Shave of the Day - 2024

silverlifter said:
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Henckels Friodur 17 7/8 Half Hollow - Odax Ebony Synth - Eufros Vetiver de Haití - Myrsol Antesol - Sukin Moisturiser
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Is it the good bye shave with Friodur?
 
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Prep: Valobra Glycerlanolina Soap, Myrsol Emulsion
Brush: TroyCraft Sapphire Amphora 3-band Silvertip Badger
Soap: Rex Supply Co 1955
Razor: Blackland Blackbird
Blade: Gillette Platinum (3)
Post: Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel, Bootleggers Lime Bay Rum Aftershave Lotion
Scent: Royal Copenhagen Musk EdC
 
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Pre-shave: Hot flannel, Pears soap
Brush: TroyCraft "Opalesque" 28mm AP G5C
Soap: Valobra + a drop of jasmine absolute 3%
Razor: Blackland Vector
Blade: Schick Proline
Post-shave: TND witch hazel, homebrew moisturiser, La Roche-Posay SPF50+ Invisible Fluid, Oxford & Cambridge cologne
COTD: Monsoon Malabar, India
 
Friday’s (tonight’s) SciFi tribute shave is a homage to the Space Western.

Space Westerns are something special. Cowboy Bebop, Borderlands, Trigun, and The Mandalorian are but a few examples of the genre. To honor them, we need Something dusty-but-smooth, reminiscent of interstellar mining settlements, chemical refineries, and bounty hunters. To me it is plainer than a prairie sunset: Barrister and Mann has captured the essence of the Space Western in its Midnight Special scent, setting the stage for tonight’s adventure.

Space westerns depict galaxies or planets on the fringes of civilization, where lawlessness reigns supreme. Bounty hunters, smugglers, and outlaws roam freely, creating a sense of danger and moral ambiguity. This "Wild West in Space" setting is a key ingredient in the space western recipe. No soft badger bristles tonight, nor anything synthetic – the West is REAL. You could see this comin' a mile away, ridin' a slow mule, tonight it’s an Omege stiff, rough BOAR bristle brush. To handle such a beast, no fine pottery will do, only the Phoenix Shaving Dreamscape scuttle is as big and tough as the Outer West! Keeping everything simple and as plain as a cow patty in a dust storm, we’ll go with Jason Men’s Shave Oil.

Whether it's Spike Spiegel's smooth moves with his Jericho 941, Vash the Stampede's non-lethal pacifism, or Mando's unwavering loyalty, each show features a charismatic protagonist who navigates this harsh world with their own code of ethics. These characters often straddle the line between good and bad, adding complexity and intrigue. The choice of razor is obvious as a cactus in a snowstorm, the Chiseled Face Legacy Titanium in its gunleather holster.

From Spike and Jet's bounty hunting in Bebop to Vash's quest to clear his name and Mando's journey to protect Grogu, these shows often utilize episodic structures driven by specific missions and rewards. The thrill of the chase, the moral dilemmas faced during captures, and the ever-present danger of double-crosses keep the audience engaged. Thrills, moral dilemma, double crosses, only one blade is as subtle as a herd of stampeding buffalo – it has to be the Feather Hi-Stainless tonight.

Despite the lawless settings, these shows often explore themes of morality and the potential for redemption. Characters like Spike grapple with past sins, Vash seeks atonement for his destructive power, and Mando's journey is shaped by his evolving sense of responsibility. These explorations add emotional weight and complexity to the action-packed narratives. So how can we mirror our protagonist’s hero’s journey, facing fear, hardship, even pain in search of the ultimate reward – redemption in a BBS? There is one way that's about as hidden as a poker hand in a saloon mirror – COLD water. Cold water shower, ice water in the scuttle, cold water rinse. Yes, a noble challenging quest.

While each space western carves its own path, their shared themes of gritty settings, gun-slinging heroes, quest-driven narratives, genre-blending, and exploration of morality create a sense of interconnectedness that resonates. They offer a thrilling blend of action, adventure, and introspection, set against the backdrop of a vast and lawless galaxy.

