SOTD: Wednesday May 31, 2017

Razor: Hone Type 15

Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (2nd use)

Brush: RazoRock Plissoft 

Soap: RazoRock Zi' Peppino

Aftershave: RazoRock Zi' Peppino

Overall Impressions 

Closeness and Efficiency: 8/10

Scent Subjectivity: 10/10

Performance: 9/10

Post Shave Feel: 9/10

Overall Average: 9/10

Comments/Thoughts/Rants

This razor has became a daily driver for me lately. With the right blade (ones on the sharper end of the scale, Feather, Wilkinson Sword, etc.), it is extremely efficient and smooth, with top notch craftsmanship and aesthetics.  Awesome scent, performance and value as always with Zi' Peppino. 

Vintage SOTD: Tuesday May 30, 2017

Razor: 1959 Gillette Fatboy

Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1st use)

Bowl: Jay's Clay 

Brush: Omega Boar Hair 

Soap: Williams Mug Soap 

Aftershave: Old Spice 

Overall Impressions 

Closeness and Efficiency: 8.5/10

Scent Subjectivity: 8/10

Performance: 9/10

Post Shave Feel: 9/10

Overall Average: 8.6/10

Comments/Thoughts/Rants 

I prepped the puck by submerging it in hot water in the bowl. The brush was prepped in warm water in the sink. I don't mind the scent of Williams at all; it may not be the best scent, but it is far from the most offensive or the worst. My Grandma is a collector of antiques and kept an empty box (or maybe their was a puck inside) of vintage Williams Mug Soap along with other vintage toiletries displayed in her bathroom, so I remember seeing this stuff from way back when and was surprised it was still being produced today.

SOTD: Monday May 29, 2017

Razor: Merkur Futur (setting 4.5 on face, 1.5 on neck)

Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (4th use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 24MM in Marble

Cream: The Body Shop Maca Root 

Aftershave: The Body Shop Maca Root

Overall Impressions

Closeness and Efficiency: 9.5/10

Scent Subjectivity: 5/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 9/10

Overall Average: 8.3/10

Comments/Thoughts

Performance, slickness and post feel are great, but to me this smells like a moisturizer my Grandma would have. It's floral in nature, and people seem to love it or hate the scent.

SOTD: Sunday May 28, 2017

Razor: Hone Type 15

Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (3rd use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Black

Soap: Lebelle Soaps Classico

Aftershave: Lebelle Soaps Classico 

Overall Impressions 

Closeness and Efficiency: 9.5/10

Scent Subjectivity: 8/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 9/10

Overall Average: 9.1/10

Comments/Thoughts 

Lebelle Soaps always burts out in lather and never disappoints in performance. I prefer their Coconut Island scent, and if you're a fan of coconut, I highly recommend it. The Wilkinson Sword blade is on its third use and running smooth. I generally bank a blade after three uses, but I might see how long this one goes for.

SOTD: Saturday May 27, 2017

Razor: Hone Type 15

Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (2nd use)

Brush: None 

Cream: Cremo (Cooling version)

Aftershave: Aqua Velva Ice Blue 

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 9.5/10

Scent Subjectivity: 8/10 

Performance: 9/10

Post Shave Feel: 9/10

Overall Average: 8.8/10

Comments

Smooth, cooling and comfortable. With the latherless cream take a mental note of where you already completed your passes, and on the plus side it does not clog your razor quickly or easily.

SOTD: Friday May 26, 2017

Razor: Feather SS Artist Club

Blade: Feather Super Professional (6th use)

Brush: Semogue Excelsior 610 Boar Hair 

Soap: D.R. Harris Marlborough Shaving Stick

Aftershave: The Stray Whisker After Balm 

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 8/10

Scent Subjectivity: 9/10

Performance: 9/10

Post Shave Feel: 10/10

Overall Average: 9/10

Comments

Great scent and post feel.

SOTD: Thursday May 25, 2017

Razor: The Assassin from The Shaving Shop

Blade: Gillette Wilkinson Sword (1st use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: L&L Grooming Cuir Et Épices 

Aftershave: L&L Grooming Cuir Et Épices

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 9/10

Scent Subjectivity: 10/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 9.5/10

Overall Average: 9.6/10

Comments

The leather and tobacco come out with this combo. I always tell people this reminds me of the store front shops in Jackson Hole (where I spent a lot of time as a kid since my mom's family was from there). Really thick consistency that seemed to only improve with adding water with no issues whatsoever.

SOTD: Wednesday May 24, 2017

Razor: Timeless (.95 blade gap)

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (3rd use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze 

Soap: Fine Platinum 

Aftershave: Fine Platinum 

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 9.5/10

Scent Subjectivity: 10/10

Performance: 9.5/10

Post Shave Feel: 10/10

Overall Average: 9.75/10

Comments

Great take on Creed Aventus, and excellent performance as well. After a year of sitting in my den the scent is still going strong and remains a personal favorite.

