Gem micromatic razor blade question

My brother-in-law recently gave me a Gem micromatic razor razor and I'm looking for blades that won't rust in it. I bought a 10 pack og GEM blade in the shaving section at my local grocery store, and discovered that they rust. Are there any blades currently available on the market that won't rust, or am I just going to need to remove the blade and dry it off after using it? Thanks.

Gem micromatic razor blade question

Slate's Entry to the Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame Entry

What is your real name?

Michael A. Slate

What are your nicknames/aliases?

Mike

Where do you live?

Newbury Park, CA

What is your age (or) generation?

67

What are you in the real world?

retired - banking and finance

What is your favorite shave setup?

The Barbier's Bride 6/8" by Wacker
SRD Imperial IV bridle leather strop w/webbing for backside
any good shaving soap without too much of a fragrance
Thacker badger brush

What are your hobbies and favorite activities?

Amateur (ham) radio operator; call sign N6TEA
Play Martin D-35 steel string acoustic flat top guitar

What else should the members of B&B know about you?

Dad taught me how to shave with a straight razor when I was 16 yrs. old but I quit after learning to strop, steam, soap & shave because I liked to sleep in. His uncle owned a barber ship in Bend, OR and gave him two restored vintage razors and a brand new one with ivory scales (in 1941). Returning to straight razor shaving seemed like a relaxing way to start the morning. Dad used a DE razor during the week but vastly preferred "the Saturday straight razor shave; the best of the week." I loved him dearly, so in his honor...

Slate's Entry to the Hall of Fame

New to the Nib, bought my first Fountain Pen

Well, ladies and gentlemen, my foray into old fashioned shaving and saving money led me to Badger and Blade, and am now aware that saving money is simply not going to happen. I have been lurking here since I joined a couple of weeks ago, and decided to give a fountain pen a try.

I swung by Staples, and picked up a Cross Bailey fountain pen...and I love it. I look forward to experiencing more (and better quality) pens as time goes on.

New to the Nib, bought my first Fountain Pen

DE shave in the shower

I started to use the DE while taking my daily shower. No mirror. No shave soap to lather. I just use whatever Bar soap is in there at the time. Slick up my face and go at it. I must say that shaving by feel instead of sight is liberating. I still like a calculated sink shave using the brush and shave soap. Shaving in the shower has given me a new shaving experience that I think deserves mentioning.

DE shave in the shower

Lapping Stones

Okay Guys need some advice, have been using WD sandpaper to flatten my stones but am wanting something that holds up better so looking at a diamond plate and not sure what to get, I always see the names of Atoma and DMT come up but not sure what to get.

I found several online but I see DMT has a Dia-Flate lapping plate for a pretty penny here http://ift.tt/1O3oe5D then founf this for 1/3 the cost http://ift.tt/1O3oe5F and finally found this http://ift.tt/1O3oe5H so what is the best option, I woild be using it to lap and flatten both synthetic and natraul stones, not alot of stones and not all the time.

Lapping Stones

New razor finished today

This one just finished up. It's blue G-10 handle is bead blasted for texture. The blade is hand forged 52100 with a Rockwell of 61-62. The weight is 68 grams. Of course, it is shave ready. Price will be $350.00.

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PM me for details if you are interested.

Thanks, Jerry

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New razor finished today

My growing collection.

Only been DE shaving a few weeks and already got the bug, my collection so far. Need a good wash!

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My growing collection.

Rogue Holstein

http://ift.tt/1FFtYBx

Rogue Holstein

Bad Shave Heal Time?

Hi all. I'm coming off the worst two shaves I've had in my short (3 months) experience with DE shaving.

The first shave was totally my fault. On Monday morning I was in a rush, just washed my face and slapped on some Billy Jealousy Hydroplane that I wanted to try. Grabbed my Gillette SuperSpeed with a Silver Blue blade, and hacked away. Not to get too gross, but I looked like Hannibal Lecter right then, and took awhile to staunch the bleeding. :eek2:

This morning ( I shave every other day) I washed my face, applied some unlathered cream for pre-shave, put a new blade (Gillette 7 o'clock Yellow) , lathered the cream and took my time. To my dismay the same result, lots of blood . But it seemed to me to be roughly in the same spots.:crying:


Obviously I'm doing something wrong, but what I was wondering is should I allow a certain amount of time for my face to heal? What would be the best amount of time to wait before shaving again?

Thanks for input...

Bad Shave Heal Time?

SIMPSON BEST BADGER A.S.2.A - Can anyone tell me age ?

I

a.8.2.a simpson badger brush.jpgII
I found this at an Estate sale. The decal is smudged, but the brush is so soft and clean, it was either well cared for or never used.
Can anyone help me to date/value this piece ?can teC

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SIMPSON BEST BADGER A.S.2.A - Can anyone tell me age ?

