2023.09.19 SOTD:
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Prep: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser & Stirling Mentholated Pre-Shave Soap
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Brush: AKA Brushworks Amethyst Watchman with 26mm AP Shave Co G5C
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Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable
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Blade: Wizamet Super Iridium Extra Stainless (3)
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Lather: Hoffman's Cookie Monster
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Post Shave: Alum, Stirling Mentholated Unscented Witch Hazel and Aloe, House of Mammoth Rumble Aftershave Splash, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry
/u/Priusaurus kindly sent over a smush of Cookie Monster. This is my first time using Hoffman's. I'd say the quality of the lather was good, and the scent was quite nice. I got more of a hot chocolate impression than cookies, but it was still nice. I see this being a good cold weather scent.
Good shave today. 3 passes. No issues at all.
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Sep. 19, 2023
- Brush: Yaqi 26mm Synthetic
- Razor: Karve CB SB D
- Blade: Astra SP Green
- Lather: Barrister And Mann - Adagi - Soap
- Post Shave: Barrister And Mann - Adagi - Aftershave
Good shave. My girlfriend loves this scent and, as do I, highly recommend it.
September 19, 2023
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Brush: AP Shave Co Summer 28mm G5C
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Razor: Koraat 14-2.0 8/8" Full Hollow (Straight Shave 331)
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Lather: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Soap (54)
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Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Aftershave
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Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner
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Fragrance: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Eau de Parfum
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Wonderful shave! The Fili 14 with a Jnat-refreshed edge is on deck for tomorrow.
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September 19, 2023
- Brush: Kent INF1 Synthetic
- Razor: Wolfman Guerilla (Gen 1)
- Blade: My-Blades (3)
- Lather: House of Mammoth - Tobacconist - Soap
- Post Shave: Noble Otter - Hamami - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Geoffrey Beene - Grey Flannel - EdC
The My-Blades has easily made it to 3 shaves, meaning it isn't a piece of junk. Yesterday's shave in the Era Level 3 was just so-so, but today's razor pairing was really quite good. I like mild blades, and this one is definitely mild.
Some DE blades have bezels such that they seem to be better at "picking up" my whiskers while they cut, resulting in more efficiency. Bolzano's seem to be like that for me, but I can't think of any others off the top of my head. These blades also have that quality.
I like the blade because it falls right in my wheelhouse, but the IndiGoGo price is too much unless they can last 10+ shaves. Time will tell.
As for the brush, it's a funny little fellow. It makes me wonder how long ago shavers switched from a Williams Mug style "load more soap for each pass" (requiring only a small brush like this), to a more modern "load enough soap for all passes". The latter is still possible using a small brush like this one, but it's not as fun.
but the IndiGoGo price is too much unless they can last 10+ shaves.
I think that marketing is a problem with these blades. A "real" user of DE razors doesn't care if the blade is "barber approved". And, what about the blade's performance differentiates it from the many DE blades already offered that have their niche in the market? Finally, I've always assumed that the band steel DE blades are made from is more cheaply manufactured from recycled stainless.
I thought that the MIT study of DE blade edge retention @sgrdddy mentions would come up with a steel composition that would extend blade use and therefore be cost-effective. I suspect that formula was was achievable.
I just saw the discussion about these going on at Reddit and shared this photo.
The first two blades are made in Germany, but the manufacturing has since moved to Egypt. These are the only blades that I could find in a quick search that have the 3 lines on each side. The inking also seems of similar "quality".
September 19, 2023: Porcine Greatest Hits Straightember
- Preshave: Proraso Green Preshave
- Brush: Muninn Woodworks Gloire de France with Zenith 505BC Boar 🐗
- Razor: Thiers-Issard 188 7/8 ""Coq et Renard""
- Lather: Spearhead Spiced
- Post Shave: Mennen Skin Bracer
- Post Shave: Nivea After Shave Balm
After I guess 1 and a half months of horses, it was time to use a swine. The Zenith is very soft and nice, and the handle by whosgotthepudding is beautiful, and a pleasure to use. I very much like the spearhead base, even though I 'm not the biggest fan of the scent. I'm getting into the zone where using the straight feels more and more effortless - even though it forces a level of concentration beyond what's necessary with a DE or GEM razor (or even an AC shavette).
Have a good night!
Abysmal, Terrific
- Brush: Dogclaration LG 2022 Mystery Brush (B16)
- Razor: Zwilling J. A. Henckels Friodur 472½ (NOS 13/16″ hollow ground, stainless steel)
- Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Arcane Abyss
- Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Terror
- Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Black Watch
Arcane Abyss and Terror are a nice fit, and my face is now frozen.
473½;
472½ ++;
Sep 19, 2023 - Sample September: Entropy Man
- Prep: Klar - Activated Charcoal - Face Soap
- Brush: Summer Break Soaps Hopper 28mm Boti Stone Middle Flower SHD Knot
- Razor: Aylsworth Razors Drakkant Plus
- Blade: Gillette Platinum [1]
- Lather: Wholly Kaw - Entropy Man - Soap
- Post Shave: Australian Private Reserve - Torchwood - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Bentley - Bentley for Men Intense - Eau de Parfum
A tobacco-scented line up today made for a pleasant shave.
Rating: 4.5/5
Entropy Man++;
