SMF

I'm glad I'm using a DE razor these days. All of the cartridges are sky high compared to what they used to be. I literally haven't shopped for cartridges for over a year now (maybe even 2 years). I looked the other day, and DANG they're rediculous. I'll stick to my Grandfathers E4 Gillette Fatboy! A...

Hey, I joined SMF forum the day after you did. Crazy!!!

I agree with Steve, the Crystals/Israeli's give me a great shave in my 1959 Fatboy set at 5. The adjustments make a big difference with closeness. YMMV, but I started on 3, and quickly moved to 4. No irritation, which was very nice, but not very close either. Setting 5 gives me a close enough shave ...

I always carry a knife. Without one, I feel naked. I alternate between a CRKT M16 or M21, Kershaw Leek or Beretta Airlight. I generally prefer a single blade liner-lock with a pocket clip. I can usually have it out, used, and put away before it draws much attention. When I wear slacks, I usually wou...

Well, good news! I've settled on setting 5 in my E4 Gillette Fatboy. It now yields a bulletproof, irritation free and mostly BBS shave daily. And now thanks to Trumperman for his "Trumperman Roll" technique combined with J-hooking, it's easier to get the BBS on the neck without irritation....

The sample pack is definitely the way to go. The variety of feeling from different blades is mind-boggling. Sounds like you're on your way. Don't get unfocussed with technique. Always pay attention, but don't over-think it. As far as the bouncing or skipping effect, it happens to me when the lather ...

Fatboy setting 5
Crystal day 5 - still smooth
Bigelow Cream
Aqua Velva classic

nice-n-icey

That's good to hear. Thanks for the speedy reply, Murray.

I had considered buying one for travel, mostly for the handy case, but also because it would be the only DE I would own that would be replaceable (ie not a vintage item or a family heirloom).

Does the single razor purchase get you one of the nicer looking blue boxes with the mirror, while the bulk package has them in cheaper cardboard packaging? http://www.cottonblossomcrafts.com/weishi_razor.htm shows a pretty nifty looking case. Do they all come that way? Perhaps that could explain the...

Monday: Fatboy set on 4 Crystal blade day 3 Williams + KMF Lime superlather 3-pass with touch-up Aqua Velva Ice Sport A/S Tuesday: Fatboy set on 5 Crystal blade day 4 C.O. Bigelow Cream - Whooosh that's cold 3-pass with J-hook neck touch-up Aqua Velva Ice Blue Classic Ridin' the ice wave sure is ref...

Sunday

E4 Fatboy set on 4
Crystal Blade day 2
Williams soap + KMF Lime superlather
Caldo Badger Brush
Aqua Velva Ice Blue A/S

I've always used Flitz. It seems to work well. I've heard it has a reputation for being gentle.

And More...

Finally got around to taking some pictures.

Here's my homemade brush holder - inspired by GoTeeGuy.

I used a plastic coated coat hanger. It's bent from 1 straight piece of wire.


The razor holder is a toothbrush holder from Bed Bath and Beyond.

I'm enjoying reading about your experiences with the settings, having just started shaving with my 1959 Gillette Fatboy adjustable from my grandfather. I was going to start my own discussion of the settings, but you beat me to it. I think you're taking a very methodical approach which should get you...

I'm not talking about a horror story of a hangover ruining a shave, but I have noticed the following happen to me more than once. The shaves in question were not influenced by a headache, or any other bad-hangover type symptoms. After a night of drinking, obviously one will be somewhat dehydrated. I...

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I've got a tube of the Bigelow Proraso cream. It gives a great shave, and I love the cooling slap in the face as well. I only have one complaint, and it is minor but odd. I find that if I use it 2 days in a row, even after complete thourough rinsing of my brush afterwards, my brush will not hold wat...

All creams/soaps are bound to be different. So going by the character of the lather generated each time instead of using the same amount of soap/cream, water, and/or # of brush strokes is surely a better way of getting a good lather every time. I tried face-lathering with a glycerine soap, and that'...