Laser Razer. True.

Don't know if anyone else saw this article but it is worth looking at... The Skarp Laser Razor...

Laser Razer. True.

Gillette Slim or Above The Tie set

I was wondering if anyone could give me a comparison on a Slim vs Above the tie. I know Above the tie has 3 heads for your preferred level of aggressiveness and Slim is adjustable but how is the comfortability of the shave at these different settings. For instance how is M Head vs Slim 3, R Head vs slim 6, H head vs slim 9.

Im just trying to figure out if I should just get the slim or buy Above The Tie set if its smoother and in general more comfortable shave.

Gillette Slim or Above The Tie set

Sam Seong Help

Hi,

Please I need your help.
Where in Europe I can buy a Sam Seong disposable straight razor?
Thank you in advance.

Sam Seong Help

Your favorite TOBS scent.

I know that this has probably been answered countless times here on B&B, but I have to ask --- what is your favorite scent from TOBS? I only have a tub of the Sandalwood, and I absolutely love the scent and performance! I have been 3017'ing a puck of Stirling Soap, but I'm currently taking a break as I am out of town. I brought along my tub of TOBS, and I've been wondering what I'm missing out on by not having the other scents. I plan on ordering some as soon as the GRUME is over (a couple of days). So, if you had to just choose one scent from TOBS, what would it be?

Your favorite TOBS scent.

kenspen's Entry to the Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame Entry

What is your real name?

Ken

What are your nicknames/aliases?

none

Where do you live?

Southwest corner of northeast Ohio

What is your age (or) generation?

64

What are you in the real world?

Nonprofit Executive Director

What is your favorite shave setup?

Still determining. Currently using Merkur 34C, Feather Blades, TOBS Sandlewood, Perfecto Badger brush (Whipped Dog Silvertip on order)

What are your hobbies and favorite activities?

Reading, bicycling, dining out, spending time with our grandchildren, collecting pocket knives and vintage fountain pens.

What else should the members of B&B know about you?

My beautiful bride of 42 years foresees another collecting obsession.

kenspen's Entry to the Hall of Fame

October Challenge Photo voting thread.

Post your photos here as well as the discussion thread, please. no comments here until the voting commences

October Challenge Photo voting thread.

Sue Moore Auction - Look HERE

With the Sue Moore Memorial Auction fast approaching, I bring you great news.

Maria Arman, owner of Through the Fire Fine Crafts, and master soap maker for TTFFC, Maggards and Grim Reaper, has volunteered to make a unique, limited production tallow shave soap to honor Sue Moore. There will be 30 tubs at $30 (shipping CONUS included). The first 30 people to commit to the soap will be the proud owners of a top-tier soap. As Yogi Berra might have said, "Once they are gone, there will be none left." So, on auction day, I don't want to hear about any lollygagging. You need a great soap, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation needs you.

It is a match made in heaven.

IMG_3611.PNGIMG_3612.PNG.


Here is a wonderful opportunity to help a great cause and own a world class soap.

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Sue Moore Auction - Look HERE

Hello and chin related help! :

Hi all,

I'm Ben, fairly new to DE shaving, having recently moved from electric due to the purchase price!

Having watched many shaving guides etc on youtube, I'm still having issues shaving around my chin. The razor just seems to get stuck part way round, and then proceeds to pull out just a small amount of hair (painfully!), leaving me with a fairly decent (for beginner and better than my old Braun1 series) shave, except for a couple of basically uncut patches either side of my chin. This is still a problem on brand new blades, so I'm guessing it's a technique issue.

I am using TOBS cream, Body Shop Brush, EJ DE89L and Wilkinson Blades.

Any suggestions much appreciated, and hello again to everybody. :)

Hello and chin related help! :

Feather blade with Feather AS-D2

Has anyone else noticed that the AS-D2 gives a harsh, irritating shave when paired with "other" blades? When paired with a Feather blade, the AS-D2 gives a very comfortable, close shave. I found Feather blades to be too harsh and irritating when used in various nonadjustable TTO vintage and modern razors (e.g., Schick,Gillette, Parker, and even Feather Popular). I also found Kai, Wilkinson, Astra, Shark, and even Derby blades harsh and irritating when used in the AS-D2. I don't think my technique has improved considerably, but my after shave routine of Witch Hazel and Dominica Bay Rum was quite mild this time. Normally, the Bay Rum points out all the flaws in my technique not previously pointed out by the Witch Hazel. (By the way, what's in Dominica Bay Rum anyway? It really lets me know that I have a very long way to go before even dreaming about using a straight edge razor.) Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Feather blade with Feather AS-D2

Timeless and Versatile: A Look at Men's Denim & A Giveaway

This post is sponsored by TOPMAN. All opinions are our own. Read on to see how you can enter to...

Click here to view the article.

