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[biancoinstruments]

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[factoryedgesharpening]

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[factoryedgesharpeningus]

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Yelp : https://www.yelp.com/biz/factory-edge-sharpening-rio-vista

Nextdoor : https://nextdoor.com/city/rio-vista--ca/

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[noiivvern]

oh god. long hair in the hot weather.

[butterfly-stitches]

SESSIONS.

[18+ MDNI]

AO3

Masterlist

Pairings: John "Soap" MacTavish / Simon "Ghost" Riley Kyle "Gaz" Garrick & John "Soap" MacTavish Ensemble: John "Soap" MacTavish, Simon "Ghost" Riley, Kyle "Gaz" Garrick, John Price, Kate Laswell, Nikolai

Warnings: Heavy BDSM ⛓️ BDSM ⛓️ Dom/sub ⛓️ Size Difference ⛓️ Rough Sex ⛓️ Rough Oral Sex ⛓️ Oral Sex ⛓️ Anal Sex ⛓️ Anal Fingering ⛓️ Rimming ⛓️ Hand Jobs ⛓️ Size Kink ⛓️ Kink Negotiation ⛓️ Orgasm Delay/Denial ⛓️ Collars/Leashes ⛓️ Minimum Effort Aftercare ⛓️ Porn With Plot ⛓️ Bottom John "Soap" MacTavish ⛓️ Top Simon "Ghost" Riley ⛓️ Simon "Ghost" Riley is Bad At Feelings ⛓️ Bisexuality ⛓️ Touch-Starved ⛓️ Denial of Feelings > Other Additional Tags to Be Added <

Synopsis: While out bar hopping with his longtime friend Kyle Garrick, John MacTavish accompanies him to a nightclub called the 141. Renowned for its exclusivity, rumored to house hedonism in the form of domination and submission. An encounter with an enigmatic man in a skull mask leaves him curious, leaves him wanting. And despite himself, curiosity gets the best of him as Johnny follows the white rabbit down the rabbit hole and right to the masked man. A notorious Dom known only as Ghost. What was a simple arrangement to explore the dichotomy of pain and pleasure soon turns complicated as each session becomes less professional and more personal.

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Chapter 1: encounter.

Words: 6,111 Summary: In which he has a chance meeting…

For an alcohol-fueled, bar-hopping night to turn into wandering aimlessly when a friend claimed to know a place nearby — only to misremember the way there — wasn’t surprising in the slightest. The causation was a single whim impelled by rounds of drink. The consequence was what remained of a “fun” night out after a long and grueling work week being misspent. And the culprit?: an overconfident Scouser. One who was supposedly a boy scout as a youngin and therefore knew his bearings like the back of his hand. 

Yet here they were, lost somewhere downtown, their phones dead. Walking through alleyways that reeked of sewage and rubbish. All for some posh club. Soap heaved out a deep sigh, and began to slow down his stride. Annoyance was starting to set in just as his patience thinned. The burning in his calves and the aching in his feet from all the walking, didn’t help his mood. And worse, the buzz from the drinks prior were starting to wear off, and he was getting more sober by the minute. 

He let out another tired sigh before he stopped walking entirely, standing still to take a breather. He took in his surroundings with a breath. He was on some upslope backstreet surrounded by old brick buildings and townhouses. A hilled boscage of English countryside on the other side, fenced off by low cobblestone walls and iron gates. The dark was honed sharp by a moonless night that ate away at the glow of lampposts. The shadows deepened, a quietness persisted, and the world seemed to fade away at the seams. 

The itch to sketch the scene thrummed through the tips of his fingers. A rarity for him nowadays. But as a cool breeze wafted through, tousling the top of Soap’s mohawk and shivering the skin underneath the freshly sheared sides of his undercut. So went the creative urge along with it. Gone. He stared off for a long moment before refocusing towards a figure atop the street’s apex in the distance. Growing smaller as it faded into the dark, leaving him behind. Soap stuffed his hands in his jacket’s pockets and grit his teeth, soldiering up the slope despite the strain in his legs. Just in time to see the figure duck into a side alley in his peripheral. 

“Slow down, ye muppet.” He said short-winded and red-faced, jog-trotting forward to catch up with the person in front of him. 

“Keep up.” 

Soap slowed to wipe away the sweat on his brow. Only to bound forward in order to not lose Gaz as he rounded the corner and onto another silent street. 

“I am just not sure ’bout this, Gaz.” 

The Scouser only scoffed at his words. “Middle age really hit you that hard, mate? Where's your sense of adventure?”

“Just don’t want to get mugged. Bit dodgy nipping through ginnels at night. Especially out here.” 

Gaz shrugged, waving at him dismissively as if it wasn’t a valid concern but a mild hypothetical. “Heh, more reason for you to keep up then.”

Soap huffed. “D’ya even know where you’re going?” 

He was met with a flash of pearly teeth, a boyish grin thrown over the shoulder reminiscent of old times. A childhood full of skinned knees, blistered palms, a broken arm, and growing pains. 

“Of course.” 

“You sure? Think we’ve been down this street already — twice actually. We're going in bloody circles at this point.”

“Huh, no sense of adventure and no sense of direction. You’re one strike away from a retirement home, Soap.”

“Oh, sod off. Don’t want to waste the rest of my night trying to find some clubhou — Wait, look.” 

Gaz stopped in tracks and turned to see what the Scotsman was directing his attention towards: a lamppost that was a bit crooked with a dimming bulb. A maintenance concern, sure. A hazard even but not anything worth stopping for. He lifted a brow from underneath his ball cap, eyeing Soap who was pointing at it as if it was an omen.

“See, been here before. I remember that lamppost. And those’re yer shoe prints!” 

“The bevvies are messin’ with your bloody head, Soap.”

“Just admit that you don’t know where you’re going, Scouser.”

“Christ, stop whinging,” Gaz told him, stopping where the pavement met a T-junction. “Come on, the night’s still kickin’.” 

He watched Gaz duck into a side alley of a warehouse building, disappearing in the dark. He let out a deep sigh.

“Boy scout, my fuckin’ ass,” Soap mumbled under his breath and chased after him.

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

It felt like hours before they both came across surroundings that they both recognized. The alley had led them down another network of alleyways and dead ends, trapping them like lab mice in a maze. But they eventually stumbled onto a street leading back toward the downtown area. The way back was illuminated by neon signs from afar piercing through the cold night and the sounds of city life echoing in the distance. Before long, they were right on the edge of a city center. And immediately the pavement was overrun by other people, soused and boisterous despite the week night. Faces in the crowd blurred, the outlines of bodies silhouetted by the flashing lights of the sign boards overhead. Flocking to the nearby restaurants and pubs, making it difficult for him to follow along. Cutting through the opposite way of foot traffic was like swimming against a river current. Despite it, Soap heeded Gaz’s words to keep up and stuck close.

He assumed that the place they were heading to was located somewhere nearby in the heart of it all. But the relief he felt drained away as Soap was led further past it into the outskirts. Not as heavily populated as the prior, making it easier to move around, but still a bustling area nonetheless. Gaz and Soap stopped on the corner of a roundabout with a stone fountain at its center and hedges lining its circumference. A sight that made Gaz walk faster with a newly gained energy and across the way, towards an adjacent street’s laneway. Gaz nodded upwards, tilting his head towards a cluster of buildings and warehouse that were ahead of them. They halted in front of one of them, a multistory that loomed over them. Its stonework was weathered and begrimed, and, from what he could tell, it was seemingly empty. 

“This is wha’ you dragged me all the way here for?” Asked Soap as he stared up at it disapprovingly.

“Not this. It's by it though.” 

“Let me guess, we have to go down another alley?” He teased, a small smirk on his face. Only for Gaz to ignore him and walk away with the shake of his head.