Just like this shave...

Rich (BB code): 
Space Western SOTD by James Stikeleather, on Flickr
 
Saturday's (tonight's) SciFi shave is dedicated to the Gundam!

In the distant future, humanity has reached the stars and forged mighty Gundams to protect its colonies from the looming threat of war. As a new dawn broke with it came with the thunderous roars of the two war machines. They are not just mecha; they are the embodiment of human determination and resilience, painted black and white, respectively, to represent the eternal struggle between chaos and peace. These two titans of the battlefield stand sentinel beside my gear: the Gundam Epyon, a storm of obsidian fury, and the Gundam EW Tallgeese, a paragon of celestial white. They embody the full measure of man, pushing the boundaries of technology and spirit in the never-ending dance of war.

The Gundam Epyon, like the Rocnel Sailor 2022 razor, is a marvel of engineering. Its black armored silhouette was a symbol of power and precision. The razor, crafted with the same precision and care, manifests the Epyon's strength and determination. Each stroke of the blade, akin to Epyon's razor-sharp attacks, is a testament to the full measure of man and his unyielding spirit.

The Kai stainless steel blade mirrors the Gundam's strength and durability. Born from Japan's heartland, this razor blade, much like the Epyon, has the strength to withstand any trial, tear through any obstacle, and emerge victorious. The shimmering blade brought to mind the Gundam's shimmering sword, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos of war.

The Gundam EW Tallgeese, predominantly white, represents the other side of the coin. The aluminum scuttle and shaving brush with a dinar coin embedded in its base stand for the Tallgeese - sturdy, reliable, and imbued with a sense of history. The aftershave splash and balm, "The Full Measure of Man," crafted by Barrister and Mann, are akin to the Gundam's ability to heal, renew, and stand tall despite war's ravages.

"The Full Measure of Man" is named for the ideal these Gundams strive for. Each dollop a testament to the human capacity for courage, sacrifice, and the unwavering will to fight for what's right. Its scent, a blend of steely resolve and comforting earth, invigorates the senses, a prelude to the coming clash.

The Kai blade, a samurai's spirit forged in Japanese steel, slides effortlessly from its pack. Its keen edge whispers of ancient battles, of warriors who honed their skills to perfection, their blades an extension of their unwavering spirit. Like the Gundams who defy the odds, this blade is a testament to the enduring legacy of human ingenuity.

The Rocnel Sailor, a sleek weapon ready for action, receives the blade. Its precision engineering, an echo of the Gundams' advanced technology, promises a smooth, close shave, a victory hard-won but necessary.

The upcoming battlefield is not a war-torn landscape but a man's face, prepped for the daily ritual of shaving. The aluminum scuttle and shaving brush, with a dinar coin embedded in its base, are the support systems, much like the teams behind each Gundam, readying them for the fight ahead. Meanwhile, the King of Shaves preps the battlefield like a carpet bombing run of asteroids and space junk before the battle.

In the cradle of the aluminum scuttle, a silver sea churns, whipped into a lather by the brush, a warrior herald emblazoned on its handle. The Rocnel Sailor, a warrior's tool of gleaming steel and chrome, awaits its baptism. Today's battleground: my face, a canvas where the epic of man and metal unfolds.

As the preparation continues, each tool is not just a grooming product but a piece of the Gundam saga. The black Epyon and the white Tallgeese, the Rocnel Sailor 2022L, a masterpiece of engineering reminiscent of Gundam technology, and the Kai blade, a symbol of Japanese craftsmanship and resilience akin to the Gundams themselves, the aluminum scuttle and brush - all are symbols of the eternal struggle for peace and honor, testing the full measure of man. The battlefield is not just a test of skills but a measure of spirit. Like this shave, the battle between the Epyon and the Tallgeese is an interplay of contrasts - the dark and the light, the chaos and the peace, the struggle and the triumph.

