Shave 2023-06-22
Razor: Tatara Muramasa (setting 1)
Blade: Gillette Nacet (2nd shave) [Not restocking]
Brush: RazoRock BC Silvertip Synthetic
Lather: Gentleman Jon Sandalwood Soap
Prep: Wash with Badger Shave Soap
Post-shave: T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel [Not pictured]
Introductory Comments:
With a Blackland Vector Ti scheduled to arrive today, I’m reaching for my (personal) top performing razor of the DE variety on its mildest setting. The goal is to make sure my face is as irritation-free as possible for the beginning of the Vector’s 30-day trial period.
I’m on a long enough consecutive-day shaving streak that I’ve lost count, as this is the first day in this journal. Yesterday was a very similar set-up with a 1940s Gillette Tech.
Shave Pass Actions:
Final Comments:
Relatively routine shave for me with this razor. No marks or irritation. Closer than one would expect on such a mild setting, but I attribute this to the ATG pass followed by J-hooking and blade buffing. I'll use a face moisturizer tonight which usually counteracts any dryness from an otherwise great glycerine based soap.
A Brief Overview of my Shaving History:
My first DE shave was in May 2010 after watching some of Mantic59’s videos on YouTube. I began with a Parker TTO ordered from Amazon which did not suit me well. Determined to persevere, I ordered an Edwin Jagger DE89 on June 1st, 2010 (thanks to Amazon for keeping this record). From the DE89 and Arko maximum comfort cream, I was able to start getting consistent enough results to become a traditional wetshaving hobbyist.
Fast-forward to today, I now own many more razors, brushes, and products of which I enjoy to various degrees (some more than others). I’m a fingertip shaver (my fingertips are the only part of my hand I use to grip the handle of a safety razor) which likely developed from occasionally using a Feather Artist Club DX when I have the time to be careful. This grip also makes the feel as though I have a lighter and more responsive touch. I have sensitive skin in that my skin where my beard grows is often dry and I am prone to irritation from badger hair brushes and other products. I have an allergy to oats which causes irritation and mild rashes on the skin, so I'm not able to try some otherwise great soaps and creams. My personal best shaves tend to come from combining a somewhat mild razor with an ATG pass and “advanced techniques” to clean up any remaining stubble. (Some of these “advanced techniques” I learned from another of Mantic59’s videos and others have developed out of necessity along the way.) With this combination, I can shave close enough and keep irritation to a minimum so that I have to take fewer days off from shaving.
Thanks for reading!
Razor: Tatara Muramasa (setting 1)
Blade: Gillette Nacet (2nd shave) [Not restocking]
Brush: RazoRock BC Silvertip Synthetic
Lather: Gentleman Jon Sandalwood Soap
Prep: Wash with Badger Shave Soap
Post-shave: T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel [Not pictured]
Introductory Comments:
With a Blackland Vector Ti scheduled to arrive today, I’m reaching for my (personal) top performing razor of the DE variety on its mildest setting. The goal is to make sure my face is as irritation-free as possible for the beginning of the Vector’s 30-day trial period.
I’m on a long enough consecutive-day shaving streak that I’ve lost count, as this is the first day in this journal. Yesterday was a very similar set-up with a 1940s Gillette Tech.
Shave Pass Actions:
- North-South
- ATG
- Clean Up with J-hooking on neck into Adam’s apple on both sides and blade buffing from checks towards sides of chin.
Final Comments:
Relatively routine shave for me with this razor. No marks or irritation. Closer than one would expect on such a mild setting, but I attribute this to the ATG pass followed by J-hooking and blade buffing. I'll use a face moisturizer tonight which usually counteracts any dryness from an otherwise great glycerine based soap.
A Brief Overview of my Shaving History:
My first DE shave was in May 2010 after watching some of Mantic59’s videos on YouTube. I began with a Parker TTO ordered from Amazon which did not suit me well. Determined to persevere, I ordered an Edwin Jagger DE89 on June 1st, 2010 (thanks to Amazon for keeping this record). From the DE89 and Arko maximum comfort cream, I was able to start getting consistent enough results to become a traditional wetshaving hobbyist.
Fast-forward to today, I now own many more razors, brushes, and products of which I enjoy to various degrees (some more than others). I’m a fingertip shaver (my fingertips are the only part of my hand I use to grip the handle of a safety razor) which likely developed from occasionally using a Feather Artist Club DX when I have the time to be careful. This grip also makes the feel as though I have a lighter and more responsive touch. I have sensitive skin in that my skin where my beard grows is often dry and I am prone to irritation from badger hair brushes and other products. I have an allergy to oats which causes irritation and mild rashes on the skin, so I'm not able to try some otherwise great soaps and creams. My personal best shaves tend to come from combining a somewhat mild razor with an ATG pass and “advanced techniques” to clean up any remaining stubble. (Some of these “advanced techniques” I learned from another of Mantic59’s videos and others have developed out of necessity along the way.) With this combination, I can shave close enough and keep irritation to a minimum so that I have to take fewer days off from shaving.
Thanks for reading!