Shave of the Day 2015

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Brush: Aesop (23mm STF2)
Lather: MdC (original scent...my fave!)
Razor: AS-D2
Blade: Feather (3)
Aftershave: L'Occitane Cade AS Balm

Nothing to complain about with this shave. Can't remember who planted the seed to get the synth out but big thanks to you, whoever you are. What a stunning lather. Bubbles the size of bumblebee's balls. Returning to the Feather is like coming home. The Cade smells nice but really I've not the skin for balm, too greasy!
 
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Brush - Vintage Boar of unknown origins
Soap - B&M Fougere
Razor - Weber PH
Blade - Personna Med Prep
Post - Thayers Witch Hazel, Myrsol Blue, and Cedre & Oranger balm

Special Guest - Toby, my brush warming mug
 
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Pre Shave: Mentholated mint shower gel
Brush: Vie Long Passaround
Soap: Col Conk Amber
Bowl: F. X. Nachtmann Bleikristallwerke GmbH
Razor: Schick Krona
Blade: Wisamet Polsilver Stainless (brown) vintage (5)
Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co Bay Laurel witch hazel

Conk doesn't impress me, even when using via hand lather.
Bowl has a great weight to it.
Stirling witch hazel works well.
Brush is most definitely a bowl later specialist.

Considering throwing the Krona into PC TB III as a loan unit, since most have not experienced it and it is relatively light weight.
Would this be of interest ?
 
Pre-Shave Musgo Spiced Citrus Oil Soap
Brush The Grooming Co Synthetic
Soap B&M Latha
Razor Ikon #102 Slant
Blade Perma-Sharp Super (1)
Post Shave Dickson's Original Witch Hazel & RazoRock XX Aftershave Milk
Aftershave Pinaud Clubman Special Reserve

Woke up with what could have passed as a Socially Acceptable shave from yesterday, but decided to shave anyways. Added too much water to the bowl Decided to experiment with Latha slickness vs Cushion today. Very slick lather but not as thick as I prefer - the Latha really has a great window of water absorption. The Ikon #102 with Perma-Sharp is a great combination
 
Brush: Ploccitane
Soap: Dr Jon's Anne Bonny
Razor: Gillette British Aristocrat #15
Blade: Gillette Bleue Extra [4]
After-shave: Captain's Choice Bay Rum

I'm really enjoying the #15 OC. It's not only a beautiful razor to look at, but it's terrific to shave with. (y)
 
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Pre-Shave: Occams pre-shave soap, cold water
Razor: Mongoose
Blade: Feather Professional (1)
Brush: Epsilon White Horse
Soap: Haslinger Schafmilch
Post-shave: Alum, GSouth Australian Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Stirling Vetiver alcohol free Witch Hazel

I really enjoy this brush - although I haven't tried one, I would assume this is a poor man's Chubby! Super soft tips and the backbone comes from the density of the brush rather than from the thickness of the hair. Of course it produces tons and tons of luxurious lather, but that's not hard with Haslinger...

My first try with an SE and @bald as warned me, that the Goose is too mild. Well I am very glad I didn't try one of his weapons of choice, because this was definitely not a mild shave.

The razor is huge and heavy, really huge and heavy! These pro blades are way larger than a DE blade and although the Goose is supposed to me mild, I felt a lot of blade in my face. The blades are very thick and rigid - but I definitely felt some vibrations...lots of micro weepers, although I limited myself to 3 passes and not the smoothest shave - I guess I have to learn a lot!

I ordered a blade sampler from TryABlade to see, if there are any differences. And I developed a theory, why certain blades work in certain razors: it's not about how sharp a blade is, but how good it is held by the razor in place and how rigid it is in a razor.

The Feather DE blades for example are very thin and I guess, that's the reason they work so well in the Feather razor. My theory is, that any blade with the same thickness would work as well. So I guess I have to get a micrometer screw gauge to start proving this theory :)
 
alfredus said:
20150731_SOTDS_zpsasgj20vt.jpg


Pre-Shave: Occams pre-shave soap, cold water
Razor: Mongoose
Blade: Feather Professional (1)
Brush: Epsilon White Horse
Soap: Haslinger Schafmilch
Post-shave: Alum, GSouth Australian Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Stirling Vetiver alcohol free Witch Hazel

I really enjoy this brush - although I haven't tried one, I would assume this is a poor man's Chubby! Super soft tips and the backbone comes from the density of the brush rather than from the thickness of the hair. Of course it produces tons and tons of luxurious lather, but that's not hard with Haslinger...

