Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Aftershave
Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner
Fragrance: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Eau de Parfum
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
As you can see by my straight shave count (since mid-July 2022), I'm not particularly experienced as a straight shaver. But, I very rarely nick myself, and my patterns easily give me comfortable BBS shaves. I've noticed a number of people on the sub starting to straight shave or, perhaps, returning to it as I did last year. Today's shave was another great straight shave for me, and after I was done, I got to thinking about why straight shavers seem to always prefer a straight shave over a shave with another razor type. My theory is that because a straight can do significant harm if you are careless, developing patterns that are mindful and careful of the edge but are easy and natural to do with muscle memory makes us appreciate the whole experience more. Probably BS, but that's my thought for today.
So if you're just starting to straight shave, or are returning to it, stick with it for a while! This is a skill that takes time to develop, but it is well worth it!
My theory is that because a straight can do significant harm if you are careless, developing patterns that are mindful and careful of the edge but are easy and natural to do with muscle memory makes us appreciate the whole experience more. Probably BS, but that's my thought for today.
I guess you are right with this one. The fact that I cannot (rather: learned the hard way that I absolutely must not) shave with a straight when in a hurry or when tired, and that safety precautions have to be enforced makes it that a minimum level of concentration or mindfulness is required, rather than nice-to-have.
Also, what I found interesting (or challenging) with straights is that you can not only harm yourself, but also your razor if you're not careful.
Yes, definitely! I have only dropped one straight razor and, thankfully, that was a Gold Dollar purchased many years ago for ~$15. A big part of straight razor shaving that we don't talk much about is the actual handling of the razor while shaving (rinsing, wiping, switching hands, etc.). This is a skill in itself.
Fragrance: Barrister & Mann - Lavender, Interrupted - EdP
The last shave with the My-Blades wasn't great. The blade seems to be a tad picky about which razor I use it in. This time it was back to working well in the Red Tip. When I start a fresh blade, I'm going to attempt a side-by-side with a Bolzano to test my theory that these are what Bolzo's used to be before they moved to Egypt.
Fragrance: Summer Break Soaps - Picture Day - Eau de Parfum
Using the Nacet with the CF Legacy made a definite difference from the 7'OC-SS that I had been using. The small increase in aggressiveness and blade feel was welcomed.
CdL just isn't for me. I'm a sucker for lavender, but this scent is too earthy/powdery to me.
Post Shave: Alum, Stirling Mentholated Unscented Witch Hazel and Aloe, Zingari Man The Watchman aftershave balm, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry
Today's shave is brought to you by /u/OnionMiasma. He provided a wonderful (and overkill!) care package which included the soap and aftershave (along with the frag version, which I also used).
Great shave today. The fresh blade made a world of difference in the razor. Very nice and easy shave that ended with a close shave. Curious how it would fare with a fresh wizamet.
First time using Zingari Man. First use, pretty nice products. I made the lather a little too watery, but it was still very good. The scent on these is great, but still not quite what I'm looking for (in terms of ozone pre-tornado scent). I'll find what I'm after eventually!
Post Shave: Henri et Victoria - Costa - Aftershave
Ok shave. Picked up my goofy niche razor and paired it with a comically large boar brush.
This soap is so odd I doubt I will ever use the whole tub, the scent is ok, the consistency is very soft yet it is hard to lather and load.