SOTD: Sunday April 30, 2017

Razor: Mühle R41

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (2nd use)

Brush: RazoRock Plissoft 

Soap: Stirling Soap Co. Sharp Dressed Man 

Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. Sharp Dressed Man

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10 (or A), for BBS on face and (near BBS on neck area) with no weepers. After a good workout these fresh, clean scents are always what ends up in my gym bag.

My New Favorite Cologne

SOTD: Saturday April 29, 2017

Mild Morning Touchup

Razor: RazoRock Baby Smooth 👶 

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (1st use)

Brush: St. James of London Badger 

Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Cedarwood

Aftershave: Lucky Tiger Aftershave and Face Tonic

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10 (or an A) merely needing an early morning touchup to get me through Saturday, so it gave me the perfect excuse to use the Baby Smooth razor. Three passes, plus touchup and my face is left smooth. It a very mild razor, and initially looking at the blade exposure, I thought would be TOO mild, but with the right technique and blade it gives an amazing shave. The aesthetics and feel of the razor are a win too. TOBS Cedarwood is an amazing scent and does not get enough love in these forums, as a matter of fact, it's safe to say I prefer this to their Sandalwood. Great post feel given from the Lucky Tiger aftershave as well.

SOTD: Friday April 28, 2017

Razor: Blackbird from Blackland Razors (open comb)

Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (3rd use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Pre-Shave: The Blades Grim Smolder and two shots of Kraken Black Spiced Rum (a nice start to my day off)

Soap: OSP Bay Rum

Aftershave: Clubman Pinaud Bay Rum

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, I usually am not the biggest Bay Rum guy, but all the great things you hear about OSP's performance are not exaggerated. I cant wait to try some of their other scents. This is my second Blackbird razor and after year-and-a half of having one in my den I can vouch for what an efficient and consistent performer it is. I am excited to see what Shane comes out with next.

SOTD: Thursday April 27, 2017

                    

Razor: Timeless (.95 Blade Gap)

Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (2nd use)

Brush: Tampa Shave Co. 22MM Synthetic 

Soap: Cold River Soap Works Spiced Amber

Aftershave: Cold River Soap Works Spiced Amber

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 10/10, sweet earthy scent with awesome post feel. No issues on performance whatsoever. BBS on face, and close to BBS on neck.

SOTD: Tuesday April 25, 2017

Razor: Vintage 1959 Gillette Fatboy (setting 9)

Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (1st use) 

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: Tabac

Aftershave: Tabac 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 8.5/10 (or a B), great performance on products and BBS shave with the exception of the few stragglers on the neck. A couple of weepers where I did the touch up on the mustache area. Aftershave does have staying power, so if you're not a fan of the infamous Tabac scent I would stray away.

SOTD: Monday April 24, 2017

Razor: Standard Razor (Gunmetal Edition)

Blade: Personna (2nd use)

Brush: St. James of London Badger 

Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Coconut 

Aftershave: Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9/10 (or an A-), for BBS on face and socially acceptable pass on the neck. The Standard razor has not been getting a lot of traction as new stuff has came into my den so I made a point to use it today. It's mild, smooth and efficient. Similar to the DE89 or 34C. The only drawback is the handle can be slippery when wet due to the lack of knurling. The brush has a floppy knot so it is easier to use a painting motion with the lather, rather than splaying. The Aqua Velva sure takes me back to when it was a daily use item, rather than various artisan aftershaves.

SOTD: Sunday April 23, 2017

Razor: Timeless (.95 Blade Gap)

Blade: Bolzano (3rd use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: Barrister & Mann Night Music 

Aftershave: Barrister & Mann Night Music 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, with a smooth three pass shave (two on neck) all around. Something can be said for the B&M labels with their aesthetically pleasing design and from what I can tell, waterproof as well. This combined with the performance makes it a top shelf product.

SOTD: Saturday April 22, 2017

Razor: Cubano from Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements 

Blade: Bolzano (2nd use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: Sapone Di Paolo Cremoso 

Aftershave: Sapone Di Paolo Cremoso

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9/10, I think this might be one of my favorite artisan scents. It's been in my den (AKA my bathroom) for over a year now and I'm about two-thirds the way through the tub. As a matter of fact I am guilty of using the excess balm on my hands from time to time.

