Personna blades

I wanted to try personna blades for some time but I couldn't find them anywhere (except online). This week I found them in a supermarket.

I must admit they are pretty good. They are really sharp but at the same time, soft with your skin. Added to my collection of favourites...

Blade bank

A blade bank is a must-have for any environment conscious wet shaver. There is a wide variety of blade banks. You can buy one or you can make one yourself. Your imagination is the limit.

Yesterday, I was draydreaming about a blade bank while drinking a cold beer and I suddenly got the idea. "Hey man, let's reuse this beer can as a blade bank!" I said to myself "It is slick, nice, handy and cheap. What else do you need?"

And here it is, the perfect blade bank:

New shaving gear

I recently added some new stuff to my small collection:

- One Merkur 1311 (Excellent razor). It comes in a plastic box which is pretty handy to store it and 100 Astra blades (My favourite ones).

- A new brush (The first one on the right).

Razor blades

I use a wide variety of razor blades from many different countries of the world:
Germany, Egypt, Japan, U.K, Greece, Turkey, Korea, Russia ...

There is a great article about razor blades here. In order to know the origin of some of these blades in more detail, take a look at this post

Shaving shavette

Today I tried the Parker shavette I got on Wednesday. I must say that it is easier to handle for me than the straight razor. I imagine that on the one hand, the cutting surface of the blade is smaller than the razor and on the other hand I am a tad used to the feel of a blade on my face so I was a bit bolder when using it. I even dared shave the chin area without any fear. I got a couple of little nicks due to my carelessness, though.

One thing worth noticing is that following MrFrood's advice I chose a mild Merkur blade which was one of the most suitable (in my small collection of blades) for this shaving session.

All in all I must say it was a nice experience that I'm willing to repeat soon.

Leaving you some pics...

About to try the shavette for the first time.

Starting with the sideburns as usual.

Take it easy, man!

New razor and shavette

Today I received my new Merkur razor and Parker shavette to add to my collection.

My first cut-throat razor experience

Well, I finally gathered the strength to try my first cut-throat (also called straight) razor. All I can say is: "Man, if you like aggressive shaving, look no further." Nothing, not even the sharpest double edge blades I have tried in my life can compare to using a straight razor.

I must admit it is very difficult to use. I guess it takes several weeks until you can properly shave with one of them, but I have to say that the first experience was not really bad at all. Not a single cut or nick!!! Good for me!!!

Here are some pics I took:


* After taking a shower I applied the shaving soap. It is La Toja soap, made in Spain. It is a great shaving soap with a lovely scent. If you've never used it, you should give it a try.

 * Applying the lather with a brush. Badger brushes are considered among the best ones. They are soft and play well with water.

* Here is the cut-throat razor ready to be used. It is easy to learn how to hold it in your hand correctly. I had never had one but it feels pretty natural to hold one from the very first moment.

* Actually shaving. I started with the sideburns. I was not afraid to cut myself in that area. Then I did the area under the nostrils, the neck and the lower lip. I wasn't brave enough to shave the chin though. I was really afraid to cut the skin in that area. I sure need more practice.

* In this last picture, you can see the results, but be warned that I'm lying here. The results were by far *not* that good. I shaved myself again with a regular DE razor. Why am I publishing the picture then? Just to prove that there are no cuts or nicks whatsoever and that I survived my first cut-throat razor experience.

I will practice until I master the art of classic shaving. There is plenty of things to learn but I'm willing to take the challenge. (Thanks again to my friend Mr. Frood for encouraging me to get the razor).

My first cut-throat razor

A couple of weeks ago I ordered a straight razor which I received today.

I am really excited about it but I still need to gather the courage to try it. I am seriously  considering to get a shavette as well.

Shaving

This very week, my good old friend MrFrood sent me some shaving gear really worth trying. So far I've only tried the "Timor" blades and the "Proraso" cream. And my conclusion is:

- Timor blades are far superior to the Wilkinson Sword ones. Timor blades are thinner and may I say, sharper. They cut like hell.Oh my!!!

- The Proraso cream is simply and plainly put: Excellent! (Nothing more to say!)

Here are some pics of the process:

Shaving gear, mainly sponsored by MrFrood.

Applying the cream with the brush.

Taking selfies of myself...

Actually shaving...

Once again, thanks to the Frood for being an everyday guidance on many aspects of life and first and foremost, for being a good friend, even in the distance ;)