Brotherhood of the Open Comb

[craig94yj]

Feathers are great i also like the personna red israelis, but you may benefit from sticking a heavier handle on, made a ton of difference when i put the ikon bulldog handle on the R41 no more tugging

Understood Triad, but I would like to keep the old girl original. I want to by a shiny new one for my birthday present to me. All kinds of options to choose from. Looking for you guy's favorites for recommendation.

[craig94yj]

Hey Craig: Welcome to the BOTOC from another head shaver. Those pics are awesome. Looks like you are having fun and that is one thing I love about this hobby.

WARHAWK

Warhawk, I am having a blast. I used to shave every four or five days. Now this has become a daily routine. Thanks for the welcome.

[GDCarrington]

For Ken, Alex and April as promised. I received my "New" in the mail today and these are the pics of my first open comb shave.Attachment 262223Attachment 262224Attachment 262225Attachment 262226

Craig, as one head shaver to another, I will give you the most useful advice I was given when I started down the road of traditional shaving, it worked for me and it has worked for others who have taken the advice.

THE 30 DAY RULE. Find a razor, then a blade that will not cause issues with your face or performs the best (that may take a few different blades in a sampler pack to find a suitable choice or it maybe the first out of the gate) and select a soap or cream that is easy to generate good lather. Once you find those, and it may take a couple of weeks to find this combination, order a quantity of that blade enough for 30 days, and then spend 30 days using nothing else until you build up your technique. The 30 day clock starts when you have the right blade for you.

After 30 days, change one and only one variable and work for another week then change another after another week. At that point you should be able to make better decisions because your technique is now in place and you will begin to have a sense as to what new equipment to go for next.

This will help you to avoid buying too much gear and stuff too soon without having the technique down to enjoy it all.

[craig94yj]

Which blade did you use today Craig? Although blades are a variable that is different for us all, I think most would agree that a very sharp and smooth blade makes a world of difference in our shaves.

I am participating in a blind blade test at the moment, so for another two weeks or so I have no idea what blade I am using, but I can tell when they are not as sharp or as smooth that I like.

The blades that always work for me in any razor are: SuperMax Super Platinums, Gillette 7 O'Clock Blacks, Gillette 7 O'Clock Yellows, Polsilvers, and Feathers.

I would however recommend not changing too many variables during your first month. Work on technique, lather building, and the basics. Purchase a razor sampler or order a few 5 packs of various blades.

Good luck in your shaving journey.

Daniel, right now I am using Wilkinson Swords because they were only a $1.78 for ten at my local Wal-Mart. The Razor I got in the pics came with some blades called " Wonder Blades" made in NY. I don't know how old they are. They are still wrapped in paper, but I guess I just didn't trust where they have been. I bought the razor on ebay. You are welcome to them for your testing if you like. One was unwrapped and four were.

[Azarius]

Right now I am using Wilkinson Swords because they were only a $1.78 for ten at my local Wal-Mart.

Only speaking from my own personally experience, I never had great success with the Wilkinsons. Sally's, Walgreens, and CVS all sell private labelled Personnas, although Sally's has the lowest price. Even those just collect dust in my drawer, they are for emergency use only.

I think once you start trying new blades you will see a huge difference in how each of your razors perform.

[craig94yj]

Craig, as one head shaver to another, I will give you the most useful advice I was given when I started down the road of traditional shaving, it worked for me and it has worked for others who have taken the advice.

THE 30 DAY RULE. Find a razor, then a blade that will not cause issues with your face or performs the best (that may take a few different blades in a sampler pack to find a suitable choice or it maybe the first out of the gate) and select a soap or cream that is easy to generate good lather. Once you find those, and it may take a couple of weeks to find this combination, order a quantity of that blade enough for 30 days, and then spend 30 days using nothing else until you build up your technique. The 30 day clock starts when you have the right blade for you.

After 30 days, change one and only one variable and work for another week then change another after another week. At that point you should be able to make better decisions because your technique is now in place and you will begin to have a sense as to what new equipment to go for next.

This will help you to avoid buying too much gear and stuff too soon without having the technique down to enjoy it all.

GD, I have only used the Wilkinson Swords. I liked the way they performed in the Black Beauty. I think they are an all around good blade for that razor. I do nothing for prep accept a hot towel and hot water splash. The soap was a random rookie choice and I bought online some Crabtree & Evelyn Sandalwood. I think it lathers just fine and it leaves my skin feeling awesome. I do not use an aftershave with this soap either. If I felt a need I would. I have some CVS brand aftershave balm, but I just haven't bothered. I actually had a better shave on my head than I did on my face. Under my chin in the middle, behind the goatee and on the left side on my cheek were the two tug spots. It was significant enough to stop the razor in mid stroke. From what I have learned , I summarized a heavier razor or sharper blade would do the trick. I want to keep the razor original so a different handle is out. Don't get me wrong. the shave result was absolutely amazing. Best head shave I have ever had. I'm not giving up on it. just looking for the most logical solution to a very minor problem. Thoughts?