SOTD: Friday April 21, 2017

Razor: Vintage 1959 Gillette Fatboy (setting 5)

Blade: Bolzano (1st use)

Brush: DeLuxe Shaving Co. 30MM Silvertip Badger

Soap: Reef Point Soaps Classic Barbershop 

Aftershave: Reef Point Soaps Classic Barbershop 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 10/10, absolute BBS on face and upper neck where three passes were done (and two on lower neck). I can attest to this soap and how well this soaps performs based on how easily it loaded to the brush and lathered on the face. He brush itself is always a treat for me. This is my first time using my Fatboy since cleaning it up the other day and it already shines like one of my contemporary razors that has only been in my collection for the past couple years. The aftershave has a kick and leaves a great post feel. Absolute flawless shave.

Before heading out for the evening. Awesome scent on the hair gel.

420 SOTD: Friday April 20, 2017

Razor: Amumigoose from Mongoose Razors

Blade: Feather Super Professional (4th use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Green Marble

Soap: Mama Bear's Soaps Cannabis

Aftershave: Clubman Pinaud 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, smooth, close and efficient shave. Three pass on face (N-S on full face and neck, ear to chin on face and upper neck only, and S-N on full face and neck). This razor and blade combo is one of the best pairings I have came across. Pinaud is always an underrated classic.

SOTD: Wednesday April 19, 2017

Razor: Amumigoose from Mongoose Razors 

Blade: Feather Super Professional (3rd use)

Brush: Omega Boar Hair 

Soap: Funny Bunny Garden's Oatmeal Beer Stout 

Aftershave: Mickey Lee Soapworks The Drunken Goat 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9/10, awesome stout scent on soap. The first couple passes the lather dissipated a bit, but once it was worked in a bit on the third pass I did not have that issue, and the slickness was there for a good shave. Excellent post feel.

1959 Gillette Fatboy Polished and Cleaned Up

Mail Call

SOTD: Monday April 17, 2017

Razor: RazoRock Wunderbar 

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (2nd use)

Brush: DeLuxe Shaving Co. 30MM Silvertip Badger 

Soap: Mickey Lee Soapworks Agora Xyrisma 

Aftershave: Mickey Lee Soapworks Agora Xyrisma 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, all of these products are a treat to use. The Wunderbar is a underrated stainless steel slant razor that is extremely efficient being easy to get into the contours of the face and neck. The brush feels awesome in the hand in face, and anyone looking for a larger badger brush at an economical price can't go wrong here. The soap and aftershave combo is clean, fresh and aquatic with amazing post feel. This shave did not disappoint.

SOTD: Sunday April 16, 2017

Razor: Hone Type 15

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (1st use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: The Shaving Shop The Anointed 

Aftershave: The Shaving Shop The Anointed 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, for close and smooth, near BBS shave with a great scent. Three passes (N-S on full face and neck, ear to chin on face and upper neck only, and S-N on full face and neck). I heard the scent being described as a earthy cologne-like scent, and I am inclined to agree with this description.

SOTD: Saturday April 15, 2017

Razor: Merkur Futur (setting 5.5)

Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (2nd use)

Brush: RazoRock Plissoft 

Soap: Reef Point Soaps Classic Barbershop 

Aftershave: Reef Point Soaps Classic Barbershop 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 8.5/10, with two passes (N-S, S-N) on a more aggressive setting to have less passes and a more efficient shave. I did a touch up on some areas, but more the most part I just left the stragglers be since this will mostly be a lazy Saturday.

SOTD: Friday April 14, 2017

Razor: Timeless (.95 blade gap)

Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (2nd use)

Bowl: Jay's Clay 

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: The Shaving Shop Barbershop Poivre Rosé

Aftershave: The Shaving Shop Barbershop Poivre Rosé

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 10/10, back to three passes (N-S, ear to chin at 45 degree angle on face and neck, and S-N), managing to even get the stragglers on my neck. This is a very complex and unique Barbershop scent that is very pleasant and cologne-like. The soap is soft enough to scoop a small amount and give me an excuse to bowl lather. The Timeless is very smooth, and this particular blade gap makes it aggressive enough to get a close shave.

