Shave of the Week Society (SWS)

[Goblin]

Well that soap went quicker than I expected! Ha!

My set up for next week

Razor:	Ikon Tek
Blade:	Comet Super Stainless
Soap:	Mark’s (BigAlVista) Batch IV
Brush:	Abe’s Brush Works Big Oak G5C

I might be missing it Guido, but aren't you still doing daily doubles? Or are you keeping one razor consistent and switching up the other one? That's quite a good way of handling it...a bit of variation but without analysis paralysis!

I fell off the SotW wagon immediately last week and ended up using a different razor for than the one I had planned. This week I am going to stick with it.

Razor: Karve CB OC-B
Blade Bonanza: Nacet
Brush: Generic Yaqi 26mm Synth
Soap: Bignoli Pine Needle
Splash: Forest Freeze
Shavette of the Week (if I get around to it): Feather DX

 

[Guido75]

I might be missing it Guido, but aren't you still doing daily doubles? Or are you keeping one razor consistent and switching up the other one? That's quite a good way of handling it...a bit of variation but without analysis paralysis!

That’s exactly it Jim! I settled on using one consistently and swap the others (although that’s actually a smaller rotation in itself). That way I give my less used razors some more airtime while enjoying the big guns as well. Takes away some of that analysis paralysis for sure. Not all of it, but so far I have been pleased with the experience.

Cheers,

Guido

 

[Guido75]

Razor: Karve CB OC-B

Good of you to stick with it. You mentioned the B was perhaps a little mild and maybe using it for a week could help hone it in. I have the OC-C plate myself and while very effective I also find the increase in gap and the little if any bend the cap and baseplate produce to give me a harsher shave at times.

I find myself grabbing the Karve less that I thought i would at least.

 

[Goblin]

Good of you to stick with it. You mentioned the B was perhaps a little mild and maybe using it for a week could help hone it in. I have the OC-C plate myself and while very effective I also find the increase in gap and the little if any bend the cap and baseplate produce to give me a harsher shave at times.

I find myself grabbing the Karve less that I thought i would at least.

That'e exactly it - The B is a bit mild, but the C might be overkill as the exposure jump is quite significant. This week I will really focus on what the B can do with a sharp blade (Nacet) and that should help me decide whether the C is really needed for me. I shan't be in a rush to acquire it because I want to stick with GRUYERE for a few months longer, but given my current physical situation I won't wait until 2026 either if I decide I do want it - got to have some pleasures in life however small.

Based on what you say about the harshness of the C, it could be that the B actually is the better of the two options for me. The C might deliver a BBS but it probably wouldn't work for me as a daily shaver, which the B plate does. You can't have it both ways it seems. There really should be something in between those two with a +0.04 or +0.05 exposure. It's weird there isn't.

 

[Guido75]

There really should be something in between those two with a +0.04 or +0.05 exposure. It's weird there isn't.

It might. Might also have something to do with the geometry. My Greencult 1 is .95mm in gap with .25mm exposure and provides a smoother shave than the Karve does.

I need to do a full week with the Karve perhaps next week so I can provide you with additional insights. And help myself understand the razor better in the process.

 

[Guido75]

I shan't be in a rush to acquire it because I want to stick with GRUYERE for a few months longer,

Your exception is a razor right?! Or have you exercised your exception already? Otherwise getting the C plate would still keep you in.

 

[28Notch]

WHO'S NEXT SHAVE

Three Days Whiskers

MUSIC: Who's Next by The Who, 1971

- Eternal.

PRE-SHAVE:

- Hot Shower

- Proraso Pre-Shave Cream Cypress and Vetyver (IT)

BOWL: Costa Nova Fine Stoneware (PT)

SOAP: Musgo Real Spiced Citrus (PT)

BRUSH: Wald Nimbus A1 (D) -

The most artificial feeling transmitted to me was during the bowl lathering. The contact of the knot with the ceramic feels strange.
The Nimbus is a real lather machine.
The contact with the skin is divine. The splaying and the backbone is also top notch.

SR: Wolfman WR2 1.65 OC/WRH2 (CND)

- We are in blade feel territory here. But not wild. Light pressure with the Wizamet inside and it was fairly smooth and unbelievably efficient.