My first try with an SE and @bald as warned me, that the Goose is too mild. Well I am very glad I didn't try one of his weapons of choice, because this was definitely not a mild shave.

The razor is huge and heavy, really huge and heavy! These pro blades are way larger than a DE blade and although the Goose is supposed to me mild, I felt a lot of blade in my face. The blades are very thick and rigid - but I definitely felt some vibrations...lots of micro weepers, although I limited myself to 3 passes and not the smoothest shave - I guess I have to learn a lot!

I ordered a blade sampler from TryABlade to see, if there are any differences. And I developed a theory, why certain blades work in certain razors: it's not about how sharp a blade is, but how good it is held by the razor in place and how rigid it is in a razor.

The Feather DE blades for example are very thin and I guess, that's the reason they work so well in the Feather razor. My theory is, that any blade with the same thickness would work as well. So I guess I have to get a micrometer screw gauge to start proving this theory :)
Click to expand...

Great stuff mate. Really keen to see how you get on with that beast.
 
Brush: Aesop (23mm STF2)
Lather: MWF
Razor: Mergress (2)
Blade: PSS (1)
Aftershave: Antesol

Can someone remind me why I shelved the Aesop again? Seriously this brush is a fat guy jogging...lather machine!

MWF was legendary as always. I can keep accumulating soap but it keeps floating to the top five.

Biggest deal about this morning's shave was the inaugural shave with the Mergress. I have to kick off with a big thanks going out to @Draco Noir who is a top bloke to deal with. Very happy indeed. The razor? This was a bit of a blind buy, read a couple of mixed reviews and thought "Why not? Why not indeed. Well first impression is that I've never handled a heavier unit. Far outweighs the Weber...I've no scales but I'd say another 50% of weight on top. Feels very sure in the hand. Set the Mergress to 2, yeah tentative, but give me a break I had to be sure. Loaded a Permasharp Super....usually I'd go a Personna Blue as my safe tester blade, but I'm out so it was to my next most trusted blade. One thing I really admire about Merkur is the angle the blade is set when loaded. Once you realise you have to stroke it shallower - esp. for someone used to the steepness of a Feather AS-D2. Also I feared it might be a little slippery but it turned out an unfounded concern. I had MWF on my fingers and it still remained sure. In short a damn good razor. Achieved 90% BBS with ease. Looking forward to getting to know it better. Keen to dial it up a little more to see how much closer it might get to 100% - always a couple of tricky bits under the chin and neck.

Antesol? Well it and MWF will make a golden wedding anniversary.
 
alfredus said:
20150731_SOTDS_zpsasgj20vt.jpg


Pre-Shave: Occams pre-shave soap, cold water
Razor: Mongoose
Blade: Feather Professional (1)
Brush: Epsilon White Horse
Soap: Haslinger Schafmilch
Post-shave: Alum, GSouth Australian Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Stirling Vetiver alcohol free Witch Hazel

I really enjoy this brush - although I haven't tried one, I would assume this is a poor man's Chubby! Super soft tips and the backbone comes from the density of the brush rather than from the thickness of the hair. Of course it produces tons and tons of luxurious lather, but that's not hard with Haslinger...

My first try with an SE and @bald as warned me, that the Goose is too mild. Well I am very glad I didn't try one of his weapons of choice, because this was definitely not a mild shave.

The razor is huge and heavy, really huge and heavy! These pro blades are way larger than a DE blade and although the Goose is supposed to me mild, I felt a lot of blade in my face. The blades are very thick and rigid - but I definitely felt some vibrations...lots of micro weepers, although I limited myself to 3 passes and not the smoothest shave - I guess I have to learn a lot!