The battle commences with the lathering "The Full Measure of Man." It's a dance as old as time, the brush swirling around the scuttle, whipping the soap into a rich, creamy lather. This is the calm before the storm, the final moments of peace before the Gundams engage in their fierce battle. With brush in hand, I begin the lathering ritual, a rhythmic dance mirroring the movements of the mobile suits in combat. The soap, a swirling nebula of suds, transforms into a celestial shield, protecting my skin from the coming onslaught of the razor.

As I lather "The Full Measure of Man" shaving soap with precision, each brush stroke laden with history and tradition, I contemplate the sacrifices made in the name of duty and honor. The scent of the soap fills the air, a reminder of resilience in the face of adversity.

The first stroke of the razor begins the assault by the Gundams. The Kai blade, as rugged and durable as the Epyon, glides across the skin, removing the stubble with precision and ease. Each pass of the razor is another exchange as the Gundams battle, a testament to the engineering marvel that is the Rocnel Sailor.

As the blade meets skin, the battle continues. Each stroke a calculated maneuver, a testament to skill and control. The Epyon's darkness fuels focus, its relentless assault mirrored in the clean lines carved into the beard. The Tallgeese's celestial light guides the strokes, ensuring each pass is precise and deliberate.

The battle ends as swiftly as it began. The face, now smooth, is the battlefield post-conflict, bearing the signs of a battle well-fought. Applying the aftershave splash and balm is akin to repairing and recovering after the fight. It soothes and heals, restoring the skin to its natural state.

This shave reflects the Gundam stories, a tale of battle, resilience, and, ultimately, the full measure of man. It's a testament to the strength and durability of the tools used and the skill and precision of the man wielding them. And just like the Gundam stories, it's a narrative that continues to unfold, a narrative of the Gundam saga - a tale of courage, resilience, and the full measure of man, one shave at a time.

I stand back, surveying my handiwork. The shave, a testament to the full measure of man, is complete. I am no longer just a man in my bathroom; I am a warrior who has faced his own personal battlefield and emerged victorious. The Gundams, silent sentinels, stand in approval, their timeless stories echoing in the glint of my well-shaven face.

Rich (BB code): 
Gundam SOTD by James Stikeleather, on Flickr
 
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Pre-shave: Hot flannel, Pears soap
Brush: TroyCraft "Vazon Forest" 28mm AP G5C
Soap: Yardley
Razor: Atelier Durdan Vestige
Blade: Personna GEM Stainless
Post-shave: TND witch hazel, homebrew moisturiser, La Roche-Posay SPF50+ Invisible Fluid, Oxford & Cambridge cologne
COTD: Monsoon Malabar, India
 
SpeedyPC said:
What’s the soap like @TomG
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I really like it, Speedmaster. It has a fresh masculine scent, with floral and dry wood notes. It lathers easily, and is a very good performer.
Lots of tallow goodness, and doesn't leave my face 'over-moisturised' like some of the super-fatted artisan soaps can.
 
Sunday's (tonight's) SciFi SOTD is dedicated to Dune...

On the windswept sands of Arrakis, a ritual unfolds, not of spice harvesting but of self-transformation. In the mirror are the eyes of Paul Atreides, no longer a young Duke's son, but M'aud Dib, the Fremen Messiah. At hand, the Homelike Tiaga, a brutal blade, a potent symbol of the ruthless Harkonnens, known for their cunning, ambition, power, and treachery, now wielded for a different purpose. Its cold, industrial bite is a reminder of the harsh realities of the Dune universe.

To its side is the product of the Space Guild, a stand showing the folded and collapsed spacetime of stars and emptiness, a silent testament to the navigators who navigate the stars, their machinations ever-present, that returned to Arrakis the Harkonnens and their Sardaukar allies, the Emperor's elite military forces, renowned for their exceptional combat skills and loyalty to the Emperor.

The granite bowl, heavy and unyielding, mirrors the hidden sietches carved into the rock, a haven for the Fremen, a symbol of their resilience. Within it swirls a Melange lather, the Barrister & Mann creation capturing the essence of the Spice. This powerful and coveted substance is the lifeblood of the universe, a reminder of the power to control.

The Razorock Monster brush evokes the spirit of "Shai-Hulud," the giant sandworms of the endless dunes, whispering secrets of the desert and guarding its depths.

