Exceptionally superb shave
I agree that “exceptionally superb” is an odd locution, but when so many shaves are superb, I am driven to denote degree of superbness.
First, the prep was terrific and quite enjoyable. The Mennen shave stick was somewhat hard—a long time since I used it—but the Wee Scot went to work and soon I had plentiful lather, and a great lather at that: high lubricity, thick, dense, and quite wonderful to work with using the Wee Scot, rapidly becoming a favorite brush. (If you travel, why don’t you have one?)
The the Edwin Jagger DE87 with a Feather blade, a combination that is really terrific. I think I like this set-up more than the Feather premium stainless with the same brand of blade, but I’ll try the other to see. But this new EJ head with a Feather blade is going to be hard to beat. Plus it’s a good-looking razor.
Three very smooth passes left a very smooth face, to which I applied a splash of Klar Seifen. And now I am getting the apartment ready for the cleaning ladies.
I’m glad that you like the E/J head. I like it with a Lord Chrome blade, but I’ll have to try a Feather. Does this mean that it beats out the Merkur HD for your beginner recommendation?
Ryan
27 July 2011 at 9:48 am
Oh, yeah. In the 4th edition, I switched from the Merkur HD to the EJ DE8x series as the recommended razor, and also changed the recommended brush to be the Omega 643167 artificial badger. Those recommendations will remain in the 5th edition, though I’ll certainly mention the Wee Scot as a good alternative (though more expensive).
LeisureGuy
27 July 2011 at 9:51 am
Shaved with the same EJ razor this morning. Excellent. EJ aloe shaving cream equally good.
I found that alt insbruck pre/post emulsion helped. Before this I did a not nice scrub with dovo-alomond and smothered my face with a hot towel. Brush was vie-long boar.
Still…. I wish you would give us a video of yourself in the actual shave process- so that we could see these 3 passes at work with explanation. I have tried all angles 30 to less 30 to more to find what I need but still cant truly figure BBS without some irritation or issues. You seem to have this down no matter your tools and soap.
It could be my skin, I am also facing pockets of skin that hair is gone and then grows back after a time.
They only way I seem to get a shave with zero irritation or hair-pulling/skin wiping is a 1 pass shave in growth direction. But obviously this is not satisfying enough for my desired smoothness.
If you have any thoughts- they are much appreciated.
thanks!
tipswell
27 July 2011 at 10:55 am
Interesting idea to video a shave. I’ll see if I can do that. Acoustics would be pretty bad, I fear, but still…
I’ll try the Alt Innsbruck pre/post. Thanks for the tip. I was happy to order from QEDusa.com since I also wanted a new Mocha-Java shave stick.
The key to is keep the bathroom quiet, so you get the auditory feedback. Try placing the top of the head of the razor against your cheek, handle parallel to the floor, then tilt the end of the handle down as your drag the razor down your face. The instant the blade engages the stubble is the right angle at the point on your face. With some experimentation and experience, you can replicate the angle in various positions.
I’ll take seriously the video recommendation and see what I can do. I’m not much of a video guy, though…
LeisureGuy
27 July 2011 at 11:29 am
Thanks. It would be great. And it sounds like I may be getting there but am still searching for a consistent finish and feel which is a bit elusive for me. Will stay with it.
tipswell
27 July 2011 at 1:45 pm
Yes! A video! For those of us longtime fans of this blog this is long overdue!
Gogo
28 July 2011 at 6:40 am