Shave of the Day - 11/30

Dove Men's Face Wash

Williams Mug Shaving Soap

Semogue 1305 Boar Brush

GEM Micromatic Bullet-Tip

GEM Super Stainless

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

Wow! It is like this is the combination I have been looking for. The Semogue 1305 face-lathered the Williams like a champ. The Williams provided a great, slick base for two passes and touch-ups. The GEM MMBT removed my whiskers almost effortlessly. The Thayers Cucumber WH and the Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS topped it all off for a Mighty Fine Shave. I loved it.

Shave of the Day - 11/29

Dove Men's Face Wash

Cella Shave Cream

Parker Pure Badger Brush

GEM Micromatic Bullet-Tip

GEM Super Stainless

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

Very nice shave today. The Cella is very pleasing to the skin and the smell. I lathered in a bowl today with the Parker badger brush. Two passes and touch-ups on the neck with the GEM MMBT left me with a near BBS shave. I topped it off with Thayers Cucumber WH and Pinaud Clubman AS. Nice.

Shave of the Day - 11/28

Dove Men's Face Wash

Proraso Green Shave Cream

Frank Shaving Finest Badger

GEM Micromatic Bullet-Tip

GEM Super Stainless

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

Three days ago the knot on my Frank Shaving badger brush fell out. I cleaned it up and glued it back in, and today, it is back in action. It is a good thing, too, because it is my favorite badger brush. It did an excellent job of face-lathering the Proraso Green with two passes. The GEM MMBT did an equally excellent job of removing all my whiskers with no irritation. Finished off this shave with Thayers Cucumber WH and Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS. Feeling clean, smooth, and refreshed.

Shave of the Day - 11/27

Dove Men's Face Wash

Col. Conk Lime Shave Soap

Semogue 1305 Boar Brush

GEM Micromatic Bullet-Tip

GEM Super Stainless

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

I am back to the MMBT today. I am really liking this razor. In fact, for me, I am declaring it the best of the Micromatic line. Anyhow, the Semogue did a wonderful job face-lathering the Col. Conk Lime SS. Two passes and touch-ups on the neck with the MMBT made for a near BBS shave. I finished off with Thayers Cucumber WH and the Pinaud Clubman AS. Another great shave, and I am feeling clean and refreshed. 

Shave of the Day - 11/26

Dove Men's Face Wash

Col. Conk Bay Rum Shave Soap

Parker Pure Badger 

GEM Micromatic Bullet-Tip

GEM Super Stainless

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

I've been fighting a little cold lately, so my daily shave is the highlight of my day. Today was Col. Conk's time to serve. The Parker badger brush did a good job of face-lathering for the two passes with my MMBT razor with Gem SS blade. A few touch-ups on the neck made this a near BBS shave. The Thayers Cucumber WH and Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS were just the thing to finish off this therapeutic experience.

Shave of the Day - 11/25 - First Shave

Dove Men's Face Wash

TOBS Lavender Shaving Cream

Frank Shaving Finest Badger

Ever-Ready 1914 (First Shave)

GEM Super Stainless

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

Today was a first shave with my new Ever-Ready 1914. The TOBS Lavender face-lathered well with the Frank Shaving finest badger brush. There is a lot of blade exposure with this Ever-Ready, and it did sing. I took it easy, and ended up with a near BBS shave with two passes and a little clean-up on the neck area. Finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and Pinaud Clubman AS. Feeling clean and refreshed.

This razor, also known as the "little lather-catcher," is not a very friendly razor. It takes both hands to open, and then you need to be very careful to align the blade before closing the lid. As I said earlier, the blade exposure is great. It sings even more than the 1912s and is almost like shaving with a straight razor. For now, it is going back into my display case.

Shave of the Day - 11/24

Dove Men's Face Wash

Van Der Hagen Luxury Shave Soap

Semogue 1305 Boar Brush

GEM Micromatic Bullet-Tip

GEM Super Stainless

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

This MMBT is a great performer. In fact all the ingredients of today's shave performed at top level. The VDH face-lathered by the Semogue 1305 was outstanding. Two passes with the MMBT and a little touch-up on the neck left me near BBS. I finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and the Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS. I'm feeling smooth, clean, and refreshed.

Shave of the Day - 11/23

Dove Men's Face Wash

Kiss My Face Cool Mint Moisture Shave

Parker Pure Badger Brush

GEM Micromatic Bullet-Tip

GEM Super Stainless

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

This was shave number two with the MMBT. The KMF cool mint is an excellent shave cream. The Parker badger brush face-lathered very well, and I did two passes with the MMBT to get a near BBS shave. I was feeling a little punk because I thinking I am getting a little cold, so, this shave helped to revive me some. I am feeling better. Finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and Pinaud Clubman AS.