[alex2363]

well i just had my third round with my new SE toy, then its back to some fatip love to get back to my botoc roots, as much as i love my SE's i miss my OC's and the way i feel after my OLD type

James, you can't go to long without using the OCs. They are a bit addictive.

Yes it can be addictive

[alex2363]

OK. Sent e-mails to both Muhle and West Coast Shaving (place of purchase) regarding my defective R41 (same as BigBull's problem). I feel a bit cheated because I have been judging a defective R41, with an extra harsh shave due to a misaligned blade. I am hoping that the razor can be returned without hassles--even though it is used--...after all, a defective product should not remain in the hands of a consumer simply because it's used.

They should be prompt with your request, let them know that are a B&B member, that would really make them aware that you will be posting about your bad experience as any event evolves. They dont want bad publicity I'm sure.

[gwav64]

First shave with my new FaTip today. Smooth. I like it...DFS in 2 passes with my beloved Arko shaving soap stick, my Semogue 830, and an Astra SP blade.

[alex2363]

Shaved for the second time with the Barbasol Floating Head man im really enjoying this razor!! Everything about it is just right weight,handle,aggressiveness. I polished it with some Maas quite a few times cant get the scratches out mayby it just needs replated?
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One of my favs too. I have it in my line up

[warhawk]

Yes it can be addictive

Alex... That is some funny _____. I love Dave Chappelle.

WARHAWK

[alex2363]

For Ken, Alex and April as promised. I received my "New" in the mail today and these are the pics of my first open comb shave.Attachment 262223Attachment 262224Attachment 262225Attachment 262226

Now thats what i call a shave

[warhawk]

First shave with my new FaTip today. Smooth. I like it...DFS in 2 passes with my beloved Arko shaving soap stick, my Semogue 830, and an Astra SP blade.

Hi gwav64: The FaTip is my favorite OC and the Astra SP is my go to blade. Glad that your 1st test drive was all good.

WARHAWK

[alex2363]

Well Ladies and Gentlemen of the BOTOC,

I have only been DE shaving for 3 weeks so I don't have story after story of my wealth of experience. What I can tell you is I have been using a 1970 Gillette TTO Black Beauty Slim for those three weeks and my technique has improved greatly. I judge that solely on lack of skin irritation and weepers (and a few bleeders) . Today I received my Gillette New circa 1930. I sanitized it and shaved with it. It is much lighter than the slim, but I adjusted well. I think a little more weight would have been perfect. The shave was incredible! I can honestly say "it was the best shave I have ever had." Only two little weepers and one was a re-opening from yesterday. I look forward to shopping for a new shiny one and as always your favorite recommendations are welcome. At least now I feel like a real member of the BOTOC now. Thanks for the early admission Ken.

Congrats on the fine experience...I would get a Fatip next

[mikeschu]

Hi folks. I'm just saying hello since it's been a while, but things have been going along smoothly. The Sheraton is a great shaver and everything is going well. It's like I'm coaching a hockey game where it's a matter of just rolling through the line changes.

I've got the Single Ring and a Tuckaway to try out at some point. Otherwise there's nothing to report.

[Triad]

Understood Triad, but I would like to keep the old girl original. I want to by a shiny new one for my birthday present to me. All kinds of options to choose from. Looking for you guy's favorites for recommendation.

My vote is fatip unless you wanna splurge on the Joris (it is your birthday!!)

[Triad]

Hi folks. I'm just saying hello since it's been a while, but things have been going along smoothly. The Sheraton is a great shaver and everything is going well. It's like I'm coaching a hockey game where it's a matter of just rolling through the line changes.

I've got the Single Ring and a Tuckaway to try out at some point. Otherwise there's nothing to report.

Mike send some of that 72 degree San Deigo weather this way!!! 105 today here

[celestino]

Hey Craig: Welcome to the BOTOC from another head shaver. Those pics are awesome. Looks like you are having fun and that is one thing I love about this hobby.

WARHAWK

+1 Great photos, Craig, and good luck with the OCs.

[craig94yj]

+1 Great photos, Craig, and good luck with the OCs.

Thank you Celestino.

[craig94yj]

My vote is fatip unless you wanna splurge on the Joris (it is your birthday!!)

That Joris is sleek looking. How is the grip when it's wet?