What I got in the post today!

Gran Hermano · 20-12-2011 1:37am

Looks like a 1940s ball end Tech, similar to one of these
http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Tech/1940s%20Gold%20Tech%20Presentation%20Set.jpg
or
http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Tech/1946%20(R1%20on%20blade)%20Contract%20Tech.JPG

CourierCollie · 20-12-2011 8:43am

hitemfrank wrote: »

Is there a letter and number under the head of the Tech?

No there is no letter or number on it at all. Looks exactly like the one in Gran Hermanos post. Though I think they made the same model for decades.

Gran Hermano wrote: »

Looks like a 1940s ball end Tech, similar to one of these
http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Tech/1940s%20Gold%20Tech%20Presentation%20Set.jpg
or
http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Tech/1946%20(R1%20on%20blade)%20Contract%20Tech.JPG

Gran Hermano · 20-12-2011 10:19am

Gillette only introduced the date codes in 1950, my Super Speed from the 1940s has no code whilst I have other Super Speeds from the 1950s and 60s with codes.
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/US_Gillette_Dating_Information

hitemfrank · 17-01-2012 5:02pm

Well this thread has been quiet for a while. Guess it's my duty to post something then.

Some aftershaves are running low so I decided to pick up a few.

TOBS Jermyn Street is an aftershave I've been wanting to pick up since it was released. Dr Harris Marlborough, I got a sample of some time last year so decided to get a bottle of it. The Blue Stratos was just something thrown in the cart to try out to see if I would like it.

Three samples came in the package too. ACCA Kappa 1869 and White Moss as well as Geo F Thrumper Ajaccio Violets. Out of the three the White Moss is the scent I prefer at the moment.

ladhrann · 18-01-2012 11:36am

As a matter of interest do you know of any online retailers of Santa Maria Novella? Can't find it anywhere, and I'm a fan of their 'Acqua di Cuba'.

hitemfrank · 18-01-2012 1:00pm

I did a search for it and this is the only site I can find it on http://www.lafcony.com/smn/index.php

They are an American site and I don't actually know if they ship outside the US.

Amalgam · 23-08-2012 4:37pm

A present, probably the closest I'll get to Plisson 'hardware'.. smells lovely. I didn't ask, obviously, about cost\price..

hitemfrank · 23-08-2012 6:46pm

Oooh nice!

That's probably about as close as I'd ever get too.

Amalgam · 09-10-2012 3:23pm

Very very nice. I used to pilfer my Dad's years and years ago, when he was working in the US.

Short acting scent, but leaves a nice spicy musk, close to the skin.

[Bay Rum scented smiley >

]

hitemfrank · 09-10-2012 6:25pm

I'm really not a fan of Bay Rum.

That bottle is pretty nice though.

beardybrewer · 10-10-2012 9:07am

Wow, that bottle is impressive. Pity that Bay Rums all seem to have short-lived scents. Have you tried Barbershop Bay Rum made with real rum? I wasn't sure if I should splash some on or drink it.

Genghiz Cohen · 10-10-2012 11:09am

newkie wrote: »

Wow, that bottle is impressive. Pity that Bay Rums all seem to have short-lived scents. Have you tried Barbershop Bay Rum made with real rum? I wasn't sure if I should splash some on or drink it.

Why not a "One for you, one for me" after shave routine.

Amalgam · 10-10-2012 4:18pm

newkie wrote: »

Wow, that bottle is impressive. Pity that Bay Rums all seem to have short-lived scents. Have you tried Barbershop Bay Rum made with real rum? I wasn't sure if I should splash some on or drink it.

I had 'real stuff' back in the 90s, a relative had been over to Trinidad\Tobago and purchased it in a.. plastic drinking bottle. Way too strong for my tastes. I think cloves and various other plant matter were involved.. (what looked like tree bark was in the bottle) very very spicy, after a quick splash, it felt like you'd shoved a couple of Trebor Strong Mints under your eyelids.

Amalgam · 16-12-2012 12:44am

Early Santa.

I've acquired something in quite possibly the strangest way, from cat show grooming --> to shaving.