Every-Ready 1914

I won this bid on eBay. This Ever-Ready razor was manufactured between 1917 and 1919. Its closed comb guard razor has a solid flip-to-open or close blade cover. Here are the pictures from the auction.

Inside the blade compartment are the words American Safety Razor Co. Inc., New York. 

The rear of the head is inscribed Ever-Ready, Patented March 24/14 and Made in U.S.A.

Update: It has arrived, Monday, November 25.

Shave of the Day - 11/22

Dove Men's Face Wash

Williams Mug Shaving Soap

Frank Shaving Finest Badger

GEM Micromatic Bullet-Tip (First Shave)

GEM Super Stainless

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

Today's shave is a first shave with my new GEM Micromatic Bullet-Tip. Yesterday's shave left me with a neck full of weepers, so I was going to take it easy today and do a one pass shave, but this new razor came in and plans changed. The Frank Shaving brush face-lathered the Williams marvelously. Then, the bullet-tip did such a great job on the first pass that I gave it one more pass for a near BBS shave. What a wonderful razor! I will be using it over the next eight shaves because it is new and I want it to feel at home. Finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS. I am cleaned and refreshed.

Shave of the Day - 11/21

Dove Men's Face Wash

Van Der Hagen Deluxe Shave Soap

Frank Shaving Finest Badger

'62 Gillette Slim H1 

Wilkinson Sword  (1)

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

It started out fine. The Van Der Hagen Deluxe soap face-lathered like a champ with the Semogue 1305 brush. I had a new blade in the Gillette Slim and I guess I was a little over confident. I decided to go for the BBS shave with a third pass on my neck. Bleeders everywhere. I embarassed myself. I got all the whiskers, but evidently, I got some skin, too. I guess I need to back off and maybe do one pass shaves for a couple of days. Finished off with Thayers Cucumber and Pinaud Clubman AS.

I Made a Trade

I got a message from a fellow member of The Shave Den last week proposing a trade. Back during Twist-to-Open Week, this young man posted with a GEM Bullet-tip. I mentioned that I had the Micromatic OC and the Clog-pruf and that now I must get me a bullet-tip. Well, this guy took note and let me know that his bullet-tip was looking for a new home, but he was not looking for a new razor. However, he suggested that I may have a soap or cream that he would be willing to trade for. I sent him my list of soaps and creams, and he picked out the Van Der Hagen Luxury Soap and the Proraso Sandalwood (Red). He said, "Surprise me." So, I flipped a coin and Proraso won.

He got the Proraso.

So, I boxed it up and sent it to him. Today, he received it in the mail, and he was surprised and pleased. I am glad. The bullet-tip is in the mail, and expected to arrive on or before Saturday. I am excited.

The bullet-tip was manufactured by Gem Division, American Safety Razor Corp., Brooklyn, New York in 1947 and 1948. This means it may be my birth year razor (1947).

I am getting the GEM Bullet-Tip.

I will post pictures and a follow-up when the bullet-tip arrives.

Update: Friday, November 22

The razor arrived today. I hope my new friend is as pleased with this trade as I am. This is a very nice razor. Here are the pictures.

Shave of the Day - 11/20

Dove Men's Face Wash
Cella Shave Cream
Semogue 1305 Boar Brush
'62 Gillette Slim H1
Wilkinson Sword  (5)
CWR
Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel
Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

Today's shave was a great one with the Cella shave cream. The Parker badger brush did a good job of face-lathering, and two passes and touch-up later with the Gillette Slim, I had a near BBS shave. I finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS. 

Shave of the Day - 11/19

Dove Men's Face Wash

Proraso Green Shave Cream

Parker Pure Badger Brush

'62 Gillette Slim H1 

Wilkinson Sword  (4)

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

My Parker pure badger brush seems to be scratchy compared to my other brushes, so I may be considering retiring it. It did a good job face-lathering the Proraso Green though. Two passes and touch-ups with the Gillette Slim left me with a near BBS shave. I finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and the Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS. After a long day, I am feeling clean and refreshed.

Shave of the Day - 11/18

Dove Men's Face Wash

Col. Conk Lime Shave Soap

Frank Shaving Finest Badger

'62 Gillette Slim H1 

Wilkinson Sword  (3)

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

I picked up the '62 Gillette Slim again today. I will be using it for the next ten days or so. The Frank Shaving badger did an excellent job face-lathering Col. Conk's lime shave soap. This was the third shave with the Wilkinson Sword blade, and it did a great job with two passes and some touch-ups. I finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and Pinaud Clubman AS. I'm feeling clean, smooth, and refreshed.

