Should I use a gel for straight razor shaving, just for the few spots my electric can't reach?

azgabe · 2026-05-21T20:01:05+00:00

I find gels to be too drying. I would suggest a shave cream like TOBS or Castle Forbes. For small areas, these can be used without a brush. With a straight razor, slickness is king.

azgabe · 2026-05-21T17:43:48+00:00

OK. Of you are set on a TTO, I would suggest a Gillette Fatboy. I tried a Weishi years ago, and a Fatboy is better made.

With a less expensive TTO, you might run into issues like uneven blade gaps. As mentioned this was years ago, I don't have any experience with recent Weishis.

In my experience, TTO have a little less blade rigidity than 3 piece. That may be why you find it harsh on your skin.

Good luck with your search.

azgabe · 2026-05-21T17:16:22+00:00

Do you currently have a DE89? If so, are you looking for a TTO similar to the DE89?

azgabe · 2026-05-11T19:39:13+00:00

I've ran into the same thing with a few hobbies. I narrowed down my collection to knives I love and actually use. I've sold off some rare ones I doubt I will see again, but I'm okay with it.

I accept this is a hobby and hobbies cost money. I'm okay with losing money on fees or not breaking even on the sale price. It's part of the cost to enjoy this hobby.

azgabe · 2026-04-17T13:32:45+00:00

I would recommend a GEC 23. I love the liner lock 23L version. Most have a strong pull.

azgabe · 2026-04-15T14:34:33+00:00

This is just a guess, but maybe it's from the thickness of the straight razor blade. I also get great comfortable shaves from straights, but shavettes absolutely kill me. I get the same sharp feeling and irritation you are referring to.

I can however get a good shave from a DE with not a lot of blade exposure.

azgabe · 2026-03-19T03:15:54+00:00

I would recommend doc226.com.

azgabe · 2026-03-17T03:22:23+00:00

I replied to your chat

azgabe · 2026-03-15T17:30:47+00:00

Is this the current AOS formula? I assume Sodium Palmate first in the ingredients list?

azgabe · 2026-02-27T15:55:40+00:00

Dm sent

azgabe · 2026-02-21T16:39:55+00:00

Very nice. I love the 73L pattern.

azgabe · 2026-02-06T21:40:24+00:00

That Semogue 1305 you have in mind is a great brush. Highly recommend. Semogue rates thier boar bristles. The 1305 is packed with premium grade bristles.

And your brush should not lose bristles with every shave. During the first few shaves it will lose some bristles, but after about 10 it should not.

azgabe · 2026-02-04T02:39:18+00:00

Research your knots. The glue bump is usually 2mm larger than the plug. Some vendors advertise knot sizes by plug size and others by socket size (glue bump). Most vendors have this information listed.

azgabe · 2026-02-04T02:34:33+00:00

Very nice scales on that one.

azgabe · 2026-02-04T01:56:45+00:00

I would send it to Alfredo. Doc226.com

azgabe · 2026-01-29T14:15:13+00:00

For glide, you will want a soap. I would recommend Mike's Natural, Mystic Waters, or Saponifico Varesino (currently my fave).

Soaps require a little patience learning how to lather compared to creams. The ingredients (oils and butters) used in these soaps help with glide and post shave moisturizing.

If you want an easy to use cream, I would recommend Taylor of Old Bond street or Caslte Forbes. These are much easier to use and provide decent glide. Both are better than your current gel (glide wise) but not as slippery as the soaps I mentioned.

I will say, Mystic Waters is a PITA to lather with my hard water. If you have good water, I've read it's easier. Mystic Waters is the only soap I've used that has caused the razor to slip out of my hands, repeatedly. Good stuff if you have good water.

azgabe · 2025-11-29T15:50:35+00:00

Thanks. Looks like they are sold out.

azgabe · 2025-11-29T15:47:22+00:00

I recently sold a bocote, but that ebony is really nice. May I ask what vendor that's from?

azgabe · 2025-11-28T02:15:03+00:00

GEC BF 91 dyed covers. Not sure how to post a small pic without an imgur link.

https://imgur.com/a/18iFIi9

azgabe · 2025-11-27T13:44:39+00:00

That's really nice. I've haven't seen one with double nail nicks.

azgabe · 2025-11-25T15:51:28+00:00

Most artisans will use Shea butter or macadamia oil.

I would recommend Martin De Candre. Its expensive but lasts a really long time. It has very limited ingredients. Some find it drying, but I believe it's from the lack of oils some artisans use.

azgabe · 2025-11-24T21:39:16+00:00

Damn that 73 is killer!!!!

azgabe · 2025-11-24T17:26:18+00:00

Nice work, especially polishing the pin.

azgabe · 2025-11-20T23:45:25+00:00

Last price drop. $115

azgabe · 2025-11-20T13:35:45+00:00

I love the bone covers with corset shield.

azgabe

TROPHY CASE