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I owe, I owe... so off to work I go...
But first, a shave:
Dovo Special 5/8, stropped 20/60 on the Illinois 127
C.O. Bigelow menthol cream, whipped with Conk badger
Brut cologne to finish
No cuts, no drips, no errors, no whiskers left on face.
Attachment 106189
Happy Monday!
I love getting a new razor. Experiencing that first shave with it, learning the nuances of a new blade, and (often times) the joy of restoring/repairing/honing a new vintage blade...they are all part of what I enjoy about a "new" razor.
I do not have a lot of razors (at least not by the standards around here), but I have a few and they are all special for some reason or another.
I recently (today) took delivery of one that will be tough to top--My Grand-Father's razor.
My father had it shipped to him from his brother, and he received it yesterday. I was out all day, so he presented it to me today.
I am not sure how old this razor is...I am sure it is not the oldest razor I own, but my Grand-father died over 20 years ago...and I was unsure how it was cared for during his life...and particularly after his death. When I received it, I was pleasantly amazed at the condition it was in...but it still needed a little shining up and definitely needed some edge repair. I immediately took some photos of it, then moments later went to cleaning it up and restoring the edge. There was some decent edge damage near the toe...but every moment of repairing it was enjoyment....this was my Grand-Father's razor. I imagined his frustrations with it (I was told, he had fits with keeping it sharp).
When I got it:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/09/09/za6adugy.jpg
I opted to retain the patina and only use metal polish on felt to buff off the few surface rust spots by hand. I figure it took a while to get this patina and I can only remove it once...and it will be lost forever (along with the character the age spots add).
After "clean up":
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/09/09/ty3ede3a.jpg
Anyway, I finished honing it and set up for a test shave.
Shave ready:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/09/10/ynu7ymeq.jpg
I pulled out my new favorite soap (Bald Frog Wasabi) and added a little hot water to the tin to soak and soften the soap while I soaked in a hot tub of water. My grandfather had no shower in his home, only baths for him (so I enjoyed a long soak with this in mind). I soaked for a while and enjoyed a very hot towel on my face. After re-wetting the towel a few times with hot water, I decided it was time to get up and get started. My brush had been soaking in very hot water this whole time in a mug my son made for me for Christmas in 2008...my wife took him to the ceramic store a month earlier to select the mug and paint/glaze it prior to firing it....I think he did a fantastic job for a 6 year old;)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7...bd4ec6489e.jpg
I dried off and wrapped my towel around my waist and started my lather. I dumped out the mug, and gave the brush a shake. I placed the brush into the tin of soap and began loading it. Moments later I was churning up a nice glistening lather in the mug my son had made for me.
I removed the towel from my face and began brushing on the later. The wasabi has a cooling affect on my skin. I skipped the strop, as I had just finished honing this razor, and went directly to shaving.
The razor glided across my face...not unlike many of my other blades, but the experience was something I will fail to ever put into words adequately.
The spike point had never been muted in the slightest, and I maintained it that way...I thought perhaps it might get into me during the shave, but no...it just allowed me to sculpt with...well....razor-like precision (seems like the appropriate phrase).
I re-applied my lather for an additional two passes, and finished up with a smile. This experience will be difficult to top. I am truly happy to have this member in my collection to use regularly. I am sure I will desire other razors in the future, but I seriously doubt any will provide an experience like I had today...my first shave with my Grand-dad's razor.
Thanks for reading.
Razor: Joh. Engstrom Frameback
Prep: Hot Shower+Garnier face scrub
Brush: Whipped Dog badger
Soap: Crabtree & Evelyn Sandalwood
A/S: Clinique Aftershave Balm
Result: Priceless
Attachment 106202
some more "rusty" steel
http://up.picr.de/11790061gr.jpg
http://up.picr.de/11790408fn.jpg
http://up.picr.de/11791660ul.jpg
Prep: Hot Shower
Brush: Vie Long, silvertip
Razor: C V Heljestrand M K no 8
Soap: Cade
AS: Floid, Blue Italian
Strops: Neil Miller
Result: Unerclean :D
I had to try a soap with this brush, but it's really to soft for it (even though I preped the soap with warm water), but it has a lovely super soft knot/tips and is the perfect contrast to what I use mostly (two band) :D
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/...151024x701.jpg
... and some:
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/...017800x531.jpg
You have a worthy Grandad! The Electric, I have been told, is a brand logo that became, or was bought out, by PUMA.Quote:
Originally Posted by unit
Thanks for the save!
