Twist-To-Open Exploration

[eSteve]

Open Comb Exploration Preview

Ever-Ready 1912 Made in England



It’s my first GEM-type razor. I had been looking at this one on ebay. I liked it but it was a single razor. The price was good but tax and shipping make a single a bit pricey. I find that pairs or more of razors are better value. So I passed on this one.

During this time I was reading all I could about these razors and where to get blades. I found a 4 GEM lot on ebay and bought it. A few days later I ordered a 10-pack of blades from Connaught UK.

Unfortunately, after a good bunch of ebay purchases these last 3 1/2 months, the 4 GEM lot appears to have been a scam listing. I received no shipping notification. Seller was unresponsive. I sent a cancellation request. I wasn’t in a super-duper rush to get these razors but I have a schedule. I had to get back on track. Two weeks after the 4 GEM purchase I went back to the Ever-Ready 1912 and bought it.

My cancellation request on the 4 GEMs was declined by the seller. I reported non-delivery to ebay. I’m currently waiting after the non-delivery period to apply for a full refund, which I am optimistic I will receive.

The blades were shipping internationally from across the water and continent; the razor was domestic and only had to travel half as far. I didn’t have tracking on the blade delivery but I knew the razor was coming today. Although they were purchased 11 days apart, they found their way to my doorstep together. Magic!

The razor is shiney silver. It came in a not-too-rough gold foil box with papers and a tuck of vintage DE blades. The GEM blades came in a sturdy and functional dispenser.

 

[eSteve]

Adjustable Exploration Seven

V1 1975 Super Adjustable

Well, I had just seen a mention of “cumulative irritation” and it seems that I am experiencing some form of this. And then yesterday, here on B+B, I read about irritation from vigourous face lathering. Since I’ve started these razor explorations I have fully embraced face lathering and have mostly left bowl lathering behind. I’m going to go soft tonight, see what happens.

Adj. Ex. Shave Of The Day

Bowl: outlaw pottery

Lather: TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: The Jared badger

Razor: ’75 Super Adjustable (4, 3)

Blade: Rockwell (sh. 3)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

This is laughable. I have good skin; didn’t have acne or a ton of zits as a kid. I don’t get bumps or ingrown hairs. I don’t think I have sensitive skin, maybe soft skin? No face lathering tonight with the Super Adjustable. The all-over burn I’ve been experiencing intermittently with the Clubman was completely absent. Just a quick even buzz and done. My shave was comfortable.

Now I’m looking back at all the razor testing I’ve been doing and It’s been sort of compromised. It’s alright, I’ve learned tons. Maybe I don’t need to do much face lathering. My hairs aren’t too thick or dense. It’s good I’ve learned now. Keep calm, carry on.

 

[Eric_75]

I don’t get bumps or ingrown hairs.

Same here. Just an occasional weeper or two. Almost always on my chin since that is the one area I can get too happy with sometimes. I don't do ATG on my chin.

 

[eSteve]

Same here. Just an occasional weeper or two. Almost always on my chin since that is the one area I can get too happy with sometimes. I don't do ATG on my chin.

Yes same. I don't shave the moustache area after the first pass either. No benefit.

 

[eSteve]

Adjustable Exploration Eight

Merkur Futur 701C

There’s a story attached to this razor. Maybe I’ll tell sometime. It’s about how I got this razor and it’s connection to my use of the Schick Injector Type E. I’d like to tell it because I’ve seen many reports of guys being intimidated by the Futur and balking at it’s use or otherwise disregarding it; mostly because they’ve soiled their undies with it.

My next shave with it here is interesting because I’ve been experiencing some irritation; not with a razor but with face lathering. See, I have two boar brushes. I really like them; I’ve been sort of amazed at how soft they’ve become after a breaking-in period. So I’ve really embraced face-lathering, for a couple few reasons. Loading the brush from a hard soap and face-lathering seemed to be the traditional method and I also like the minimalist elegance of it. And maybe a macho thing for me, “I don’t need no stinking bowl”. And I’ve been relishing face-lathering but I’ve gotten carried away.

I didn’t realize that I’ve been scrubbing the crap out of my face with my brushes, broken in or not. The result was that even the better razors often felt edgey. This was confusing; was it the razor? the blade? the angle I was using? And sometimes, on otherwise smooth shaves without weepers or any apparent irritation, my face was on fire with the aftershave splash. I felt like a cartoon character looking to run out into the snow and plunge my face in it.

In light of this I have another shave with the bad-a Futur.

Adj. Ex. Shave Of The Day

Bowl: outlaw pottery

Lather: TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: Merkur Futur (2, 1.5)

Blade: Rockwell (sh. 3)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

Of course I went right back to my boar brush. And I did some face-lathering but not much; I don’t think my hairs need a ton of scrubbing to get a close shave. It’s nice to be over that little hump.

