Sunday, December 31, 2017

New Years Eve SOTD: Sunday December 31, 2017


Razor: Blackbird (polished, open comb)
Blade: Astra (2nd use)
Brush: West Coast Shaving Beacon Black Synthetic 
Soap: Barrister & Mann Night Music 
Aftershave:  Barrister & Mann Night Music

Final SOTD of the year. Have a happy and safe New Years everyone. 

Saturday, December 30, 2017

SOTD: Saturday December 30, 2017


Razor: Timeless (.95 blade gap)
Blade: Astra (1st use)
Brush: DeLuxe Shaving Co. 30MM Silvertip 
Soap: Wholly Kaw Monaco Royale 
Aftershave: Wholly Kaw Monaco Royale

I recently rediscovered Astra blades and how smooth they are. This is some of my favorite hardware and software. 


Wednesday, December 27, 2017

SOTD: Wednesday December 27, 2017


Razor: Parker Variant (restored by Delta Echo)
Blade: Astra (3rd use) 
Brush: That Darn Rob “Old Cahaba”
Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood 
Aftershave Balm: Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood 

Smooth shave with the cream and razor providing a lot of glide.

Monday, December 25, 2017

Christmas SOTD: Monday December 25, 2017


Razor: Vintage Gillette Tech
Blade: Astra (1st use)
Brush: That Darn Rob “Old Cahaba”
Soap: Soap Commander Vision 
Aftershave Balm: Soap Commander Vision 

Merry Christmas everyone.


Sunday, December 24, 2017

Christmas Eve SOTD: Sunday December 24, 2017


Razor: Feather Artist Club 
Blade: Feather Professional 
Brush: That Darn Rob “Old Cahaba”
Soap: Lakewood Soap Co. Apple Pie 
Aftershave: Chatillon Lux Fourth & Pine 

Have a safe and happy holiday season everyone. 


Saturday, December 23, 2017

SOTD: Saturday December 23, 2017


Razor: Timeless (.95 blade gap)
Blade: Personna Blue (3rd use)
Brush: Yaqi
Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Peppermint 
Aftershave: The Stray Whisker After Balm 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: Smooth, efficient and comfortable performance from Timeless and the pairing of the Personna blade. 


Friday, December 22, 2017

SOTD: Friday December 22, 2017


Frugal Friday 
Razor: RazoRock Stainless Steel Hawk 
Blade: Feather Professional (3rd or 4th use?)
Brush: Rich Hansen Custom Handle, 24MM Synthetic Tuxedo Knot 
Soap: RazoRock Tuscan Oud 
Aftershave: RazoRock Tuscan Oud

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

SOTD: Wednesday December 20, 2017


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Personna Blue (1st use)
Brush: That Darn Rob “Old Cahaba”
Soap: Reef Point Soaps Classic Barbershop 
Aftershave: Reef Point Soaps Classic Barbershop
Comments/Overall Thoughts: Anyone who is a fan of traditional Barbershop should try this. Superb post feel. 


Monday, December 18, 2017

SOTD: Monday December 18, 2017


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Personna Blue (2nd use)
Brush: St. James of London Badger 
Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Platinum 
Aftershave: Chatillon Lux Fourth & Pine 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: This razor makes really highlights the smoothness of these blades.  Settings 3, 2 and 1 through the various passes-all smooth. I don’t know if the formulation on the Platinum cream is different (I’ve never thought twice to look), but it does seem to be easier to lather. Keeping in mind it could be my perception too. The brush’s knot is floppy but my practice with natural hair brushes has paid off. I must say I did get excellent customer service from St. James of London when the brush I ordered was out of stock and they sent me this one at the end of the day. 

This shave was repeated the following day.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

SOTD: Saturday December 16, 2017


A quick Saturday morning two pass
Razor: Mühle R41
Blade: Timor (2nd use)
Brush: Semogue Boar Hair 
Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Almond 
Aftershave: Nivea 


Friday, December 15, 2017

SOTD: Friday December 15, 2017


Razor: Blackland Razors Blackbird 
Blade: Timor (1st use)
Brush: That Darn Rob “Old Cahaba”
Soap: Mitchell’s Wool Fat
Aftershave: Barbedeaux 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: This produced the best lather I’ve whipped up in a good while despite smelling like a funeral home. I am aiming for a nourishing post feel today with this lanolin based soap and this particular aftershave (which has been one of my favorite post products of the year). 


Monday, December 11, 2017

SOTD: Monday December 11, 2017



Razor: Timeless (.95 Blade Gap)
Blade: Personna Red (3rd use)
Brush: That Darn Rob “Old Cahaba”
Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Cedarwood 
Aftershave: Chatillon Lux Fourth & Pine
Comments/Overall Thoughts: First time using Chatillon Lux and I am impressed with the post feel and decent amount of residual scent. I was advised since this is merely the concentration to apply to a wet face or add a couple drops of water. 