Soap gave one last look at the building then followed Gaz to the side of it. They didn't walk far, only a few meters before they came to a stop. There, in front of them was a metal door tucked along the wall. Inconspicuous if not for the two men guarding it. 

“Huh. An underground club, eh? Didn’t know that was yer kind of scene, Gaz.”

“No, it’s not an – it’s more like a … lifestyle club.”

Realization hit Soap like a whiplash. 

“You took me to a sex club?”

The bouncers turned towards both of them at the rise of Soap’s voice and the shushing by Gaz. 

“Listen, just trust me, alright.” 

“Gaz, I dinna-”

“Look,” Gaz sighed out as he turned and grabbed onto Soap’s shoulders, “Just want to check it out that’s all. We’ll go inside. Grab some drinks and if it's not up to par, we’ll leave.” At the uncertainty on Soap’s face, he added: “I’ll even buy you a bloody pint. But please trust me on this, ok?”

Soap narrowed his eyes at Gaz, eyeballing him. Saw the eagerness on his face, the nervousness of his stature; his uncharacteristic bashfulness that was borderline desperation. And the Scotsman wondered if it was more than just innate curiosity that made the Scouser bring them over here specifically. He looked from the man in front of him to the bouncers in his peripheral then back to Gaz again. Who looked at him imploringly like a kid begging their parents for a new toy. Tensed brows furrowed over wide brown eyes, lips pursed in a plea, and a light sheen of sweat from their trek.

Soap let out a huff.

“Fine,” He brushed away Gaz’s hands on him and shouldered past, “But you owe me more than a bloody pint.” 

Gaz’s face fell into sudden ease, that wide boyish smile returning as he took a big step back. 

He nodded at Soap. “Right, just follow my lead.”

Soap was right behind him as Gaz took point. All the while the bouncers’ attention never left them. They glowered as Soap and Gaz approached, looking both of them up and down, sizing them up. 

“You lost, lads?” One of them asked.

“No, just trying to head inside.” 

His eyes squinted at Gaz, skeptical. “Hm. Name?” 

“Uh, Kyle Garrick.”

With a sneer, the other bouncer crossed his arms across his chest. “Don’t recognize it. Either of you got a membership card?”

“We don’t bu-”

“Then I suggest you turn around and get going. No membership, no entry.” 

“I’m a guest. I was invited here.”

The bouncer in front of him let out a hearty chuckle. “Sure you were, lad. Now, piss off.”

“I’m invited,” Gaz ticked his jaw, his cool demeanor disappearing by indignation. “I’m supposed to be let in.”

Soap stood up straighter as the bouncers walked forward, standing next to each other with crossed arms. And formed a bulwark against them to assert their edict.

“I said, ‘No membership, no entry’.” One growled out, glaring at Gaz who was standing chest-to-chest with him. Soap furled the hands at his side, his body intuitively going tense as the other bouncer did the same to him. They were deliberate, trying to coax a reaction out of them that much was obvious. But before Soap could step in and say something provoking, Gaz was the first to break the tension.

“Chimera.” 

The hardness of the bouncers’ sneers faltered as both their faces fell in recognition. They stood quiet for a moment, their lips pressed into a thin line. And reluctantly, the bouncers moved back.

With a tipping of the bouncer’s head towards the door, the second bouncer moved away from Soap to open it. 

The bouncer stepped towards the now opened metal door and stood in the doorframe. “This way, lads.” 

Soap and Gaz shared a look. They were led through the door by the bouncer and down a small set of stairs.

Soap leaned towards Gaz as they descended down. “Did ya say the magic word or something?”

The bouncer looked over his shoulder but said nothing. Gaz gave Soap a pointed look, but chuckled anyway at the notion. They were escorted into a narrow foyer of some bricks-and-mortar facility. It was pointedly bare but minimalistically so. Taking up most of the space was a large semicircular desk of a reception area by the front brick wall; velvet stanchion posts formed a waiting line – which was currently empty – and led to the fore. And to its right, hanging along the wall, were dark dupioni silk drapery, the indentation of a doorway barely noticeable against the fabric. 

As they neared, an older woman greeted them with a warm smile from behind the front desk. The bouncer leaned against the desk, leaning himself on it, in such a casual manner that it made the receptionist quirk her brow at him.

“Brought you some visitors.” He said, jabbing his thumb over his shoulder towards the men standing awkwardly behind him. 

Her smile dropped as her brows furrowed in confusion. But it was quick to reappear, more professional than anything as the receptionist glanced behind the bouncer to Soap and Gaz. 

Her eyes flicked away to the man leaning on her desk. “I thought we weren’t allowing any more visits.” 

Soap felt the man next to him go tense as a board.

“Thought so too but they’re invitees.” The bouncer rubbed the back of his neck, “Chimera’s.”

Her face hardened.

The rest of their conversation was hushed between themselves. Soap caught a few snippets of it: Watcher. Unhappy. Policies. Crossed the line. But he found himself uninterested after a while, not caring to eavesdrop. Soap's eyes flicked around the foyer looking at nothing really until they landed on the drapery on the wall. He shifted, feeling a sudden shiver along his skin. Wondered what to expect in this place, what sort of debauchery it had. Surely more than just a bar with watered down drinks and an empty dance floor. Maybe some ropes and chains? Blindfolds and gags? Voyeurs? Plumbers? Tax evaders? The possibilities were endless if his dabbling of adult films was anything to go by. 

Before he could think further on it there was a dig in the ribs. He turned to Gaz who gestured his chin to the front desk. Their discussion had ended and the bouncer was moving away with a tired sigh. 

“Best of luck, lads.” He said as he walked past with a curt nod, out of the foyer and up the steps.

Then, “I can help you gentlemen here.”

With a nudge, Soap walked forward and greeted the receptionist with a rather clumsy ‘hello’. Though strained, the receptionist’s smile remained warm and welcoming. She fixed the reading glasses on her face, her hand typing away on her keyboard. Soap couldn’t help but be impressed by how fast she typed. She abruptly stood up from her chair and brushed out the wrinkles in her pencil skirt. She riffled through the file cabinet behind her, pulling out stapled packets that she fastened to two clipboards. 

“Here you are,” The receptionist handed both of them a clipboard. A pen dangled off of it by a bead chain, “Fill these out. If you’re confused or need any clarification on any of the questions please let me know.”

Soap glared at the first page like it was a school exam. Eyes squinted as he looked it over. It was a standard form for personal information: full name, date of birth, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, etcetera, etcetera. He flipped through the rest. Medical survey. Informational pages. Risk and safety. To-do and not-to-do sheets. He shifted as he skimmed through a short questionnaire about his interests. Then the last few pages were rules, policies, agreements, information pamphlet and an NDA; all needing his signature. Soap stole a sidelong glance at Gaz. The man was focused, wholly engrossed in the task. Concentrating like it was his life on the line. He was half way through the packet now. Grasping the pen in his hand, Soap quickly followed suit, finishing it just in time as Gaz did – his writing neater than his own. 

“Hope this isn’t too much trouble.” Gaz apologized, giving her a small smile as he handed her his clipboard. The Scotsman rolled his eyes at him working his charm on the older woman. “Don’t want to be a bother.”

The receptionist blinked. Smiled shyly. Seemingly flustered as she shuffled in her office chair. “You’re not a bother. Not at all. Just a little misunderstanding on our end. We’ve postponed any guest visitations for the foreseeable future. But it looks like the new policy failed to be... specific regarding certain conditions.”

She cleared her throat, realizing she was being too transparent, and continued, “Luckily, on that note, because you're both invitees your entrance fees are waived for your first visit.” The receptionist opened a side cabinet below the desk, ruffling through a drawer before grabbing two opaque plastic baggies. “Ok, now show me the wrist of your non-dominant hand. Now turn it, palm up.” 

