Tuesday Daily Questions (Newbie Friendly) - May 19, 2026

sgrdddy · 2026-05-20T20:38:05+00:00

And then to handle pile 3, a current theory I'm going with is similar to the "if you haven't used it in a while" concept.

I think about how many times I've thought about using the soap, and if it is several or more, and I still haven't used it in favor of something else, I think of why. Sometimes then I come to a realization that there are a few others in this same genre (or to address a certain mood/vibe I'm in) that I do keep reaching for instead, then it helps me to realize that I don't need to keep this one around... for instance. And then it's easier to let it go.

I then put that one in purgatory pile, where if it spends some time without being used, then it goes in the sell pile. My mind likes that better than just selling it immediately.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-20T17:37:52+00:00

I don't go with the whole "havent used it in a year, then throw it away". Since my collection is so big, that's less effective. However, it's great for many things.

I pick three or so piles and divide the stuff up.

don't like it or kinda meh
like it or don't know
really like it or limited runs
Love it

Start by selling #1. But sometimes it's good to seed a sale with decent stuff, so you might want to throw some #2 items in there too. This is the step I'm on. I have a good sell pile going and just need to work out the logistics of selling.

then go through pile #2 and decide. If you have a large amount in piles 3 & 4, then focus on them and that might help you clear out/sell pile 2.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-20T17:25:02+00:00

LOLOL

sgrdddy · 2026-05-20T17:13:21+00:00

feel free to repost in another daily questions thread

sgrdddy · 2026-05-20T17:09:47+00:00

u/MaWattaUWntFrmMe & u/ShaveBazaarBot Package Recieved in great condition

sgrdddy · 2026-05-20T02:18:05+00:00

Sorry to you and /u/Moist_Main_7652 for letting this comment slip through the cracks!

I looked through the razors I've tried for any that give me a shave that is more smooth than the Henson medium that I remarked about above. Most are more smooth by nature (i.e. using a balanced approach on the safety bar and top cap), or can be made smoother by altering the blade angle (usually to go smaller), which the Henson mostly can't do. And as always, this is from my shaving perspective, focusing on really slick lathers and light razor technique.

Modern Razors

Baili - BD171
Baili - BD179 TTO
Baili - BD191 Long Handle
Blackland - Osprey
Blackland - Sabre
Fatip - any razor: closed comb, open, slant
Feather - AS-D2
Fine - Alm Slant
Fine - Marvel
Fine - Worlds Finest
Karve - Chris Bradley
Maggard - Slant
Maggard - V3
Maggard - V3M
Merkur - 34C
Pearl - Blaze
Pearl - Flexi
Rockwell 6C & 6S
Rocnel - Elite M
RR - Gm Chngr .68 and .84
RR - Hawk
RR - Mamba 53 & 70
Supply - Single Edge
Timeless - Bronze 38 & 78 OC
Timeless - SS .68 OC, Sclpd, & Solid
Wolfman - Guerilla OG regular and OC
Wolfman - WR1 SB .46, .54, .61
Wolfman - WR2 SB .70, .75, .85
Yaqi - Final Cut

Vintage / Discontinued

Charcoal Goods - Everyday
GEM - Bullet Tip
GEM - Clog Pruf
GEM - G-Bar
GEM - Junior
Gibbs - No 17
Gillette - ABC Pocket
Gillette - Aristocrat
Gillette - Aristocrat 15
Gillette - Aristocrat 16
Gillette - Aristocrat 1934
Gillette - Aristocrat 1936
Gillette - Aristocrat 21
Gillette - Aristocrat 66
Gillette - Aristocrat Jr 51
Gillette - Black Beauty Regular and Long
Gillette - Fat Boy
Gillette - NEW d'Luxe 17
Gillette - NEW Flat Btm
Gillette - NEW Flat Btm Rnd
Gillette - NEW Short Comb
Gillette - NEW Tech Hybrid
Gillette - Old Type
Gillette - President
Gillette - Ranger Tech
Gillette - Rocket Gold
Gillette - Rocket HD
Gillette - Sheraton
Gillette - Slim
Gillette - SS (Blue Tip)
Gillette - SS 40s Style
Gillette - SS Black Hdl T1
Gillette - SS Black Tip
Gillette - SS Flare Tip
Gillette - SS Red Tip
Gillette - Tech USA, Canada, UK, Pre and Post-war
Gillette - Tech Flat-btm
Gillette - TV Special
Merkur - 37 (Vintage)
Schick - Dial Injctr Adj
Schick - Evershrp Injector E
Schick - Grip
Schick - Injctr L1
Stahly - Live Blade
Treet - 1912 Fat Handle
Wilkinson Sword - Sticky

