Razor:Tatara Muramasa
Blade: Derby Extra (3rd use)
Soap: D.R. Harris Lavender
Aftershave/Post Shave: Thayers Lavender witch hazel
Brush: LS 30mm+ Silvertip brush
Alum: NIL
Bowl: NIL
What a tremendous shave! I think I have hit my stride with the Muramasa. I had an old man moment and couldn't see the numbers on the dial but mind you I was outside of the bathroom without the light on with only the sunlight coming in from the bathroom window so I can't hold it against the razor completely although I can sympathize with older folks that will struggle to see the settings at the best of time.
I went with setting 3 to start with but two strokes in I decided, nah! lets go with setting 4 with the grain which went pretty well. I followed it up with setting 3 across the grain and then setting 2 against the grain. (some buffing on setting 3/4 in some trouble spots.
It was also a great pleasure to use this brush again. I don't recall the last time I used it but it would have to be at least 6 years ago. Excellent brush and was a great value for money. The brush has bloomed brilliantly now. I can't recall how many times I used it in the past but it was almost new looking in this pic. It shed four hairs but stabilized soon after and was perfect and shed no hairs even upon agitation on a towel in the drying process. I look forward to using it again sometime soon and welcome it back into the rotation.
As good as everything was I'd have to say the stars of the show were the soap and even the lavender witch hazel. The last time I used the Thayers lavender scented witch hazel it was from the much older stock in the old bottles with coloured labels. The scent on the new one is much more subtle as too was the D.R. Harris soap. Some lavender scents are far too strong for me and can irritate my eyes but this one was spot on. Very pleasant!
The protection and slickness was very good and the post shave was great.
Overall it was a fantastic BBS shave with no weepers, nicks or irritation.