Saturday, December 9, 2017

SOTD: Saturday December 9, 2017


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Personna Red (1st use) 
Brush: That Darn Rob “Old Cahaba”
Soap: Elvado Mayan Vanilla Almond 
Aftershave Balm: The Stray Whisker After Balm 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: Good consistency and residual slickness on soap. The barbershop-style handle on the TDR brush fits perfectly in the hand and is big enough to get a nice firm grip. Flawless craftsmanship. 


Thursday, December 7, 2017

SOTD: Thursday December 7, 2017


Razor: Blackland Razors Blackbird 
Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (3rd use)
Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze 
Soap: Proraso White
Aftershave Balm: Proraso White
Comments/Overall Thoughts: Smooth and efficient all around. This is my favorite scent in the Proraso lineup (followed by the Sandalwood). 

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

SOTD: Wednesday December 6, 2017


Razor: Timeless (.95 blade gap)
Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (2nd use)
Brush: Rich Hansen Custom Handle, 24MM Synthetic Tuxedo Knot 
Soap: Wholly Kaw Merchant of Tobacco 
Aftershave Balm: Wholly Kaw Merchant of Tobacco
Comments/Overall Thoughts: Top notch performance on the soap and the balm. 


Tuesday, December 5, 2017

SOTD: Monday December 4, 2017


Razor: Blackland Razors Blackbird 
Blade: Personna Red (4th use)
Brush: Frank Shaving 26MM Silvertip 
Soap: D.R. Harris Marlborough 
Aftershave: D.R. Harris Marlborough
Comments/Overall Thoughts: Switching up yesterday’s setup just a bit with the solid bar Blackbird. 

Sunday, December 3, 2017

SOTD: Sunday December 3, 2017


Razor: Blackland Razors Blackbird 
Blade: Personna Red (3rd use)
Brush: Frank Shaving 26MM Silvertip 
Soap: D.R. Harris Marlborough 
Aftershave: D.R. Harris Marlborough
Comments/Overall Thoughts: After using the Blackbird yesterday morning I decided to use it again today, and this setup sure delivered a smooth shave this morning. D.R. Harris although light in fragrance comes through in performance and post feel.

Friday, December 1, 2017

SOTD: Friday December 1, 2018


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Personna Red (1st use) 
Brush: Rich Hansen Custom Handle, 24MM Tuxedo Knot 
Soap: Sapone Di Paolo Cremoso 
Aftershave: Sapone Di Paolo Cremoso 
Comments/Overall Thoughts:  Delicious scent. One of my first artisan soaps and it is starting to see the bottom. 

Thursday, November 30, 2017

SOTD: Thursday November 30, 2017


Happy Birthday Chris Cullen
Razor: Timeless .95
Blade: Personna Red (4th use)
Brush: Rich Hansen Custom Handle, 24MM Synthetic Tuxedo Knot 
Soap: Catie’s Bubbles Ocean Grove 
Aftershave Balm: The Stray Whisker After Balm 
Post Fragrance: Guess Homme Blue




Wednesday, November 29, 2017

SOTD: Wednesday November 29, 2017


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Personna Red (3rd use)
Brush: Frank Shaving 26MM Silvertip 
Cream: Geo. F. Trumper Sandalwood 
Aftershave Balm : Geo. F. Trumper Sandalwood 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: Easily lathered, not a traditional straight sandalwood scent, but more cologne-like. 


Monday, November 27, 2017

SOTD: Monday November 27, 2017


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Personna Red (1st use)
Brush: Omega Boar Hair 
Soap: Col. Conk Almond 
Aftershave: Ginger’s Garden Almond 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: 
Slick and enjoyable scent. 
The skin food in the splash was evident hours after in my post feel. 
The larger knot on this brush gave it amazing splay. 


Sunday, November 26, 2017

SOTD: Sunday November 26, 2017


Razor: Feather Artist Club Shavette 
Blade: Feather Professional (2nd use)
Brush: Rich Hansen Custom Handle, 24MM Synthetic Tuxedo Knot 
Soap: Wholly Kaw Merchant of Tobacco 
Aftershave Balm: Wholly Kaw Merchant of Tobacco
Comments/Overall Thoughts: My technique with this razor has improved substantially, where I have decided to revisit it twice in the last week. I’m always impressed how this gets those hard to get spots with ease that some DE razors struggle with. 

As always Wholly Kaw lathered easily and provided a wonderful consistency. This scent is sweet, but enjoyable. As weird as this description sounds it almost reminds me of a Tootsie Roll combined with the tobacco notes. 


