SMF

Patrick: After reading about the virtues of the Schick injector here on the forum, virtues extolled by particularly experienced and knowledgeable members, I bought one. And have been using it ever since in my regimen. I bought the black-handled model, gold head, single and only blade, non-adjustable...

Proraso 'Hard' Soap, with Mercur LH-DE and Schick Injector for touch-up
Spritz of Witch Hazel
Gillette After Shave Gel
Penhaligon's Hammam (sample)

Hot day in the Cap City. Best, John.

Chris: Just wanted to thank you for writing such an amazing guide. As a new member, I read it with great interest, though I'm a good ways from trying a straight. Kudos for wonderful work. Best, John.

Rich: Have you tried a very light, one-time, cross-grain (W-E or E-W) pass on the problem neck area with the DE after your two N-S passes? Best, John.

I have found the Cross fountain pens to be my 'go-to'. They're durable and well-priced. Best, John.

Friday, last day at the office: Musgo Real, QED Bergamot shave stick for touch-up, Gillette Soothing After Shave Gel (thanks, Joel), Santal (amazing!).

Really was surprised by the Gillette; effective and cooling. Best, John.

When the UPS man, Les, thanks you every day for providing him with job security.....

Best, John.

It's a growing list; these are the bottles:

Trumper Limes
Penhaligon's Douro
Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet
BB 1818
Floris Santal
Floris 89
Lavanda Puig
CM # 6

(Plus as many samples as they'll send me). Best, John.

Thanks for the thoughtful replies, gentlemen. I feel better knowing that the constant tension between closeness and comfort is not just something that I sense. At the moment, comfort dictates, but as I progress, who knows? I like the concept of being 'content with what I've got', as Chris said, but ...

Well done; even though I've shaved with a DE for years, I've had a long lay-off. Good tips here.

The Shavemac does seem very well-priced.....like the long-handled models, too.....hiding it all from "management"......

Best, John

On Thursday: QED lavender shave soap, spritz of witch hazel (Dickinson's), QED lavender hydrosol, Hammam Bouquet. Never knew there was such quality! Thanks, gentlemen.

Best, John.

Sam: I'll be very interested to hear what you think after using the Pacific Shave Oil. I think that it's helped me alot - closer, with no S-N passes and no irritation. Let us know. Best, John.

This may be a silly question due to its highly subjective nature. I'm a bit confused by number of passes and directions, e.g. N-S, S-N, E-W, and the the 'T & C' pass. I find that two passes with the direction of beard growth (N-S), maybe a third, light pass across the grain (E-W), and some final...

Great, Marshall. Let me know if Pete fits the bill. Best, John.

Thanks to Richard for the nice welcome and also for the intro to Pacific Shaving Oil. I think that it's made all the difference.

Today: Pacific Shaving Oil, Merkur HD w/ Musgo Real (very soothing), QED Lavender, a touch of Aloe 80. Blenheim Bouquet for the day.

Am I learning or what? Best, John.

Funny you should ask: I was just there today. Go to PETE's BARBERSHOP, 5847 N. Washington Blvd., Arlinton, VA. TEL: 703-241-2340. See Pete ONLY - no one else. He's fantastic. He'll use only shears, if that's what you want. He's only been doing it for about 35 years. Best haircut in the DC region, an...

I'm new to the group, but have learned so much over the past several weeks.

Tues.: Musgo Real (for the first time - loved it!); QED Lavender hydrosol; Penhaligon's English Fern. Wow! is all I can say.

Thanks, gentlemen, for all of your wise help. Best, John