She clasped a gray tyvek wristband onto Soap’s wrist. Then with a shaky hand, she did the same to Gaz.

“You guys are all set.” The older woman wiped her palms on her skirt. And motioned to her left from behind the desk, pointing to the drapery. 

“Welcome to the 141. Please, enjoy yourselves.” 

141.

He thought it an odd name for a clubhouse. Unconventional by his standards. Wondered what the numerical nomenclature alluded to or the significance of it. Or perhaps he was thinking too much on the underlying meaning of just some numbers. 

Soap stepped away from the front desk, his hands clammy by his growing nervousness. He messed with his wristband, twisting it around the joint. Prepared himself to internally clutch his pearls at what he was about to witness: all the perversion, all the lechery. If his mother only knew what her wee boy was getting himself into. And knowing her, the Protestant woman would drag him out by his ear and crucify him herself. Be it due to peer pressure, curiosity, temptation, support of a friend or idiocy, Soap was here. Willingly. 

And a little bit of sin didn’t hurt anybody. Right? 

The imprint of the doorway grew clearer against the material as they stood face-to-face with it. The faded blur of lighting and silhouettes apparent from the other side. An exhale from them both. Then they walked through.

“Steamin’ Jesus.”

Soap looked around wide-eyed, gawking around the place.

The nervousness dissipated as the sight settled in. It was a regular looking place, nothing out of the ordinary, and not what he expected a supposed ‘lifestyle’ club to look like. There was no man being dog-walked by a Dominatrix or a lit stage where people gathered to watch a sadist punish someone like it was an public execution. Nor were there any orgies happening in the middle of the room. Not even a couple displaying any PDA. It was more like a pub than anything. More posh and classy, sure. Yet it was rustic like old English pubs usually were, warm and smoky. Carpet and flagstone flooring. High top tables. Aged brickwork and joinery, solid wooden furniture with dark accents. And had low lighting that was similar to a club’s atmosphere. It emphasized the shadows, perpetrating a mysteriousness to it. An embodiment of the theory of omission, that there was more to this place if he scratched the surface long enough. Dissimilarly, it had a strange hushedness.

The place wasn’t packed per say but there were other occupants. Some outfitted rather formally in refined garbs like leather, lace, satin and silks as of it was a ballroom. Adorned themselves with jewelry, brooches, bows, and even feathers. But there were other occupants that were dressed informally like Soap and Gaz were. Even then, both men couldn't help but still feel out of place. All their staring didn't dissuade the feeling.

Still, Soap couldn't help but be underwhelmed. And from the glance at Gaz, he seemed to feel the same by the deflate of his shoulders, and the drop of his facial expression.

“Kyle? Is that you, приятель (priatel’ - friend)?” Someone called out from somewhere near them. 

Soap turned towards an extensive mahogany saloon like bar, an antiquity that reminded him of American western movies. There, a man beckoned them from behind it. Gaz instantly perked up, his face lighting up. He went towards the bar with Soap trailing behind. 

“Nik!” Gaz clasped hands with him in a firm shake. But laughed as the man surprised him with a tug of his arm and leaned over the bartop to give the Scouser a one-armed hug. “It’s good to see you here.”

The man, Nik, chuckled. “Likewise, my friend!” 

For a man tending to the bar in such a place, he was dressed quite casually in jeans, a shirt, and a brown leather jacket. With a gold Cuban link chain around his neck and his raven hair slicked back. He had an Slavic accent that was sonically rhythmic. Harsh yet smooth. Russian, Soap soon recognized.

His eyes were quick to hone in on Soap staring from behind Gaz. With his hands shoved deep inside his jacket pockets, unsure of himself. Gaz clapped Soap behind the shoulder with a grin.

“This is John. John, this is Nikolai. A friend of mine.”

“Nice to meet you,” Soap shook his hand. A bit more firmly than he meant to. By the look on Nikolai’s face, he was a little surprised by it. 

He hummed, seemingly impressed. “Strong grip.” 

Soap grinned from ear to ear at his words.

“Please take a seat, my friends.” Nikolai gestured to the wooden barstools tucked underneath the bartop. 

Soap shrugged his jacket off, hanging it off the back of the barstool as Gaz settled into the one next to him. He heaved out a sigh, knackered by all that walking. His feet still ached in his boots, calves a bit sore. But the coolness of the wood grain was nice against the skin. He felt a sudden shiver run down his spine. Goosebumps trailed along his arms, raising the hairs. Like he was being watched.

“Can I get you, anything?”

Soap rubbed at his arms, blaming his nerves. He couldn’t stop himself from smacking his lips together, mouth dry, feigning for a nice cold pint. “A Tennant’s Lager, if you would mate.”

Gaz looked at the drink menu. “Think I’ll take a Black Russian.” He winked, “Needing something a bit sweet to wake me up.”

With a smile, Nik nodded, “Right away.”

And went off to fetch the drinks.

“Your tab, aye?” Soap lifted a brow at him in reminder. “Owe me a round. Maybe two.”

Gaz tsked, taking off his ballcap. “That’s all I owe ya? Surprised you’re not gonna hold it over my head.”

“Heh, feeling a bit lenient s’all. Like yer wallet’s going to be, aye. Hope yer promotion to a bloody peeler is paying well. We Scots have a high tolerance. Takes alotta bevvies for us to get sloshed.”

“Yeah, whatever. Just mind ya self, Soap.” He nudged his arm, “ I don’t want to have to break up another fight and drag your sorry ass back home. Earned myself a shiner in Glasgow the last time.”

Soap huffed and rolled his eyes, “Says the man who pissed himself then cried in the bathroom. I know my limits, ye ken. Not like ye.”

But before Gaz could continue their banter with another comment, Nikolai returned with their drinks in hand.

“Cheers.” Soap was quick to grab his lager, immediately taking a gulp of it. The cold golden alcohol was like flowing ichor. A much needed treat despite it being a light brew. He let out a satisfied exhale.

His skin grew aflame, then another shiver down his spine, rattling his shoulders like the rush of an unexpecting cool breeze. He thought it was because of the alcohol but the feeling of being watched grew stronger. Despite himself, he turned around. There amongst the dark, was a figure looming in the far corner, blending in well with the shadows. A big, scary bloke from what he could tell even from where he was. He stared on as the figure slowly leaned forward, catching the low lighting from the bar. And saw upon the figure’s face was bleached bone – a skull. 

Soap swallowed.

A gentle grab onto his shoulder and he jolted up. Eyes wide as he turned around and met Gaz’s.

“Soap. Everything alright?” Gaz followed his gaze, trying to see what the man was staring at. Then, with a laugh. “You see another lamppost?”

He blinked at Gaz’s words and swallowed again, his mouth feeling dry. “Eh, n-no.” Soap took a swig of his lager, letting the liquid settle on his tongue. “No. Just see some fucker tall as one.” 

Gaz turned back to him. Soap's proneness for puffing out his chest and peacocking earned him a sharp glare.

But Soap brushed the glare aside and smiled up at Russian bartender. “Heh, didna know it was the spooky season already, Nik."

The man gave him a blank stare back. “I don’t know what you mean.” But by the quirk of the Russian man’s brow, Nikolai was amused. His small smirk only encouraged Soap. Much to Gaz’s disfavor.

Soap tilted his chin behind himself with pressed lips. Kept his voice steady. “Talking ’bout the Halloween decoration in the corner - the big boy with the skullface. He looks ready for some trick-or-treating. Probably gonna scare your customers away though.”

Nik’s smirk grew wider, his eyes twinkling as he shined a pint glass. It reminded Soap of a fox. 

“Soap.” 

“Aye, aye. Just being observant.” He relented and elbowed Gaz’s arm in jest, “Don’t worry yer head, I'll be good.”