SOTD: Thursday April 13, 2017

Razor: Merkur Futur (setting 5.5)

Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1st use)

Brush: Tampa Shave Co. 22MM Synthetic 

Soap: Mickey Lee Soapworks Agora Xyrisma

Aftershave: Mickey Lee Soapworks Agora Xyrisma

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, two pass plus touch up. Amazing performance and scent can always be expected from MLS.

SOTD: Tuesday April 11, 2017

Razor: Mühle R41

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (2nd use)

Bowl: Jay's Clay 

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: Wickham Soap Co. Club Cola (sample)

Aftershave: The Stray Whisker After Balm

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, spot on scent for traditional Club Cola, with excellent performance. Two pass (N-S, S-N) achieving BBS with those few stragglers on the neck. Excellent post feel as always with this balm, which goes with any scent.

SOTD: Monday April 10, 2017

Razor: Hone Type 15

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (1st use) 

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in bronze 

Soap: L&L Grooming Cuir Et Épices 

Aftershave:  L&L Grooming Cuir Et Épice

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, three pass (N-S, full face and neck, cheek to chin, face and upper neck only, and S-N, full face and neck), with BBS on face and DFS on neck. As a kid I spent a lot of time in Jackson Hole where my mom's family was from, and this tobacco and leather smell immediately takes me back to the storefront shops in town.  This is what a cowboy smells like.

                                              

SOTD: Sunday April 9, 2017

Razor: Blackbird from Blackland Razors (polished, open comb)

Blade: Bolzano (2nd use)

Brush: St. James of London Badger 

Soap: Barrister & Mann Night Music 

Aftershave: Barrister & Mann Night Music 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, three pass (N-S, ear to chin on face and upper neck only, and S-N), achieving BBS on face and DFS on the neck area. Blackbird continues to be one of my most efficient (if not the most) high end razor I have. Owning one for the past 15 months it could easily be a daily driver. On the brush the knot is a little bit floppy and it's hard to splay, but if you prefer to lather in a painting motion this would work. I ordered this on Amazon and they ran out of the version I ordered. St. James of London called me the next day and offered a substitute, so 10 on their    customer service. Night Music might be a polarizing scent, which can be expected since B&M has complex scents, but it is a hit with me.

SOTD: Saturday April 8, 2017

Razor: Vintage 1966 Gillette Flare Tip (restored by Delta Echo)

Blade: Barbedeaux (1st use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze 

Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood 

Aftershave: Barbedeaux Moisturizing Razor Bunp Therapy 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9/10, going back to the three pass today knowing this would be somewhat of a mild shave, achieving BBS on face and DFS on neck. After using the aftershave the other day I was struck at the amazing post feel I had most of the day. Great customer service, and 6.4 oz, you have enough to last awhile. If you want light or no scent, but something that will do the job as far as post skin nourishment goes, this might be worth looking into. This is also my second tub of TOBS Sandalwood, and with that came a newfound appreciation of the scent.

              

SOTD: Friday April 7, 2017

Razor: Alumigoose from Mongoose Razors

Blade: Feather Super Professional (2nd use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze  

Soap: Barrister & Mann Night Music 

Aftershave: Barrister & Mann Night Music

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, smooth two pass (N-S, S-N or WTG, ATG) shave all around. When it comes to the razor, I find myself preferring the weight of this one compared to the stainless steel version, but loving the quality and durability of the stainless steel version. As far as the soap Night Music the sweet strawberry note that immediately comes out for me and is a win.

SOTD: Thursday April 6, 2017

Razor: Merkur Futur (setting 5.5)

Blade: Bolzano (1st use)

Brush: DeLuxe Shaving Co. 30MM Silvertip Badger

Soap: Bluebell Artisan Soap Barbershop 

Aftershave: Barbedeaux Moisturizing Razor Bump Therapy  

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9/10, an aggressive two pass shave, plus touch up. If you're a fan of that traditional Barbershop scent, you'll probably be a fan of Bluebell's version. Although this is my first use of the aftershave, so far post feels great. I will say their customer service is top notch, with quick turn around time on shipping.

