Shave of the Day 6/30

Day 8 of SE Tour

Dove Men's Face Wash

TOBS Lavender SC

Parker Pure Badger Brush

Schick E2 w/CVS SS blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

Today, the SE Tour is continued with the Schick E2. After a week of great shaves, this one stands out as the most aggressive. It was a very close shave with no cuts, nicks, or abrasions. However, the aftershave caused much stinging. I don't know if it is the blade or the razor, but I may retire this razor for a while. The Parker made loads of great lather after only 4 swirls of the TOBS SC. Tomorrow, the Schick E3 will come out.

Shave of the Day 6/29

Day 7 of the SE Tour.

Dove Men's Face Wash
Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream
Semogue 1305 Boar Brush
Gem Jr. "Parade" Razor
Gem/Personna SS Blade
CWR
Dickinson's Witch Hazel
Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

The Gem Jr. is the last of my Gem/Ever-Ready razors. This is shave number 4 for this blade. I took only three swirls with the TOBS today. I think I may have reached the lower limit for swirls. I was still able to whip up a great lather and enough for two passes and touch-ups. Although an excellent shave, it does not touch the shave I got yesterday with the Gem Pushbutton.  Tomorrow I will start finishing up the SE Tour with my Shicks.

Shave of the Day 6/28

Day 6 of the SE Tour.

Dove Men's Face Wash

Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream

Frank Shaving Finest Badger Brush

Gem Pushbutton Razor

Gem/Personna SS Blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

Today's SE razor was the Gem Pushbutton. The TOBS continues to astound me with its smoothness, richness, and ability to develop a great lather. I did four swirls today with my Frank Shaving brush.  Amazing lather for three passes and a touch up. The Pushbotton performed flawlessly. This is the best shave I have had ever I think. Third shave with this blade. I will be using it with my last Gem tomorrow, the Gem Jr. "Parade."  

Shave of the Day 6/27

Day 5 of the SE Tour.

Dove Men's Face Wash

Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream

Parker Pure Badger Brush

Every Ready 1912 Razor

Gem/Personna SS Blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

I swirled the TOBS five times with my Parker badger brush and made loads of lather, enough for three passes plus.  This cream is wonderful. It is so creamy and smooth and it rinses clean easily. Today's SE shave was done with my 1912 Every Ready (love the ornate handle). I read somewhere that the Every Ready and Gem were manufactured by the same company, but the Every Ready was marketed overseas. That does not change the fact that it is a great shaver as well. Very close shave with no nicks, cuts, abrasions, or weepers. Tomorrow, the Gem Pushbutton will be up to bat.

The Gems and The Schicks

These razors constitute my single edge collection. At the present, I am shaving through this collection.

 I have seven Gems. On the back row, Feather Weight, Gem 1912, Gem Jr. 1912, Gem Micromatic OC. Front row, Gem Jr. big handle, Gem Push Button, Every Ready 1912.

I have three Schicks. The front one is a Schick E2 from the late 1930s. The other two are E3s from the 1940s. I made the handle for the middle one, and my Dad made the handle for the back one. It was his razor originally. 

Shave of the Day 6/26

Day 4 of the SE Tour.

Dove Men's Face Wash

Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream

Frank Shaving Finest Badger Brush

Gem Micromatic OC Razor

Gem/Personna SS Blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

The razor of the day is the Gem Micromatic Open Comb, c. 1930.  I put a new blade in it and was reminded again why I am a LOSER (lover of single edge razor).  This razor does the job well.  I got a really smooth shave with just a couple of weepers on my chin. The OCMM is known to be an aggressive razor, but I like it. The combination of OC and a new blade made weepers more likely, so, I am not surprised. I probably could have avoided them if I had been satisfied with only two passes.

I am really liking this TOBS Lavender SC. I am going to be using it over the next few days as I complete the SE Tour. This cream is incredible. This is my second shave with it. I shook my brush of excess water and made seven light swirls in the cream and went to the bowl. The lather was generated easily. I added a few drops of water, and it increased in volume again. I had enough for three passes and some left over. The cream is so rich, smooth, and luxurious. 

Shave of the Day 6/25

Sixth day with the my new Semogue boar brush, third day of SE Series Tour.

Dove Men's Face Wash

Col. Conk's Lime Shaving Soap

Semogue Excelsior 1305 boar brush

Gem Jr. 1912 w/ Gem Personna blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

Today marks the end of the Semogue Excelsior 1305's Inaugural Soap Tour. Once again, the Semogue performed exceptionally with the CC lime soap. The brush is surprisingly soft with backbone. Tomorrow, it will become third in line of my brush rotation. The SE tour continues with the Gem Jr. 1912. Again, another exceptional shave with a razor with a 101 year old patent. Tomorrow, I will use the Gem MM open comb.