BLADE: Wizamet Iridium Super Extra Stainless (RU) (3) -

Extraordinary match with the Wolfman.

POST-SHAVE:

- 444 Alum-Block (PT)

- Pitralon (D)

- La Toja After-Shave Balm (SP)

THE SHAVE:

Everything was perfect. The weather, the music, the gear. 20 minutes of relaxation to start celebrating this sunday.
I could have stayed with round one. I went for two others just for the ball.

If there's a 10/10 this is it.

 

[28Notch]

CARNIVAL SHAVE

Two Days Whiskers

MUSIC: Script For A Jester's Tear by Marillion, 1983

PRE-SHAVE:

- Hot Shower

- Proraso Pre-Shave Cream Cypress and Vetyver (IT)

BOWL: SV Shaving Grail (IT)

SOAP: Truefitt & Hill Mayfair (GB)

BRUSH: Morris & Forndran Butterscotch Heritage II TH Blonde Badger 52 × 28 mm (GB) -

Almost gelled, but not gelled. Slightly pricky, spiced but not scritchy. With more backbone than a common Silvertip. That's Blond Hair. That's Lee Sabini.

SR: Rex Envoy (US) -

While being nice this razor never gave me a 10/10 Shave. Today was no exception. It gets very close and yet stays too far.

BLADE: Wizamet Iridium Super Extra Stainless (RU) (4)

- Another excellent performance.

POST-SHAVE:

- 444 Alum-Block (PT)

- Gillette Coolwave After Shave (D)

- Cosmia Men After-Shave Balm (FR)

THE SHAVE -

A 9.25/10.

I wish the Rex Envoy was a bit more efficient because I like the razor.
A razor that never completely vanquishes my neck's stubbles - independently from which blade loads it. And I can't go on in an endless blade-buffing over there without getting an irritation. So I stop much before that happens.
Better a Nine than an Eleven Ouch!

 

[poppi]

Be here all week.

 

[28Notch]

SULTRY SHAVE

Two Days Whiskers

MUSIC: Sweet and Sultry by Sarah Vaughan, 1957.

PRE-SHAVE:

- Hot Shower

- Proraso Pre-Shave Cream Cypress and Vetyver (IT)

SOAP: Nivea Men Shaving Cream (D) -

One of the best lathers coming out of a tube.

BRUSH: Simpson Commodore X3 Best Badger 24×46 mm (GB) -

I gave a break to my Shaving Bowls and lathered directly on my face. Great little brush. The Best Badger gives an excellent massage while being not too harsh.

SR: Eversharp Shick G1 (US) -

This is my second G1. The other one was produced in Canada.

BLADE: Parker SE Injector (INDIA)

POST-SHAVE:

- 444 Alum-Block (PT)

- Clarins After Shave Soothing Toner (FR)

- Floïd Aftershave Balm Citrus Spectre (IT)

THE SHAVE:

Two Pass Shave. 8.5 / 10

 

[28Notch]

MAKE DO WITH A SHAVE

One Day Whiskers

I Had to stay in a Hotel while attending a weekend's work.
Unexpectedly I've received an invitation for a semi-formal event so I decided to have a quick (sort of improvised) social shave. In my car I had some items. But somethings were missing...

PRE-SHAVE:

- Hot Water Splash on Face

BOWL: Some Coffe Mug from the hotel

SOAP: Labell Men Mousse à Raser (FR) -

I thought I had a spare Shaving Stick, but there was none. So I had to buy this Foam in a tiny local supermarket.
Anyway much better than an improper hand or body soap.

BRUSH: Vielong Vintage Maroon Horse Brush, 24 mm Knot (SP) -

This reddish horse brush from Spain lacks absolutely any kind of backbone. I've used it in a bowl with the foamy mousse and it sort of worked out.
Surprisingly with some swirling it made an almost acceptable lather.

SR: Merkur 15 C OC (D) -

This one is always in my car. Small, efficient, all-purpose Semper Fidelis Razor.

BLADE: KCG (RU) (1) -

I keep a package of these excellent blades in the car.

