Razor: Ever Ready 1914
Blade: GEM Single Edge Stainless
Brush: Semogue TSN LE 2012
Pre-Shave: Proraso Pre Shave Cream
Lather: Pereira Shavery Orange Blossom w/ activated charcoal
Aftershave: Epsilon for Men Scottish Spirit
Additional Care: Alum Block
There have been plenty of patents designed to reduce the need to use both a razor and a lathering device. In the past we have looked at a couple of disposable razors with cream in the handle. We smiled at the combination razor and brush. And I’ve shown off an overly complicated brushless razor. But I think my new favourite in this narrow field is Raymond V Acken and his safety razor.
Not favourite as in “I would want one”, mind you. Favourite as in “what the f… was he thinking?”.
Continue readingRazor: Ever Ready 1914
Blade: GEM Single Edge Stainless
Brush: Artesania Romera Manchurian Badger, imitation horn
Pre-Shave: Prep Original
Lather: Asylum Shave Works Flying Mango
Aftershave: Epsilon for Men Scottish Spirit
Additional Care: Alum Block
Razor: GEM 1912
Blade: GEM Single Edge Stainless
Brush: Brush Experimental Alpha
Pre-Shave: Proraso Pre Shave Cream
Lather: Proraso Menthol & Eucalyptus
Aftershave: Barber No3 Marmara
Additional Care: Alum Block
Lately I’ve been on a Autostrop jag. I’ve talked about a film that features how to look after the Valet, an early animated store display, a 1920’s two page ad, and a 1944 non-advertisement on how to look after your strop. Today I stumbled over another piece of Valet / AutoStrop history; the Wall Kit.
Continue readingRazor: GEM 1912
Blade: GEM Single Edge Stainless
Brush: Brush Experimental Alpha
Pre-Shave: Proraso Pre Shave Cream
Lather: Goldex Nova Fórmula
Aftershave: Barber No3 Marmara
Additional Care: Alum Block
A little while ago we looked at a Auto-Strop store display. A little before that, we looked at a wartime film talking about how to look after your blades and razors, including your Valet. During wartime it was extra important to look after your Valet, as it strops itself. And that is what today’s wartime little advertisement says too.
Continue readingRazor: GEM 1912
Blade: GEM Single Edge Stainless
Brush: Vie-Long #12705B
Pre-Shave: Proraso Pre Shave Cream
Lather: Asylum Shave Works Flying Mango
Aftershave: Barber No3 Marmara
Additional Care: Alum Block
Razor: GEM Micromatic Clug Pruf
Blade: GEM Single Edge Stainless
Brush: Vie-Long #14033 Pre-Shave: Prep
Original Lather: GzD Shavestick
Aftershave: Epsilon for Men Scottish Spirit
Additional Care: Alum Block
Remember the adjustable shavette invented by John J Meehan? As I mentioned, that wasn’t his only shaving related invention. In 1909 and 1911 he received a pair of patents for a razor blade stropper. And while there are some differences between the two patents, what strikes me is the similarities – so I’ll cover them both at once.
Stropping or honing a razor blade to make it last longer or shave better is something most people don’t do today. But back before modern coatings, razor sharpeners were popular to the point of people making their own. So it is no surprise that John J Meehan got in on the action.
Continue reading