“Tch, you better mate.” Gaz swirled the Black Russian in his hand. His fingers clutched tight around the glass. Despite himself, as Gaz and Nikolai were talking, Soap peeked over his shoulder again. But saw that the figure was gone.

Despite the alcohol boosting their mood, dismay still lingered. Gaz grew less talkative than usual, more interested in nursing his drink than their bantering. His face was impassive but Soap could tell he was in a sour mood. Affected by the belief that this place was not worth all their effort or the ‘invitation’. Confused on how a purported sex club was more saintly than a church service and twice as dull. 

If it was any other night, Soap would’ve relentlessly taken the piss out of him. Never letting him live it down. But now wasn’t just any other night. Nikolai seemed to sense it as well, hanging around them whenever he wasn’t serving orders or cleaning the bartop. By Soap’s second lager, Nikolai’s presence seemed to help Gaz’s mood. By Soap’s third, it didn't take long for them to get Gaz to brighten up. Dismay dismissed from the mind. 

And by his fourth, Gaz had disappeared. Gone off like some wean in the supermarket. Was it to go check out the price of the tab or was it to head to the bathroom? Soap couldn’t remember. Either way, it’s been almost half an hour since. And Soap was worried.

“Want another one?” Nikolai came by and cleared the empty mug, wiping away the small puddle that had gathered from all the condensation. 

“Aye, another.”

The next drink clunked against the wood as it was placed down in front of him.

“Ye seen Gaz, Nik? Don’t know where he's gone.”

Nik scratched at his beard, thinking, before saying, “He was talking to someone by the rooms. Haven’t seen him since.”

“Un-fuckin’-believable.” He grumbled into his drink, peeved. “Bloody Scouser.” Then Soap let out a deep sigh, “Aye, well. Thanks, Nik. Make sure this one’s on his tab too, eh?”

“Of course.”

When another ten minutes had passed with Gaz still gone, Soap was more than just a little bit peeved. He finished the last of his drink and stood up. Feeling the need for some fresh air and a smoke – something to get his mind off of being ditched. Soap reached over the bartop for his charging mobile and unplugged it. And sent Gaz a quick text. Who had charged his dead mobile a bit before Soap did his own. He knew Gaz took it with him wherever he had gone. 

Soap shrugged on his jacket, stuffing his hands into the pockets. Despite the later hour, people were still there mingling and drinking amongst themselves. He could feel them staring as he left the bar and towards a non-emergency side exit along one of the walls. The door clicked open as he pressed against its push bar and stepped out into the tenfoot.

The cold night was a welcome sight, its chilliness was another. His chest rose as Soap gulped in the night air. Lungs burned as he held it. A second then another, then it blew out harshly past his lips. He leaned against the side wall, the entire night settling in his bones, weighing heavily on him. Maybe Gaz was right, he was getting old. Soap ruffled through his pockets until he found his carton of cigarettes. The cardboard was partially squashed, the box flattened at the corners from travel and use. They were the cheapest kind, just a pack he picked up from his local Tesco a few days ago. But it was almost empty now, so another visit was needed for resupply. Soap shook the remaining few in the carton, hearing them shuffle inside. 

He grabbed one, putting it in his mouth and held it between his lips. He patted around his pants for his zippo but let out a harsh sigh when his search for it came out empty and he cursed under his breath.

“Need a light?”

A sudden voice in the night. Gruff, deep and husky. Soap jumped away from the wall, startled, teeth almost biting through the filter paper. Goosebumps riddled his skin, hair stood on at the ends. He whipped around, wide-eyed and his heartbeat pounding against his chest like a rabbit’s. A silhouette emerged from the night. Appeared suddenly as if he manifested from the surrounding darkness. The edges of him blended well in the night like a pencil sketch, barely there. He stepped out into the dimmed light of the flood lamps above the exit door. Face eclipsed in shadow, white skull gleaming.

Soap stood paralyzed as the skullfaced figure walked closer to him. Slowly, deliberately. He was a towering, hulking behemoth of man; built like a brick house. Dwarfing the Scotsman with his sheer size as he stepped beside him. Soap thought himself pretty muscular but even he was nothing comparison. He realized then and there that ‘big, scary bloke’ was a descriptive understatement. He hoped that the man didn’t hear what he had said at the bar. Soap was frozen in place with eyes blown out like saucers, adrenaline pumping through his bloodstream. The natural instinct to run coursed through his body. But his feet stayed rooted to the ground, like they were made of concrete. Fear shot through his body like a cold bullet. And he wondered if the man could smell it, like a predator could.

The man was dressed in dark clothing, a navy windbreaker taut against his broad chest, brawny arms at his sides. One arm rose and Soap flinched. In a large gloved hand, he held a metal zippo out to him. But Soap could do nothing but stare, breathless, speechless. He blinked, then blinked again. Dumbstruck. His brain muddled, overwhelmed by his flight-or-fight instinct. The Scotsman hesitated, eyes darting from the lighter in his palm then back up to him. After a moment, with a clammy hand, Soap reached out for it. Their fingertips brushed, skin slid against the rough material of the man’s gloved palm. Soap quickly pulled his hand away, zippo in hand, clutched it against his chest as if scalded. The man’s eyes narrowed at the gray wristband peeking out from Soap's sleeve, visible from the motion. The burning stare made Soap shiver and he fixed his sleeve, tugging it down to the wrist. Hiding the gray band like it was a scarlet letter.

Soap's mouth opened to say something, anything to thank him. But his throat was hoarse, mouth dry and the words never came out. Instead he thumbed the flint wheel until it struck and bore a tiny flicker of fire. The man watched with interest as Soap lifted it up to his mouth. The amber flame reflected in the deep set eyes behind the skull mask. Dark as black tourmaline. Shakily, Soap lit the filter tip of it. Killed the little flame as he flipped the top back on and took a drag of his cigarette. A burst of nicotine on his taste buds, shooting up to his brain as smoke filled his mouth. He exhaled it, letting it pour out from parted lips. 

With as much courage he could muster, Soap turned around and held out the zippo to return it. Dark eyes never left his face as the man grabbed it. Fingertips brushing again, gloves against clammy skin. Soap swallowed – hard. He swiftly turned around and leaned back against the wall. The man next to him followed suit. Soap kept his gaze to the ground, not wanting to catch the man’s eyes. Wishing he could melt into the wall and disappear. He could feel the man’s eyes on him every so often, stealing small glances at him from the corner of his eye as Soap smoked. The man was still and silent as they took in the night, loitering together in the tenfoot. The man reminded him of the sit-and-wait type of predators in nature documentaries. Hiding just out of plain sight. Waiting patiently. But for what? 

Soap took another drag of his cigarette, letting his head brew it over. Then a moment of boldness as he offered the lit cigarette to the man next to him. Tilting his head, the man plucked the cigarette from Soap and held it between his thick digits. With his other hand, the man rolled his mask up, the balaclava sitting just below his nose. Revealing pale skin and a sharp underjaw, cleanly shaven. A scar marred across thin pink lips. It was Soap’s turn to watch him now. Gawking as the man lifted the cigarette to his mouth and inhaled, the tipped ember burning brighter with his intake. With a slow exhale, the smoke tumbled out from his lips like a dragon’s breath. Coiling up and around, catching the light before dissipating into the cool night.

Something stirred within him, something in him ached. Watching the man smoke, inhaling and exhaling - broad chest rising up and down. Jaw tensed, lips wrapped around the end with every drag. Soap met his gaze when he pulled down his balaclava and handed the cigarette back for him to finish. Dark eyes bore into blue as the cigarette rose to Soap’s lips. The man moved from the wall, standing up to his full height. He stared down at Soap just as he exhaled, the smoke blown out against his clothed jaw. Black tourmaline eyes went to Soap's mouth as his tongue darted out to lick chapped lips. In those eyes, Soap saw himself — round-eyed, cornered. Soap shifted, fingers twitching as he let out a strangled breath, blood thundering in his ears. He couldn’t think straight, couldn’t breathe properly. The man’s presence was all-consuming, all-encompassing. Suffocating him. Overwhelming his senses. The Scotsman was struggling to keep it together with him so close. He could feel the heat coming from the man’s body. Could hear his respires.

