Active Rockwell Model T

[Jester]

Prep: Shower, Palmolive Olive Oil Soap
Soap: Stirling Hipster
Brush: 24mm Mysteriosu Space Tuxedo
Razor: Rockwell Model T (2,3)
Blade: Voskhod (1)
Post: Cien Aqua ASL, Baxter balm

First run out with the generously loaned Rockwell, and as I'd hoped it's got some heft. Tried and tested setup of Stirling and Voskhod and a low starting number for a safe shave. I've not pushed it this morning, so the finish is good, but nowhere near what this razor feels capable of. I'm also wondering whether I may have finally found a razor that does not pair with the Voskhod - I'll increase the gap tomorrow and make a decision whether to try another blade after that. Dan @ATG has suggested Wilkinsons, and as I have white box, black box and some NOS British blades I'll probably give these a run. Out of interest, can anyone confirm the difference - if any - between the black and white boxed blades

 

[Jester]

Prep: Shower, Palmolive Olive Oil Soap
Soap: Mastro Miche Artiglio
Brush: 24mm Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo
Razor: Rockwell Model T (4,2)
Blade: Voskhod (2)
Post: Witch Hazel, Baxter balm

Well that was a very strange shave! As much as I love my Voskhods, I have to accept the Rockwell does not love them. Level 4 scraped across my face, irritating without pickup. I dropped to 2, which was a huge change in exposure, and milder than any other razor I've tried. It did at least give an acceptable pickup. Shave was rescued by witch hazel and the Baxter balm, which is definitely growing on me.
Surely a razor like this should not be giving a markedly worse shave than both my Mekur 34C and Parker 22R Blade will be swapped out tomorrow, and I'll restart the whole experience, and try to wipe the last couple of days' shaves from my memory

 

[Jester]

Prep: Shower, Palmolive Olive Oil Soap
Soap: Extro Cosmesi Barocco
Brush: 24mm Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo
Razor: Rockwell Model T (2,3)
Blade: Gillette 365 (1)
Post: TDS Rose Notes ASL, Baxter balm

Now that's more like it Voskhod swapped out for a 365, and the experiment recommenced with aplomb! On level 2 the blade skimmed across and gave a decent shave. Up to 3 and I'm left with an irritation-free near DFS shave. One more pass for touch-ups would have elevated it, but happy not to push it on day three with this loaner The Barocco scent is right up my street, and the TDS seems less "medicinal" than I initially suggested. I'm now actually rather looking forward to playing with the Rockwell rather than fearing nicks and weepers

 

[Jester]

Prep: Shower, Palmolive Olive Oil Soap
Soap: Ach Brito Mogno
Brush: 24mm Yaqi Mysterious Space Tuxedo
Razor: Rockwell Model T (3,4)
Blade: Gillette 365 (2)
Post: 4711 Cologne, Baxter balm

"Your starter for 10 - which blade provides a brilliant shave on day one, then drops off a cliff on day 2?"
BUZZZZZ "Scumbag College!"
"Is is a Gillette 365?"
"Correct. Your bonus questions are on quantum theory..."

WTG, the 365 performed admirably, but as soon as I started pass 2 across, it dug in and tried to take a piece of my neck with it! This wasn't a one-off nick - it just died on me. I'll have to look back at previous SOTDs using this blade, as that was one hell of a drop off.
First day in the office this year, so the classic 4711 was chosen.
Tomorrow I'll dig out a Wilkinson and give that a go as @ATG reports it works well for him through this razor.

 

[Jester]

Prep: Shower, Palmolive Olive Oil Soap
Soap: TDS Rose Notes
Brush: 24mm Yaqi Chianti Tuxedo
Razor: Rockwell Model T (3,4)
Blade: Wilkinson Sword 365 (2)
Post: TDS Rose Notes ASL, Baxter balm

It is a well-known if totally made-up fact that colour coordinated shaves are better. Sharper, smoother, more enjoyable in general. Just me then? First outing for the new Yaqi Chianti, and it's a dream. It's a little more solid out of the box than my other two Yaqis, and the straight to face lather it produced from the TDS soap was out of this world.
With the last couple of blades' performance through the Rockwell in mind, I approached today's shave with a little caution. I don't remember the last time I used a proper Wilkinson Sword blade - a GWS had an outing a few days ago - and from the off it was very talkative. Job done in two passes and tidy up. No irritation save for catching yesterday's nick.
I'll give the Wilkinson another run tomorrow, then turn my thoughts to Gillette. I have a feeling a Winner or London Bridge will suit.

