New Wooden Darwin Handle

 Several years ago, I made this Darwin type handle to use with some of my Gem razors and lather catchers. See here: https://jrshaving.blogspot.com/2018/05/darwin-replica-handle.html

With my no cap Damaskeene.

With my Gem Jr. lather catcher.

Yesterday, I started a new Darwin type handle that could be used with some of my DE razors. I finished it up today. Here it is with one of my Old Type heads.

Darwin Replica Handle

I sketched out a drawing of the Darwin handle as a guide for crafting the handle. I cut off a 90mm  piece of broom handle to make the handle.  I used a drum sander on the end of my Milwaukee drill. In the first picture I have finished shaping the handle and staining it with Minwax dark walnut sealer/stain. 

Here the handle has the screw installed and then screwed on to the Gem Jr. Lather Catcher.

I finished the handle with polycrylic. Here are the pictures.

Shave of the Day - 4/24

Proraso Pre Shave

Tabac

Jayaruh #284

Darwin Hollow Ground Safety / Schick H1

Darwin HG Razor / Schick Proline B20

CWR

Thayer's Lemon WH

Aqua Velva Musk

I started off with Proraso Pre Shave. The Tabac Shaving Soap face-lathered well with the Jayaruh #284 synthetic brush. I did one pass with the Darwin Hollow Ground Safety Razor with a Darwin Hollow Ground blade and didn't seem to make a dent. I took the blade and stropped it on my big strop 40 laps on the linen side and 40 laps on the leather. I started a second pass, but there was not much difference. I ended up using my Schick H1 with a Schick Proline B20 blade to accomplish a close, comfortable shave. After a cold water rinse, I finished off with Thayer's Lemon WH and then Aqua Velva Musk AS. I am clean, smooth, and refreshed...

Darwin Hollow Ground Safety Razor

I got this Darwin Hollow Ground Safety Razor on loan from Tom White on TOST. I thought I would make a video on how it works. I have been shaving with it this week. It is a very interesting and well made razor.

Shave of the Day - 4/23

Proraso Pre Shave

C.O. Bigelow

Jayaruh #284

Darwin Hollow Ground Safety

Darwin HG Razor

CWR

Thayer's Lemon WH

Aqua Velva Musk

I started off with Proraso Pre Shave. The C.O. Bigelow Shaving Cream face-lathered well with the Jayaruh #284 synthetic brush. I did two passes with the Darwin Hollow Ground Safety Razor with a Darwin Hollow Ground blade, and I just could not get a close shave. I ended up using my Schick E3 for clean up and ended with a close, comfortable shave. After a cold water rinse, I finished off with Thayer's Lemon WH and then Aqua Velva Musk AS. I am clean, smooth, and refreshed...

Shave of the Day - 4/22

Proraso Pre Shave

Colgate Shaving Mug Soap

Jayaruh #144 Badger

Darwin Hollow Ground Safety Razor

Darwin Hollow Ground

CWR

Thayer's Lemon WH

English Leather

I started off with Proraso Pre Shave. The Colgate Shaving Mug Soap face-lathered well with the Jayaruh #144 badger brush. I did two passes with the Darwin Hollow Ground Safety Razor with a Darwin Hollow Ground blade and ended up with a close, comfortable shave. After a cold water rinse, I finished off with Thayer's Lemon WH and then English Leather AS. I am clean, smooth, and refreshed...

Darwin Hollow Ground Safety Razor

I got this Darwin Hollow Ground Safety Razor today as a loaner from Tom over at TOST.  My knife is hiding the addresses as I take the picture before opening the box. I was so excited.

Next is my first look at the Darwin box and three wedge blades that I sent Tom to sharpen for me. I am glad to get the wedges back. Now, on to the Darwin.

Here it is in a beautiful ornate case. The case doubles as a hone and strop to keep the blades sharp and shave ready.

Here is my first look at the razor. There is also a spare blade.

Here is the razor with the head put in the normal safety razor position.

Side view of the razor.

Here the handle is put in the end so that the blade can be used as a standard straight razor.