Shave of the Day 6/24

Fifth day with the my new Semogue boar brush, second day of SE Series Tour.

Dove Men's Face Wash

Van Der Hagen Luxury Shave Soap

Semogue Excelsior 1305 boar brush

Gem 1912 w/ Gem Personna blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

The Semogue continues to perform well with the Van Der Hagen Luxury Soap. Today's SE was the Gem 1912 with ornate handle. I love the looks of this razor, and it delivered an outstanding shave today. Tomorrow will end the Soap tour with the Semogue. The Semogue will go into rotation after that, and the SE series will continue using the TOBS for my cream. 

Creams and Soaps

Updated: June 26, 2014

Geo F. Trumper's - Exquisite shaving soap, shaving cream, skin food and cologne from the famed Geo. F. Trumper of London. West Coast Shaving is proud to be an official stockist of Geo F. Trumper, considered by many to be the finest in the world.

Taylor of Old Bond Street - Established in 1854, during the reign of Queen Victoria, Taylor of Old Bond Street offers a range of Luxury Shaving Products for the perfect shaving experience. Their famous Shaving Creams and Soaps to generate a rich lather.

Truefitt and Hill - Truefitt and Hill is the official shaving line of the English Royal Family. Their shaving cream features a fine blend of high quality ingredients and maintains the same time-tested formulas and methods since 1805. The shave creams are glycerin based which provide a super slick buffer between the razor and your skin.



Current Soaps and Creams

I just ordered Mitchell's Wool Fat Shaving Soap with money from Father's Day from Tim and Phil. I am looking forward to giving it a try.

Mitchell's Wool Fat Shaving Soap with Ceramic Dish

Mitchell's Wool Fat soaps were first produced in the early 1930's by Bradford chemist Fred Mitchell who realized that the natural lanolin content of wool fat, which kept the hands of local sheep shearers and wool sorters so exceptionally soft, could also be beneficial to delicate complexions and sensitive skins. Mitchell's Wool Fat Soaps are still made to Mr. Mitchell's original formula, based on a recipe from the turn of the century and incorporating lanolin from the wool fat as the key ingredient.  The soaps are a simple and natural product with a delicate scent and are very popular among avid wet shavers.

Cremo Shave Cream is a super-slick, nick-free, smooth-skin foam-less shave cream.

ASTONISHING BECAUSE:

• it dramatically reduces cuts, nicks, scrapes and razor irritation.
• it gives you the closest, most comfortable, longest lasting shave.
• it leaves your skin astonishingly soft and smooth.

This is Tabac Original Shaving Soap. It is a men's fragrance that possesses a blend of lavender, citrus, and warm florals. It is made in Germany. I got it in a PIF on The Shave Den, March 31.

This is C.O. Bigelow. I got it in a PIF off of The Shave Den on March 19, 2014. It is sold in Bath and Body Works and is made by Proraso.

This is Col. Conk Amber Shave Soap. I put it in a push-up deodorant container. I got the soap on December 30, but I won't be using it until January 4. I am looking forward to that shave. This original formula AMBER soap is a glycerin rich soap infused with avocado oil and Vitamin E.

Col. Ichabod Conk Bay Rum Glycerine Shave Soap.  Fresh and fragrant with a tropical aroma of bay leaves and Jamaican rum, this soap works wonderfully with a shaving brush just like the good old days. Perfect for the man who appreciates the finer things in life.

Col. Conk Lime Glycerine Shave Soap.  Fresh and fragrant with a lime aroma, this soap works wonderfully with a shaving brush just like the good old days. Perfect for the man who appreciates the finer things in life.

A century-old tradition, the Cella Crema da Barba all'olio di Mandorla (Almond oil shaving cream) is still made by hand with the purest natural ingredients and cured in special vats, using a technique that has been handed down for generations. With an amazingly crisp almond fragrance this TALLOW-based soft soap (somewhat like the consistency of putty) creates a fantastic lather in seconds. Wet the beard with warm water, apply the wet shaving brush to the soap, lather up in the bowl and apply to the face. Extremely mild and soothing. Considered by many the most exclusive and luxurious Italian shaving soap.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream. To the truly discerning gentleman, nothing surpasses the superior floral perfume of English Lavender, freshly picked at its peak from Norfolk Lavender, England's Lavender Farm, or the relaxing and soothing effect it imparts.

