Fluffy’s Curmudgeon Corner

Thursday’s Shave 


Henckels 415 5/8ths
SV Badger 
Scheermonnik Soap
Master Barber Bay Rum AS

Friday Shave

 
Gold Dollar 1996
B&M Hallows
Omega Boar 
Old Spice AS

Very nice shave with the 1996. This being the second shave since touching it up. I would like to see how long it retains a good shaving edge. (Last time it lasted 5 shaves)
The other GD 66 has proven to be a good piece of kit. 
Hope you guys had a good week. 
Fluffy

Hey Ken, for some reason, you've been on my mind yesterday and today (in a non-eros, manly way!). Maybe because I enjoy your unique outlook on your work and contact with The Public, and probably because you are most likely DFS' straight razor guru. (let's all say ooommmm and contemplate or navels)

On another forum, a friend posted a picture of the SRs he plans to use over the coming week. I commented something banal like, wow, nice display and added I am intrigued but too chicken to try one. Here is his reply, "Once you try one it is easy to get hooked. The learning curve is short. Start with a razor that is professionally honed so you know what a sharp blade should feel like. Start on cheeks and gradually spread out to the rest of your beard. I can recommend Razor Emporium. They have Gold Dollar SRs for I think $50. They put new scales on them and hone them properly. Get a board strop and you are good for 6 months or more before it will need a touch up. No need to buy honing stones unless you want to get into it seriously. It is great fun and very cool."

You and I talked/posted once about using straights. What do you think of his take, not that I doubt it works for him? And I don't plan on rushing over to Razor Emporium. I sunk a bit into a razor and a bunch of knots and handles, so I need to cool it as far as spending. 

I think I have heard that once you master it, you can get some seriously comfortable shaves. Having rosacea, comfortable is king. I spent almost 3 weeks with the Vector exclusively, and think my face was starting to rebel against anymore, so I am using the mildest plate in the Sabre. But the point is, what is your opinion regarding straights and comfort? To me, it seems like they don't go, yet you and others prefer them, so it can't just be masochism, can it?!

Thanks for any time you spend on this, and hope your weekend is good. Here, we are polishing up the final salvo in the fight with the Insurance Company richards. I put our chances at 95% success with overturning the denial of coverage.  Back to polishing!

Well Eric. I would agree with your friend that straights can be a rabbit hole. DE's and SE's can be as well. Whichever you wind up using comfort can be achieved. For me straights are more enjoyable. As the maintenance and sharpening aspect of them I actually find enjoyable. 
When I do go back and use my trusty Fatboy and Schick Injector. They almost feel like cheating.  No stropping/honing, and the ease of use is undeniable. 
My experience was very similar to your friends. Starting on the cheeks is the most advised route most people that mentor "rookies" suggest. Then adding other parts of your face as you feel comfortable. Early on I decided that switching hands was not going to work for me. That then requires creative ways to hold the razor and easily move it in the desired direction. It took me about 2-3 months to get to what has become my two pass system. I go in the same order every time and muscle memory helps everything go quick and smooth. 
A combination of being stubborn and patient. Helped me. Also reading and watching videos on the forums were a big help. I was also learning how to hone and strop at the same time. Which most people don't advise. See previous statement pertaining to being stubborn. 
If you want to give them a go. I could send you a couple razors to try it out. The risk would be pretty low. As you already have the proper safety attire to attempt using such a hazardous type of shaving routine.  Hope you are having a good weekend Eric. 
Fluffy

That was exactly what I needed to read, thanks Ken. I think this fall I will take you up on your generous offer to try some of yours. The Patented Shogun Edge may just be what I need to remove unwanted facial blemishes! I am going to copy this and put it in my personal shave log, for future reference. Again, Thank You!

Sunday’s shave 

Henckels Razor
Yaqui Badger 
SV Opuntia 
4711

Sunday’s shave 

Henckels Razor
Yaqui Badger 
SV Opuntia 
4711

Isn’t 4711 great? I wish the scent lasted longer, but it’s still one of my favorite splashes!

It is a nice bright scent. Though fleeting. You should check out Tabac Man it is in the same ballpark with a little more staying power at the AS level.

Tabac Tuesday 


Gold Dollar 1996
AP Cashmere Brush 
Tabac Soap and AS

Wednesday’s shave 


Chas. R Coates Chesapeake Razor
Fluffy Industries Copper Edition Brush 
CBL Cigar Shop Injun
Pitralon Classic

Nice and easy shave. Solid performers, giving above average results. The Fluffy Industries Brush is starting to develop a patina. Haven't decided if I am going to just let it go or polish it and seal it to keep the "new penny" look. 
On a side note. Out of boredom and for no actual need. I have bought another hone to play with. It's a natural stone. That was all the rage a few years ago. And the price was right. So thats on the way. Stay tuned. Hump day is done. Time for bed kids.
Fluffy