Timeless and Versatile: A Look at Men's Denim & A Giveaway

Want to Buy WTTF or WTB Samsung S3-6, or other (Verizon)

In the past I've seen members post gently used smartphones and I'm looking for a new to me Samsung. Ideally we'd be able to work out a trade as I have a ton of shave related items as well as fragrances available to trade or to do a part trade part sale. Please PM if you'd like to work something out.

David

Want to Buy WTTF or WTB Samsung S3-6, or other (Verizon)

SOTD "United Kingdom Theme Week" September 28th - October 4th, 2015

Welcome to a New Theme Week on the Great
SOTD

This week we will be celebrating the area of the world that has been so important for the Wet Shaving Connoiseur
THE UNITED KINGDOM.

Products, hardware, software and fragrances and names like DR Harris, Simpson, Mitchell's, Penhaligon's, and so many more are the benchmark in high quality for the wet shaving world.

:euro:So Show us your SOTD using products from the United Kingdom!!:euro:

As Always these themes are a suggestion only, as we welcome your posts and photos of your Shave of the Day with products from all over the world!

NEXT Week will be a "FREE" week.

Have a tremendous upcoming week Gentlemen
and
THANK YOU for supporting the SOTD Forum and for you continued membership here at Badger and Blade
:thumbup::thumbup:

SOTD "United Kingdom Theme Week" September 28th - October 4th, 2015

Mama Bear Soaps

I've got several Mama Bears samples out for delivery. What's your favorite Mama Bear soap and what should I expect?

Mama Bear Soaps

Big lot of soaps and razors

I'm thinning the herd...
Nice lot of soaps-all used 1-2 times. Nice performers; the scents just aren't for me:

(2) Rustic Shave soaps (WSP)-Barber Shop and Marrakesh
AOS Sample Pack in Sandalwood: pre shave oil; shave cream; AS balm
DR Harris Marlborough stick
Sapone do Barba - Vegetale alla Mandorla
Pre de Provence AS balm

A collection of razors, DE and straight:
Segal Automatic
Gillette New (OC)

(3) junk straights for honing practice
Henkels: Good shape, minor devil's spit. Good shaver, but needs some touch up to be shave ready
Wade and Butcher: Medium Hollow Ground with custom "mycarver" horn scales.
Great shape, no chips or devil's spit; minimal hone wear. Shave ready.
Also includes various grit lapping film for honing.

All for $150 shipped CONUS.

Big lot of soaps and razors

Paco Rabanne Pour Homme v. Invictus

Tried current formulation PRPH today and also same brand Invictus. Found they smell almost the same. Invictus seemed slightly stronger. Any info or thoughts on comparison?

Paco Rabanne Pour Homme v. Invictus

Calani Bay Rum?

Has anyone ever tried this soap? Is it a genuine Bay Rum scent or a "faux" one like Lucky Tiger BR?

Calani Bay Rum?

Another newbie question: stropping speed

Is necessary to strop quickly? Is it a friction/heat thing that makes stropping effective? I see these guys on YouTube whipping away and I wonder is this necessary? Is slow stropping just as effective?

Another newbie question: stropping speed

Question about board strops

I am in the market for a strop. I've been reading and watching videos on stropping. Most of the higher end strops have a linen side and a leather side. And I understand the purpose of both. Yet they sell board strops that are just a piece of leather glued to a board...no linen side. Inexpensive I know. Is a board strop sufficient or will the lack of linen stropping harm the blade over time? Is it worth the money saved to buy a board strop? Or should I just spring for a two sided strop? What is best for a beginner?

Question about board strops

Newb question: is there a preferred soap/cream for SR shaving?

I have been shaving with a Shavette and I am finding the quality of the lather seems to make a big difference when SR shaving...more so than when I DE shave (it seems any of my soaps/creams do a good job). For those of you who are more experienced are there particular shaving soaps or creams that are better for SR shaving? What is the lather consistency/quality I should be aiming for? Wet or more dry? Do you lather your whole beard when you start or just the part of the beard you are getting ready to shave? I am guessing this may be one of those YMMV things...but any advice would be welcomed.

Newb question: is there a preferred soap/cream for SR shaving?

FINALLY got me a Wade & Butcher.

image.jpg
Won an auction for this 6/8 Wedge Wade & Butcher after bidding on about a dozen over the last month. I think I did good and paid $38. What would be your guess on the age? I'm guessing before 1890 since it doesn't say England.

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FINALLY got me a Wade & Butcher.

11/16 George Wostenholm & Sons Pipe Razor Restore

Well My First Wostie arrived today and it is definitely a beauty. A little smaller than it looked in the photos but that is quite alright. 11/16 is plenty of blade to shave with for sure.