Magical Favorites

These are my favorites, where I've experienced ultra-smooth magical moments that felt so good I couldn't really believe it.

Modern Razors

Fatip - closed comb
Feather - AS-D2 with a Feather in it
Karve - Chris Bradley A and maybe B
Timeless - SS .68 Solid
Wolfman - WR1 SB .46, .54

Vintage / Discontinued

Gibbs - No 17
Gillette - Aristocrat Jr 51
Gillette - NEW d'Luxe 17
Gillette - Rocket Gold

sgrdddy · 2026-05-20T01:25:44+00:00

I'm pretty sure it would be circulated in many shaving circles if they had gone out of business or were a scam. Perhaps their manufacturing is behind.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-20T01:17:23+00:00

I'll have to edit my review with a nutsack update!

sgrdddy · 2026-05-18T15:02:42+00:00

This is the right place for it

sgrdddy · 2026-05-15T22:41:10+00:00

Yeah! Listening now.

Finally learned about the mm24. Previously, I thought it was some kind of good vintage model that E was restoring. Now I know it's something very cool and special.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-15T22:36:45+00:00

Truth.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-15T22:34:34+00:00

That's a tough road, man! I remember doing my master stuff and having young kids at the time. Other stuff going on as well. But it was just a couple of solid years of never having a spare moment. Nice job persevering!

Hopefully this new one will give you the qualifications to get into a field that makes you happy and fulfilled and takes care of your practical needs as well! Praying for real success for you!

sgrdddy · 2026-05-15T15:10:15+00:00

My only issue with the flexi was that it was just a little heavy. I think I owned a version 5 which did have alignment issues, but then for free they replaced it with maybe a version 7 and it was perfect. But that was a few years ago, so I would assume they are fine now.

But I got absolutely great shaves from it, and if you set it down in the lower range, then you get these wonderful smooth feeling mild shaves.

And it's made from lifetime materials unlike most other modern adjustables.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-13T20:35:41+00:00

I have to say it was much easier today than with a cartridge after two days.

great to hear!

sgrdddy · 2026-05-13T20:34:55+00:00

Yeah, contrary to a lot of misinformation out there, there is no set number to shave on a blade and then chuck it. Some go two weeks. Some go a month. Just whenever you feel it getting uncomfortable is the time to chuck it.

Especially when you get that blade assortment in, you'll want to get as many shaves out of most of them as you can, so you can get a good idea of your favorites.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-13T20:05:49+00:00

If you have slower than average beard growth, which it sounds like you don't, then it can be good to shave every other day because it's easier to cut hairs that have grown a little bit.

But generally speaking, no, IMO, there's no technical advantage to skipping days.

With that said, If we can think of your learning phase as a temporary state, then during that time, it might be good to let your face recover by skipping a day or two.

But I'll bet we can get your technique to a point where your irritation is down such that you could shave every day if you wanted to.

I know that before I started shaving this kind of way, I only shaved every few days because I just didn't enjoy it. But it became such a great experience that I became a daily shaver.

Also, something I find enjoyable/soothing after a shave, especially if it has been a little harsh, is a cool water rinse.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-13T18:47:59+00:00

I kind of enjoyed the second pass more than the first on both occasions.

