You forgot your trademark BADABOOM!
A newbie’s journey into DE shaving
- Thread starter Guido75
- Start date
Damn...I did too. Age...
Guido, do you know anything about the Canada NEW Regent razor? I've looked at Mr. Razor and googled it but the information is a bit scant.
Edit: I just got a note back from the seller.... The Canada NEW Regent is a long comb... They never did make a short comb version... That's sort of cool as now I'll have one long comb and one short comb... So I'll be able to form an opinion of which one is better for me... Opinions vary widely... It looks to be about half and half on B&B. But they seem to be very adamant about their preference.
I think I'm set for Vintage razors.. I'll have two Techs, both highly recommended: the UK Flat Bottom Tech and the Canada Pre-war Tech.... a Souplex, if it ever gets out of the UK... It's been sitting at Heathrow for over a week now. And two NEWs.. as I said, a Long Comb and a Short Comb.
I will keep my eye a birth year President, though the 1953 Y2s I've seen are pretty pricey....
Edit: I just got a note back from the seller.... The Canada NEW Regent is a long comb... They never did make a short comb version... That's sort of cool as now I'll have one long comb and one short comb... So I'll be able to form an opinion of which one is better for me... Opinions vary widely... It looks to be about half and half on B&B. But they seem to be very adamant about their preference.
I think I'm set for Vintage razors.. I'll have two Techs, both highly recommended: the UK Flat Bottom Tech and the Canada Pre-war Tech.... a Souplex, if it ever gets out of the UK... It's been sitting at Heathrow for over a week now. And two NEWs.. as I said, a Long Comb and a Short Comb.
I will keep my eye a birth year President, though the 1953 Y2s I've seen are pretty pricey....
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #3,385
Kim, no knowledge from me whatsoever. I find this thread:
1930's Gillette New Canadian Bostonian. A strange bird.
The Bostonians usually came with a common bar handle. This one has a Canadian New Regent handle.
www.badgerandblade.com
But you might have already too. Looks like a regular NEW with a different handle (big boy/fellow like). The NEW is a mild shave to me and you have to be careful about the blade overhang - that’s usually larger than with modern razors and Techs for example. Other than that I have no additional insights.
Guido
I did edit that post I made earlier..and you probably didn't see it as you responded quickly. Thx, Guido.Kim, no knowledge from me whatsoever. I find this thread:
1930's Gillette New Canadian Bostonian. A strange bird.
The Bostonians usually came with a common bar handle. This one has a Canadian New Regent handle.
But you might have already too. Looks like a regular NEW with a different handle (big boy/fellow like). The NEW is a mild shave to me and you have to be careful about the blade overhang - that’s usually larger than with modern razors and Techs for example. Other than that I have no additional insights.
Guido
- Thread starter
- #3,387
Sounds like you have some very nice things to look forward too! I have two long combs - one regular and one Flat Bottom - of the two I think the FB is more effective, but the regular is smoother in feel.
And a Souplex! Lucky you! I looked for and found great razors but as you may have read the stand owner ruffled my feathers the wrong way. Better for GRUYERE anyway, but boy did he have some fine razors!!
- Thread starter
- #3,388
| Date | 23.04.2024 |
| 366 daily shaves | 114/366 |
| Razor | Blade | Brush |
| Gillette NEW Flat Bottom | KCG China (4) | Zenith 502B XSE |
| Preshave | Soap | Postshave |
| Cold splash KCG Face Wash | Mike’s Natural Soaps Barbershop (96) | Cold splash Proraso Green Balm |
| Passes | WTG XTG ATG and touch up |
| Process Quality | Blade Sharpness |
| 8/10 (Weepers) | 6/10 (Razor sharp) |
| Effectiveness | Shave Comfort |
| 9/10 (BBS) | 6/10 (Harsh) |
| Notes: |
Summary. Approaching marble on the cheeks today, but the journey was less stellar.
Razor and blade. Blade going on 4 without blinking an eye. Very smooth and very comfortable. Feels like coming home almost. The combination with this razor is less splendid today. Did not see that coming. Very effective paired with a harsher/scraping feeling. As I mentioned earlier to Kim I believe my regular NEW is the smoother of the two, but they deliver the same shave results to me.