A family member goes to cat shows, she socialises with cat show people, they show their cats.. some of them use the following product on the cats, to make their pelts shine. The relative was tipped off by the cat person, aware of my shaving 'habit' and had this ordered into a Chemist in South County Dublin, Dalkey.

The pricing is pretty much in line with other Foran Chemicals LTD. products, in the same 500ml bottle (Isopropyl Alcohol etc.), €12.50.

I have seen it mentioned on Badger & Blade, by an Irish member, no less. Someone out there is using: Ingredients: Methylated Spirit, Aqua, Bay oil, E155.. and is still alive to talk about it.

Not had a chance to even smell it yet. I'm just uneasy with the words, Methylated Spirit. I've lit BBQs with something similar.

hitemfrank · 16-12-2012 1:00am

Do you smoke by chance? I'm just really concerned about your safety after putting on that as aftershave

Well, if it all goes wrong at least you have a bay rum scented fire starter.....

Amalgam · 16-12-2012 1:52am

Evaporates easily, which makes it dodgy to handle. I think I'll decant it into a smaller bottle.

OK, I've smelt it. [pained expression]

Off to store it beside the de-icer and white spirit, in the garage.

Oh well.

Raoul · 17-12-2012 3:52pm

Amalgam wrote: »

Evaporates easily, which makes it dodgy to handle. I think I'll decant it into a smaller bottle.

OK, I've smelt it. [pained expression]

Off to store it beside the de-icer and white spirit, in the garage.

Oh well.

That looks ridiculous

Frank, I will post up my whipped dog on Thursday or Friday, so you aren't the only one posting in here.

hitemfrank · 17-12-2012 4:07pm

Raoul wrote: »

That looks ridiculous

Frank, I will post up my whipped dog on Thursday or Friday, so you aren't the only one posting in here.

Thanks. It did seem to be all about me for a while

My offer still stands to rehone that straight for you when needed.

Raoul · 17-12-2012 4:09pm

hitemfrank wrote: »

Thanks. It did seem to be all about me for a while

My offer still stands to rehone that straight for you when needed.

Thanks very much!

As I said my gf is getting the whipped dog for me for xmas. I don't know if she has opened it or not, but I will wait until I am alone to open it. I would be a bit embarrassed for her if it doesn't look great. I did explain to her about how maybe next xmas if I still like straight shaving she could get me a better one.

Will post up soon!

hitemfrank · 17-12-2012 4:51pm

Expect to not look great. They really are basic but they are great to learn with. But you never know, you might get a half decent one.

You should also explain to the other half that you know it wont be the prettiest of razors, just so she doesn't feel bad if you are a little underwhelmed at the razor. That's if you haven't done so already.

Well, if/when you need it honed just send me a PM.

Raoul · 18-12-2012 6:41pm

hitemfrank wrote: »

Expect to not look great. They really are basic but they are great to learn with. But you never know, you might get a half decent one.

You should also explain to the other half that you know it wont be the prettiest of razors, just so she doesn't feel bad if you are a little underwhelmed at the razor. That's if you haven't done so already.

Well, if/when you need it honed just send me a PM.

Yep, have all this explained already. ha. She got the strop from shaving.ie though so hopefully that will look nice anyway.

Wiggles88 · 19-12-2012 1:44pm

Christmas came early in the wiggles household!

Going to try out the new razor now...hope I don't do any serious damage :P

hitemfrank · 19-12-2012 7:06pm

You jumped in at the deep end didn't ya?

Nice gear you picked up.

Wiggles88 · 19-12-2012 7:39pm

Ha yeah I had to stop myself getting carried away with some beautiful japanese style ones that were way out of my price range

Had my first shave with it today, it was great fun, although I may have been a bit hasty and gave myself a few nicks here and there...and a bit of a cut on the right side of my face

(I'm a lefty so the right was quite a challenge). Smaller and slower strokes are in order for the next shave :P

hitemfrank · 19-12-2012 7:55pm

Did you try using your right hand for the right hand side of your face?

Which style of Japanese razor? A kamisori?

That one is mine and it's awesome - and a rare size too which I found out a long time after buying it.

Raoul · 19-12-2012 8:00pm

Was going to ask the same thing about using the right hand for the right side of your face.