I ordered a blade sampler from TryABlade to see, if there are any differences. And I developed a theory, why certain blades work in certain razors: it's not about how sharp a blade is, but how good it is held by the razor in place and how rigid it is in a razor.

The Feather DE blades for example are very thin and I guess, that's the reason they work so well in the Feather razor. My theory is, that any blade with the same thickness would work as well. So I guess I have to get a micrometer screw gauge to start proving this theory :)
Click to expand...

Nice one @alfredus! There is a bit to learn with the Mongoose for sure.

The first couple of shaves with a new blade are definitely a tad on the "raw" side, but after that, the comfort improves with every shave. I got 14 shaves from my last blade, which is a lot of good shaves after the first couple. There is also a lot of choice in blades for this beast - I posted a link a while back to a description of the different offerings from Feather. They differ in thickness and blade exposure, and the Pro-Guard model adds some very cute Japanese magic - tiny "combs" on the edge of the blade to keep the cutting edge a fraction further away from the skin than the regular models. Hopefully your sampler pack will include some. If not, PM me and I'll send some your way. And if Feather doesn't float your boat, Kai make 3 kinds of blade that fit the Mongoose too. Can't comment on them since I haven't had the chance to try them.

Anyway, don't give up on the Goose - I'm sure you'll make friends with it. And don't park it too close to the Wolf :D:D:D
 
stillshunter said:
Brush: Aesop (23mm STF2)
Lather: MWF
Razor: Mergress (2)
Blade: PSS (1)
Aftershave: Antesol

Can someone remind me why I shelved the Aesop again? Seriously this brush is a fat guy jogging...lather machine!

MWF was legendary as always. I can keep accumulating soap but it keeps floating to the top five.

Biggest deal about this morning's shave was the inaugural shave with the Mergress. I have to kick off with a big thanks going out to @Draco Noir who is a top bloke to deal with. Very happy indeed. The razor? This was a bit of a blind buy, read a couple of mixed reviews and thought "Why not? Why not indeed. Well first impression is that I've never handled a heavier unit. Far outweighs the Weber...I've no scales but I'd say another 50% of weight on top. Feels very sure in the hand. Set the Mergress to 2, yeah tentative, but give me a break I had to be sure. Loaded a Permasharp Super....usually I'd go a Personna Blue as my safe tester blade, but I'm out so it was to my next most trusted blade. One thing I really admire about Merkur is the angle the blade is set when loaded. Once you realise you have to stroke it shallower - esp. for someone used to the steepness of a Feather AS-D2. Also I feared it might be a little slippery but it turned out an unfounded concern. I had MWF on my fingers and it still remained sure. In short a damn good razor. Achieved 90% BBS with ease. Looking forward to getting to know it better. Keen to dial it up a little more to see how much closer it might get to 100% - always a couple of tricky bits under the chin and neck.

Antesol? Well it and MWF will make a golden wedding anniversary.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a pretty successful first shave @stillshunter - glad to hear you got a positive start with the Mergress :) Keep us posted as you get more familiar with it (y)
 
stillshunter said:
Brush: Aesop (23mm STF2)
Lather: MWF
Razor: Mergress (2)
Blade: PSS (1)
Aftershave: Antesol

Can someone remind me why I shelved the Aesop again? Seriously this brush is a fat guy jogging...lather machine!

MWF was legendary as always. I can keep accumulating soap but it keeps floating to the top five.

Biggest deal about this morning's shave was the inaugural shave with the Mergress. I have to kick off with a big thanks going out to @Draco Noir who is a top bloke to deal with. Very happy indeed. The razor? This was a bit of a blind buy, read a couple of mixed reviews and thought "Why not? Why not indeed. Well first impression is that I've never handled a heavier unit. Far outweighs the Weber...I've no scales but I'd say another 50% of weight on top. Feels very sure in the hand. Set the Mergress to 2, yeah tentative, but give me a break I had to be sure. Loaded a Permasharp Super....usually I'd go a Personna Blue as my safe tester blade, but I'm out so it was to my next most trusted blade. One thing I really admire about Merkur is the angle the blade is set when loaded. Once you realise you have to stroke it shallower - esp. for someone used to the steepness of a Feather AS-D2. Also I feared it might be a little slippery but it turned out an unfounded concern. I had MWF on my fingers and it still remained sure. In short a damn good razor. Achieved 90% BBS with ease. Looking forward to getting to know it better. Keen to dial it up a little more to see how much closer it might get to 100% - always a couple of tricky bits under the chin and neck.