Shave of the Day - 11/17

Dove Men's Face Wash

Col. Conk Bay Rum Shave Soap

Semogue 1305 Boar Brush

Schick M Adjustable

Schick Stainless Steel

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

The Semogue 1305 boar brush is an excellent face-lathering brush. The Col. Conk Bay Rum provided great cushion for two passes and touch-ups and a BBS shave. Finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS. I am cool, clean, and refreshed.

Shave of the Day - 11/16

Dove Men's Face Wash

TOBS Lavender Shaving Cream

Parker Pure Badger Brush

Schick M Adjustable

Schick Stainless Steel

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

It was another excellent shave starting with a rich lather thanks to the TOBS Lavender SC and the Parker badger brush. Two passes with the Schick M adjustable with no need for touch-ups. Finished off with Thayers Cucumber WH and Pinaud Clubman for a clean, refreshing shave. 

Shave of the Day - 11/15

Dove Men's Face Wash

Proraso Sandalwood Shave Cream

Frank Shaving Finest Badger

Schick M Adjustable

Schick Stainless Steel

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

The Proraso Sandalwood was invigorating today. Face-lathering with the Frank Shaving badger brush provided more than enough for two passes and touch ups. The Schick adjustable is an easy shaver and left me near BBS. I finished off with Thayers Cucumber WH and Aqua Velva Ice Blue. I'm feeling good.

Shave of the Day - 11/14

Dove Men's Face Wash

Van Der Hagen Luxury Shave Soap

Semogue 1305 Boar Brush

Schick M Adjustable

Schick Stainless Steel

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

Today's shave was excellent. The VDH Luxury soap made a great face-lather with the Semogue 135 boar brush. I don't know if I will ever go back to bowl lathering again. The Schick adjustable took two passes and some touch-ups to make it a BBS shave. I finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and Pinaud Clubman AS, and now I feel fine. 

Shave of the Day - 11/13

Dove Men's Face Wash

Kiss My Face Cool Mint Moisture Shave

Parker Pure Badger Brush

Schick M Adjustable

Schick Stainless Steel

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

It was a great shave today with Kiss My Face Cool Mint leading the way. It lathered well with the Parker pure badger brush for two passes and touch-ups with the Schick adjustable. The KMF is very cool, and the cool continues. Finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS. Feeling clean and refreshed.

Shave of the Day - 11/12

Dove Men's Face Wash

Williams Mug Shaving Soap

Frank Shaving Finest Badger

Schick M Adjustable

Schick Stainless Steel

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

It was an excellent two pass shave today with the williams Mug soap face-lathered with my Frank Shaving badger and Schick adjustable. Finished off with Thayers Cucumber WH and Pinaud Clubman AS. Feeling clean and refreshed.

Shave of the Day - 11/11

Dove Men's Face Wash

Van Der Hagen Deluxe Shave Soap

Semogue 1305 Boar Brush

Schick M Adjustable 

Schick Stainless Steel 

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

The Van Der Hagen Deluxe soap performed well with the Semogue 1305 boar brush. Two passes and touch-ups with the Schick adjustable made for a smooth clean shave. I finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and some Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS. It was a refreshing end to a long day.

Shave of the Day - 11/10

Dove Men's Face Wash

Cella Shave Cream

Parker Pure Badger Brush

Schick M Adjustable (#6.5)

Schick Stainless Steel

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

I am finishing up a week with Cella, and I am glad to add it to my collection. It lathered well with the Parker badger brush. I did two passes and some touch-ups with the Schick M Adjustable to get a BBS shave. Finished off with Thayers Cucumber WH and the Pinaud Clubman AS to leave me smooth and refreshed. I will be using the Schick for the next week or so. This is a great little razor.

Shave of the Day - 11/9 - TTO Week

Dove Men's Face Wash
Cella Shave Cream
Frank Shaving Finest Badger
2011 Parker 60R
Wilkinson Sword Stainless (4)
CWR
Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel
Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

The Cella face-lathered very well with the Frank Shaving badger brush. Today featured the Parker 60R TTO razor. It has been a long time since I have shaved with this razor. It is a little quirky. If I am not careful loading the blade, I get one side mild and one side aggressive. I have to visually make sure that the reveal on both sides is the same. Well, with two passes and touch-ups on the neck, I ended up with a pretty good shave. I finished off with Thayers Cucumber WH and Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS. I had a physically demanding day, so this shave left me clean and refreshed.