Those same eyes that pinned him in place, narrowed as they darted away from his face, moving back and forth. As if thinking to himself, processing it all. Weighing out his options. The man was quick to step back, moving away. And without a word, he turned on his heel and walked away. Down the tenfoot and disappeared into the night. Soap finally breathed and slumped against the wall, not trusting his legs. Hands shaky, mouth dry as he gasped for air. His clouded mind was unable to grasp what just happened and what led up to it. He rubbed a hand down his face and sighed, exhaustion and confusion settling in. Soap didn’t know how long he stayed there in the tenfoot by himself, staring up at the moonless night.

The exit door opened with a grinding squeak and he turned to see Gaz squinting at him from the doorway, ballcap in hand.

“Soap? That you mate?”

“Yeah.” Soap pushed himself off of the wall. Dropping the cigarette bud on the floor and crushed it with his heel even though the ember had long since died out. 

“You alright?” Gaz’s eyes looked over his face in concern as he stood in front of him. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Soap could only stare at him wordlessly. 

“Come on. Let’s get a hackney home.” Gaz went to the door, rubbing the side of his neck. “It’s already way past our bedtime.” 

Soap nodded, his usual snark gone. He walked forward to follow but his foot stepped on something on the ground. He stopped and reached down, picking up something cool to the touch. A metallic zippo. The same one that belonged to the man in the skull mask. It must’ve fallen out of his pocket. He clutched it in his palm, skin warming the metal casing, and peered behind him to where the man had disappeared to. Soap licked his dry lips, the taste of smoke fading on his tongue.

Then with a deep sigh he went through the exit door and followed after Gaz.

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[pawsitivevibe]

Oh my gosh it was so embarrassing on Sunday at the dog show. I was walking along the main street through the showgrounds, so lots of people around, vendors on either side, etc. And I freaking tripped on a pothole and wiped out. Lots of people saw. Several people came to ask if I was okay. A professional handler gave me a wet wipe. I was like "oh no I'm fine thank you." But we go stop in at one of the vendors and my knee starts just streaming blood. Great. Ugh. I'm more embarrassed than anything. But the vendor at the booth we were at saw me bleeding and gave me a bunch of stuff to clean up and bandaged my knee. Well, how's that for customer service? If I wasn't already going to buy something I would feel obligated to lol. Coincidentally I've ordered a lot of stuff from this guy's business, and I was actually there to see if he could fix my thinning shears, and buy an expensive nail grinding bit. (he demonstrated that I was simply holding the shears wrong, and tightened them for me, and also upsold us on an even more expensive Dremel bit lol).

Anyway wait is this just my round-about endorsement of Wheatley Wares? Lol. Well if you're in the market for dog grooming supplies, the customer service is GREAT.

But no seriously wiping out at the dog show in front of everyone was not my favourite part of the weekend. But several people checked if I was okay, and I got to pet a passing Borzoi. So.

I'm kinda glad I didn't then have to go show my dog with a bloody knee. We were done for the day luckily.

[kultofathena]

Balaur Arms – German Kriegsmesser (Oct. Preorder)

Its large, saber-like blade coupled with a two-handed grip for power and leverage creates a sword with superb cutting and slashing ability. Whatever the source of the Messer and its smaller and humbler forms, a Kriegsmesser such as the one here with its elevated stylization was a weapon for a professional warrior, mercenary or noble.

This Balaur Arms Kriegsmesser – inspired by the Albion Knecht and collaboratively produced with LK Chen – manages to recreate this powerful, large sword in a form that is particularly agile and swift for its size. Its blade features a high degree of distal taper with a thick and strong base which thins considerably toward the main striking portion of the sword to create a blade that will bite into and pass through a target with minimized drag and resistance. The keenly sharp blade is ready for powerful cutting right out of the box; the blade is well-tempered high carbon spring steel with a hardness of 54-55 HRc. The guard and pommel are stainless steel and the grip has two halves of smooth-polished rosewood which are solidly copper riveted to the thick tang of the blade for a tough construction. For heightened durability, the blade tang is peened over the pommel. The nagel gives excellent protection to the knuckle and is solidly fitted to the guard; its base pin goes straight through the guard and is peened on the reverse to ensure that it will not shear off in an impact.

This Kriegsmesser is paired with a durable scabbard of wood which features a finely cast locket and chape of stainless steel. The wood is bound in leather and etched with late Medieval scrollwork on a single side to complete the sword.

Available to pre-order here.

[babycrownengineer]

How to cut a long pixie?

Long pixie cuts are classic and adaptable. For people who desire a change without entirely committing to a short, cropped appearance, this style is perfect since it combines the beauty of longer hair with the lighthearted vibe of a short cut. The fundamentals of cutting a long pixie will be covered in this article, including how to choose the appropriate equipment, prepare the hair, and use several cutting techniques to get a gorgeous finish. Now let's begin! 

I. The long pixie cut what is it?

The traditional pixie cut is somewhat longer than the long pixie cut, which has layers that provide softness and adaptability. With side-swept bangs, lengthier top layers, or tapered sides and back, this cut may be customized to fit a variety of facial shapes and hair types. While maintaining a little length for style, it's a fantastic way to appreciate short hair. 

II. Being aware of hair types and face shapes.

Assessing the facial shape and hair type is crucial before reaching for scissors: 

Choose a long pixie cut with slightly shorter sides and more volume on top for those with round faces. The face might appear longer and slimmer with side-swept bangs. 

Square faces: Apply layers of longer pieces around a square face to soften it. It is best to have a pixie with volume on top and tapering sides. 

Heart-shaped faces: With longer bangs and a layered, textured long pixie cut, the chin may be softened and the forehead width balanced. 

Oval faces: Most oval features look good with pixie haircut. Try adding layers or a fringe to draw attention to your best features. 

Think about texture and thickness while choosing your hair type: 

Fine hair: Use texture and layers to add volume. 

Thick hair: For a polished appearance and to prevent bulk, texturizing is essential. 

Curly hair: When layered to minimize weight, a long pixie cut may look fantastic on curly hair. 

III. Selecting appropriate tools. 

To get a professional appearance, having the right equipment is crucial: 

Sharp scissors: Make use of hair-cutting tools made with accuracy in mind. 

Clippers: Clippers are necessary for neat, even trims on the back and sides. 

Thinning shears: Shears for thinning hair are ideal for texturizing thick hair. 

Comb: To divide and untangle hair, use a fine-toothed comb. 

Clips: To hold parts in place during cutting. 

Spray bottle: To maintain and manage texture, keep the hair moist. 

IV. Getting the hair ready.

Start with clean hair by washing and towel-drying it. 

Dampen: If the hair is drying too rapidly, spritz it with a spray bottle. It's simpler to handle damp hair. 

Comb through: To guarantee even portions and a clean cut, remove knots. 

Sectioning: To maintain control, divide the hair into parts, usually beginning with the top and back, then clip them. 

V. A detailed tutorial on how to trim a long pixie.

Step 1: Dividing the hair into sections. 

Separate the hair into three sections: the back, sides, and crown. Clip every segment independently. Work your way forward by beginning at the rear. 

Step 2: Methods of cutting. 

Clippers versus Scissors: Choose your preferred precision tool. Generally speaking, scissors are simpler for novices to use, particularly at the top and sides. Short parts on the sides and back combine well with clippers. 

Step 3: Section at the back. 

Work your way up from the nape of the neck. 

Cut to the appropriate length after combing tiny portions directly off the scalp. 

To taper and shape, use scissors or clippers. 