Antesol? Well it and MWF will make a golden wedding anniversary.
Click to expand...
Fantastic new home for the Mergress!!!

The Progress was my first razor and I always toyed with the idea of getting a Mergress - but unfortunately I fell victim to the dank path of SS :(

I will tell you a secret: the perfect setting is 2.5 - you will try 3, maybe 4 & 5 to prove you have perfect technique, but 2.5 will give you a 100% BBS without losing any comfort...
Draco Noir said:
Nice one @alfredus! There is a bit to learn with the Mongoose for sure.

The first couple of shaves with a new blade are definitely a tad on the "raw" side, but after that, the comfort improves with every shave. I got 14 shaves from my last blade, which is a lot of good shaves after the first couple. There is also a lot of choice in blades for this beast - I posted a link a while back to a description of the different offerings from Feather. They differ in thickness and blade exposure, and the Pro-Guard model adds some very cute Japanese magic - tiny "combs" on the edge of the blade to keep the cutting edge a fraction further away from the skin than the regular models. Hopefully your sampler pack will include some. If not, PM me and I'll send some your way. And if Feather doesn't float your boat, Kai make 3 kinds of blade that fit the Mongoose too. Can't comment on them since I haven't had the chance to try them.

Anyway, don't give up on the Goose - I'm sure you'll make friends with it. And don't park it too close to the Wolf :D:D:D
Click to expand...
A lot to learn, I know. The blade sampler I ordered has all 9 different blades that work with the Goose, but I suspect the Kai mild might just work ;)

Don't worry the Goose is in the Den and won't leave before I haven't tried all blades - the Wolf is securely tucked away in a different room - their paths will never cross :D :D :D
 
alfredus said:
20150731_SOTDS_zpsasgj20vt.jpg


Pre-Shave: Occams pre-shave soap, cold water
Razor: Mongoose
Blade: Feather Professional (1)
Brush: Epsilon White Horse
Soap: Haslinger Schafmilch
Post-shave: Alum, GSouth Australian Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Stirling Vetiver alcohol free Witch Hazel

I really enjoy this brush - although I haven't tried one, I would assume this is a poor man's Chubby! Super soft tips and the backbone comes from the density of the brush rather than from the thickness of the hair. Of course it produces tons and tons of luxurious lather, but that's not hard with Haslinger...

My first try with an SE and @bald as warned me, that the Goose is too mild. Well I am very glad I didn't try one of his weapons of choice, because this was definitely not a mild shave.

The razor is huge and heavy, really huge and heavy! These pro blades are way larger than a DE blade and although the Goose is supposed to me mild, I felt a lot of blade in my face. The blades are very thick and rigid - but I definitely felt some vibrations...lots of micro weepers, although I limited myself to 3 passes and not the smoothest shave - I guess I have to learn a lot!

I ordered a blade sampler from TryABlade to see, if there are any differences. And I developed a theory, why certain blades work in certain razors: it's not about how sharp a blade is, but how good it is held by the razor in place and how rigid it is in a razor.

The Feather DE blades for example are very thin and I guess, that's the reason they work so well in the Feather razor. My theory is, that any blade with the same thickness would work as well. So I guess I have to get a micrometer screw gauge to start proving this theory :)
Click to expand...

I have to confess I've never tried a Mongoose but all reports from almost everyone who is a regular SE shaver is it is a mild shave, however that doesn't mean it won't cut deceptively close. Head angle and pressure are really important to watch. It is a chalk and cheese shave moving from a DE but the results will be worth it.Now aggressive in SE terms would be a MM open comb or my latest acquisition the Gem Jewel. Closely followed by MM Clog Pruf. Oh yes the 1924 is pretty aggro as well.

Steve

Welcome to SE's
 
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