of the razor to ding me. Luckily it was the lightest of touches, so the cut quickly succumbed to the ministrations of the styptic pencil, allowing me to continue on my way. The final pass was where I noticed that the edge was probably not quite where I'd like it to be, as on the south to north under the chin there was some roughness. Still, I ended up with a DFS and only a touch of burn under the chin, so I was satisfied, if not 100% pleased all around.

The Post
My post routine has become fairly formulaic, with cold water, alum, cold water, witch hazel, then whichever splash I'm using that day being the norm. I ended it off with my Trumper's Unscented balm and twenty-five passes on the 'roo strop. Then it was off to brunch.

The Verdict
Much better for this edge, though still not quite there. I am happy with the progress I've made, as it is helping me get a feel for the hones, as well as a feel for what a good edge feels like versus an edge that isn't quite there. Onward and upward!

Happy Sunday and have a great week on The Straight Road!

This week should be fun, with my new experiment of sticking with a set kit for one week intervals, I figure to become much more intimately acquainted with my blades, brushes and products. I'm hoping my new hone will turn up this week, which will make for even more fun experimentation. I also have some restores to get to sanding, which I suppose isn't a bad way to while away a cold winter evening.

Thanks for reading!

Cheers,

Jack