Do here is how I received it:

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11/16 George Wostenholm & Sons Pipe Razor Restore

Gillette D1 1958 TV Special

Gillette offered in 1958, in conjunction with their sponsored television series, Gillette's Cavalcade of Sports, a re-design of the originally introduced 1954 Flare Tip Super Speed razor- the 1958 TV Special. Featured as a mail-in promotional beginning in the first production quarter of that year- the TV Special razor flaunted straight knurled ridges down the length of the handle. This special Super Speed razor differed from the workhorse Flare Tip's handle knurling, which was segmented by 10 bands milled transversely down the length of the handle, ending in a milled band and knurled tail, acting as a pedestal to the fluted and banded twist-to-open knob. Overall, this made the handle length to appear longer on the TV Special razor, and the pedestal following the wider milled band near the base of the handle was much shorter than the one found on the Flare Tip. The TTO knob was the same on both models, and on the TV Special, the knob was now held in place by a circlip. Each weighed approximately 57 grams, and because of the knurling, was easily held and maneuvered in use. Previously, Gillette had designed in 1954, a case with a blue base and clear styrene hinged lid uniquely for their first television promotional razor, and the 1958 version utilized the same molds, but with a red base. The case was considerably smaller than the regular production Super Speed styrene cases for mailing, but still held the razor and a six blade, Blue Blade dispenser positioned under the razor. Pictured is a date coded D1 example for the 1958 TV Special, and a Z1 date coded Flare Tip Super Speed and case for comparison. God Bless! Tony Brown RN mgbbrown Gillette 1958 TV Special Super Speed and Red Styrene Case Closed View.JPGGillette 1958 TV Special Super Speed Razor Date Code D1 with Unique Knurling Side View.JPGGillette 1958 TV Special TTO Knob Attachment Circlip.JPGGillette 1954 Flare Tip Super Speed Razor Date Code Red Styrene Case with Ten Blade Blue Blade D.jpg

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Gillette D1 1958 TV Special

How do I add a signature line?

I'm sure that this is well known, but I've looked and can't seem to find it in any of the profile settings. How does one add a signature line?

Thanks for your help,

Bill

How do I add a signature line?

Chrome Hydro Magic

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I have done some searches and only found one other Chrome Hydro Magic. Does anybody else have one? Are they rare or just not talked about much?




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Chrome Hydro Magic

PLISSON/JORIS Thuyawood & Palladium DE razor

PLISSON/JORIS Thuyawood & Palladium DE razor

Plisson/JORIS Thuyawood and Palladium open comb DE razor. Palladium plated brass. This razor is brand new in original box. Wonderful & iconic razor. I am the original owner.

List Date: 9/26/2015

For more info, click here to view the original listing: PLISSON/JORIS Thuyawood & Palladium DE razor
--------------------------------------
On Sale For: $115.00


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PLISSON/JORIS Thuyawood & Palladium DE razor

Truefitt and Hill Sandalwood

Who has used TH sandalwood before?
I have used AOS , which I really liked.
I would also like to try Proraso red, which I heard good things about.
I have heard mixed things about TOBS.
I'm curious what people think about TH since it is one of the more expensive ones out there and wanted more info before spending the money.

Thanks.
Mike

Truefitt and Hill Sandalwood

Modern Williams mug chalenge

I'm trowing a chalenge to use a new puck of Modern Williams using the Vezz method, to use it every day or every time you shave until the puck is done. Gino

Modern Williams mug chalenge

24mm Vintage Blades 2-Band

I bought this brush knowing I was not going to keep it long. The specs on this 2-band brush are a diameter of 24mm with a loft of 55mm. I prefer brushes with a diameter of 26-28mm, and a low loft. However, I read numerous posts here and on other forums about how great this brush is, particularly at its $40.00 price point. I had to try it to see for myself.

I can now understand why this brush has received so much praise. It is an amazing value. In fact, in my mind, it is the best value available in 2-band brushes. Nothing even comes close in terms of value. The handle is lathe turned and not molded plastic. It has good heft to it and is well polished. This handle does not have the minor cosmetic blemishes one sometimes finds in lower priced lathe turned brushes. There is no glue visible at the top of the handle, or on the brush hairs. The knot is well formed and does not have a glue bump. There are no cosmetic issues with this brush, and it has not shed a single hair. The brush has been used 7 times and cared for extremely well.

In terms of performance, this knot has medium density and backbone. The hair is very soft with no scritch. It has a pillowy feel to it without the floppiness one would expect from a similar silvertip knot. The knot excels at creating and releasing lather. If this knot was set at a low loft, I would definitely keep this brush even though its diameter is smaller than what I prefer. Just an amazing brush for $40.00. The original listing is at:

http://ift.tt/1KEoQJJ

Price: $24.00

PayPal. No trades please. CONUS shipping is included.