Wiggles88 · 19-12-2012 8:08pm

Yeah I switched hands so left for left side, right for the right. The right was very shaky to say the least :P but sure practice makes perfect! That is a beauty of a razor where did you find it?

The one I was looking at was the iwasaki razor. I just love the simplicity of the Japanese razors. Gorgeous.

hitemfrank · 19-12-2012 9:08pm

I was looking for a certain type of Japanese razor when that popped up for sale on a forum. After a couple of days I finally decided I'd get it instead of what I was looking for. The guy who sold it to me even refunded money to a guy in Italy to sell it to me instead (Italian customs can be a nightmare).

He messaged me a few months later and offered me a razor of the type I was originally looking for too. Twas an expensive few months to say the least but I love the Japanese style of razors so I'm still happy about it.

RE: what hand to use on each side of the face.
Some people find it easier to use the right hand for the right side and left for left. Some people can use one hand for both sides so just try out both methods and find out what's best for you.

Wiggles88 · 19-12-2012 10:24pm

Congrats on the great find. Down the road once I'm comfortable with the razor I'll probably get myself a nice kamisori to play with

Yeah with the hands I was planning on using both for a few shaves and then just the left for a few and see how they feel, but so far so good. One of the reasons I am trying both hands first is because the kamisoris are asymmetric and I've heard that they're designed to be used with the right hand only so it might be a bit of a waste to get one if I cant use my right hand.

hitemfrank · 19-12-2012 11:42pm

Traditionally the stamps on the kamisori are supposed to face away from the face when you are shaving. I've done it before and it's just awkward.

I don't bother using it that way. Use both hands and both sides of the kamisori and it's nice and simple.

Raoul · 22-12-2012 1:16am

So looks wise, it looks pretty good.

Had my first shave with it today though, it really didn't seem that sharp at all, pulled the hairs more than anything. I am hoping that this was my technique more than anything however, I felt as if not matter what I did I would never cut myself with the razor (not that I tried or anything). It said that the razor was shave ready and not to strop it before shaving so I didn't

So used a safety razor to get a close shave. Will try again soon.

Stropped the razor afterwards and there is like a little bit of the razor that is slightly flawed and when coming onto the strop there is a slight resistance, really hope it doesn't ruin my strop. Hopefully, after the razor is stropped my next shave will be a bit more satisfying.

EDIT - Fixed images, hopefully.

hitemfrank · 22-12-2012 12:24pm

Pictures be broken, Raoul.

If it's still not right after you strop it, send it to me in the New Year and I'll give it a look over.

Raoul · 22-12-2012 3:53pm

Think the pix are working now. Very generous offer and I am sure I will be taking you up on it if its still the same.

Thanks! Let me know if the pix work

hitemfrank · 22-12-2012 4:27pm

Yeah the pictures are fine now.

The bevel doesn't look the best from the pictures but that may be camera trickery.

The scales look like they may be horn judging by the last picture.

Amalgam · 27-12-2012 9:49pm

Raoul, nice bit of character to your straight.

hitemfrank · 28-12-2012 1:36am

Amalgam wrote: »

Raoul, nice bit of character to your straight.

I'm a fan of razors that have had a bit of a hard life and have developed some patina and war wounds.

It makes them more appealing to me than most brand new razors for some reason.

Raoul · 28-12-2012 3:37pm

Amalgam wrote: »

Raoul, nice bit of character to your straight.

Not sure if you mean that in a good or bad way. Will probably have my second shave with it today, so will see if it is just a good stropping it needs or what the story is. I am worried though by the little bit of a flaw in it that is sort of catching on the edge of my strop.

Shave 2. Thought my stropping was pretty good. Beard was pretty heavy, I tried the straight it was still pulling rather than shaving. So decided maybe my beard was too heavy so I shaved with the safety razor and a last pass with the straight, no idea how to evaluate it as there wasn't much to shave off cept under the chin and I ended up using the safety to get that. Stropped the razor then tried the hanging hair test, it just pushed it away and eventually cut one strand of the hair off, if that makes sense.

Amalgam · 29-12-2012 6:43pm

In a good way of course.