Saturday, November 25, 2017

SOTD: Saturday November 25, 2017


Razor: 1959 Gillette $1.95 “Fatboy”
Blade: Gillette 7’Clock (4th use)
Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze 
Soap: Strike Gold Shave Ike Shave Stick
Aftershave: Strike Gold Shave Ike 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: Definitely a cleaner scent and somewhat floral to my nose (likely the Violet note). Overall pretty good scent, I have yet to try one of the scents in this lineup or made by Jennifer that I didn’t like. I pulled out the vintage Fatboy for this shave which was produced during Ike’s second term. 


Friday, November 24, 2017

Thanksgiving SOTD: Thursday November 23, 2017


Razor(s): Feather Artist Club and 1983 Gillette Black Beauty 
Blade: Feather Professional (1st use) and Gillette 7 O’Clock (2nd use)
Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze 
Soap: Lakewood Soap Co. Apple Pie 
Aftershave: The Stray Whisker After Balm


Tuesday, November 21, 2017

SOTD: Tuesday November 21, 2017


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (4th use)
Brush: West Coast Shaving Beacon Black Synthetic 
Soap: Oleo Soapworks El Caballero 
Aftershave Balm: Oleo Soapworks El Caballero 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: One of my top scents that I’ve tried this year. 

Monday, November 20, 2017

SOTD: Monday November 20, 2017


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (3rd use)
Brush: Rich Hansen Custom Handle, 24MM Synthetic Tuxedo Knot 
Cream: C.O. Bigelow (made by Proraso)
Aftershave: Proraso 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: Settings 3-1 on the face throughout the various passes, and setting 1 on the neck provided a really smooth, close and comfortable shave. 


Sunday, November 19, 2017

SOTD: Sunday November 19, 2017


Razor: Timeless (.95 Blade Gap)
Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (2nd use)
Brush: Rich Hansen Custom Handle, 24MM Synthetic Tuxedo Knot 
Soap: Stirling Soap Co. Margaritas In The Arctic 
Aftershave:  Stirling Soap Co. Margaritas In The Arctic 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: A little menthol kick needed to clear the sinuses. 


Saturday, November 18, 2017

SOTD: Saturday November 18, 2017


RIP Malcolm Young
Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (1st use)
Brush: Frank Shaving Silvertip 
Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Mr. Taylor’s 
Aftershave Balm: Taylor of Old Bond Street Mr. Taylor’s
Comments/Overall Thoughts: Fantastic post feel. 


Friday, November 17, 2017

SOTD: Thursday November 16, 2017


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Personna (2nd use)
Brush: Frank Shaving 26MM Silvertip 
Soap: Strike Gold Shave Clinton 
Aftershave: Strike Gold Shave Clinton 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: I’m going to go see journalist Bob Woodward speak at the University of Utah in a couple of hours and I don’t have the Nixon soap. Clinton will do. 


Thursday, November 16, 2017

SOTD: Wednesday November 15, 2017


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Personna Blue (1st use)
Brush: Rich Hansen Custom Handle, 24MM Synthetic 
Soap: The Shaving Shop Barbershop Poivre Rosé 
Aftershave: The Shaving Shop Poivre Rosé 

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Razor Review: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador





If you were to combine the classic design of the Personna Precision or Gibbs razors, with sleek modern elements of laser engraving;
the versatile adjustability of the Futur, with the practical two piece design of the 34C, and then machine all that into 316L stainless steel, you would probably get the Ambassador from Rex Supply Co.

After getting the razor nearly a week ago I went to my trusty Gillette Silver Blue blades. Settings 3 to 4 have been my ideal settings for most adjustables, and I found this had a lot of bite at this level. I dialed it down to settings 1.5 to 1 over the next few days and it resulted in a smooth shave. Although smooth and comfortable, I found myself doing a touch up after three passes. Today switching up the blade, I decided to go with the Personna lab blue blades. I put the razor to the “feel” test on my skin and determined I would start with setting 4, and I was blown away at how smooth it was! The best shave I had with this razor yet, with blades I have dismissed as not so reliable nonetheless. So today was the day I fell in love with the Ambassador. 

The hollow threaded barrel handle allows water to go through the handle, and gives the razor a lighter weight and rinses out the components easier. There is not chatter with the longer notches when the blade is set. I also noticed the top cap has less curvature, making it easier to get into those hard to get spots. 

The finish is beautiful, and the only two razors I’ve had that beat it out in that category are the Timeless and Blackbird. 

What would be neat to see? 
A brass version of this razor. 

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

SOTD: Tuesday November 14, 2017


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (4th use) 
Brush: Rich Hansen Custom Handle, 24MM Synthetic Tuxedo Knot. 
Soap: Reef Point Espresso 
Aftershave: Reef Point Espresso 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: Used Reef Point the past two days, and this is an underrated artisan we don’t see enough of. Awesome post from their soaps and splashes. 


