Share your shave of the day!
Henson.
- Brush: Dogclaration LG 2022 Mystery Brush (B16)
- Razor: Henson Shaving AL13 (mild)
- Blade: RK Stainless Double Edge Blades
- Lather: Noble Otter — Thé Noir et Vanille
- Aftershave: Noble Otter — Thé Noir et Vanille
Current events have reminded me that I own a Henson razor and it got me thinking about why it’s collecting dust and seeing only sporadic use. It’s objectively a fine razor: the build feels high quality, it’s dead-simple to use, so what gives?
I’m getting more feedback from razors I enjoy. Not just audible feed back and blade feel, but also the quality of shave correlates more strongly with attention paid. The straight razor is the most obvious example for what I’m getting at, even adding the feedback from blade maintenance. Now it sounds silly put this way, because it means that I appreciate the difficulty, the learning curve of “the high feedback razors” more than the practicality and simplicity of the Henson. But this is my hobby.
Yes, wanting an efficient shave and avoiding the silly waste of razor cartridges and foam cans brought me here, but it’s not why stuck around and spend time writing SOTD posts, chatting with other wetshaving degenerates, building friendships over this weird common activity and learning how to care for and fix 150 year old shaving knives. I’m way past the efficient shave part and now I’m enjoying the ride.
Using the Henson at this point feels like walking down the snowy slope because it is a more practical and safer mode of locomotion than skiing. Yes, both walking and skiing get me there, but the skis are fun. Does this make sense?
In Otter news (hihi), I really enjoyed the Second Luxury Shave® with Thé Noir et Vanille. It was the first wetshaving scent I fell in love with and the splash my first wetshaving related less-than-above-board international alcohol shipment. So good.
Tuesday, March 5, 2024: Rocketman
- Preshave: Proraso Green Preshave
- Brush: Chisel & Hound Blaireau de la République with 24mm G5 Synthetic
- Razor: Soviet Straight Razor Raketa
- Lather: Zingari Man The Watchman
- Postshave: Mennen Le Grand Large
- Postshave: Nivea After Shave Balm
Since @djundjila@sub.wetshaving.social seemed to be interested, I thought I woudl use the Soviet straight. Not my favorite razor, but here it is:
In unrelated news, our cat is getting old and has some hygiene problems. I had the honor and privilege to clean her with dry shampoo, including her backside. Among the great moments of my life; not sure that I’d recommend that to a friend, though.
Have a good night!
March 5, 2024
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Brush: AP Shave Co Summer 28mm G5C
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Lather: Mäurer and Wirtz - Tabac - Soap
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Toner: Thayers - Lemon - Toner
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Aftershave: Mäurer & Wirtz - Tabac - Aftershave
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Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Tabac - Eau de Toilette
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Talc: Pinaud Clubman Finest Powder
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
I continue to stick with my strategy of voting with the underdog. And I happen to enjoy the Stank®.
My talc brush had enough talc from yesterday to give me a talc finish for today. The Pinaud is so fine that it is easy to overload a brush and create a talc bomb with it. There’s often enough leftover powder for another day.
The Iwasaki continues to impress me but I’ve decided to tinker with the edge to see if I can push it in both comfort and sharpness.
Mar 5, 2024 - MM24 3rd Match-Up: NO vs. M&W
- Brush: Chisel & Hound The Diplomat 26mm v19 Fanchurian Knot
- Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24 #MMarch24
- Blade: Personna GEM PTFE [5]
- Lather: Noble Otter - Lonestar - Soap
- Post Shave: Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Noble Otter - Lonestar - Eau de Parfum
Lonestar and Barrbarr remind me of home in Texas, and as such are favorites from their line-up. The bright oakmoss and lemon from both tied the two scents together, and the warm undertones of Barrbarr and the excellent dry down from Lonestar’s cedar, leather, and hay made this an excellent shave.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
- Prep: hot shower
- Brush: Simpson Chubby 2 Synthetic Fibre Shaving Brush, 27mm
- Razor: Gillette Aristocrat (1948-50)
- Blade: Durablade Sharp Hi Chromium (1)
- Lather: Barrister & Mann - Leviathan Shaving Soap
- Post Shave: Zingari Man - The Watchman - After Shave Balm
Damn fine shave today, which makes me think of Agent Cooper in Twin Peaks describing his favorite beverage. Coincidentally his favorite beverage is the main scent note I pick up from Leviathan. Damn fine indeed.