Shaving notes of the MaineYooper

Awesome read Eric, hope you have a great day!

Ha, didn't realize that the brush blocked the Clog Pruf. (or is the razor photo bombing the brush!?)

I managed a couple of weeper type things, most likely me not being familiar with the razor.  The Clog-Pruf (Thanks again, Dave in KY ) was very intuitive for the proper position. The weepers were around the chin and a spot on my neck that is notorious for causing issues, and I think I went too steep (without meaning to, just habit from other razors). I think I got almost as close as the Sabre, but it didn't end up as good feeling. Well, almost as good feeling. Not at all bad feeling, but I remember feeling more "refreshed" after the Sabre shaves, whereas I only felt refreshed on my checks, and my neck and chin tingled. I also found shaving under the nose to be a challenge. I found online a copy of Clog Pruf instructions from back in the day, and it directs you to shave sideways (L to R) under the nose as opposed to down (N to S). That took some getting used to, but I managed to keep the razor head in the proper orientation and got a surprisingly irritation-free result, so that's a win!

I think tomorrow I will use the G-bar. I am very happy to get to try these razors. Thanks for reading!

Another fun read as you experiment

Another fun read as you experiment

Thanks, Dave. I watched your vid with the 3D printed Lather Catcher. So you are able to use it under your nose. I may have to try with the GEMs. When I touched down with the Clog Pruf, it started to bite, so I pulled up and came in sideways. maybe it's just a matter of getting used to it! In any case, I am really liking these single edge shaves. Next week, I will most likely be exploring the stubby Yates handle and the Hybrid and H plates.

Hope your day off is fun!

Another fun read as you experiment

Thanks, Dave. I watched your vid with the 3D printed Lather Catcher. So you are able to use it under your nose. I may have to try with the GEMs. When I touched down with the Clog Pruf, it started to bite, so I pulled up and came in sideways. maybe it's just a matter of getting used to it!  In any case, I am really liking these single edge shaves. Next week, I will most likely be exploring the stubby Yates handle and the Hybrid and H plates. 

Hope your day off is fun!

Yes, it's just a matter of feeling as the blade makes contact with your skin and start your down stroke while you rotate it to the angle as you clear your nose.

Late shave today, using the G-bar loaned to me by Dave.  I like how the "toe" on the handle helps control the razor. I could get used to that!  I good shave, but my face seemed irritated by the razor. This is the fourth shave on this blade, so I don't think it was to blame. And the soap is one with a great reputation. New in the mail today is Clean, an unscented shave soap from Dragonsbeard Ethos brand. Wow what a lather!  And the post shave took care of the irritating feeling, and my face has that refreshed feeling I like!
Frank also kindly included a sample of Clean skin food splash, which I am about to go put on now!

Time for more experiments. This week will be Vector week. I want to try a blade that keeps getting reviewed as a way to tame an AC razor, the Kai Captain Mild Protouch MG, a guarded blade. When I first used a Vector, loaned to me by THAT Dave (Ken knows who!), I used the Prolines by Schick, as Dave recommended them. I had 2 packs of Protouch blades show up, and I put one in, and didn't like the result. But looking back at my notes, I have to admit it was probably me, it could have been poor lather, and I did not give the blade a fair shake. So. I will try again, with the Ethos Clean, and see what happens. I really love the Vector, but I want to see if I can use it daily. The chatter in other places is that the Protouch allow you to gain confidence with the Vector's unique features, and then you will most likely have better shaves with other blades in it. We will find out.

For now, that is the plan. Backup plan: back to Proline, as I know they work for me. Or take a day off from the Vector and use the Yates 921 with the Hybrid plate.

S-C-I-E-N-C-E

Like Drill Sgt. Hiles said to me back in ‘87 “Fail to plan. Plan to fail.”
Back up plans are good to.

Vector Shave with Kai Protouch MG, #1.

The Ethos Clean, along with the scuttle, provided a luxurious lather this morning.  I used my 26mm SynBad to spread the goodness, and then started the procedure. And at the beginning I did feel like I was going into a procedure, as I remember the rough feel from December when I tried the Protouch blades. But I think I have actually learned somethings about the Vector, from help from the guys in the Journal Club as well as using the razor. So I came in light, and more shallow.

What a rewarding shave!  It took only a few strokes, but by the end of pass 1, I was feeling more confident and the razor was not feeling harsh at all. It seemed to be just a smidge or two milder than when I do the same with the Schick Proline blade, but didn't seem to be on the edge of biting me! My end goal is to get experienced enough with the Vector to go back to those smooth Prolines and not feel like the training wheels were removed before I was ready. Recently I found myself only using the Vector if I had more than 24 hours growth and almost white-knuckled the shave. 

Here is an advert for the Protouch, stolen from the net:


Here is my quick snap shot from this morning:


Those "guards" or nibs look like sharp teeth. But keeping the razor a little shallow seemed to help. A Vector fan on B&B site loves Protouch, and advocates a steeper shave to lessen irritation. I may try that but right now I am so happy to have that RCS experience with my refreshed face feel that I bang on about. From the Vector!

Back when Dave lent me his, I think he had a bet with himself that I wouldn't like it, as I lean more towards mild razors. And he was almost right!  The Blackbird was too much for my face. The Vector, almost, but it gave such an amazingly close shave with almost (for me) no irritation that I found one on the BST and acquired it without over thinking it. 

Reality Check: This is one shave. I have the week to go, but I start hopeful. Honestly, I envisioned a rough feeling repeat experience, and didn't really expect to continue. So this is indeed a win for me!

Thanks for taking time that you will never get back to read my thoughts!