Brush and lather. Mike’s is steadily progressing as if I haven’t touched the puck at all. I think about half of the tub is left as we approach 100 shaves this week. Brush is wonderful and from dear friend Adam @flask28. It just takes connection on this forum to a whole new level for me when it’s a connection in the real world as well.
Technique. Decided to continue with my Gillette Slides for the WTG. Why not. Was fun yesterday and effective at that. I also did for the first time ATG Slides as well. For science of course. And I guess the red dots were for the sale of science as well. Either that or I stepped on the gas rather than going slow. Specifically on the right side of my face - I think because I am a lefty my angle of attack is different there. This morning stubble on the left was definitely less than on the right following yesterday’s shave. Yet at the same time this might be my smoothest result of this month. Approaching marble.
- Thread starter
- #3,389
| Date | 24.04.2024 |
| 366 daily shaves | 115/366 |
| Razor | Blade | Brush |
| Gillette UK Postwar Tech | KCG China (5) | Yaqi Lucky Dice |
| Preshave | Soap | Postshave |
| Cold splash KCG Face Wash | Mike’s Natural Soaps Barbershop (97) | Cold splash Proraso Green Balm |
| Passes | WTG XTG ATG and touch up |
| Process Quality | Blade Sharpness |
| 9/10 (Small redness) | 6/10 (Razor sharp) |
| Effectiveness | Shave Comfort |
| 7/10 (DFS) | 7/10 (Comfortable) |
| Notes: |
Summary. An easy shave with purposely avoiding BBS to give my skin some rest.
Razor and blade. With the blade still going strong (with randomly inflicted red spots) I thought I would go for a slightly milder razor today although I think this postwar Tech is perhaps the most effective of the ones I have. Officially it’s a brass ball end Tech but I have replaced the handle with a favourite Lasta one. The ball end handle houses the mighty Matador. This combination proved less harsh than yesterday’s NEW. I am gonna say that this blade is unlike the original. There is smoothness and comfor missing - while it is still a good blade I think, but I would not gladly take this one double digits. At least not in the vintage razors I have tried so far.
Brush and lather. I hadn’t used this brush in a while and before the approval Plissoft brushes arrived it say forth in number two position as my favourite brush. Nowadays there is more competition - or still is a marvellous brush with no trouble building lather. At all. Soft with good splay. And the handle is of course gorgeous as well. Mike’s close to hitting 100 and delivering nothing but fabulous lather.
Technique. No doubt I have less stubble than usual so whatever the shave was yesterday it was effective. Not necessarily in longevity of the results, but very close indeed. Let’s see if I can replicate that today minus the sensitive skin afterwards. I used Gillette Slides for WTG and ATG again. This does lead to a scything motion on the more uneven part of my face. So I nicked a small bump I have on the right. And for some inexplainable reason I managed to nick my Adam's apple - which is an area I actually never shave, or only with some pulling away of my skin. I will revert back to my regular CB Curve for tomorrow's because I believe it is softer to my skin. Apparently there is something as too effective. I used to do the Four Pass Shave, so the number of passes is not the issue. The discomfort of the ATG Slide is. Three of the four passes in the Four Pass Shave are actually mostly WTG and only the last pass is ATG.
- Thread starter
- #3,390
| Date | 25.04.2024 |
| 366 daily shaves | 116/366 |
| Razor | Blade | Brush |
| Gillette NEW Improved | KCG China (6) | Yaqi Lucky Dice |
| Preshave | Soap | Postshave |
| Cold splash KCG Face Wash | Mike’s Natural Soaps Barbershop (98) | Cold splash Proraso Green Balm |
| Passes | WTG XTG ATG and touch up |
| Process Quality | Blade Sharpness |
| 9/10 (Small redness) | 6/10 (Razor sharp) |
| Effectiveness | Shave Comfort |
| 9/10 (BBS-) | 7/10 (Comfortable) |
| Notes: |
Summary. Much better shave than yesterday with all favourite gear. I could shave daily with this one and be perfectly happy.
