Razor blade expedition

[Obelit]

Gentlemen,
This is my first post, so please forgive its shortcomings.

And so begins my new razor blade expedition. First let me explain a few things: I am an Assyrian-American writer (full-blooded Assyrian — we're the people from the Bible) with a heavy beard that stampedes in 37 different directions, especially on the neck. For me, the daily wet shave is also a royal ritual, to which I look forward with great anticipation, not only for the pleasure it gives me, but also for the opportunity it provides to reflect on my writing, try out bits of dialogue, and so on.

I change blades and razor every two to three days, depending on the blade. My standard blade is the Merkur: it is sharp, smooth, and worthy of a good shave every time. I'll continue using it. Among my recent finds is the Derby, a sharp and smooth blade at an exceptionally good price. 7 a.m. Platinum and Bic were a bust, imposing a rough and uncomfortable shave. I find the Israeli Red Personnas slightly lower in grade than the Derby, but still worth keeping in rotation. Dorco 300 is far from the world's sharpest blade, but I have decided to keep it for a one-time use in my little Merkur travel razor. The Dorco 301 feels slightly rough compared to the 300, which is regarded slightly below it. This morning I used Treet Platinum Super Stainless; it's close to the Red Personna, but I think I'll keep the Personna in rotation.

My stash awaiting rotation includes: Feather (200), Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge (100), Super Iridium (10), Wilkinson UK (15), Gillette 7 O'Clock Permasharp Stainless (15), and Crystal (15). Many people seem to freak out at the mention of the Feather for its sharpness. Among my straight razors, I figure that if I conquered the Feather with replaceable blade, I shall do the same with the Feather double edge razor blade. I can't wait to try it. I have a feeling the Feather will share the top spot with the Merkur.

That's for now, gentlemen. I'll keep you apprised of my razor blade adventure. Thanks for reading, and may good fortune swim in your lane.

Double edge razors:
Three gorgeous Edwin Jaggers, a lovely Cyril Salter, the fabulous Merkur 38C and 34C, and a Merkur travel razor. Also Parker 80R and Weishi.

[Teiste]

Welcome!you have great razors..the EJ are simply gorgeous!

[AsylumGuido]

Welcome to B&B, Obelit! Variety is of course the spice of life. We have a saying around here ... YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary), or in other words, what works for one may not work for others.

The only gap that I see in your pursuit is the absence of the classic vintage Gillette and GEM family razors. I would imagine that a man such as yourself spends time pondering the past. Correct? What better way to connect with that past than to enjoy the pleasure of an 80 year old masterpiece efficiently removing those whiskers with historic ties of their own.

:wink:

[AsylumGuido]

Oh, and may I surmise that you have a swimming connection? My son will be swimming on a Division I scholarship next year at the University of New Orleans.

[Obelit]

Thanks, everyone, for the kind welcome to B&B.

One of my Edwin Jagger razors is the Barley — ah, just gorgeous. Actually, I like all Edwin Jagger products, from their brushes to razors. I like quality.

When I have a bestseller, the vinatage Gillette will be a priority in my modest razor collection.

As for swimming, I never swam in competition. Actually, I learned swimming late in life, and was taught by daughters, who were swimmers in high school.

[AsylumGuido]

Thanks, everyone, for the kind welcome to B&B.

One of my Edwin Jagger razors is the Barley — ah, just gorgeous. Actually, I like all Edwin Jagger products, from their brushes to razors. I like quality.

When I have a bestseller, the vinatage Gillette will be a priority in my modest razor collection.

As for swimming, I never swam in competition. Actually, I learned swimming late in life, and was taught by daughters, who were swimmers in high school.

Very cool. I have been right there with you at those meets, except my boy swims USA Swimming which competes year round.

Oh! And no need for a best seller yet, you can experience a vintage Gillette for much less than you paid for many of your razors. Send me a PM and I'll see what I can do to set you up with a classic for a shockingly low price. As one who has dabbled in writing myself, I couldn't think of anyone better to introduce to the world of vintage razors. :smile:

[SavantStrike]

Welcome to B&B!

[Obelit]

AssylumGuido,

Thanks for your suggestion on the Vintage Gillettes. I will keep it in mind for the future.

By the way, everyone: sorry for misspelling "vintage" as "vinatage" in an earlier post. For a writer, that's a no-no.

Obelit

[Obelit]

SavantStrike,

Thanks for the welcome note.

Obelit

[bluepunk18]

Welcome to B&B! Do you have a preferred straight? and what is your favorite writing implement?

[htownmmm]

Welcome to B&B! You have certainly come to the right place!:biggrin:


marty

[Obelit]

Marty,

Bless your heart for the kind welcome. It's good to be in the company of gentlemen who take a few extra moments to smile on life with a good shave. Many thanks.

Obelit

[Brodirt]

Oh, and may I surmise that you have a swimming connection? My son will be swimming on a Division I scholarship next year at the University of New Orleans.

OK...where exactly did you see that? My daughter swims as well...only she is now into synchro, and I didn't see a tip?

BTW...welcome Obelit!

[DunEdinRanger]

Obelit,

Welcome! I look forward to reading your posts and finding out how the great razor blade expedition concludes.

[Obelit]

Hello, Scooter,

Thanks for the warm welcome. Some answers to your questions, with a few added notes:

Because of an injury to my left hand — I use both hands with a straight — I've had to set aside my straights and continue shaving with my double edge safety razors. Right now I can only manage only one pass with a straight and only on Sunday. The rest of the time I rely on my loving double edge razors. I have already sold several straights, and plan to keep probably only three.

My favorite straight, which I have chosen to keep, is a Dovo 5/8 full hollow round point with Pearlex scales. Then two straights with replaceable blades: a Feather and a Monsieur Charles. In all likelihood I will be limited to that one-pass Sunday shave with a straight, which will keep me in practice. I complete the two other passes with the double edge. As a rule, I go for three passes.

Some other favorites:

Shaving creams: Taylor Rose and lavender, Truefitt & Hill scentless, Trumper rose, and Casswell-Massey.
Shave soaps: Tabac, Truefitt & Hill, Edwin Jagger, Gold Dachs, Casswell-Massey, and Trumper.
Aftershaves and cologns: Truefitt & Hill Spanish Leather, Trumper Spanish Leather, Woods of Windsor, Tabac, Casswell-Massey No. 6, Proraso splash, Pashana, several Taylor of OLd Bond Streets, including Mr. Taylor, No. 74 classic, and Victorian lime, Trumper Coral Skin Food, and a couple of Floris.

My favorite writing implement is the fountain pen. I rotate several beauties: two Pelikans, two Parkers, a Waterman and a Mont Blanc. I also use a Parker Roller ball with my appointment book, which serves as my mobile office and goes wherever I go.

For non-fiction, such as magazine articles, and so on, I go straight to the laptop. For fiction, essays and short stories, I work on the first draft with a fountain pen. The following drafts and revisions are done on the laptop. Sometimes when I have trouble with a scene or a bit of dialogue, I use the fountain pen to work them out.

No ballpoints for me, thank you.

Obelit