24mm Vintage Blades 2-Band

Signs of the changing season

The days are getting shorter, and it's getting dark much sooner.
As the weather gets cooler, sandals make way for boots.
As flocks of birds start their graceful migration to the south, the sweaters and scarves start their migration out of the back of the closet.

Almost as sure as the appearance of pumpkin spice drinks, the cooler weather which signals the end of outdoor activity will bring us back to an annual event here at B&B recognized as the end of the hibernation period for the seasonal trolls.

These rare creatures will soon find themselves indoors with little to do, and a sad, lonely life will inevitably guide them back to the Forums.

If you spot these creatures - PLEASE;

1. Don't interact with them. They are unused to mankind and have been known to snap at even good intentions.

2. Generally speaking, experts on these lonely animals find that ignoring them altogether is best. It prevents the poor things from injuring themselves.

3. If you find that they are being particularly aggressive, know that this kind of behavior is quite common.
Please report posts that you feel are being made by them, and let the experts who have the experience of dealing with these varmint pests take care of the problem.

Hopefully, following these tenets will enable us all to watch these critters in their natural habitat, and yet maintain a level of safety for both the viewer and the beast.

Signs of the changing season

Cella, I got it! Now how to use it?

Today, I got my two little lovely red Tubs of Cella Croap.

You folks know the first thing I did, was crack the lid, and take a whiff. Wow, I almost wanted to take a lick, smells very "edible"!

Anyway, what's the general, and best way-easy way to use it?

I assume most folks simply swirl their wetted shave brush in, give it some good rubs, but then where to?

Do you then go to bowl, or would going straight to face be better?

Thinking about it, I imagine some may dig it out, place in another bowl, or scuttle?

Will of course be my next one in rotation, and hope to get some good tips before I break it out.

Cella, I got it! Now how to use it?

My introduction to injectors

In the last three weeks, I finally embraced the injector and found three Schicks while making the rounds in my area. It appears that I have scored an E-2, E-4 and a G-8. I tend to like aggressive razors, so the E's were an easy choice. I knew very little about the G-8, but for what I paid, it was worth it. I was initially not a fan of the appearance or style, but after using them, all I can say is WOW! I have used the Chinese Schick injector blades in them and have gotten shaves equal to my GEM's, Ever Ready's and Kampfe Bros. SE's. The E-4 and the G-8 show the before and after pics, while the E-2 is included post cleanup. I just couldn't let SEptember pass by without adding these to the rotation. Trying to find a Pal Inject-O-Matic to throw in the line up. Guess I have finally lost it.:lol:

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My introduction to injectors

LAST CALL! Ending my super sneaky hidden PIF in about 10 minutes!

Follow the link to the original thread I hid the link in earlier today! I know this was a really short PIF but I have seen shorter :P. Good luck to all who are interested

CLICK ME!!!!

LAST CALL! Ending my super sneaky hidden PIF in about 10 minutes!

Nathan Clark Envy White Knot and a Custom Handle

The Nathan Clark Envy White knot... This is an incredible knot. Very dense, and a ton of backbone,
but at the same time splays so nicely. It feel a lot like a simpson manchurian. There is a lot of scrub, but is still pretty soft. I highly suggest that if you like the badger brushes, but you cant figure out what knot you want to go with, you take a look at this one. He will be getting larger knots in soon.

I hope you all enjoy. I am very proud of this brush and wanted to share the work of James Ortega and Nathan Clark with you all.

Nathan Clark Envy White Knot and a Custom Handle

Ink Review - Noodler's 54th Massachusetts

Unfortunately I do not have access to a scanner, so this photo, (taken in natural light) may be lacking in quality. I have begun using this ink for work and have been pleased with the results. It lacks the depth of color of the Diamine or Noodler's Blue Blacks, but has proven to be my favorite "bulletproof" ink thus far.

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Ink Review - Noodler's 54th Massachusetts

Quartz Chronograph Tune Up?

I have a Seiko SPC043, that is worn daily. Recently I've been having to adjust either the the minute and 10 minute dial about every other week as one of them resets somewhere other than zero, and the reset button has become finicky, sometimes needing to be pressed 3-4 times HARD to reset the dials.

The battery was replaced 6 months ago, Do Quartz watches like this need periodic tune ups?

Quartz Chronograph Tune Up?

Any recommendations on currently available wooden match brands to light my pipe.

Lately any wooden matches I've seen in the stores just won't light off the box very well. Nothing was as good as the old Ohio blue tip strike anywhere matches. I fear the gubment nanny state has safetyfied our match industry to the point its hard to find a good strike anywhere match. Any of you fellows have any recommendations.

Thanks in advance

Rick

Any recommendations on currently available wooden match brands to light my pipe.

Fasan for sale?

I don't know if I posted in the right place, so sorry.
Anybody want to sell a Fasan slant.
I'm hunting for it about a year and can't find it.

Thanks

Fasan for sale?