MONDAY
Hot shower prep
Razor: WOTAN by Henckles
Blade: Kampfe hollow ground
Soap: C.O.Bigelow Original
Mug: Favored soup cup
Brush: generic mixed badger 24mm
Splash: none
A good quick shave in two and a touch up on water.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...x/sotd9-10.jpg
Henckles Rapide, Wester Bros (US), and others had similar blade locking systems. Henckles patented the Rapide, WOTAN and similar razors about 1880. The nasty looking device to the right is a honing and stropping stick to refresh the blades. The WOTAN can be distinguished by a solid blade keeper and the Wester and Rapide have wire "U" keepers.
The fun of trying things makes the day go a bit better and quicker!
~Richard
5.15 p.m. a late shave today
Muehle "Grande" and Calani
http://up.picr.de/11790837jn.jpg
Thank you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Geezer
He was known to invest in very nice things even though he was a fairly common man. I was surprised to find it was so well cared for. It functions VERY well!
Hi Carl,Quote:
Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider
Althought that book was way before my time, I did indeed read it. I must admit though that although I enjoyed the narrative frame of the work, I had trouble relating to Marlow and the days of slavery & colonialism in the then Congo/Zaire. I did enjoy the descriptive of the ivory trade and Kurtz 'interaction' with his surroundings.
All that considered, IMHO Coppola did a fantastic job in adapting the book to that of the Vietnam war, which again was way before my time! Lol
Regards,
Ash
... Discovered my Thiers Issard need to go to the pasted strop a few more times, a little tugging, ended up going back to my Dorko. Topped it off with Clubman Original and a Hobgoblin beer.[/QUOTE]
Hobgoblin... Now your talking!!!! A very fine beer!
If you guys are talking about the one from UK, sorry to be pedantic, technically it's not a beer. It is an Ale and a damn good one I must add!:beer1:Quote:
Originally Posted by tbert33
Cheers,
Ash
Unit, Thanks for sharing, I envy you, and am very happy that you got to have this experience and were willing to share with us. Congrats!Quote:
Originally Posted by unit
-SOTD-
Shower w/ Mitchell's Wool Fat Soap & Shampoo, Noxema
Castle Forbes Preshave
Madras Razor
Semogue 830 Boar Brush
Pré de Provence Shaving Soap
King 1k, Chinese Natural
Vintage Blades 3' Black Latigo Strop 40/60
Album: Kid A by Radiohead
Results: Not a perfect shave, but it was enjoyable. Loved Radiohead whirling in the background as I sliced through the one day old stubble. Motion Picture Soundtrack was winding down the album as I was finishing the shave. There was some irritation. I am still experimenting with the 'one stone hone' until I get the Norton 4k/8k back. The Madras is acceptable at its job or I do an acceptable job with it-not sure which one yet...
Attachment 106218
Gentlemen, here is today's shave menu:
Razor: 13/16 Otto Busch "Pirola" round point
Brush: Simpson Duke 3 best
Soap: eShave
Pre-shave: Edwin Jagger
Scuttle: Moss
Face lather
Alum
Witch hazel
Balm: Institute Karite
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman classic
Puma 5/8
Rudy Vey Vintage Restore-Finest Badger
Godrej Menthol Mist
TSD Iced Grapefruit Witch Hazel
Mama Bear's Iced Grapefruit AS Balm
tunes-Dropkick Murphy's
Razors: Chiron "Microsori" 8/8, Mulcuto Gold 4/8
Brush: Jade handled boar
Soap: Omega
AS: Thayers Rose followed by Brut
Cologne: Brut
Result: I hadn't shaved for a few days and decided to take the microtome for a spin. Had an extremely close shave with the first pass but needed a little touch up. Unfortunately my arms were tired from using the microtome so I pulled out the Mulcuto to do the touch up. Talk about going from one extreme to the other. I think the picture pretty much says it all.:)
Attachment 106230
Nice to see your using the legacy razor. I only wish I could have one.Quote:
Originally Posted by unit
But for upcoming shaves I do have a surprise razor in the rotation for this week. It will most likely be my Saturday shave as Wednesday is before class (which I have an exam) and office hours. Along with that I just got T&H 1805 in so I will be trying that this week also.