€1 or €1000, doesn't matter with a straight, what matters is the method and maintenance an owner of the straight puts into it. That's what'll shape the experience.

hitemfrank · 29-12-2012 7:25pm

Raoul wrote: »

Shave 2. Thought my stropping was pretty good. Beard was pretty heavy, I tried the straight it was still pulling rather than shaving. So decided maybe my beard was too heavy so I shaved with the safety razor and a last pass with the straight, no idea how to evaluate it as there wasn't much to shave off cept under the chin and I ended up using the safety to get that. Stropped the razor then tried the hanging hair test, it just pushed it away and eventually cut one strand of the hair off, if that makes sense.

With a straight razor you can't really have a beard that is too heavy to shave. See this video for a good example.

Also the hanging hair test is fairly useless for you unless you did it before you tried to shave with it or strop it. They will have an effect on the result of the test. I say it's useless in this instance as you don't have anything to compare it to.

Peronally I don't bother with the HHT. I've honed each of my razors a fair few times and don't think I've had a razor cut a hair when I tried that test. They feel fine when I shave with them though.

So, how was the stropping? Was there still something catching when you were stropping?

MadsL · 30-12-2012 6:10am

hitemfrank wrote: »

Peronally I don't bother with the HHT. I've honed each of my razors a fair few times and don't think I've had a razor cut a hair when I tried that test. They feel fine when I shave with them though.

Use a wet chest hair, or something 'lower'. I can never cut my head hair. I figure chest hair is a closer approximation. I am however a hairy bastard.

hitemfrank · 30-12-2012 2:56pm

Chest hair does give a better approximate. Gave it a try with my very near wedge that I honed a couple of weeks ago and it still cuts the chest hair pretty easily.

I'll try rememberr to give it a try next time I've just honed and stropped a razor.

Wiggles88 · 25-01-2013 5:30pm

Couldnt resist getting a second razor. This beauty came in the post today, looking forward to trying it out tomorrow

hitemfrank · 25-01-2013 9:29pm

Is that an Iwisaki kamisori?

Wiggles88 · 25-01-2013 9:39pm

It is indeed, its the 50mm blade one. It looks great and feels pretty good in the hand even though its a fair bit smaller than my western straight. Going to give it a test drive in the morning, cant wait :P

Gran Hermano · 27-01-2013 5:27pm

I recently picked up another new Weber DE.
http://www.weberrazor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Polished-Wave-1.jpg

Also whilst not exactly in the post, I picked up the following in Carrefour
La Toja shaving soap sticks @ € 1.64 each
La Toja shaving cream tube @ 1.72 each
Nivea shaving cream tube @ 2.25 each
Floid aftershave balm @ 5.64 each
Twenty euro went a long way!

hitemfrank · 28-01-2013 9:00am

Wiggles88 wrote: »

It is indeed, its the 50mm blade one. It looks great and feels pretty good in the hand even though its a fair bit smaller than my western straight. Going to give it a test drive in the morning, cant wait :P

So how did it go?

Wiggles88 · 28-01-2013 11:53am

It was great, a lot easier to use then I expected and the smaller blade size really helped maneuvering. The only real down side was it isnt quite shave ready. With a little touch up though I can see it becoming by far my favoured razor.

hitemfrank · 28-01-2013 12:03pm

I assume you've read up on sharpening them and know about using more strokes on one side of the kamisori.

Wiggles88 · 28-01-2013 12:21pm

Yeah I've been watching as many videos on youtube about it I could find and reading up on straightrazorplace too. Most seem to favour either a 7:1, 10:1 ratio or thereabouts it seems. The plan at the moment is to essentially try to copy one of the better videos I found albeit with as few strokes as I can get away with (the edge is pretty much there, I can shave with it but theres just a little bit of pulling and tugging going on)

will56 · 28-01-2013 1:16pm

Received Taylor of Bond street Lemon and Lime Shaving cream and the DE sampler pack to get me started.
Still using my boots razor till my technique improves, but looking forward to trying out the new blades.

How strong a scent should there be from the shaving cream ?
I mixed up a lovely lather but there was only a very very faint smell, hardly notice it.
Is it just the scent I picked, or would the others be similar ?

What I got in the post today!

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