POST-SHAVE:

- Gillette Coolwave After Shave Splash (IT)

- Castelbel Body Lotion (PT):

As I had anything but the Coolwave with me and as I like to hydrate my face every time after shaving I improvised and used this body lotion from my hotel's bathroom. It did just fine.

THE SHAVE:

A quick shave and off I went to the meeting. The result was a 8/10 I presume.

 

[Tathlum]

My gear for the week
Razor- TGS Syntesi
Blade- Personna X Series
Soap- RR Blue Barbershop
Brush- Simpson KH4 Best

 

[Rusty Blade]

Here is my kit for the coming week starting tomorrow Sunday:
Razor: Gillette Slim
Blade: Personna Platinum
Brush: Omega boar
Cream: Palmolive
Post: Assorted
Taking a step back in time this week! Hope everyone is well as the whole world seems a little crazier than usual. I suggest everyone turn off the news and go for a walk in nature or give your kids a hug or both!

 

[bjm]

My setup for next week
Timeless Ti95 SCL
Dorco Prime Platinum
Pré de Provence Nº 63
RV Shaving w/ Elite Razor 26mm Manchurian White



Have a good day and a better tomorrow

 

[Guido75]

Started my next rotation this morning. I will be using the following setup throughout the week:

• Razorock Game Changer .84SB
• Abe's Brush Works Smokey Bandit (24mm Apshaveco SilkSmoke)
• Mark's Wonderful Fierce #1
• Gillette Nacet

Enjoy your shaves this week!

 

[Dodger59]

Week 2 of travels to visit with our siblings in FL. So, another week with the Mach 3 and Speick cream.

Grace and peace to all!

 

[28Notch]

ROONEY'S FINEST SHAVE

Two Days Whiskers

MUSIC: Louis Armstrong Collected by Louis Armstrong, 2018

PRE-SHAVE:

- Hot Shower

- Proraso Pre-Shave Cream Cypress and Vetyver (IT)

BOWL: Barbearia do Bairro (PT)

SOAP: SMN (IT)

BRUSH: Rooney Finest Badger 3/2 24×54 mm (GB) -

This is my first shave with this amazing brush. It has everything :
- Excellent flow through; good backbone; feeling almost gelled but not gelled, because it is tempered with a subtle scritchy sensation.

While I prefer higher diameter knots this one does the job more than perfect and the fan loft makes it ideal for face lathering too.
Now I fully realize why Finest is legendary.

SR: Executive Shaving Co. Outlaw SS SB Super Grip Handle (GB) -

This scottish razor has a moderate blade gap, but excellent head geometry responsible for its high efficiency and smoothness.
The grip is a must.

BLADE: Lord Super Stainless (Egypt) -

At the top seven of my favorite blades, together with the Nacet, KCG, Perma-Sharp, Personna, Wizamet and Kai.

POST-SHAVE:

- 444 Alum-Block (PT)

- Aqua Velva Splash (US)

- Avène After-Shave Balm (FR)

THE SHAVE:

Three Passes, yet two would perfectly suffice.
A 10/10 Shave unquestionably and the best result for this year.
This Outlaw SR has been one of the best at my tricky pass XTG on Neck. It makes a perfect blade-buffing there, smooth and efficient. That reflects the ultimate quality of a shave for me.

 

[Guido75]

SR: Executive Shaving Co. Outlaw SS SB Super Grip Handle (GB) -

Excellent choice! The Outlaw Classic is probably my favourite razor and likely my GOAT if pressed to choose.

 

[Goblin]

Well, this is me next week:

Razor: Gamechanger 0.68 OC. Only used it once since it arrived in December. Time to put some shaves on it.
Blade Bonanza: Permasharp RU, at least for the start of the week.
Soap: Signature Novus Spice
AS: Old Spice
Brush: Simpsons Berkeley 46. Let's see if a week of bowl lathering will soften up this spiky little guy.
Shavette of the Week: Still on the Feather DX as I didn't used it last week. It will stay in the bathroom until it gets a shave on it.

 

[28Notch]

Excellent choice! The Outlaw Classic is probably my favourite razor and likely my GOAT if pressed to choose.

It is a great razor indeed. Cheers!