Van Der Hagen Deluxe Shave Soap is a hypoallergenic soap that contains moisturizers, including aloe vera and shea butter to help maintain the skin's natural moisture. With a luxurious feel, this soap soothes sensitive skin that is irritated from razor burn.

Van Der Hagen Luxury Shave Soap is hypo-allergenic and produced in small batches using their unique kettle process. Each shave soap contains over 10% Glycerin as well as emollient Shea, Mango & Cocoa Butter to help soften the beard and improve razor glide for a close, comfortable shave that leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.

Williams Mug Shaving Soap, for a lasting lather that does not dry on your face, but leaves skin soft and smooth. Williams is famous for its lather.

Proraso Green Shaving Soap. A glycerin based cream, enhanced with oils of coconut, eucalyptus and menthol, Proraso Shaving Cream Soap instantly provides an invigorating cooling sensation that both soothes and protects your skin and will really “wake you up” in the morning.

Kiss My Face Cool Mint moisture shave is a moisturizing formula with highly effective natural essential oils, extracts and vitamins for the best shave ever!

Retired soaps and creams

Proraso Sandalwood Shaving Cream (Traded for MMBT)

Musgo Real Shave Cream

Musgo Real was my first fancy shave cream. It had a very pleasant scent and did the job well. I used it all up and have moved on to less expensive soaps and creams afterwards.

For years before taking up wet shaving seriously, I used Edge shaving gel. It provided a quick lather that protected well in conjunction with multi-blade cartridges. I have left the canned goo/lathers behind.

Home-made labels

Shave of the Day 6/23

Fourth day with the my new Semogue boar brush, first day of SE Series Tour.

Col. Conk's Bay Rum Shaving Soap
Semogue 1305 boar brush
Gem Feather Weight w/ Gem Personna blade
CWR
Dickinson's Witch Hazel
Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

The brush is performing flawlessly. It has backbone, yet, it is soft to the face. It whipped up loads of lather with Col. Conk's. I have two more soaps with the Semogue before I put it into the rotation.  Today was the beginning of my series where I will use a different SE razor each day. Today featured the Gem Feather Weight. Very nice shave.

Shave of the Day 6/22

Dove Men's Face Wash

Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream

Semogue 1305 Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush

Lord L6 Premium Safety Razor

Lord Platinum SS Blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Penaud Clubman AS

First time to shave with the TOBS Lavender. Nice scent, thick creamy, slick lather. A quick favorite. Third shave with the Semogue boar brush. It lathers like a champ, and unlike some of my friends, it does not lose hair.

Taylor of Old Bond Street

Just received the Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream, the third item of my Fathers Day gift cards.  I am excited about giving it a try later this evening. It will be shave/soap number three for my new Semogue boar brush. Doing a different soap each day with the new brush. Then the plan is to do a tour of my single-edge razors.

Post shave note:  The cream lathered very easily and made a thick, slick, creamy lather. The scent is pleasant and not overpowering. A little bit goes a long way. This cream has already become a favorite, and promises to last a long time. I now have six creams/soaps, so I don't anticipate adding more. I will probably just replace/maintain.

LORD Premium Razor

This is my new LORD premium razor, made in Egypt.  It is one of three items I bought with money from Fathers Day gift cards. I was very impressed with the first shave.  The razor is well made with a mirror finish on the head and a long 4 inch aluminum handle. The razor is rather light (1.7 oz.), but it handles easily. I used my new brush to lather Williams Shaving Soap for this shave. I was very pleased with this shave. I would judge it MFS (mighty fine shave); no nicks, no cuts, and no abrasions. I have seen this razor on Amazon for a long time and wondered about it. It is a great value, and would make a great starter razor for a newbie.  It is a gift I believe any wet-shaver would appreciate.

The third item I ordered was Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream. I am looking forward to receiving that in the next few days. I will be posting results then.

I PIFed this razor on 10/26/14. It got a good home.

Shave of the Day 6/21

Dove Men Face Wash

Williams Shaving Soap

Semogue 1305 Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush

Lord L6 Premium Safety Razor

Lord Platinum SS Blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva AS

Day 2 with Semogue 1305 brush.

New Semogue Boar Brush

I received my new Semogue 1305 boar brush in the mail today. It was one of three shaving things I bought with Fathers Day money.  It is hand-made in Portugal with a natural Portuguese Oak Wood handle painted green and ivory and top quality natural boar bristles. For my first shave with it, I used Proraso shaving soap, and it was a very good shave. Boar brushes lather differently than badger brushes. I will be using this brush exclusively over the next week and changing soaps while I am learning to lather with this acclaimed brush. I am looking forward to lathering with it this week.