Heads up! One-time offer. Two days only!

TH-hairmanagement-withoffertag.jpg

Buy any one of these hair products and select a second – for half price.
To celebrate the launch of our high performance hair management products, we're offering a heady opportunity. Now is the chance to stock up on your favorite wax, clay, paste or pomade – or try something new.

SEPTEMBER 29 TO OCTOBER 1 ONLY. OFFER ENDS AT MIDNIGHT.
Enter promotion code HAIR15 at checkout at http://ift.tt/1sN9n3F

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Heads up! One-time offer. Two days only!

Want to stop playing video games

I am 26 about to be 27. I want to stop playing video games. I'm an adult now, college educated, have a child, work full time.....I need to stop. I probably spent 400 hours on World of war craft alone growing up. Probably another 400 hours on Steam and who knows how much else spent on random games simply growing up. 800 hours of my life that I can visibly track. That's a month of my life. Gone. What would you do with 1 month left to live?

I'm done man, video games are great fun but nothing really blossoms from time spent on them. Hell even a board game or something else that keeps you semi tied to reality has to be better. I have dreams of mastering my knowledge and ability in spanish or simply to better myself as a person

Want to stop playing video games

Unscented Shave Soap/Sensitive Skin

A friend of mine not on B&B has extremely sensitive skin (most dyes/fragrances cause redness and itching) was looking into wet shave soaps was wondering if there are some unscented soaps/creams that are worth looking into? Or if anyone has similar issues and what they've tried? Really any advice about this.ha

Unscented Shave Soap/Sensitive Skin

TOBS question

My long term experience is with the grape fruit and coconut scents. Both performed the same. Thick slick rich lather. I had a sample of Avacado and it was a WEEK performer at best. Poor lathering, not slick.

Was this an anomaly? I would assume all TOBS creams would perform the the same with the only difference being the scent.

Am I wrong in this assumption?

TOBS question

Vintage Items-Collectors items or part of your rotation?

I find myself wondering as I search high and low for the illusive vintage puck of XYZ or find some old Avon Aftershave in a bottle somewhere. What if I actually win a bid, or find an old sought after vintage item, should I use it? Would using it be like opening a mint in the box action figure to try the Kung-Fu action grip? I know some will collect for nostalgia, others for the thrill of the hunt, others so they can use a product that "really" works AND of course I suppose some even collect for the potential financial benefit/investment value.

I have problems having stuff I don't intend to use...then again I have problems throwing out old stuff because "it may be worth something some day" Heck I recently sold a "vintage" alarm clock from my youth for more than $100, and to think my wife tried several times to throw it away or give it away at a garage sale (never again will she doubt me)

What do you do?

Vintage Items-Collectors items or part of your rotation?

Voice Calling In Gmail On Android?

Gents, I have used the Gmail calling feature in the desktop version of Gmail for awhile now. Typically I use it when I have to call some phone number I am unsure of and do not want my mobile or home phone number involved. No skulduggery, just sometimes you ask for a number for an obscure company or individual you simply don't know well enough to hand your mobile number! Anyroad, the call feature works fine. You download Google Voice plugin(I think that's right) reboot your browser, login to Gmail, and you have a nice little handset icon in your menu off to the left side. Neat, easy, and something I use about three times per year.

I started looking at this function on my Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 and realised it will not work out of the box. This is where the fun begins. Google is the most frustrating thing in the world sometimes. I did a generic search of 'Using gmail voice calling in Android'. Boy was that confusing. Loads of articles about downloading some Google Voice app, then 'Hangouts' and sometimes many other things. The one thing I do NOT do is the major social networks. No Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. I have B&B when I need intelligent, well thought out answers to questions. The last thing I need is to be logged into a social networking site like Google Hangouts just to make a call. I can only imagine the number of 'friends' who will request the ability to get into my life. Irregardless of the social grumping, is there an easy way to make phone calls from Gmail in Android? I have Skype but making calls requires a paid account and Gmail is, as far as I know, allowing Gmail calls in the States and Canada as a freebie. Any ideas?

Voice Calling In Gmail On Android?

Help. Bought a razor from Pils, it hasn't arrived and they don't answer mails

Hello guys,

I start this post because I wanted to share my bad experience with Pils customer service, I think they have gone too far with all the minimalism and made their customer service minimalist too.
I'll explain. I bought them a 101NE razor on 16 of this month, as you know, this is a beautiful but expensive beast. I think that when you pay big bucks for a premium product you should expect a premium service too. This wasn't the case. They say it takes 5 days for shipping, so yesterday was the fifth day and it didn't show up. I mailed them three times, one each day since three days ago and they haven't answered me, I also had to install a voip app on my phone to call them to Germany as I'm from Spain. They haven't answered neither. I don't have a problem if it takes them a few extra days to ship the razor, but c'mon, they should answer my mails and say something. It's very stressful to talk to them and they don't talk back.