 

[Jester]

Prep: Shower, Palmolive Olive Oil Soap
Pre: Proraso Green
Soap: Proraso Green
Brush: Omega 49 boar
Razor: Rockwell Model T (3,3)
Blade: Wilkinson Sword (2)
Post: TDS Kayaput ASL, Baxter balm

A decent enough shave today - first time using a boar brush for a while, and the Omega feels better than I remember. Pre shave used purely to complement the main course menthol-wise rather than for any need to prep further than the olive soap, and the Kayaput pairs nicely.
I'm struggling to dial in the Rockwell currently if I'm honest. Maybe it's blade choice, but the abject failure of my favourite, the Voskhod through it seemed to set the tone. Perhaps I've set the bar too high due to the price point of the razor, or maybe I just don't get on with adjustables. I mean the Fatboy was nice, but not the earth-shattering zenith of wet shaving I expected. Anyway, I'll give it a few more days to prove itself before I return to my other razors.

 

[Jester]

Prep: Shower, Palmolive Olive Oil Soap
Soap: Tabac
Brush: 24mm Yaqi Sagrada Familia
Razor: Rockwell Model T (2,3)
Blade: Gillette Super Blue (1)
Post: Tabac ASL, Real Shaving Co Balm

I was determined to get a shave to be proud of out of the Rockwell before I relinquish it. Today was close. After @Boycie83 's enabling attempt this morning, I dragged the Tabac duo out to give them a spin. The lather (face as usual) was superb - I'd forgotten why Tabac is seen as such a classic. While the scent divides - and it certainly wouldn't be an everyday choice for me - sometimes it's perfect (I see Bay Rum the same way to be honest.) My bag full of Tabac ASL samples off of the 'bay is still going strong, and there's probably enough left to see me into next year!
Right, down to the shave itself. Razor dropped to 2 WTG with a Super Blue in the seat. Smooth as you like again, but little clearance. Up to 3 for across, and it's done a good job. We have a DFS with a couple of weepers, but again the razor feels like it's holding back blades I know perform well for me.
I'll take today's result. The Tabac scent has cheered me up further, the sun's poked its head out and we have friends coming over with their daughter for tea (my famous Spag Bol in case you're interested - got to coordinate food colour with SOTD photos)
Have a great weekend, gents

 

[Jester]

Prep: Shower, Palmolive Olive Oil Soap
Soap: Arko in a pot .
Brush: 24mm Yaqi Sagrada Familia
Razor: Rockwell Model T (3,3)
Blade: Gillette Super Blue (2)
Post: Brut ASL, Baxter Balm

Today is a good day. The Rockwell has been tamed (for a while at least!) I dialled in on @Tony'schin 's thoughts about angle, and after an extra day without a shave to build a run-up I played with a few short strokes. A 3,3 two pass shave produced a DFS, and the GSB felt great, however the angle that produced this finish was more akin to a 1912 than a DE razor. It felt like I was riding the cap and was far shallower than I've used with any other razor. However the finish is undeniably good. I'll keep the Blue in tomorrow, and confirm this wasn't a total fluke.

Or it could be the Arko that's the game-changer

 

[Jester]

Prep: Shower, Palmolive Olive Oil Soap
Soap: Forbes Lime sample.
Brush: 24mm Yaqi Aqua Beaux Silvertip Premium synthetic
Razor: Rockwell Model T (3,3)
Blade: Gillette Super Blue (3)
Post: A&E London Gin Club ASL sample, Barts Balm Ben Cruachan