Shave of the Day - 11/8 - TTO Week

Dove Men's Face Wash

Cella Shave Cream

Semogue 1305 Boar Brush

'62 Gillette Slim H1 

Wilkinson Sword Stainless (3)

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

TTO Week:  I am liking how the Cella prepares me for my shave. It provides a nice cushion for my two pass shave with the '62 Slim. A little touch-up on the neck and I have myself a near BBS shave. Finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and the Pinaud Clubman AS. I am also liking the way the Thayers works on my skin. I think next time I will get an order of sample sizes so I can test out the various scents. Feeling clean and refreshed.

Shave of the Day - 11/7 - TTO Week

Dove Men's Face Wash

Cella Shave Cream

Parker Pure Badger Brush

Gem Clog-pruf 

Gem Super Stainless PTFE (2)

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

TTO Week:  I am liking the Cella more and more. It face-lathered well with my Parker badger brush. My Gem Clog-pruf razor was excellent today with its two passes and some touch-ups on the neck. It left me BBS. No nicks, no cuts, no irritation... I finished off with Thayers Cucumber WH (getting used to the smell) and Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS. It was a mighty fine shave. Feeling fine for sure. I believe the Thayer is making a positive difference in my shaving experience.

Shave of the Day - 11/6 - TTO Week

Dove Men's Face Wash

Cella Shave Cream

Frank Shaving Finest Badger

'58 Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip D3

Wilkinson Sword Stainless (2)

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Pinaud Clubman AS

Once again, I am amazed at these old Gillette Super Speeds. They are super shavers. The Cella SC face-lathered very well with Frank Shaving badger brush. Two passes and a little touch-up left me with a great near BBS shave. Finished off with Thayers Cucumber WH and some Pinaud Clubman AS making me happy and refreshed.

Shave of the Day - 11/5 - TTO Week

Dove Men's Face Wash

Cella Shaving Cream

Semogue 1305 Boar Brush

Gem Micromatic Open Comb

Gem Super Stainless PTFE (1)

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

TTO Week. Aside from a couple of weepers on my chin, today's was an excellent shave. I will be using the Cella for this cycle of shaves. It is a very pleasant shave cream. The Gem Micromatic OC with a new Gem SS blade did the job with two passes. The weepers were my fault. It has been a while since I have used the Gems and I was a little too confident. All in all it was a mighty fine shave. Finished off with the Thayers Cucumber WH and Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS.

Shave of the Day - 11/4 - TTO Week

Dove Men's Face Wash

Cella Shaving Cream (First Shave)

Parker Pure Badger Brush

'53 Gillette Super Speed Y1

Wilkinson Sword Stainless (1)

CWR

Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel

Aqua Velva Ice Blue AS

TTO Week. Today was a first shave with Cella Shaving Cream, and I liked it. It was a very pleasing experience. It face-lathered very well with the Parker badger brush. Two passes with the Gillette Super Speed loaded with a Wilkinson Sword blade left me with a near BBS shave. I finished off with Thayers Cucumber WH and Aqua Velva AS. My face feels refreshed and happy.

Twist to Open Week

Starting Monday, November 4, it will be Twist to Open Week on The Shave Den Shaving Forum. So, I broke out all my TTO razors. I had two more, but I passed them on to Philip and David. I have four Gillettes, two Gems, and one Parker. That will take care of six days. Then, I think I will finish off with my Slim adjustable.

Here are my six TTOs.

1953 Y1 Gillette Super Speed

Gem Micromatic Open Comb

1958 D3 Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip

Gem Clog-pruf

1962 H1 Gillette Slim

2011 Parker 60R

Soaps and Creams II

Updated: November 27

I had ten soaps and creams in my rotation. I use a different soap/cream each day. Last week, I got an email from a young man on The Shave Den forum offering to trade his Micromatic Bullet-Tip razor for one of my soaps/creams. I sent him my list and he chose the Proraso Sandalwood. Well, we made the trade, and we were both happy with the results. Now, I am down to nine soaps/creams. 

#1 Cella Shave Cream

#2 Van Der Hagen Deluxe Shave Soap

#3 Williams Mug Shaving Soap

#4 Kiss My Face Cool Mint Moisture Shave

#5 Van Der Hagen Luxury Shave Soap

#6 Proraso Sandalwood Shave Cream (taken out of rotation, traded for an MMBT)

#7 Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream

#8 Col. Ichabod Conk Bay Rum Shave Soap

#9 Col. Conk Lime Shave Soap

#10 Proraso Green

See original Soaps and Creams