Thanks yet again to the kind gent who has leant me a small selection of vintage Gillettes to try. Tonight, the 'New' Open Comb #77 ... after one day of growth following a baby smooth shave.
Am I mad? Possibly ...
Hot Towels
Olive Oil Blend PSO
Ingram's Shaving Cream
Pure Badger Brush
Gillette 'New' Open Comb #77
PolSilver Super Iridium [3]
Alum Block
Tabac Aftershave Lotion
What a fun shave! After getting such a great shave last night, I did hesitate at using what is reputed to be such a beast on only one day's growth, but it occurred to me ...
Gents back in those days shaved daily ... with those razors ... I've seen 'Jeeves & Wooster' ...
So, why not? Picking a PolSilver Super Iridium, I proceeded.
Smooth as she goes ...
This razor was not quite as clean as the others and I was a little concerned at using it, so with the owner's permission I cleaned it up. Soak in vinegar and then a gentle scrub with toothpaste. I concentrated on the comb, which came up very nicely indeed:
Three pass - WTG, XTG and ATG to clean up.
No nicks, weepers or other issues, just a good, clean shave taking the day's growth back to smooth. I am starting to think that the olive oil PSO really is contributing. No sensation of irritation, although I have a small patch on my neck that is more red than the surrounding area. It'll settle down overnight, I'm sure. Maybe I missed it with the alum.
Tabac Aftershave Lotion was a great choice. I'll splash on some Tabac Eau de Cologne in the morning for Tabac Friday.
The razor? Well, yes, I liked it. I found the angle easy to get right and thought it intuitive to use. It was neither as aggressive an experience as I had been led to believe nor "all that". I enjoyed it, but I think I preferred the Parat last night. Down to the blade, perhaps, being its third run. Maybe over the weekend, I'll try again switching blades.
Cheers, all.