Shaving notes of the MaineYooper

I promise I will do a more detailed analysis tomorrow, with multiple graphics, pie charts, and talking points! 

I promise I will do a more detailed analysis tomorrow, with multiple graphics, pie charts, and talking points! 

I promise I will do a more detailed analysis tomorrow, with multiple graphics, pie charts, and talking points! 

That is my kind of thing! Perfect!

The Comparison Shave

Since I have today off from work, and I had the time, and the bathroom door has a lock and "Danger: In Use" sign, I decided to challenge my morning motor skills and use the two Overlanders, nickel-plated brass and black aluminum, on EVERY pass, switching the blade between them as I did one side then with one, then the other. To illustrate, brass right, aluminum left then next pass right, brass left, then next pass right, etc. See, that is why the door was shut! No interruptions that could result in the loss of a finger, and no side-eye looks questioning my sanity!!


The shave was a wonderful experience! I noted only two differences: the obvious difference in mass: brass is 110 grams and aluminum is 37 grams; and the slight "drag" that the aluminum has. The brass had a drag, which memory says was more noticeable, but after the nickel plating the drag is gone. 

Technique shifted easily, which came as a minor surprise to me, and I had no difficulty going from light to heavy and back again. 

One of the reasons I wanted to try this version is the advanced arthritis in my hands. According to imaging, I have next to no cartilage on the bones in my hand, especially the thumb joints. When it is "acting up," holding heavier objects can be a challenge. I noted this several weeks ago with the brass Overlander, most notably when shaving the left side of my face (I am right-handed and haven't learned to use my left hand for shaving). So the aluminum interested me, especially after Ohio Bob and I corresponded regarding his experience with both. 

Bottom line: I am very pleased! I now have, I think, the only modern DE razors that interest me and more importantly work for me: The Overlander, the Christopher Bradley, and the Yates 921-M. (I know, I most likely jinxed myself now and The Next Great Thing will appear on my Buy Now list!!!)

Fat Tuesday    


Yates 921-M
Personna Platinum Chrome (5)
Mitchell's Wool Fat
AP Shave Co Luxury mixed brush

Williams Wednesday with a neat little travel razor made with laminate. I received it as a gift and put a 24mm SynBad knot in it. 

A great shave!

Special thanks to Mike HighSpeed for the soap! It is a previous formula that Mohammed GroomingDept used. The smell of fresh laundry, line-hung to my nose, and a very low scent profile. It reminds me of my childhood, when Mom would hang laundry outside. I love it. Mike had an extra tub, and knowing my preferences and reasons for them, sent me the ingredient list and we compared notes. I almost turned it down, but remembered that The Fat is okay. After more messaging with Mike, I decided to sniff it! So glad I did. And very glad Mike took the time to talk to me about this soap. Mo does a fantastic soap and I see that I don't have his unscented one. That will be remedied soon! 

In the end, an outstanding shave! Thanks, Mike! (And Mohammed!)

Awesome and kudos to HighSpeed Mike

Thanks for the kind words Dave in KY and Eric MaineYooper.

Laundry seemed like a pretty good bet Eric, but these things are never a "gimme", so it is good to hear that Laundry did in fact work well for you.  Mohammad puts out a range of soaps, some of which are going to be better suited to folks with skin and/or scent sensitivities.  For example, as I write this, the unscented, tallow Pura is available at Pasteur's.  Whether or not Pura is right for you I can't say, but since you like the version 1 Laundry, chances are in any case good that an even more delightful and "Eric-friendly" Grooming Dept. soap will be available soon enough.  I think you are right to keep an eye out for it.

Thanks for the kind words Dave in KY and Eric MaineYooper.

Laundry seemed like a pretty good bet Eric, but these things are never a "gimme", so it is good to hear that Laundry did in fact work well for you.  Mohammad puts out a range of soaps, some of which are going to be better suited to folks with skin and/or scent sensitivities.  For example, as I write this, the unscented, tallow Pura is available at Pasteur's.  Whether or not Pura is right for you I can't say, but since you like the version 1 Laundry, chances are in any case good that an even more delightful and "Eric-friendly" Grooming Dept. soap will be available soon enough.  I think you are right to keep an eye out for it.

Question for you Mike... Laundry is now in V2. Any idea how that differs from the first?

Mo makes some great soaps for sure. I've tried a few in the past. Glad to see he has (at least) two that are Yooper-Approved.

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