Step 4: Sides. 

Comb out the hair at a small slant as you move to the sides. 

For a seamless transition, cut parallel to the head contour. 

Make sure both sides match by regularly checking the symmetry. 

Step 5: Uppermost part. 

Cut the top longer than the back and sides to provide volume. 

Work your way toward the forehead by starting with a guideline at the crown. 

For a delicate, layered look, tilt the scissors slightly upward. 

Step 6: Layering and blending. 

Blend layers with thinning shears, particularly at the top and sides. 

To get rid of bulk, texturize as necessary. 

Step 7: Adding texture and style:  

To make the ends softer, point-cut them. 

For more texture, use thinning shears or a razor cut. 

VI. Long pixie hairstyle advice.

Once the pixie has been trimmed, style it to highlight its finest qualities: 

Volume: To add volume, raise the roots by blow-drying them with a round brush. 

Texture: split strands and add dimension with a pomade or wax. 

Sleek looks: use a flat iron and a smoothing serum. 

VII. Maintenance and aftercare.

A long pixie has to be trimmed often, generally every four to six weeks, to maintain its youthful appearance. Use high-quality products that are appropriate for your hair type, and think about using style products to boost volume or improve texture. 

VIII. Common inquiries.

What is the average time required to cut a pixie at home? 

A: If you're taking your time, budget between forty-five and one hour. 

How can I tell whether I'll look well with a long pixie cut? 

A: Take into account your lifestyle, hair type, and facial shape. A stylist can be consulted if you are uncertain. https://www.youtube.com/embed/eFT3igbGGc4

There are always alternative solutions. 

When it comes to style, there are always alternative solutions, and Jessie’s Wig Pixie Wig Collection is designed with that in mind. Offering a versatile range of pixie wigs in different colors, textures, and lengths, this collection allows you to effortlessly switch up your look without committing to a haircut. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, classic pixie or a more edgy, textured style, Jessie’s wigs provide a high-quality, natural look that can suit any mood or occasion. With these wigs, exploring different styles becomes easy and risk-free—your ideal pixie cut is just a try-on away! 

[coachkimmyyt]

Cut Your Own BANGS Like a Pro Without Ruining Them! - BLOWOUT (PART TWO)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3faMuuymQaY Click Here To Subscribe https://youtube.com/@coach-kimmy *CHECK OUT* Cut Your Own Bangs Like a PRO! - Hairdressers Guide To Cutting Your Own Bangs And Not Ruining Them (PART ONE) https://youtu.be/kxIKO8DshhA Cutting Your Own Bangs? WATCH THIS FIRST https://youtu.be/XjoBWAiIPrQ I Cut My Own Bangs - How Bad Can It Be? https://youtu.be/tq5xHffGFaU Achieve Perfect Layers Like a Pro | Lisa Rinna Haircut Tutorial | DIY Coach Kimmy https://youtu.be/e5PyC1nxgL8 Want to learn how to cut your own bangs like a pro without ruining them? In this video, I'll show you the ultimate guide on how to trim, blowout and style your fringe like a professional hairstylist. Follow along as I take you through a step-by-step tutorial on how to cut your own bangs and blowout at home, including tips on how to prevent common mistakes and achieve a salon-quality finish. So, grab your scissors and let's get started! #cuttingbangs #bangs #blowout #blowdry 🔔 *Turn on notifications* so you never miss a video! 👍 *Like* this video if you found it helpful! 💬 *Comment* below with your favorite hair style! *PRODUCTS TO GET!!* Saki Makoto Scissors and Thinning Shears https://amzn.to/4euGvts Ceramic + Ion Speed XL Extra-Long Barrel Hair Brush https://amzn.to/3ZVFuX5 Heat Pro Thermal Hair Brush https://amzn.to/3zThJUN BaBylissPRO https://amzn.to/3ZQrRs5 *KIMMY’S COURSES AND BOOKS* By joining our courses or reading our books you can become the master stylist of your own hair or for your customers. Great hair secrets shared for teaching your salon staff too! *Read these books* 1. Simple Salon Solutions": Learn salon management tips for running a successful business. https://ift.tt/YJ1FIkj 2. The Secrets of a Great Hairapist": Discover techniques and insights for mastering hairstyling and client relationships. https://ift.tt/eFdDKj5 Learn more about Coach Kimmy 35+ years experience in the Salon Industry Salon and Academy owner Read Coach Kimmy’s book about her life story *Tragic Beginnings to Fairytale Endings:* If you like stories with happy endings despite hard and painful beginnings and are looking for hope in this unstable world, this book is for you. https://ift.tt/h3nSUXd *Check out my other popular videos:* - Cutting Bangs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWIO4Tde7OI - Achieve Perfect Layers Like a Pro | Lisa Rinna Haircut Tutorial | DIY Coach Kimmy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5PyC1nxgL8 - The Butterfly Haircut: A Layered Long Hair Trend Explained https://youtu.be/xnxjy1mXRRc - Want Salon Quality Hair? Learn to Cut a Bob Like a Pro! https://youtu.be/BfsNxmUaeh0 - Peekaboo Highlights: Best Subtle Hair Upgrade Techniques https://youtu.be/22t9G12WHY8 Thanks for watching! Located in Red Bank, New Jersey USA https://ift.tt/kqrQt3p via Coach Kimmy https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZi0BknmN3HeWgQMdmVdHJQ November 06, 2024 at 04:09AM

[artisticmenace]

haircutting tips from someone who isn't qualified but has cut their own hair before:

disclaimer: this probably wont help people with straight hair. i have some curl to my hair so its less noticeable if i make a small mistake. if you have straight hair... probably only 1 and 3 will be helpful, ill be real.

also im not nearly a professional and ive been cutting my own hair for about a year now.

1. find lots and lots of references

find out the name of your ideal haircut so you can find a lot of references. this will help you to know what angles you'll cut at and also whether or not it'll look good on you. if you can find a reference that looks vaguely like you, that would be ideal. doesnt have to be your twin or anything, just enough like you that you could tell.

2. thinning shears are your friend.

all i use when i cut my hair is that set of haircutting scissors you find at walmart. theres a navy blue pair of regular haircutting scissors and a blue pair of THINNING SHEARS!! thinning shears are magical and can fix all your problems. the ultimate tool for blending your hair in. peice looks choppy? thinning shears. peices look completely separate from one another? thinning. shears.

3. the bangs dilemma

cut. your bangs. shorter. than you want them. holy shit. and NEVER. MOVE. THAT HAIR. FROM WHERE IT NATURALLY LAYS. IT WILL NOT END WELL FOR YOU. AND NEVER PULL TIGHT IF YOU HAVE CURLS BECUASE IT WILL END SHORTER THAN YOU THOUGHT.

4. cut it when its greasy

i shower every other day. when i want to cut my hair, i wait and extra day past shower day so that my hair is the most greasy it gets. then after i cut it, i shower. this is because if your haircut looks good when its greasy, it will look good when its clean. if it only looks good when its clean, youre gonna have a lot of hat days. now, it doesnt need to look splendid greasy. just enough that you look like you know what youre doing. even when you dont.

5. bag

cut your hair at a bathroom sink mirror if you have one so that you can put a bag in the sink to catch the hair

6. i shouldve said this earlier

brush out your hair first. always. make sure your part isnt crooked. all that jazz.

7. wear clothes that dont matter too much to you

theres gonna be a lot of little pieces of hair on that shirt, and you should change afterward. like a hair dye shirt, but it's not gonna get stained.

okk hope this helps someone byeeee.