I’ve had eight, maybe ten shaves total with the Futur? All brilliant. Same again. I’ve only just started moving up from the lowest setting. And this shave was with a 3rd shave Rockwell blade, generally acknowledged to be a mediocre blade, at best. I haven’t explored it yet but I have an idea that using the Futur can extend the life of blades compared to more conventional DE razors.

Easy, comfortable, very close, zero irritation. The aftershave splash is telling; forget burn, there is zero sting. It’s absolutely amazing.

I hope that guys find their way to adjusting their technique and discover the joyous utility of this awesome tool.

 

[Darth Scandalous]

I usually do what I call a hybrid lather, start it in the bowl and work it on my face to whatever I feel like I can tolerate. Some days, and some brushes, I can do a complete face lather with but I can't really do it two days in a row.

 

[eSteve]

I usually do what I call a hybrid lather, start it in the bowl and work it on my face to whatever I feel like I can tolerate. Some days, and some brushes, I can do a complete face lather with but I can't really do it two days in a row.

Thanks Matt. I'm still looking at your stuff when I'm there.

 

[eSteve]

Adjustable Exploration Nine

Rockwell 6C

Well, I’ve come to the end of a whole bunch of DE razor deliberations. I’ve certainly gained some understanding of these implements. And I’ve improved my technique; still have a ways to go in that regard. My understanding of the razors is limited by that.

On one hand, I’m tired of them and want to chill for a while. On the other, I want to revisit some the best DEs and try and understand them better again. Sheesh, I still have as many older DE razors that I have to go over. But that’s some weeks or months down the road. We’ll see.

Adj. Ex. Shave Of The Day

Bowl: outlaw pottery

Lather: TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: Rockwell 6C (4, 4)

Blade: Rockwell (sh. 3)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

It’s a great razor. Smooth, safe, close, comfortable. I forgot to change the plate, worked great. Aftershave application was pretty cool. I need to shave with it more. I think I may prefer the Futur.

 

[eSteve]

Type E Exploration One Continued

Eversharp / Schick Type E3 Injector

I’m happy to be focussing on these Type E razors, and single-edge generally, for a while. I may also be accessing my favourite DE razors intermittently.

You may have read in my other posts that I had been struggling with irritation from excessive face lathering. I’m going rather lighter with the brush and soap and have returned to a sort of “hybrid” lathering method (thanks Matt) with the bowl. This is consistent with my non-interventionist approach of caring for my good human skin. Less is more in this case.

I have the idea that close, comfortable shaves basically have two parts: efficient cutting of hair, and minimal abrasion (or irritation) of skin. That’s it.

Type E Shave Of The Day

Lather: TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: Eversharp E3

Blade: Gillette Trac II twin (sh. 12, 13)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

First: This razor really is a marvel. Yes, I went light with the face-lathering. This also reminded me to use light pressure with the razor too, which most razors want anyway, especially this one. And I remembered to rinse the twin blades generously between strokes to maximize the comfort and awesome cutting potential. I was rewarded with a satisfyingly close and comfortable shave. The aftershave splash was the ideal brief, warm / cool swell. Twelve shaves in and I see no end.



Second: Thirteen shaves with the Trac II twin blade, I may be ready to let it go. It was a fine comfortable shave, easy application of aftershave splash. It felt just a tiny bit edgey a couple times and I have to stop and rinse it a lot in the densest areas. I even did two full passes this time.

I’m going to finish the Personna blade in the Alberta E2, you can see it creeping into the picture. Then decide if I’m finished with the twin in the E3. There are two Trac II blades left in the loader, I have no plan to return to them, for now. Funny, I was inspired to get a 7 O’Clock Trac II handle and blades, for another group of razor testing; it just arrived from India today.

 

[Guido75]

Next to Matt’s excellent advice you might also want to check if a synthetic brush works better for you. They are generally softer to the face for me at least compared to my boars which besides one may all still be on their break in period.

 

[eSteve]

Next to Matt’s excellent advice you might also want to check if a synthetic brush works better for you. They are generally softer to the face for me at least compared to my boars which besides one may all still be on their break in period.

Thanks Guido, I'll think about it. I have one synthietic brush but it's pretty basic. It's more pokey than the boars.

 

[eSteve]

Type E Exploration Two Continued

Schick Injector Type E 4th v. (Alberta E2)

Sorry, last photos of the previous E3 weren’t attached correctly. It was late when I added them.

Type E Shave Of The Day

Bowl: outlaw pottery

Lather: TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: Alberta E2

Blade: Personna (sh. 7, 8)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

First: Very nice. Another close and comfortable shave with the Alberta E2. I don’t know about smoother but it seemed closer at 7 shaves than the twin at 13. It was doing real well getting the tricky spots under my jawline. I even went ATG on the left side of my neck, I usually only do XTG there. It got a bit red and the Clubman had a bit more bite this time but it was fine after. And close.



Second: Yeah, it was a close one yesterday. So I was kinda workin’ it today and got even closer, more ATG on the plus pass than usual. The Clubman application was appropriately brighter. Close, comfortable: satisfied.