Shave in miniature today. First things first, The Rockwell worked well again today with the Super Blue. The lesson seems to be to shave like you're using an Ever Ready! 3 and out for the GSB. Winner or London Bridge before passing on later this week, I think.
The Forbes was nice enough, if a little "school floor after mopping" scented. The London Gin Club was a pleasant surprise. Nice Juniper hithung around just long enough.
The Beaux is appraently Yaqi's new synthetic take on a Silvertip badger brush, and it's evident from the off that it holds far more water than my other Yaqi synths. I had to watch my lather, as the initial retention meant far too much water was added to the Forbes!
The shave was then rounded off by one of the @BartsBalm samples I received yesterday. I've been eyeing them on other people's posts, so was a little giddy to try them when they arrived! The Ben Cruachan was stunningly good. Deceptively mild scent-wise in the bottle, it explodes when massaged in to the skin. Superb finish - absorbed with no residue left behind, I get the rave reviews. Many thanks Bart. I'll be back for big 'uns. Although I may hold off for the reappearance of Ben Vorlich, 'cos that sounds really up my street!

 

[Jester]

Prep: Shower, Palmolive Olive Oil Soap
Soap: Wickham Shamrock Tweed sample.
Brush: 24mm Boti Boss knot
Razor: Rockwell Model T (3,3)
Blade: Gillette Winner (1)
Post: Superdrug Forest Fresh ASL, Barts Balm

So there we have it - my final run out with the Rockwell. What have I learnt? Firstly, it's a solid piece of kit, and looks great. Setting aside the acknowledged discrepancy on the numbers on this one, the mechanism feels sturdy and tight.
It's taken me a while to dial in an angle that works, but the last few shaves have provided comfortable results - Gillettes seem to work for me with this razor.
Would I rush out to buy one? No. I feel I currently get a more intuitive shave from my Merkur 34C and Parker 22R. That may well be down to my style or inexperience as opposed to the razor, but I'm glad I took up @ATG 's offer to try it, and I'm surprised the waiting list isn't longer. Thanks Dan - I'll have it cleaned, disinfected and on to the next triallist by the weekend

 

[Jester]

@ATG, @LeeMaz , the Rockwell will be sent on today. Photos attached as per requirements, and I can confirm the razor has been barbicided. Apologies for the delay, and thanks again for the opportunity to try this Dan. I hope more people step up to add their name and keep this generous passaround moving

 

[LeeMaz]

Thanks I can’t wait. I’m away until Thursday just about to set off camping for a couple of days. The mother in law’s staying at the house though so they’ll be someone here to collect it. Thanks

 

[merchant_seaman]

Thanks I can’t wait. I’m away until Thursday just about to set off camping for a couple of days. The mother in law’s staying at the house though so they’ll be someone here to collect it. Thanks

Can she give it a run out first? Maybe her legs?

 

[LeeMaz]

Hi, the Model T has arrived today safe and sound. I’ll have my first run out with it tomorrow. It looks even more solid than I thought it would and the mechanism to open and close it works like a dream!

 

[Jester]

Hi, the Model T has arrived today safe and sound. I’ll have my first run out with it tomorrow. It looks even more solid than I thought it would and the mechanism to open and close it works like a dream!

Enjoy, and DON'T FORGET THE INSTRUCTIONS!!!!

 

[LeeMaz]

Prep: Shower with PAA cube

Pre: PAA unscented cube

Soap: PAA Future Fiction

Brush: Omega #625 silver tip badger.

Razor: Rockwell Model T

Blade: Astra SP

Post: Alum, Proraso aftershave balm and Proraso green aftershave.
So this is my first try with the fabulous Model T Passround. I was weary following the reviews from @Jester and my preference for mild razors. I started on a mid level 3 for the first pass and though I found the blade feel a little high for my liking at first but actually it gave a good first pass it did leave more whiskers than I expected. I went again with the same setting and getting a bit more used to the angles and weight got a much better second pass XTG. Feeling more confident and wanting to try and take the last of my neck bristles down I upped it to 4. Wow! A few layers of skin later and I got the rest of the stubble and probably my smoothest shave I’ve had recently! I had a few touch ups on the neck and a couple of weepers at the left side of my mouth which is always a problem area for me, but a face wash and alum sorted it all out. It’s the first time I’ve definitely seen a razor give me a light exfoliating, but actually not in a bad way just close enough to clear some rough skin and blocked pores by the side of my mouth. Probably not the way to do it but I liked my first shave. I will experiment more during the week but so far so good! I kept the soap and blades to my tried and tested to give the razor a fair outing and it’s done a good job so far!
Many thanks @ATG