SOTD: Wednesday April 5, 2017

Razor: Timeless (.95 Blade Gap)

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (3rd use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: Barrister & Mann Night Music 

Aftershave: Barrister & Mann Night Music 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, after hearing a wide range of opinions on Night Music I was weary of purchasing until I smelled it myself. The strawberry notes came out immediately, and once lathered it smelled like a chocolate strawberry dessert. Sitting in my local shaving supply shop in the mall I debated between this and B&M Diamond, and this won out at the end of the day.

SOTD: Tuesday April 4, 2017

Razor: Hone Type 15

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (2nd use)

Brush: Vulfix Pure Badger

Soap: Beehive Soap & Body Care Bay Rum

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman Bay Rum

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, Bay Rum is usually hit or miss for me, and this is a hit. The ingredients the artisan has put in are those those that tend to nourish the skin. Once again went with a two pass shave, and my skin for the past week has been thanking me for it.

SOTD: Monday April 3, 2017

Razor: Hone Type 15 

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (1st use)

Brush: Omega Boar Hair 11574

Soap: Barrister & Mann Seville

Aftershave Balm: The Stray Whisker After Balm

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10, that sweet spot between DFS and BBS achieved with two passes (N-S, S-N). The razor is mild, but with a Feather (or any other sharp blade), is amped up enough to make this an efficient shaver. As far as B&M Seville goes, the scent and slickness is a strong suit of this product. After the rough shave with the shavette over the weekend, I went to this soap and balm for a reliable post feel.

SOTD: Sunday April 2, 2017

 (Face and upper neck only after yesterday's debacle with the shavette)

Razor: Vintage 1966 Gillette Flair Tip (restored by Delta Echo)

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (2nd use)

Bowl: Jay's Clay

Brush: Magyars Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: RazoRock Holy Connoli!

Aftershave Balm: The Stray Whisker After Balm 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 10/10, with three passes in the designated areas. Yesterday after my routine I noticed neck irritation, and although it has mostly healed I spared those areas from any abuse today. This razor is mild, but extremely smooth and efficient. Holy Cannoli! has that sweet awesome chocolate 🍫 smell, with the lather whipping up well in the bowl. Post feels amazing, After Balm never disappoints.

SOTD: Saturday April 1, 2017

Razor: Feather Artist Club SS Shavette 

Blade: Feather Super Professional (1st use)

Brush: RazoRock Plissoft

Soap: RazoRock Don Marco 

Aftershave: RazoRock Don Marco

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 6/10, as I am getting more proficient with the shavette I should have used a slicker soap. Don't get me wrong I am a fan of RR and Don Marco smells fantastic, but this razor and soap combo might not be the best until I have my legs with the shavette a bit more. For now I will stick with the DE when using it. Great orange dreamsicle scent on soap and aftershave, plus I like the new labels. 

Revised Update: Intially in the shave forums I rated this shave a 8/10, but once I noticed the neck irriatation and cuts I bumped it down. Keep in mind this rating is not a reflection on any products as it  is an overall quality of the shave. A combination of products and technique are a part of this.

Mail Call: A Surprise Package from Grandma

My dear Grandmother sent me a package which happened to contain vintage shave gear. She has always been a collector of antiques, and like myself a huge fan of history. Among the razors was a rare vintage  Gillette Big Boy, a Stahly (which I had no idea vibrated), a Schick Kororna, and various GEM and Gillette razors.

SOTD: Friday March 21, 2017

Razor: Merkur 34C

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (1st use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: Stirling Soap Co. Stirling Blu

Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. Stirling Blu

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9/10, this razor and blade combo is becoming my my preferred option for my gym bag or travel. Normally it is passed up in my day-to-day routine, but I am not risking losing a more expensive razor. If you're a fan of Polo Blue cologne I suggest this soap and aftershave due it it's scent strength and longevity.