Beneath it all, a hidden influence spreads. Shave Secret, the oil of the Padishah Emperor and representative of his insidious and far-reaching influence, serves as a reminder of the forces to manipulate, the strings to pull in the intricate dance of power. And finally, the Bloc Osma Alum, a Bene Gesserit truthteller, ready to reveal the hidden machinations and consequences, the unseen forces at play.

But the Feather Hi-Stainless razor blade holds the true weight of destiny. Forged in the heart of the desert, it mirrored the Fremens' crysknife—a weapon both feared and revered. The Fremens' crysknife, formed from the tooth of Shai-Hulud, "Grandfather of the Desert," held its own mystique. Just as the crysknife was revered for its sharpness and resilience, the Feather blade promised a shave of unparalleled closeness and finesse. It whispers of the Fremen's unwavering will and adaptability. As the blade touched skin, it whispered promises of transformation, of becoming more than mere flesh and bone.

Each stroke of the Tiaga carves away the excess, not just of beard, but of doubt, of fear. This is not just shaving whiskers. This is shaping destiny.

The air carried the heady scent of Melange, the Spice that fueled the universe. Barrister & Mann had captured its essence in their soap, splash, and balm. With each stroke, the Shaver awakens—the one who could see the threads of fate—imbibed the Spice. It flowed through his veins, unlocking hidden knowledge and revealing paths unseen by others.

As blood mingled with the Spice, and visions danced before closed eyes. Alliances were forged and broken, and worlds rose and fell, converging toward a singular point—the BBS shave. The Shaver transcended time and space as the blade glided, glimpsing alternate realities. This shave—the fulcrum of existence—balanced on the precipice, each choice rippled through eternity, shaping destinies.

And so, with each stroke, he whispered incantations—the litany against fear, the words of power. The blade carved not only hair but also fate. The Harkonnens trembled, the Space Guild faltered, and Shaddam's grip wavered. The universe held its breath.

The lather thins, revealing the smooth landscape of skin and a reflection of an inner vision. This shaving ritual has opened a new path. The melange scent lingers, a promise of power, of change. The desert wind whispers, "Kwisatz Haderach." The players have been manipulated, and the future has been reshaped. Like the sun rising over the dunes, the Fremen will emerge victorious, not just with a BBS shave, but with the universe's fate.

Now, in the mirror, are the eyes of the Kwisatz Haderach—the culmination of prophecy. The BBS shave was complete. Blood mingled with Spice, and so began the future, a blade-sharp edge between worlds.

Tonight, the Paste and Cut board would know: The sandworms of Arrakis had birthed their Kwisatz Haderach, and the universe would never be the same.

And so, as the last remnants of lather were rinsed away, the echoes of Arrakis and the power struggles of the Dune universe lingered in the air. This shave had woven together the realms of science fiction and wet shaving, creating a tapestry of intrigue, symbolism, and a shave that transcended mere routine.

Rich (BB code): 
Dune by James Stikeleather, on Flickr
 

SOTD – Sun 25 Feb 2024​

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Shave Report: To my nose the scent is a light fresh bergamont forward & other citrus with a hint of musk in the background, it’s a well balanced blend, scent strength 4/10. Awesome clean smooth shave from the EF DE89 and Baili blade combo, the Baili blade actually a liitle smoother than the first shave.

The Gear:​

  • Pre Shave: Suavecito Brushless Shaving Cream
  • Brush: APShave “Ivory&RoseGold” with 26/56 Synbad knot
  • Soap: Extro Cosmesi - Bergamotto di Calabria
  • Bowl: Yaqi Plastic Green “Duke”
  • Razor: Edwin Jagger DE89 with Yaqi Quo Handle (65gm)
  • Blade: Baili Platinum (2)
  • Splash: Imperial Bergamot AS with added Menthol
  • Balm: Proraso Refreshing (Green) Crema Pre Barba
  • After Shave: Turkish “Pereja” Lemon EDC
  • Moisturiser (Later): Nivea Men - Anti-Irritation AS Lotion
 
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