Razor and blade. I was trying to stay disciplined and use this blade for at least 7 shaves, but after yet another surprise red spot I had it and binned the blade after the shave. I am in between about this version of the KCG blade. It is definitely another blade from the original I love so much. I cannot see myself using this blade into double digits. I had to use alum for 3-4 shaves in a row now. And I normally don't use alum at all, so this is definitely a signal to move on. To make it a little more interesting and fun I decided to use one of my all time favourite vintage razors - my NEW Improved. Blade overhang to be aware of, but very smooth and effective. And it is in a gorgeous condition too.
Brush and lather. Used it yesterday too. Just a fabulous brush! I spent some extra time face lathering. Wonderful Lather fine as ever.
Technique. So back to the regular routine and what a difference that made! Cheeks were smooth, bordering on marble while the neck was smooth to DFS+++ levels. Two red spots with one out of nowhere and the other opening up from yesterday. But overall much more comfort than previous days even though I am definitely using a more aggressive razor than the days before. Alum stung like hell on the neck / under the chin area. I used Calendula ointment to nourish the skin in addition to my balm.
Well, I’ve seen enough. It looks like there won’t be any KCG MIC in my future. I’m quasi-hoarding Nacets anyway.
Verily, I say I dost needeth proper barbering...then shall I have "Eggs and Hamlet"
BADABOOM! Sayest I
- Thread starter
- #3,393
| Date | 26.04.2024 |
| 366 daily shaves | 117/366 |
| Razor | Blade | Brush |
| Gillette Red Tip | Gillette Rubie (1) | Abe’s Brush Works Blutt STF |
| Preshave | Soap | Postshave |
| Cold splash KCG Face Wash | Mike’s Natural Soaps Barbershop (99) | Cold splash Proraso Green Balm |
| Passes | WTG XTG ATG and touch up |
| Process Quality | Blade Sharpness |
| 9/10 (Small redness) | 6/10 (Razor sharp) |
| Effectiveness | Shave Comfort |
| 8.75/10 (DFS+++) | 8/10 (Smoothish) |
| Notes: |
Summary. Glorious shave with the mighty Red Tip and Rubie blade. Fantastic brush as well. Happy camper.
Razor and blade. I have never used a Rubie blade before and read a lot of good reports about it. The blade felt harsh, but I am blaming the KCG MIC for that because even during my preshave I felt my skin acting up. The razor met my path last year after a brother reached out with an offer. It is a splendid razor and did spark my interest further as I learned that there actually is an English Red Tip as well. I consider it to be the most effective/aggressive of my Gillette TTO razors, but it could also be a figment of my imagination. Either way it gets the job done and then some.
Brush and lather. The soap continues to perform and perform well. I absolutely love it. Tomorrow will be 100 uses and still plenty of puck left! The brush is phenomenal. I love love love the handle and the Mühle knot is superb as well.
Technique. With the return to my regular pattern the level of control went up again too. Not that I don’t master the Gillette Slide because I frankly think I actually do, but the predictability of shave effectiveness is so much greater when I use my beard growth pattern as opposed to any other pattern.
Which Rubie got the nod today? The older one with the Plus on the package or the newer? I haven't tried the ones with the Plus on the packaging.
I missed my shave last night. How well can a FBT handle 4 days old man whisker growth? Or should I use a razor I know will have no problem?
I want this first FBT shave to be a success.
I want this first FBT shave to be a success.
- Thread starter
- #3,396
I shave daily so that’s a question I do not deal with normally. Given the effectiveness of the FBT and what I actually saw someone do with a Tech on YT (Sugerdaddy) it is doable for sure. Sharp blade and patience I would say. 4 days of growth sounds like a job for your LaFaux or similar more likely.
Guido
- Thread starter
- #3,397
Had no idea there were two. It’s the Rubie Plus. And I know what the plus stands for. Plus giant blobs of unremovable glue!
I have several that don’t seem to mind it when I miss a shave and the La Faulx is certainly one of them. The Timeless 0.68OC is another one. With its nice clearing routes, the Athena never struggles either.