Razor: 8/8 Wade & Butcher "For Barbers Use" Maxterpiece
Prep: Hot Water, Barbasol
Brush: Whipped Dog Black Badger
Soap: Bald Frog Chocolate Espresso Soap
A/S: witch hazel, Joop! Homme
Result: A great shave
How do you like the whipped dog brush? I've got one coming in the mail soon, right now I have a 4 dollar drugstore brush lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by DFriedl
Quick Shower, Shave
Momma Bear's Shave Soap
Badger Brush
1959 Fatboy
Thayer's Lemon Lime
Vaseline for men
No Photo this evening. Enjoy.
Attachment 106236
I have a black (or pure) badger brush. It has a classic-shaped handle, a pretty dense knot, and is pretty scritchy for badger, IOW, what a pure badger brush should be. It's basic - there is some glue on the handle from assembling the brush, and the handle is just plastic. In all, I like it a lot.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scookum
No shave for me today. I had the day off and spent it mountain biking and cooking. Here are some photos from the day's activities.
A creek along the trail
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/7...81bc9a41_c.jpg
Beautiful wildflowers in a secluded valley
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7...753f2661_c.jpg
No sequoia or Redwood, but for an Oak tree, this thing was HUGE.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/7...2345ab85_c.jpg
Tonight's Dinner. Home made flatbread pizza with caramelized onions, goat cheese, portabello mushrooms, fresh basil, a drizzle of garlic infused olive oil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction to finish it off....YUMMY!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8441/7...5a89441a_c.jpg
Thank you gentlemen!
Glenn
Thanks Grant. It's good to be back with a bit more consistency. Glad to see you getting out and traveling a bit with the family.Quote:
Originally Posted by baldy
Glenn
15/16 Filarmonica "Doble Temple" #14, Full Hollow Ground, Round Point
Kanayama No.3 Strop
Simpson Chubby 1 Manchurian
Vintage La Toja Stick
Cold Water Rinse
Vintage Spanish Floid Mentolado Suave
Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet EdT
http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/...1/DSC05207.jpg
Shower / EJ Pre shaving Cream /Semogue LE 2011 / Merkur Progress / Personna Red / Cella / 4711 cologne
Attachment 106277
Thier Issard foroafeitado.com :: shavemac silvertip foroafeitado.com :: Floris Elite Shaving soap & cream :: Floris Elite ASB :: Floris Elite EdT
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...2/P9100011.jpg
No shave but I have a scent of the day 😄
Attachment 106278
Beautiful shot Jeff, with the perfect amount of foreground and a big beautiful looking sky.
Jamie.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mvcrash
Prep simple Face Wash Gel
Razor Vintage Taylors witness 3000
Brush Simpsons M7 LE Finest Silvertip
Cream Vulfix Persian Musk
Alum & Witch Hazel
Clinique Moisturiser
Penhaligon's Castile EDT
Jamie.
The Taylors wintness 3000 is a beautiful shaver and I didn't think I would hear myself saying this but as good as my Japanese straights, Uber smooth.
http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/w...hthecelt/l.jpg
Prep: Hot shower
Brush: Martinez' Custom: Chess King w/ 26mm silver tip badger
Soap: Truefitt & Hill: Luxury Shaving Soap
Strop: Tony Miller Heirloom tri-strop (3x25)
Razor: Henckels Friodor 8/8 Spanish point w/ mammoth ivory scales
ASB: Geo. F. Trumper – Lime Skin Food
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...chess-king.jpg
Good start of a new day.