[certifiedclippers]

Must-have Grooming Tools for Professional Barbers

Hair styling, hair care, and beard care have become very popular with the new-age male. Proper grooming is not restricted only to the ladies. Hair care and beard care have become a necessity for the fashion-conscious man of today. New haircuts and beard-trimming styles are a hit with men of all ages. Looking at the need for professional services, salons that offer good grooming services and the best haircuts have come up in a big way. It goes without saying that the market for must-have grooming tools is extending its reach to barbers who are professionally involved. The grooming equipment market now also caters to those who give preference to personal grooming and trimming, besides their routine visits to the salon.

Clippers, trimmers, shears, and more barber equipment are widely available today. They are designed and made with individual hair and beard types in mind. Some products are best suited to handle fine, smooth hair. Other equipment is more heavy-duty and can be used for unmanageable, rough hair.

Let’s take a look at the various professional grooming tools and their types and uses.

Scissors and shears

Scissors and shears are the tools most handled by a barber. They are ideal for giving haircuts for both long and short hair. Shears are also used to layer and thin out hair. Standard shears come equipped with sharp blades that can cut hair and give shape and structure to unruly hair.

Thinning shears, on the other hand, are used to give layers and thin out excess hair. They are also useful, especially when clearing split ends. The teeth on one blade are designed to do this effectively without affecting the length of the hair.

Trimmers and Clippers

Following close behind shears, the other necessary barber tools are trimmers and clippers. New hairstyles that feature sharp angles, smooth edges, and patterns require the use of the above. Professional grooming clippers, along with trimmers, are designed exclusively to do all of the detailing and texturing. They come in corded and cordless varieties. They are specially used to give tiny intricate details to the haircut and give a smooth and precise result to any hairstyle.

Combs and Brushes

Brushes and combs are vital to holding hair in place while using shears. They help to detangle hair and aid in blow drying and blending hair during the cutting process. There are different brushes and combs available to help you with the hairstyling process.

Razors and shavers that are designed to give clean-cut shaves are also part of the barber supply equipment. Unlike earlier, razors now come with safety features that allow the barber to hold the razor at easy angles. This helps to avoid accidental nicks or cuts. The blades are replaceable and are easy on the pocket.

Shavers are usually used to trim and shave hair from the neckline and behind the ear. Single foil shavers are tools that are a favorite with professional barbers.

Styling Products

Besides grooming tools, salons also stock up on styling products. Hair sprays to help hold the finished hairstyle in place and enhance the shine on the hair are popular.

Gels are used for spiky-styled haircuts. They hold the finished style in place. Some gels hold on to the shape and style while giving it a flexible look.

Beard balms, oils, and moisturizing creams are formulated with essential oils and vitamins. They help to soften the facial hair and decrease skin irritation.

These products are applied to the hair and beard to give a sleek, well-set finish to the hair. These products come with specific properties to suit individual hair types.

Hygiene Products

Stocking up on UV sterilizers and disinfectants to clean tools and one-time-use neck straps are equally important. Aprons and towels for the assistants and the client’s use are also products that can’t be missed out.

With the market for barber products booming, it has become easy to go online and check out a large range of barber shop supplies. At Certified Clippers, you can browse through a complete inventory of different brands. You can check out the specific product details, their pricing, and how they work, and you can opt for the product that is suitable for varied clientele or personal use.

[atplblog]

Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] Product Description Electric Knife and Scissor Sharpener for Home Kitchen Restaurant Two-Stage Sharpening System: Our knife sharpener machine features a thick and thin two-stage sharpening system, enabling quick rough grinding and fine grinding for a sharper, burr-free edge. Versatile Sharpening: This kitchen gadget serves as a kitchen knife sharpener, scissor sharpener, and slotted screwdriver sharpener, making it one of the most useful kitchen gadgets for daily life. Professional Design: The blade sharpener has been improved from a 15 degrees sharpening angle to a more effective 12.6 degrees, perfect for sharpening stainless steel kitchen knives. Reliable electric knife sharpener: Our blade sharpener is improved from 15 degrees sharpening angle to 12.6 degrees, making it an efficient electric knife sharpener for kitchen, offering faster sharpening speed and sharper results. For non-serrated knives Stronger copper motor ensures outstanding sharpen effects in lower noise For kitchen shears, scissors Self-adjustable grinding wheels polish blade to razor-sharp edge Electric Knife and Scissor Sharpener User-Friendly Electric Knife Sharpener for Kitchen: This electric knife sharpener for kitchen is designed for easy use, featuring a secure grip and non-slip base. It's the perfect kitchen gadget for achieving professional-grade sharpness on your knives. Efficient and Fast: Our electric knife sharpener for kitchen is efficient and fast. Simply insert the dull knife obliquely, touch the outside wall and pull from outside to inside to sharpen. Your knife will be as sharp as new within 30 seconds. Smart Gadgets for Home: Our electric knife sharpener is a must-have among kitchen products, offering professional restaurant kitchen equipment quality results at home. Versatile Sharpening: This kitchen gadget serves as a kitchen knife sharpener, scissor sharpener, and slotted screwdriver sharpener, making it one of the most useful kitchen gadgets for daily life.

Two-Stage Sharpening System: Our knife sharpener machine features a thick and thin two-stage sharpening system, enabling quick rough grinding and fine grinding for a sharper, burr-free edge. Professional Design: The blade sharpener has been improved from a 15 degrees sharpening angle to a more effective 12.6 degrees, perfect for sharpening stainless steel kitchen knives. Stable and Durable: The electric knife sharpener for kitchen use adopts a pure copper motor and corundum abrasive wheels, ensuring outstanding sharpening effects, stable operation, and long lifespan. [ad_2]

[premiumbarber]

Essential Tools of the Trade: What Makes a Barber’s Kit Special?

When you walk into a barber shop, you might notice a wide array of tools that barbers use to create precise and stylish haircuts. While it may seem like just a collection of scissors, clippers, and combs, a barber’s kit is carefully curated to ensure that each client leaves with a sharp, clean look. These tools, along with the barber's skill, make all the difference when it comes to crafting your desired hairstyle.

The Essential Tools in a Barber’s Kit

Clippers: Clippers are the cornerstone of any barber’s toolkit. These electric devices are designed for cutting large amounts of hair quickly and efficiently. High-quality clippers come with adjustable blades and various guard sizes, allowing barbers to create fades, tapers, and other precise styles. For those looking for a close shave or clean lines, clippers are indispensable in modern barber shops.

Scissors and Shears: Scissors, also known as shears, are essential for more detailed work. Unlike clippers, which are great for removing bulk, shears allow barbers to shape and texturize the hair. There are several types of shears, including thinning shears, which are used to reduce volume, and cutting shears, which provide clean, sharp cuts. The precision that scissors offer is crucial for creating custom hairstyles and ensuring every haircut looks tailored to the individual.

Straight Razor: A classic tool in the barber’s arsenal, the straight razor is used for close shaves, trimming edges, and creating sharp lines around the hairline and beard. Barbers often use the straight razor to achieve a polished, clean look, especially for clients who want a sharp fade or well-defined beard. Mastering the straight razor takes practice, making it a symbol of a skilled and experienced barber.

Combs and Brushes: Barbers use a variety of combs and brushes to section the hair, create clean parts, and detangle. Different types of combs are used depending on the haircut, with wide-tooth combs ideal for thicker hair and fine-tooth combs used for detailing and precision work. Brushes, especially round ones, help style the hair while blow-drying, adding volume, or creating a sleek look.

Trimmers: While clippers handle the bulk of the cutting, trimmers are used for the finer details. These smaller devices help barbers create precise edges around the neckline, ears, and facial hair. Trimmers are especially important for finishing touches, making sure each haircut looks sharp and professional.

Cape and Neck Strips: Though not tools for cutting, the barber’s cape and neck strips are essential for keeping the client comfortable and ensuring cleanliness during the haircut. The cape prevents hair from getting on clothing, while the neck strip maintains hygiene by protecting the skin from irritation caused by the cape or falling hair.