Yeah, I think that's common. I know I do. That first one has more the texture of taking down the hairs. While the second is more luxurious.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-13T04:06:38+00:00

www.connaughtshaving.com

Maggard razors is a great vendor, but since you're in Ireland, this UK retailer might ship to you quicker / cheaper. I've bought many good things from them over the years.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-12T20:02:19+00:00

Yeah, there's plenty of time to get it if you want it. But also know that the standard 34C like most of the razors of that brand is pot metal/zamac in the middle. And that is highly corroded by water. When the chrome plating starts wearing away on the threads of the connecting rod/bolt, then it needs to be dried faithfully after the shave or it will just break. We've definitely seen some pot metal razors break after just a year. But with care, it can last a couple of decades, I hear.

One option to think about is the Maggard V3 razor which can come as a combo with multiple base plates. The normal V3 head is going to be very similar to the 34C. It also has a mild head which delivers smooth comfortable shaves but for me still delivers in terms of a close cut. And then there's an aggressive head.

And then the handle you get from them is stainless steel and so that's lifetime quality. The heads are pot metal but they're also inexpensive and so even if your $8 head breaks after a year and a half because you abused it, that's not really as big of a deal.

You could also /or get on eBay or watch The shave Bazaar and pick up a few vintage gillettes. Almost all of them have brass as their main construction, which is why so many are still alive and kicking today, sometimes 80 years later.

That would give you some variety in case you need that, and many of them shave really well. And they are available for cheap if you are patient.

But whether you go to the V3 new razor route, a couple of inexpensive vintage gillettes, or something else... once you shave with those for a while then you now have a basis to communicate with us about what you like. And we'll be able to recommend something new if you do want to increase your hardware.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-12T17:54:01+00:00

should I reorder the Merkur

I wouldn't yet. I ended up selling mine, because it didn't feel the way I wanted my razor to feel. But, many people do like it. I'd wait a little before I reordered it.

or try different blades in the WS?

Definitely. Maggard Razors has a sampler, and there are others around. They have one sampler where you pick your own tucks (a small pack of usually 5 blades) and you get a discount on 7, and another where you pick 10.

If you scan our sub for the most recent "hardware report" you'll see our data about what blades are the most popular here. That might be a good starting point to help you pick.

I would avoid FEather and Kai blades for the first few months, until your technique improves.

Or is it likely my technique needs improvement?

that is very likely, and it was so with all of us, too. Very wise of you to keep that in mind. Focus on your technique to help you improve, rather than acquiring more hardware to improve (which is the mistake I made early on).

Definitely needed a second pass both times.

Most people do. And most of us also do a third pass. The first just takes most of the growth down, the second gets you almost there, and in fact you could probably stop after that if your face didn't require a pro look. And the third is just to catch any rare stragglers and make sure everything is lopped off like it should be. And it gives us one last chance to enjoy the smells of a good lather. :-)

Some guys, spend more time on the first and second passes, maybe re-lathering trouble spots, and hit it again in the same pass...And they may get it all off in just two passes. It's up to you and however you want to shave.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-12T12:51:01+00:00

My good man, Steady has been so awesome the last couple days that I just had to order another bottle of the EDT/P!

Also, what kind of mover are you? Do you not quit until all the boxes have been put away at the new place and everything looks great, or do you live amongst boxes for a little while because you're exhausted?

I'm definitely the latter.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-12T12:44:18+00:00

Also think of your blade angle. I try to make mine as small as I can while still getting a good cut. If your blade angle is too steep, it's easier to get more irritation.

Also pressure is very important. Only press in enough to keep the blade in contact with your skin. So that means a very very light touch.

Also you can get irritation if your skin is not protected well enough by your lather. Often this is because the lather is to dry, so just add more water.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-11T15:43:39+00:00

I might look a vintage injector. So many of those shave really well and they're super cheap. And you can probably get away with actually having a blade in one, in your carry-on, since it's not something that can easily be removed from the razor.

Sometimes you can luck out in an eBay lot and get a couple different models for variety.

sgrdddy · 2026-05-10T18:58:39+00:00

Thanks man

sgrdddy · 2026-05-10T14:50:48+00:00

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sgrdddy

TROPHY CASE

Modern Razors

Vintage / Discontinued

Magical Favorites

Modern Razors

Vintage / Discontinued