Shave of the Day 6/20

Dove Men's Face Wash

Proraso Shaving Soap

Semogue 1305 Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush (First Shave)

Gillette New Long Comb with Parker 94R Hefty handle

Shark Super Chrome SS Blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

This was my first shave with my new Semogue 1305 brush. Nice shave.

Shave of the Day 6/19

Dove Men's Face Wash

Van Der Hagen Luxury Shave Soap

Frank Shaving Finest Badger Brush

Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip

ASCO Super Stainless Blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

Shave of the Day 6/17

Dove Men's Face Wash

Col. Conk Lime Shaving Soap

Parker Pure Badger Brush

Gillette New with Parker 94R Hefty Handle

Shark Super Chrome SS Blade

CWR

Dickinsons Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

The match-up of the Gillette New with the Parker hefty handle was most excellent. After yesterday's disappointingly aggressive shave, this was delightful. Face feels great.

Shave of the Day 6/16

Dove Men's Face Wash

Williams Shaving Soap

Frank Shaving Finest Badger Brush

Parker 94R Hefty Razor

Shark Super Chrome SS Blade

CWR

Dickinsons Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

This is the second shave with this razor, and it is still what I would call an aggressive razor. I will either retire it or pass it on. I love the handle, so I will probably keep it just for the handle which will go with any of my Gillette News.

The Collection

Updated: May 30, 2014
Click on the picture above for a closer look at some of my razors. There are fifteen single-edged razors and fifteen double-edged razors. The ten razors on the left are Gem razors followed by five Schick razors. Lastly, there are twelve Gillettes, a Parker, Edwin Jagger 89, Merkur 37c, and a Utopia. For a long time I have been seeking a Gillette Fat Boy. I just won one on eBay and it arrived yeaterday. I had my first shave with it today. It is sure to become one of my favorites.

I have shaved with all of the razors. Each has its own character.  The Gems are different. You have to hold the head almost flat against the face. About 10 degrees is the optimum angle. They tend to sing or make a loud noise while cutting through the whiskers.

The Schicks are injector razors. The blades are narrow, and the razor delivers a fine shave. They can be a little aggressive. Again, each razor has its own character.

My double-edged razors fall into two categories:  three piece and butterfly razors. All of my Gillettes shave great; some better than others. The Parker butterfly has a problem aligning the razor. If you are not careful, you will end up with a razor that is mild on one side and aggressive on the other side. I noticed this, and upon examination, I noticed that the blade was exposed more on one side than the other. I discovered that I could seat the blade evenly if I was careful in closing the doors and aligning the blade manually.

Among my favorite razors are these:

Shave of the Day 6/14

Dove Men's Face Wash

Col. Conk's Lime Shave Soap

Parker badger brush

Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip E3 (First Shave)

ASCO Super SS blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

This razor is new to me. This was my first shave with it, and it provided an excellent shave.

New Super Speed Flare Tip E3

I picked up this Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip at a local antique store. It was a little cruddy, but it cleaned up nicely. It is from 1959, third quarter.

Shave of the Day 6/11

Dove Men's Face Wash

Williams Shave Soap

Frank Shaving finest badger brush

Edwin Jagger DE89

Wilkinson Sword SS blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

Shave of the Day 6/8

Dove Men's Face Wash

Col. Conk Lime Shave Soap

Frank Shaving finest badger brush

Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip D3 (First Shave)

ASCO Super SS blade

CWR

Dickinson's Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

This is the second shave with the Frank Shaving brush. It lathers great, holds water and lather well, and is very soft to the face. I would say it is a notch above my Parker brush, so it may become my favorite. I will be using these two, alternating between shaves, for the foreseeable future. That will give each time to fully dry between shaves.

Today, was my first shave with this Super Speed Flare Tip razor. It has a nice balance, and it delivers a close shave without irritation. The ASCO SS blade is new to me as well. I was fortunate to get 50 of these in an eBay auction along with the Frank Shaving brush and the Parker 94R razor.  The blades were a plus. I didn't even notice them as part of the auction. I got all three for less than I could have purchased the razor or the brush individually.

Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip D3

This is my second Gillette Super Speed. It is the Flare Tip and is from the third quarter of 1958. It cleaned up well, but it has a little pitting on one of the doors. Other than that, it has years of service left in it.

I will take it on our first shave together tomorrow morning. I suspect that it will be a good one. These razors are known for a mild shave.