 

[eSteve]

Some serious cutting on the pruning ladder these days. The cedars around my place have got huge and are blocking the light. Dave again.

 

[eSteve]

Razor Exploration Diplomat

I’m changing things up a little with the E Types so I decided to take a moment and visit with perhaps my favourite fixed DE razor.

Razor Ex Shave Of YesterDay

Bowl: outlaw pottery

Lather: TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: ’55 Gillette Diplomat

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 3)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

I’ve found the Diplomat to be a smooth, solid shaver and was happy to be having another go. But I was seriously distracted, not in a good way, and rushed it a little; there were some chaotic strokes. But it was still rather smooth and close even. So I’m still a believer.

 

[Eric_75]

Razor Exploration Diplomat

I’m changing things up a little with the E Types so I decided to take a moment and visit with perhaps my favourite fixed DE razor.

Razor Ex Shave Of YesterDay

Bowl: outlaw pottery

Lather: TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: ’55 Gillette Diplomat

Blade: Astra SP (sh. 3)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

I’ve found the Diplomat to be a smooth, solid shaver and was happy to be having another go. But I was seriously distracted, not in a good way, and rushed it a little; there were some chaotic strokes. But it was still rather smooth and close even. So I’m still a believer.

View attachment 1920627

Have a blessed day ahead, Steve.

 

[eSteve]

Have a blessed day ahead, Steve.

Thanks. In these dark times, all my days are blessed with you here Eric, and Him.

 

[eSteve]

Type E Exploration Three

Eversharp / Schick Type E with Personna

Ok, I’m really diggin’ in to the E Type meat and potatoes here. I’m hesitant to even say what I’m doing because it’s convoluted bordering on meaningless. But fun! Ha ha.

It’s the Type E trio: Edgemont E3, Alberta E2 and Modified E2. They’re all loaded with Personna blades now and set for comparison in several aspects.

Type E Shave Of The Day

Bowl: outlaw pottery

Lather: TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: Edgemont E3

Blade: Personna (sh. 1)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

One big story is that although the Edgemont E3 is not modified in name, I did, in fact, give it the same treatment (see photo) as the Modified E2. Not an easy thing to do, the Edgemont E3 is my first and favourite Type E. But I had done one other intervention with it previously which was polishing out the seam on the plastic handle. The modification to the spring was quicker and lighter on the E3; I may have butchered the E2 just a little on my first try.



Ok. The other thing is the twin blade issue. The Edgemont E3 came loaded with a twin blade and 3 fresh in the magazine. It’s a Canadian Eversharp E3 so I know it’s 1946, maybe ’47. The twin blade technology appeared decades later; this E3 has seen a lot of use. Of course I can’t say how many twin blades have gone through it; it is three at least. It's likely been sitting loaded with that twin blade since the mid 70s or thereabout.

This has all just come to me in the last three months, I did as much reading as I could about twin blades and these early injector razors. They certainly were not designed for twin blade use; even single blades vary in dimension and twin blades are larger, sure. The online consensus was that using twin blades in the earlier models would permanently damage them. I could imagine this in theory and understand, but I was skeptical, mostly because I was actually holding the situation in my hands.

This shave was the test. In preparation, I had ideas of removing the twin blade and letting the brass rest, and retensioning the spring. No.

I can see how repeatedly ejecting twin blades over time, using the injector, might compromise the left blade stop. I’m set up for manual loading. I would be comfortable using twin blades continuously this way, with no concern for damaging the razor.

Anyway: the shave. It was great! First shave with the Personna blade was smooth and sharp. Eversharp E3 performed flawlessly, like all my E Types: very light pressure (read no irritation), together with awesome cutting power. Aftershave splash was a quick light sting and cool.

I regard the dire warnings of damage from twin blade use as wive’s tales.

 

[eSteve]

I'm having dinner and browsing B+B. A pair of young people pass on my walk to my door to interrupt with a cold call. Rather than be irate, I opened the door and my mind. There is an election coming and they were canvassing, two well-presenting amiable young people. I'm not opposed to their affiliation, although mine is elsewhere. But I was struck that these two, so young, had their feet on the ground and were doing something of value. It was heart-warming; there may be hope.

 

[eSteve]

Five days growth. Which razor?

I've never tried an open comb razor.

Futur
Old Type thick
MM Bullet-Tip
MM Clog-Pruf
New Long Comb. Short?

 

[eSteve]

Type E Exploration Three

Type E Shave Of The Day

Bowl: outlaw pottery

Lather: TOBS Mr. Taylor’s

Brush: Omega 05 boar

Razor: Modified E2

Blade: Personna (sh. 1)

Passes: WTG, plus

After: Clubman Classic

I was delayed. This shave was days ago. I can’t recall too much. A fine shave of course and like the E3. But there were small differences, in my memory. We'll see next time.

Anyway, I have to shave five days of growth. I’m going to try the Micromatic Clog-Pruf. My first GEM shave.