Kyle Rankin @kyle@librem.one

To multiply, enter the multiplicand, set the repeat key so it doesn't clear, then crank clockwise repeatedly for the ones position. Then use the handle in the front to move the carriage to the right and repeat until the multiplier is in the counting register. Here's 768 x 1024.

Yes, I said the 2nd stop. This older Monroe has some quirks they fixed in later models, like precise stops at around 1:00 for addition and 7:00 for subtraction. It locks the carriage between those stops so if you overshoot too far you won't be able clear the bottom register.

To subtract, enter the minuend in the keyboard and crank clockwise as with addition to enter it in the register, then enter the subtrahend and turn the handle anti-clockwise over a full turn until it clicks at the *2nd* stop. Here I perform 31342 - 50.

To add two numbers, enter the first number in the keyboard and then turn the large crank on the side one full turn clockwise until it clicks at the top stop. Then enter the second number and turn the crank again one full turn. It automatically carries. Here I'm adding 31337 + 5.

This is a Monroe Model G mechanical calculator that I restored. This model was made between 1918 and 1920, and is the bigger, heavier, much older brother to my Monroe LN-160x.

Security is like golf. You should try to get closer to the hole (a secure system) with each stroke. You'll probably use different clubs along the way. Some people only swing for holes in one and spend most of their time no closer to the hole.

As you add, a bar extends from the bottom for that column and as you subtract, it retracts. To zero everything out, you push all of the protruding bars back into the case. The overall design is actually pretty nice, especially considering the small size of the calculator.

To subtract, find the correct column/number *above* the total and slide *up*. If you underflow, the total in that column turns red so you go down and around that shepherd's hook to deduct from the column left of it. Here I subtracted 50.

To add, insert a stylus in the number for the appropriate column *below* the totals, and slide downward. If the addition (I added 5) overflows, the corresponding column in the total turns red, alerting you that you need to go up and around the "shepherd's hook" to carry the one.

This is a Produx pocket calculator. It was designed by Otto Neuter and produced in Germany starting in the 1930s. I suspect this particular one was from the 1950s or maybe `60s, due to the coloring and the reference to West Germany on the back.

@ajmartinez Congratulations!

@Konqi That is a very similar model as mine, but with a few more rows of digits. Beautiful machines.

For adding machines of that era the Comptometer is faster for pure number crunching, but then with the Comptometer you couldn't print out your calculations on paper tape or a ledger like the Burroughs.

@edsu Straight razor has similar techniques to safety razors but you alternate between left and right hands, and the only thing guiding you to the right cutting angle is you, no bar or guide.

When I grew a beard last year I used a straight razor to clean up my neck/face. My best shaves are from a straight razor, but I use a safety razor normally, because of a few mishaps w/ a straight razor where I missed the angle on my chin and dug in :). I decided to stop before I got a scar.

@edsu Difficulty has a lot to do w/ different margin for error. Modern disposable razors flex and are more forgiving. Safety less so, straight razors leave little room for mistakes. Bad angle/technique and you cut yourself.

Classic mustache/beard patterns coincidentally grow hair in the places hardest to shave w/ a straight razor.

I recommend learning safety razor shaving first to learn angles and technique, then move on a straight razor. Get a Dovo Shavette that uses DE blades and GO SLOW :)

@owingst Yeah realistically I only change blades every two weeks or so myself, and that's with Extras. I hear Premiums hold their edge even longer so I really do think I'm set until the 2030s.

@mc@mastodon.sdf.org I don't know, I just discovered these existed yesterday. I had been happy enough with my Derby Extras (and felt they were sharp enough for me) that I hadn't really ventured out into fancier (and more expensive) blades like Feathers, although I know there are plenty of people who swear by them.

I shave w/ Derby Extra blades, $10 for 100, but was shopping for something new. Discovered Derby Premium for a similar price, but a 2-pack (200 blades!) was on sale for $14. At 1/week this is a 4-year supply. At my rate I won't need blades again until my son is in college.

@Konqi The Burroughs Class 1 wins for overall aesthetics with the beveled glass sides and it is the one I'd put on most prominent display inside a home.

@Konqi Of the pocket calculators it would have to be the Addiator Duplex, which I will feature in a few weeks.

Between the desktop ones I own that's a tough call! I haven't featured all of them yet but probably would choose either the Comptometer or the Monroe LN-160x if I had to pick one to use for real work. The former for addition and multiplication, the latter if I also needed to do a lot of subtraction and division.