Thread: Thoughts on the Pils

Originally Posted by GeauxLSU

First and foremost, for what the Pils costs, I could buy a top shelf straight, a Boker or Puma. After that, it seems a good idea. I'll stick to my Fatboy for now.

Actually, I'm interested in their shave soap. Anyone tried it yet?

My dear Wayne:

Yes, yes, of course, to each his own.

I would love to have a Puma, too, and an older Boker. Yet, with four gorgeous Wackers, a Filarmonica, three Le Grelots, a string of other Thiers-Issard models, plus a collection of other exquisite razor brands, I have not deprived myself of straights.

I also have several lovely double edge razors, since I have continued my fondness for the double edge. I wanted the Pils. I am glad I bought it. The razor is exquisite, and a fabulous shaver. I am sure I will find a way to overcome my hand problems.

I take every razor for what it is, whether a straight or a double edge, and if I want it, if within my means, I will buy it and enjoy it. Beauty is hard for me to resist. That was the case with the Edwin Jagger "Chatsworth" lined barley, the all stainless steel Feather and the Pils.

I also love too much of a good thing.

Stay well.

Regards,

Obie

I took deliver of my PILS about 3 weeks ago. I really enjoy using that razor!! I also use a Merkur 34C, a Merkur Vision, and a Gillette FatBoy. The Vision and FatBoy are both awesome, although rather complex, razors (butterfly open and adjustable safety bar). In contrast, what I'm appreciating about the PILS is it's minimalistic simplicity. The PILS' functional simplicity does not compromise attention to detail however. Every edge and dimension seems to be optimized and perfectly machined. Using this precise and simple tool has inspired me to jump to the next level of simplicity and give straight edge shaving a try!

I figure I better get this exploration outa my system while I'm single.
(Who am I kiddin? I think I'm an addict now!)

Anyhow, I can provide an enthusiastic endorsement of the PILS!

Gentlemen:

The continuing saga of the Pils.

Initially the razor's weight (4 ounces or 115 grams) proved a challenge for the arthritis in my hands, especially the thumbs. (This is a problem for me with my heavier straights, too, especially those with hefty bone scales, such as the gorgeous Thiers-Issard "Dos Festonne.") The relatively thin handle is little help in compensating for the weight, although a thicker handle would mean an even heavier razor.

By moving my grip up on the handle closer to the shave head I have eliminated one part of the weight problem for my hands. I have also changed my overall grip of the double edge razor — in general. That includes switching strokes with the palm facing in as well as out. This makes my strokes quite optimal, especially with the Pils, and since I use mostly the dominant hand for the double edge. (For the straight, I switch hands.)

I have also experimented with various blades. The relatively mild Dorco 301 works quite well in the Pils: the blade balances the razor's hearty shaving characteristic. The Feather, Super Iridium, Derby, Persona "red pack" and some of the others work well in the Pils. The Feather I prefer to save for my stainless steel Feather razor.

The perfect match of razor and blade, at least for me, is the Pils and the Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge "yellow packs." Although these blades are as sharp as the Super Iridium and almost as the sharp as the Feather, they are far smoother than both. I dare say, after using scores of blades through the years, I have concluded none has the silky smooth sheen of the Gillette 7 O'Clock "yellow pack" edge.

Obviously, this is the case for me, since blade preference is individual in shaving with the double edge. Another shaver in all likelihood will offer a different opinion on blades. That's an accepted reality in shaving with the double edge razor.

Henceforth I plan to mate the Pils with the 7 O'Clock "yellow pack." The Feather all stainless steel DE is mated with the Feather blade. The Super Iridium will go with the Edwin Jagger and Muhle-Pinsel. The Merkurs will have the Persona, Derby, Dorko 301, Astra and some of the other ones. I still don't have the iKon, but when I do, I'll find a blade that matches it the best.

Someone once said to me I made too much out of "this stuff." I said I make too much out of everything: love, beauty, friendship, sunrise, sunset . . .

Regards,

Obie

Obie, it's a good thing you don't have more razors. Mating the blade to the razor can get very confusing for us simple minded folk.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Obie, it's a good thing you don't have more razors. Mating the blade to the razor can get very confusing for us simple minded folk.

My dear thebigspendur:

My recent practice of mating the razor with the blade started when using the Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge "yellow pack" in the Pils for the first time.

Until then I had shaved with a variety of blades in the Pils — one shave per blade for testing, including the Feather. The "yellow pack" was an exceptional mating. Two more shaves followed with the same blade and they were remarkably smooth and comfortable.

I suppose I could call it the "that's it" moment — when everything works, when it becomes a revelation and you find yourself saying, "That's it." I am sure other gentlemen shavers will have their own "that's it" moments. This was mine.

In reality, though, you can shave with any double edge blade in any double edge razor. I think I also follow the practice of mating the razor with the blade for fun. More so, though, to enrich my wet shaving ritual.

Regards,

Obie

i had a lapse of judgement and placed a derby blade in my feather all stainless.. what a mistake that was.. it won't be happening again.