Do you know guys what I can do? Please help me as I pretty much have no idea what to do.

Help. Bought a razor from Pils, it hasn't arrived and they don't answer mails

Where can I get an old brush restored?

I have several old shave brushes that I have picked up at various antique shops and I would like to start getting them restored. I don't really have the time or facilities to try to restore them myself. Is there someone that restores brushes? Has anyone here sent a brush to someone else to restore? If so, would you recommend them? Thanks.

Where can I get an old brush restored?

13/16" Skeletor in red

13/16" Skeletor in red

You want a razor that stands out in your rotation? One that provides unparalleled grip? Here she is: heavily textured spine and tang, "danger" red scales, muted squarepoint.

This razor is ready for getting down to business.

Comes shave ready.

List Date: 9/23/2015

For more info, click here to view the original listing: 13/16" Skeletor in red
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On Sale For: $95.00


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13/16" Skeletor in red

Counterfeit Gillette Blades. Buyer Beware

Gillette Fusion :

http://ift.tt/1G20aK2

Gillette Sensor Excell :

http://ift.tt/1G20aK2

Gillette Mach 3 :

http://ift.tt/1G20aK2

Counterfeit Gillette Blades. Buyer Beware

Counterfeit Gillette Sensor Blades. Buyer Beware

http://ift.tt/1G20aK2

Counterfeit Gillette Sensor Blades. Buyer Beware

Finally got my hands on Martin de Candre.

I have long heard about Martin de Candre, about its near mythical, magical powers, etc. I joke of course, but anyone that’s into this knows about MdC. I have long, long wanted to buy MdC, but could never justify the cost, although many people told me that it lasts a very, very long time due to the soaps hardness/density and concentration, not much of a load is needed to get all the lather one needs, making the cost-per-use much friendlier.

Well, I finally bit the bullet, and my MdC Fougère was delivered yesterday. The scent is absolutely wonderful, its not really strong at all, but boy, its such a nice fougère scent, very fresh and herbal, very classy. The performance is actually incredibly. I had to test these theories on just how small a load I could use to produce an adequate amount of lather. So I swirled my ‘just moist’ Muhle STF 2 XL brush on the dry soap surface about 10 times (which by the way is absolutely packed to the brim with soap, right up to the edge). I did a test lather in my hand. Adding just a bit of water to get it going, I was honestly just blown away by the quality and amount of lather it produced. It was so cushiony and slick, I haven’t encountered many lathers like this…I have a lot of soaps, many artisan soaps, and several of these are amazing. But this MdC is one of the greatest – FOR ME.

I had to share my experience. This morning I shaved with it, and the shave was wonderful and the post shave is equally awesome. I love the ingredients list…super simple, no ‘crap’ packed full of yucky ingredients. A very simple list, made in the old fashioned way.

This morning I paired it with the Plisson brush (French brush, French soap...had to be done), and Shaver Heaven Green Tobacco Aftershave, and the scents paired very well, the MdC scent doesn’t linger it all, it seems, but the SH GT aftershave just smelt and felt right on the face after this shave.

Thanks gents. Shave on.

Martin de Candre Fougère.jpg

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Finally got my hands on Martin de Candre.

Is there a puerh buying guide?

I was wondering if there's a guide to the different years for puerh, a guide to cnnp/dayi label format? Or like a website that has what different years look like beyond the recipe numbers mean

Is there a puerh buying guide?

Holier Grail Redux (No 15 pic or two)

Its been almost 18 months since I sold my no 15. Oddly enough, it's been 18 months of me kidding myself that I didn't miss that razor. So for my birthday I had the luck of getting a no 15 that I actually wanted more than my last one. The oldest British no 15. The silver plated variety. Anyway, without more rambling two bits of eye candy.

I haven't given her a proper polish yet, but I will when I have some time this weekend.

Holier Grail Redux (No 15 pic or two)

A lather experiment - I need some experienced DE shavers to give this a try

Ok, I'm looking for some of you that are considered more experienced at lathering to try something totally different. I'm asking for a week of shaves (or longer) if you'd like to try something that I believe to be completely new. I need more than just one shave trying this because it's going to take you a few shaves to get used to the lather as it basically goes against everything you've been taught. It's a struggle to get the lather dry enough and to resist the temptation to add water and lather it.

I've been speaking with Marco at PannaCrema discussing various lathering techniques and he asked me to try something. It was familiar because I've done this before by mistake. I remember when I started shaving and had a lather that was way too dry. I shaved with it anyway on the first pass however, I adjusted the lather (added water) for the next pass changing the lather to a more traditional state and carried on with my shave. I remembered the shave to be excellent and figured I'd gotten away with something on the first pass. Marco at PannaCrema had been messing with this as well and challenged me to use this type of lather for all my passes. I've been really impressed with the results so far.