Tuesday
Hi guys, I hope you’re all having a good week so far. The shave this morning with the Hellberg frameback was superb. This is fast becoming one of my favourite razors. The thin tang and reasonably large (for a frameback I think?) blade size makes holding it a bit tricky but the edge and the shape of the blade is just fantastic. The edge needs a little bit of tweaking around the heel (for those cutting in strokes around the goatee) but the belly is really very, very nice.
The O Melhor cream I’m finishing lathered really well, and the two Bay Rum products together are also becoming a firm shaving favourite.
I went to the gym at lunch time and completed four supersets of 4 sets in 37 minutes. I plan on having a ‘go to the pool without wanting to wear a T shirt body’ in 8 weeks. I reckon I need to lose maybe 5- 7 kilos.
Razor: J A Hellberg frameback | Cream: O Melhor | After Shave: D. R. Harris Bay Rum | Hair Tonic: Pashana Bay Rum
Attachment 106280
I'd like the option of a bigger f stop myself, but the Rolliecord I use for 'serious' photography only goes to 3.5. The old Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ5 that I use (with a Leica lens, non changeable) that I use for the SOTD photos goes to 2.8. I like the inspiration good photos here brings to me...Quote:
Originally Posted by Scookum
That's a really, really cool SOTD post. I love the fact you used your grandfather's razor and the mug your son made, very cool.Quote:
Originally Posted by unit
I also love the razor and the way you cleaned it up but left the patina.
Maybe we should have a STP thread; a Save the Patina Thread, where we post photos of old razors with nice interesting patina?
I don't know what I'm looking at but I like it. Are they actual photos? They look very 'steam punk' esp the last one. The middle one reminds me of an old woodcut...Quote:
Originally Posted by eTom
What a cool looking device! Sort of like razor blades before they had razor blades! (maybe; when were razor blades invented?).Quote:
Originally Posted by Geezer
What the doowoppy at the right with the two holes in it?
Hi Ash, I think it was before all of our times (1902). It's interesting you found it difficult to relate to Marlow. Marlow seems to me to be a pretty good man who loves his ability as a river boat captain and who is extremely satirical in his comments on 'colonialism'. I love the comments about the 'natives' being called 'enemies'; it's little things like that and the quote below that make me really like this book. I also love 'The Secret Sharer' though that seems to have a bit of a homo erotic undertone. 'Youth' is also an excellent book...Quote:
Originally Posted by turando72
Apocalypse Now (unfortunately) was not before my time, I saw it at the cinema. It's a really great movie; I loved the Iroquois Helicopter scene in the beginning, and years later, when I was in the Australian army, was often very powerfully reminded of that scene. I never even knew Apocalypse Now was related to Heart Of Darkness, even after listening to the audio of the book for many months. These days I prefer to listen to books rather than read them. The audio I have of this is free from loudlit.org, it's very very well read for a free audio book, I think...
...on one end a large shining map, marked with all the colours of a rainbow.
There was a vast amount of red--good to see at any time, because one
knows that some real work is done in there, a deuce of a lot
of blue, a little green, smears of orange, and, on the East Coast,
a purple patch, to show where the jolly pioneers of progress drink
the jolly lager-beer.
I'm coming 'round your place next weekend!Quote:
Originally Posted by sharp
A luxurious and enjoyable shave this morning. I hadn't pulled out the AdP in a while, so I decided it was time to do so. While I was at it, why not just go the full monty...
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...eptember12.jpg
Filarmonica EPBD 14 | Manchurian Badger Rover | Acqua di Parma | Acqua di Parma Balsamo | Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...er12-Part2.jpg
To All those survivors of 9/11, God Bless You!
Proraso pre|AOS Badger|G5|Pannacrema 'Casablanca'|Brummel #18| Proraso AS| Nivea Lotion
Attachment 106282
Have a Great Tuesday Gents!
Razor: Gillette Old Type
Blade: Red Pack Personna
Prep: Bald Frog Eucalyptus Balm
Brush: Vie Long Horse
Soap: Bald Frog Eucalyptus Lime soap
A/S: witch hazel, Chrome Balm
Result: A great shave
Thank you, sir.Quote:
Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider
'twas fine experience.
Regarding the patina. They take many years and stories to form...and a few minutes with abrasives to remove;)