- Thread starter
- #3,399
| Date | 27.04.2024 |
| 366 daily shaves | 118/366 |
| Razor | Blade | Brush |
| Gillette NEW LC | Gillette Rubie Plus (2) | Abe’s Brush Works Big Boy G5C |
| Preshave | Soap | Postshave |
| Cold splash KCG Face Wash | Mike’s Natural Soaps Barbershop ( ) | Cold splash Proraso Green Balm |
| Passes | WTG XTG ATG and touch up |
| Process Quality | Blade Sharpness |
| 10/10 (Clean) | 6/10 (Razor sharp) |
| Effectiveness | Shave Comfort |
| 8.75/10 (DFS+++) | 9/10 (Butterysmooth) |
| Notes: |
Summary. Splendid Saturday Shave with a mild yet very effective NEW Long Comb. Excellent razor.
Razor and blade. This was an addition to the den because I wanted a common bar handle for my Razorine Flatboy. I wasn't planning on actually using the head as I already had a NEW Flat Bottom. They are, however, in my experience, two completely different razors. This one - say the regular LC - is smoother and more comfortable than the FB. Great effectiveness nonetheless. The second run with what turned out to be the Rubie Plus blade was smoother and more comfortable than the first run. Nice combination between razor and blade.
Brush and lather. One of my favourite brushes. It is big! And it lathers nicely. Excellent knot by @apshaveco. Lather is wonderful as always. Shave 100 with this soap! And nowhere near the end. Not even the slightest beginning or hint of a growing ring of dispair. Still looks as if it is new. I might continue using it for May as well, but I also fancy a change so I may opt for some Goodfellas samples instead.
Technique. Standard pattern. After my XTG pass I was perfectly decent for going out for groceries and the like. ATG was the money shot for a perfectly smooth face and neck. Just a couple of days left in this Vintage feast - but I will admit that my modern razors are winking already to come out and play again!
Other news. It’s King’s Day in the Netherlands so flags and pennants are out. Usually that’s a day off, but it’s Saturday today…off to the bakery to get day specific treats - @Raven Koenes might have tried them: Orange Tompoes (they are called Napoleon in the US?)
Attachments
Orange Tompoes are called delicious where I'm at.
Date 27.04.2024 366 daily shaves
118/366
Razor Blade Brush Gillette NEW LC Gillette Rubie Plus (2) Abe’s Brush Works Big Boy G5C Preshave Soap Postshave Cold splash
KCG Face WashMike’s Natural Soaps Barbershop (
Cold splash
Proraso Green
Balm
Passes WTG XTG ATG and touch up Process Quality
Blade Sharpness 10/10 (Clean) 6/10 (Razor sharp) Effectiveness Shave Comfort 8.75/10
(DFS+++)9/10 (Butterysmooth)
Notes:
Summary. Splendid Saturday Shave with a mild yet very effective NEW Long Comb. Excellent razor.
Razor and blade. This was an addition to the den because I wanted a common bar handle for my Razorine Flatboy. I wasn't planning on actually using the head as I already had a NEW Flat Bottom. They are, however, in my experience, two completely different razors. This one - say the regular LC - is smoother and more comfortable than the FB. Great effectiveness nonetheless. The second run with what turned out to be the Rubie Plus blade was smoother and more comfortable than the first run. Nice combination between razor and blade.
Brush and lather. One of my favourite brushes. It is big! And it lathers nicely. Excellent knot by @apshaveco. Lather is wonderful as always. Shave 100 with this soap! And nowhere near the end. Not even the slightest beginning or hint of a growing ring of dispair. Still looks as if it is new. I might continue using it for May as well, but I also fancy a change so I may opt for some Goodfellas samples instead.
Technique. Standard pattern. After my XTG pass I was perfectly decent for going out for groceries and the like. ATG was the money shot for a perfectly smooth face and neck. Just a couple of days left in this Vintage feast - but I will admit that my modern razors are winking already to come out and play again!
Other news. It’s King’s Day in the Netherlands so flags and pennants are out. Usually that’s a day off, but it’s Saturday today…off to the bakery to get day specific treats - @Raven Koenes might have tried them: Orange Tompoes (they are called Napoleon in the US?)
I may head down to Boonzaaijer's a local Dutch Bakery establishment today. You're inspirational.Similar threads