So here's what it comes down too. With our current methods we take some shave soap which is inherently protective and pack it with a ton of water and air. Basically fluffing it into a completely different state. The question is... what if we don't pack all of that air into it and water it down so much? I suspect that this fluffy wet lather is the way it is due to it's role in straight razor shaving but what if there's a better way? Possibly a better lather for de shaving?

I've been trying this for the past couple weeks and getting excellent results. I'm challenging you to do the same and report here about your experience after trying it several times. I haven't tried this with a straight razor (I'm not sure that would go quite as well) but I know it works well with a DE razor as well as a single edge razor.

Here's what I've been doing...
I've been taking my brush after soaking it and shaking just about all of the water out of it. There's not much water left in the brush at all. I've then taken that brush to the soap to collect as much soap as I can with the dryer brush. I usually end up with a thick paste like soap covering the bottom 3/4 of an inch of the bristles. This soap contains no air and very little water. The thick gel like paste is then brushed onto my face for the first pass. I wet my face but as I brush the soap on it doesn't turn into a traditional lather but more of a thick dry soap like gel. If you have too much water you won't get this. In looking at this on my face I wouldn't suspect I'd get a decent shave from it. However the results of the pass are outstanding. As I prepare for the second pass I wet my face and apply more soap from the brush getting the same dryer non fluffy lather. The results after the second pass are a near bbs shave. Pretty much a two pass bbs shave every time. With the same razor and a fluffy lather I have way more touch up to do to get to the same point.

I've been adding a third pass for touch ups (mostly just one area on my lower right jawline) but I've been getting exceptional shaves even with some milder razors that wouldn't usually perform as well without some touch up.

This method is giving me some of the very best shaves I've ever had and making some of my razors more efficient. I do recall after trying this method with each of my razors thinking that that's the best shave that razor has ever given me. The after shave face feel is a bit better than normal as well.

I've tried this for the past two weeks with 4 different razors (BBS-1, ATT M1, Mongoose and Gillette Fatboy) and about 14 different soaps. Some soaps work better than others but I've found this to turn a good soap into a great soap and a great soap into an exceptional one. I did try a couple soaps that I wouldn't normally use and the results were better, but my standards are high so it didn't make a really poor soap acceptable for me.

I even got some really nice results from Nancy Boy Signature cream by doubling the amount of cream and using a really dry brush.

This goes against everything that we've been told a great lather is, you'll likely use a bit more soap, there will be no great lather pics and this is far from glamorous, however the proof is in the shave and I'm finding the results to be outstanding.

If you're up to it please give it a go and share your results after a few shaves.

A lather experiment - I need some experienced DE shavers to give this a try

Another OC razor geometry misconception

It looks like an assumption I made about open comb razors was wrong.


I recently returned from vacation, having let my beard grow for about two weeks. Normally I shave every 1-2 days during the week, and may or may not bother on weekends. This was the first time in years I had gone unshaven for so long.


Anyway, I decided the appropriate "weed whacker" to remove the extra growth would be my NEW style Goodwill LC. I figured the gaps between the comb teeth would allow the blade to reach the hairs better than a safety bar (almost all my razors are safety bar types).


I was dead wrong. While it seemed the blade was cutting OK, within a couple dozen short strokes, the razor was getting jammed with hairs wedged between the blade and base plate. Rinsing was ineffective in dislodging them. At this rate it looked like I was going to have to disassemble the razor for cleaning several times to finish my first pass.


So I decided to give my usual safety bar razor a try. The result: I finished my 3-pass shave with no problems. Disassembling my Weber afterward (something I don't normally do until it's time to replace the blade) showed just a small number of hairs that rinsing had not dislodged. Apparently, the Weber has plenty of room under the base plate for cut hairs, even long ones, to pass through and be rinsed away. A razor with a smaller blade gap might not work as well in this situation.


In addition, I suspect the Goodwill holds the blade in such a manner that there is a space between the underside of the blade and the leading edge of the base plate, while the Weber holds the blade directly (or more directly) against that leading edge. Other OC razors might not have this problem depending on how the base plate contacts the blade.

Not sure if anyone will find this interesting, or indeed if anyone else has made the same assumption I made about OC razors. In any case, it goes to show that these things don't always work the way you might expect.

Another OC razor geometry misconception

Barbasol Confession

A few weeks ago, in a hurried moment of weakness, I reached for my can of Barbasol Soothing Aloe.


The following week, I experimented with Barbasol more than once. I mixed it with water in my hands, and the result was slick, protective, and very nice. The shaves were good.


This week, I have willingly chosen Barbasol over my other creams, my brush, and my bowl on multiple occasions.


And today, I shaved with something else, but thought of Barbasol while doing so.









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"What is the point of confessing if I don't repent?"

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Barbasol Confession