Hi everyone,

I find that the first (and sometimes second) shave with a new Gem SE blade is always harsh for me. I expect it, so I plan accordingly (never use a new blade before an important event, and plan to not shave for at least 3 days afterwards). After the first or second shave, I can usually get around 20 more outstanding shaves from a blade before it starts to dull a little. I find this impressive, since I have a coarse beard. 

Anyways, I'm curious if there's any way to avoid this initial harshness, that won't affect the longevity of the blade. 

Thanks,
Joel

My name is Jason and I am from Vermont. I have been watching fuzzies videos and he told me to stop on over here. I’m 48 years old and new to this wet shaving adventure. I have a a couple of micromatics and a gem 1912. I started out with the 1912, then I got my first micromatic and I have been shaving everyday with it. Great shaves! I’m happy to be here and ask lots of questions. Thank you for the invite.

Here it is, folks. TOST3's favorite month, SEptember. I will be using only SE razors this month, and in fact, using 30 different SE razors. Here is tomorrow's lineup. Starting off with my OC Damasleene razor.


Tabac Tuesday's Shave


Tabac Shave Soap
Jayaruh #303
Gem Damaskeene OC
Personna GEM SS PTFE
Tabac ASB

Day 1 of SEptember. I plan to use a different SE razor each day of SEptember.

The Tabac Shave Soap face-lathered well with Jayaruh #303 Brush. Two passes and touch ups with the Gem Damaskeene OC razor with a Personna GEM SS PTFE blade gave me a close, comfortable shave. After a cold water rinse I finished off with Tabac ASB. I am clean, smooth, and refreshed...

I saw a box like this in my search on the Internet. It is an antique design that I have copied. I used an old rough sawn cedar board to make the pieces. The first day, I made the box part of the box. Today, I worked on the lid, splitting it, hinging it, making and attaching the feet, and making and attaching the mirror. I still have to outfit it, but I intend to do an outside shave with it soon.

Mine is La Toja  What`s yours and why?

You folks in the path oh the storm watch out. Move along if need be. I will be working the storm team at the plant. We are only expecting rain and a touch of wind. O

So thanks to a shave buddy I got to try out the Challenger razor from India. It does have that unmentionable plastic garbage look to it. After using it though I feel ok with it. The design  is not meant to be a game changer I think. It is simple and cheap. I used a half Derby and really got a nice shave. I Used my same routine and technique. If you like different and new fangled stuff give this one a try. It will not be replacing any of my vintage razors lol. 

Attached Files

Thumbnail(s)
   

This photo shows Babe Ruth swinging away at the Polo Grounds. Check out the ad on the right field wall!

   

I am making plans for SEptember. I have some decisions to make. I pulled out about 70 SE razors: lather catchers, Damaskeenes, 1912s, EverReadys, Schicks, Gem MMs, The Bunny, TNNSERs, AutoStrops, and more. There are only 30 days in SEptember, so some razors will not be making the cut. I will also be avoiding all unmentionables during SEptember.

I took this picture of the first 39 I pulled out. I had not gotten to the lather catchers or AutoStrops.