Pre: Hot water
Razor: Mühle Birch-Bark Rocca
Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge Yellow (1)
Brush: Forgotten Art "Southern Skies" 30mm Snow Leopard
Soap: Stirling Bergamot Lavender
Post: Shower, Stirling Bergamot Lavender EDT
First time out with the Rocca:
I was prepared, having seen so many pictures here, to find the Rocca a bit overlarge. In actuality, though, it's moderately sized (not vastly different from the R41), and is a comfortable fit in my hand. My first reaction to the texture of the birch-bark was that it felt a lot like cork, until it occurred to me that there's probably not that much difference between oak and birch bark. Whatever, it's a lovely warm feel, and there's plenty of grip. And it looks so pretty...
The blade mounts are a little unconventional, using the slotted part of the blade, which appears to have a bit of slack built in, which I imagine disappears as the blade is bent into a tight arc, supported only by the cap near the edges, with a large cavity below the blade. There is just a little tab exposure, which suits me fine: makes it easy to fit/remove blades, and I have never yet hurt myself with blade tabs.
The shave, with favorite blade and soap, was sublime. I usually have to didn't a bit of time over the trouble spots, but I didn't have to do much buffing today. My only niggle (and it is just a niggle) is that that big cavity below the blade wasn't really sufficient to make for easy rinsing of the soap and gunk that accumulates over a face/head shave. I actually had to take it apart to clear it. Overall, though, I'm pleased. A perfect shave, leaving me much lovelier than any baby's bum.