Sunday, November 12, 2017

SOTD: Sunday November 12, 2017


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (2nd use)
Brush: Rich Hansen Custom Handle, 24MM Synthetic Tuxedo Knot 
Soap: Wholly Kaw Monaco Royale 
Aftershave: Wholly Kaw Monaco Royale
Comments/Overall Thoughts: Still “dialing in” the razor, and had a superb shave today. Setting 3 just had too much bite, and worked down to setting 2, 1.5 and 1 through various passes. I was blown away how smooth 1 to 1.5 was (for daily stubble anyway), where on other adjustables settings 3 to 4 typically seem to be the sweet spots. 
Love the ass milk formula on Wholly Kaw. Wonderful consistency. I am exited to get my next Wholly Kaw soap I won in the 7 Sins of Wetshaving contest. 

Veterans Day SOTD: Saturday November 11, 2017


Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador 
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1st use)
Brush: Rich Hansen Custom Made Handle, 24MM Tuxedo Knot 
Soap: Soap Commander Honor 
Aftershave Balm: Soap Commander Honor 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: First use of the razor, settings 2.5 to 3 seem to be ideal for daily growth. The Soap Commander balms kick ass as always. 

Saturday, November 11, 2017

SOTD: Friday November 10, 2017


Razor: Hone Type 15
Blade: Dorco Titan (2nd use)
Brush: West Coast Shaving Beacon Black Synthetic 
Soap: Stirling Soap Co. Stirling Noir 
Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. Stirling Noir
Post Fragrance: Drakkar Noir 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: The Titans are not the smoothest blade, but are significantly better than the Dorco blades I’ve tried in the past. Excellent performance from Stirling as always. 


Thursday, November 9, 2017

SOTD: Thursday November 9, 2017


Razor: Parker Variant (restored by Delta Echo)
Blade: Dorco Titan (1st use)
Brush: Semogue Boar 
Cream: Antiga Barbearia Ribera Do Porto 
Aftershave: Antiga Barbearia Principe Real 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: This has became my favorite tube cream. The scent on the cream and the balm is superb. 

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

SOTD: Tuesday November 7, 2017


Razor: Timeless (.95 blade gap)
Blade: Dorco Titan (2nd use)
Brush: West Coast Shaving Beacon Black Synthetic 
Soap: Mickey Lee Soap Works Agora Xyrisma 
Aftershave: Mickey Lee Soap Works Agora Xyrisma
Post Fragrance: Drakkar Noir 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: This soap/aftershave combo is nearly dead on for Drakkar Noir. 


Monday, November 6, 2017

SOTD: Monday November 6, 2017


Razor: Alpha Ecliptic (Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements)
Blade: Dorco Titan (1st use)
Brush: Frank Shaving 26MM Silvertip 
Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Coconut 
Aftershave Balm: Lebelle Soaps Coconut Island 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: I am impressed with how smooth this razor is, the head does all the work when finding the angle. After a couple years my two oldest TOBS creams are becoming gummy. Typically I’ll dab some on the face and then lather, but with the change in consistency it’s easier to bowl lather. 





SOTD: Sunday November 5, 2017


Razor: Mühle R41
Blade: Kai (7th use!)
Brush: Rich Hansen Custom Handle, 24MM Synthetic 
Soap: The Shaving Shop Barbershop Poivre Rosé
Aftershave: The Shaving Shop Barbershop Poivre Rosé
Comments/Overall Thoughts: My all time #1 scent combined with the R41 in hopes of taming the Kai blade going strong on it’s 7th use. 

Saturday, November 4, 2017

SOTD: Saturday November 4, 2017


Razor: Italian Barber Wunderbar 
Blade: Kai (6th use!!!)
Brush: DeLuxe Shaving Co. 30MM Silvertip 
Soap: DeLuxe Shaving Co. Doo-Wop Barbershop Citrus 
Aftershave: DeLuxe Shaving Co. Doo-Wop Barbershop Citrus Balm 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: This is a nice citrus soft soap. This brush is one of my favorites, and although drawn to it by it’s awesome look, it really is a good value if you’re looking for an economical silvertip. 


Frugal Friday SOTD: Friday November 3, 2017


Razor: Ming Shi 2000 
Blade: Kai (5th use)
Brush: Omega Boar Hair 
Soap: Col. Conk Almond 
Aftershave: Ginger’s Garden Almond 
Comments/Overall Thoughts: The Kai Blade is still shaving smooth after the 5th use, which is compelling me to buy more on my next purchase. Although I’m not typically a fan of smaller brushes, the boar hair on shorter knot of the 13522 Omega brush seems to stay nicer. During the second pass with the Ming Shi razor I went to dial up the aggressiveness, and noticed it was impossible with my slick hands and without a towel. I also noticed how it seemed to to give me more resistance than the Merkur Futur. I put both razors to the test shortly thereafter and confirmed the Ming Shi does have more resistance when adjusting. 

http://fiveoclockshadow-shaving.blogspot.com/?m=1