Since discovering shaving forums, I’ve learned so much. I honestly used to shave in the shower with a Sally’s and grocery blades.

What have you discovered as a result of the social aspect of a need to shave? 

Happy weekend all!

Coming soon is a new Lab puppy (Hazel). The one I got in July died and the breeder is giving me this one. I took the daughter and grand daughter to help with the decision.

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Today will be my tenth shave on my first Gem SS PFTE Blade (thanks Dave). I've not yet noticed any degradation in effectiveness. I know that there are many variables, but on average how many shaves do you expect to get out of one SS blade? And if you are a carbon blade user, how many for you?

I had never seen the Feather self stropping razors before. I knew they existed and that is why they still make the blades we can buy today. I came across these on ebay in Japan. The prices are outrageous! Everything in this sellers shop is very expensive, maybe it's a Japan thing, but it's interesting to see the pictures.

   
   

And another one

   
   

Clearly Autostrop copies but if the 1950s date is right Valet Autostrop had already ceased production in 1946

The mailwoman just started October off on the right foot! 

When I first started researching SE razors, I ran across a few posts talking about a Gem travel razor they referred to as a "squat head". The conversations intrigued me and I've been on the look out ever since. Got this off Ebay for under $17 including shipping/tax. The razor looks to have little use and near pristine plating. The spring is so tight and/or because of the squat head, it has to be held open. I like the design of the case and the design/raised GEM lettering on the case. I'm guessing it is brass and when I clean up the razor in soapy water, I'll do the case as well. Really a tiny, cute razor! HERE is a link to one of the conversations about the squat head Gem, which included our friend TobyC.

This might seem to some as "much to do about nothing" , but recently I have started squeezing the lather out of the brush and putting it back into the container. As expensive as some soaps can be, I figure this is an easy and practical routine. Thoughts? 

Here is my line up for tomorrow's OCtober shave.

Friday's Shave 


Cold Water Rinse
Palmolive Shave Cream
Jayaruh #414 Silvertip Badger
GEM OC Damaskeene
Personna GEM SS PTFE
CWR
Lustray Spice After Shave

The Palmolive Shave Cream lathered well with Jayaruh #414 Silvertip Badger. Two passes and touch ups with the GEM OC Damaskeene with a Personna GEM SS PTFE gave me a close, comfortable shave. After a cold water rinse I finished off with Lustray Spice After Shave. I am clean, smooth, and refreshed...

   
Razor: DeHaven Model 3
Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
Brush: Simpson Commodore X2 Best Badger
Pre-Shave: Proraso White
Lather: Fine American Blend
Aftershave: Mennen Skin Bracer
Additional Care:
  Thayers Facial Tonic Witch Hazel Unscented
  Imperial Leather Talcum Powder


These were apparently designed to reuse the one blade included with the razor again and again.  Honing paste was applied to the blade and you shook the razor to hone one side of the edge at a time.   There were several models, but mine is the model 3.  I removed the original blade and inserted a half DE in its place.  Some use an injector, but the jaws of the blade holder would need to be widened and I choose not to risk that.
   

For me, quality carbon SE blades have been getting harder to find over the past 5 years so when I can find them I usually order a year's supply. The last time I found some I was only able to get about a 6 month supply which I wrapped up quite a while ago. I have been using Pellas ever since but am now running out of those. I could obtain more Pellas but I would prefer carbon. I'm not having any luck finding any. Has anyone seen any?
Thanks,
Alan

Twelvefret or anyone else if you click the new reply button you get the screen pictured below. If you click the little film icon were the red arrow is pointing it let's you enter the URL from YouTube or several other sites. First pick the site from the list then enter the link below.
I had to ask for help with this one too.