Barber’s Chair: While not part of the handheld toolkit, the barber’s chair is another important element of the barbershop experience. Adjustable and often fitted with a footrest, the chair ensures that both the client and the barber are comfortable during the haircut. A good chair allows the barber to rotate and adjust clients for better angles while cutting and styling.

A well-equipped barber’s kit is key to delivering precise, professional haircuts. From clippers and scissors to razors and trimmers, each tool plays an important role in helping the barber create the perfect style for every client. If you're looking for expert cuts and exceptional grooming services, visit Premium Barber Shop Inc. in Vaughan. For more information or to book an appointment at a top barber shop in Vaughan, call 905-832-7171 today.

[treeaestheticswa]

Pruning 101

Pruning is the deliberate removal of diseased, dead, damaged, unproductive or otherwise unwanted plant material from crop and landscape plants. It is also used to shape or train plants to achieve a desired form. It is an extremely important practice and when done properly increases a plant’s lifespan, health and beauty while decreasing risk to people and property. The most common types of pruning are cleanup cuts, thinning, and training. Cleaning removes dead limbs and suckers while thinning reduces the overall height and density of the plant canopy. Lastly, training involves shaping trees or shrubs into highly specialized forms such as espaliers, topiaries and pollards. Pruning should be based on the needs of the plant, the site conditions, and goals for its use. For example, a tree planted too close to power lines may require drastic pruning to prevent outages during storms. On the other hand, pruning a shrub to train it to grow into a rounded shrub can enhance the overall appearance of the garden and provide valuable habitat for birds. Generally, pruning can be performed at any time of the year. However, a few species of woody plants are more sensitive to the timing of pruning and can be negatively impacted by wound closure or the introduction of pathogens through open wounds. For these species, the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before growth begins. When pruning a plant, always cut back to or just above a branch or bud. Doing so will promote new growth that is stronger and healthier than a stub. Also, when possible, remove limbs that are growing toward the center of the plant. This will help keep the center of the plant clear and encourage more flowers and fruit. A good place to start is with the pruning of ornamental and small fruit trees. Typically, these can be sheared with hedge trimmers or loppers. If a large established shade or ornamental tree requires serious renovation pruning to redirect its energy and restore vigor, it is best left for professional arborists or tree care professionals. Pruning is a combination of science and art. It is important to take your time and do the job correctly. Be sure to wear proper safety equipment when pruning large trees and always prune out dead branches anytime of the year. While this guide provides general guidelines for pruning, every homeowner and professional has his or her own thoughts and experiences with best practices. This guide is meant to be a starting point for discussion and to spark new ideas. Ultimately, the best way to get the most out of your garden is to prune frequently and follow your instincts. With a little practice, you will develop a feel for how your plants respond to different pruning techniques and when to prune them. Good luck and happy gardening! via https://treeaestheticswa.wordpress.com/2024/10/12/pruning-101/

[wigsandstyles]

How to Style Women's Wigs: Tips and Tricks for a Natural Look

Styling women's wigs to achieve a natural and realistic appearance can be a game-changer, especially for those looking to enhance their look or restore confidence after hair loss. A well-styled wig can look just like real hair, giving you the freedom to express yourself without worrying about whether your wig looks obvious. Here are some tips and tricks to help you style women's wigs in a way that looks effortless and natural.

Choose the Right Wig

The first step to achieving a natural look is selecting the right women's wig for your face shape and personal style. Synthetic wigs can be a great option for those looking for low-maintenance styles, as they tend to hold their shape well. However, human hair wigs offer more versatility and can be styled just like your natural hair. Regardless of which type of wig you choose, make sure the color and texture closely resemble your natural hair or the look you are aiming for. Finding a wig that fits your head comfortably is also crucial, as a poorly fitting wig can lead to an unnatural appearance.

Customize the Wig for a More Realistic Look

Even the best women's wigs can sometimes benefit from a bit of customization. A simple way to make your wig look more natural is to thin out the hair at the part line or around the hairline using thinning shears. This will soften the density of the wig and help it blend better with your scalp.

You can also consider trimming the wig to better suit your facial features. A good haircut can go a long way in making your wig look like it was tailored just for you. Taking your wig to a professional stylist who has experience with women's wigs can help you achieve a customized look that flatters your face and suits your style.

Styling Tips for a Natural Finish

When styling women's wigs, it’s important to use the right tools and techniques to avoid a stiff or artificial appearance. If you're working with a human hair wig, you can use heat tools like curling irons or straighteners to create soft waves or sleek, straight locks. Just be sure to use a heat protectant spray to avoid damaging the fibers.

For synthetic wigs, use a wide-tooth comb or a wig-specific brush to gently detangle the hair without pulling or damaging the fibers. Avoid excessive heat, as most synthetic wigs aren’t heat-resistant. Instead, opt for rollers or wig-safe styling products to add volume and shape to your wig.

Another trick is to blend the wig with your natural hairline. Gently pulling out a few strands of your natural hair around the forehead can help to disguise the wig’s edge, making it appear as though the wig hair is growing directly from your scalp.

Finishing Touches for a Natural Look

To ensure your women's wigs have a flawless finish, consider using wig-specific styling products like setting sprays or leave-in conditioners. These products are designed to keep your wig looking fresh and polished without weighing it down.

You can also accessorize with headbands, turbans, scarves, or clips to add some personal flair to your wig while keeping it securely in place. Accessories not only help with styling but can also enhance the overall look, making your wig feel like an extension of your natural beauty.

Conclusion

Achieving a natural look with women's wigs requires attention to detail, from selecting the right wig to using proper styling techniques. By customizing your wig, using the appropriate tools, and blending it with your natural hair, you can style a wig that looks both realistic and beautiful. With these tips and tricks, you'll feel confident rocking your wig in any setting, knowing it looks as natural as your own hair.

[priyasinghi]

How to Properly Handle Brass Shim Sheets: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

Proper handling of brass shim sheets is crucial for ensuring their quality and effectiveness in various applications. Whether you're involved in manufacturing or DIY projects, understanding the correct methods for handling these materials can make a big difference. In this guide, I'll walk you through essential steps for handling brass shim sheets effectively.

Brass shim sheets are used in a variety of applications due to their strength, corrosion resistance, and malleability. They are made from a copper-zinc alloy and are key in precision engineering and machinery adjustments. Knowing how to handle them properly ensures you get the best performance and durability.

Preparing Your Workspace

Before handling brass shim sheets, it’s important to prepare your workspace:

Choose a Clean Area: Work on a flat, clean surface to prevent contaminants from affecting the shim sheets .

Gather Tools and Equipment: Have all necessary tools, including gloves, cutting tools, and measuring instruments.

Set Up Proper Lighting: Ensure you have good lighting to see fine details and avoid mistakes.

Wear Protective Gear: Use gloves to protect your hands and keep the brass shim sheets clean.

Handling Brass Shim Sheets

Proper handling is key to maintaining the quality of brass shim sheets :

Use Clean Hands or Gloves: Always handle brass shim sheets with clean hands or gloves to avoid oils or dirt.

Avoid Sharp Objects: Prevent damage by avoiding direct contact with sharp objects.

Handle Gently: These sheets are thin and can be easily bent or damaged, so handle them with care.

Use Proper Storage: Store shim sheets in containers to keep them flat and prevent damage.

Cutting and Shaping Techniques

When cutting or shaping brass shim sheets, follow these techniques:

Measure Accurately: Use a ruler or measuring tool for precise dimensions.

Choose the Right Tool: Use a sharp utility knife or shears for thin sheets, and metal snips or a guillotine shear for thicker ones.

Make Clean Cuts: Apply steady pressure for straight, clean cuts. Avoid jagged edges.

Deburr Edges: Smooth rough edges with a deburring tool or fine sandpaper.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge to take your garment construction skills to the next level and create clothes that look and feel truly professional.