SOTD: Monday May 22, 2017

Razor: Hone Type 15

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (1st use)

Brush: DeLuxe Shaving Co. 30MM Silvertip Badger 

Soap: Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Tweed (Crown King formula) 

Aftershave: Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Tweed

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 10/10

Scent Subjectivity: 9.5/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 10/10

Overall Average: 9.8/10

Comments

After letting the brush and razor heat up in warm water, there was flawless loading, and no issue with the badger hair absorbing too much lather. I took my time with a nice three pass managing to get those problem areas that leave behind a few stragglers without any irritation.

SOTD: Sunday May 21, 2017

Razor: Timeless (.95 blade gap)

Blade: Polsilver (3rd use)

Brush: Semogue 610 Boar Hair 

Cream: Truefitt & Hill Almond 

Aftershave: Taylor of Old Bond Street, Mr. Taylor's Luxury Aftershave Balm. 

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 9.5/10

Scent Subjectivity: 10/10

Performance: 9/10

Post Shave Feel: 10/10

Overall Average: 9.6/10

Comments

Smooth sailing with the Timeless, and a Polsilver blade on it's third use, achieving mostly BBS. Truefitt & Hill performs like a British cream should, with the rich non-artificial almond scent bursting out when lathering. The post feels amazing with help from Mr. Taylor's. This was also the first use of this particular boar brush and it needs some breaking in, since at times it was hard to use with the cream.

SOTD: Saturday May 20, 2017

Razor: Hone Type 15

Blade: Tiger (1st use)

Brush: Omega Boar Hair 

Soap: Orange & Yuuuge! Razor & Brush 2017 Special Inaugural Edition 

Aftershave: Lucky Tiger After Shave & Face Tonic 

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 8.5/10

Scent Subjectivity: 9.5/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 10/10

Overall Average: 9.5/10

Comments

This is a commemorative, non-partisan soap that is not for sale that I (and others) received for participating in the election night thread on Razor & Brush. I'll paraphrase Chris Cullen who made the soap; if you voted for Trump it commemorates his win, if you didn't, it makes fun of him at the same time. I never let politics get in the way of a perfectly good friendship. With all the ills in the world, you can disagree and debate, but be good to one another. 

SOTD: Friday May 19, 2017

Razor: Blackbird from Blackland Razors 

Blade: Polsiver (2nd use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze 

Soap: The Shaving Shop Poivre Rosé 

Aftershave: The Shaving Shop Poivre Rosé

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 9/10

Scent Subjectivity: 10/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 9.5/10

Overall Average: 9.6/10

Comments

Fantastic take on traditional Barbershop, spicy and cologne-like with peppercorn notes. It has became one of my personal favorites.

SOTD: Wednesday May 17, 2017

Razor: iKon X3

Blade: Kai (3rd use)

Brush: Omega Boar Hair

Soap: Jack Dean from Denman

Aftershave: Jack Dean from Denman

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 8.5/10

Scent Subjectivity: 9/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 10/10

Overall Average: 9.3/10

Comments

This soap is completely underrated and I don't ever see it in the SOTD's. Top notch performance on the lather and loading with a sweet lemongrass scent. The thin aluminum head of the X3 glided right along, and had no issues getting into the contours of the face.

SOTD: Tuesday May 16, 2017

Razor: Mühle R41

Blade: Kai (2nd use)

Brush: St. James of London Badger

Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Cedarwood 

Aftershave: Barbedeaux Moisturizing Razor Bump Therapy 

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 9/10

Scent Subjectivity: 9/10

Performance: 9/10

Post Shave Feel: 10/10

Overall Average: 9.2/10

Comments

An efficient two pass shave. The R41 has quickly moved its way up my list of favorite razors. Same for the TOBS  Cedarwood scent. Sharper blades like Feather or Kai work well in this razor and require less passes and touch up. Less passes=Less irritation. This particular brush has a floppy knot and is excellent for painting motions rather than splaying. I am also going to dedicate the next few shaves to using the Barbedeaux aftershave to see it works its wonders. The post feel never disappoints, and their customer service is top notch. I pick up a slight mandarin scent with it, but it's light and not overwhelming.

SOTD: Sunday May 14, 2017

Razor: Hone Type 15

Blade: Voskhod (3rd use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22 in Black 

Soap: Soap Commander Honor 

Aftershave: Soap Commander Honor

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 8.5/10

Scent Subjectivity: 9/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 10/10

Overall Average: 9.3/10

Comments

I have been looking forward to using some Soap Commander for days. Their clean scents are always a treat, but their balms are top notch-cooling and they don't leave you greasy with an awesome post feel. I don't typically bloom soaps because I find that excess water as overkill and unnecessary, but I did toss a small amount of warm water on the top layer to soften up a bit. The lather and loading was superb. I did a three pass, with minor touch ups along the way without reapplying lather. The slickness of the soap, and mildness (but efficient at the same time) of the Hone Type 15 afford this.

SOTD: Saturday May 13, 2017

Lazy Saturday Shave 

Razor: Stainless Steel Mongoose 

Blade: Feather Super Professional (5th use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze 

Soap: Barrister & Mann Night Music 

Aftershave: Barrister & Mann Night Music

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 9.5/10

Scent Subjectivity: 9.5/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 9/10

Overall Average: 9.5/10

Comments

You hear mixed reviews on this scent, but I am a fan. The waterproof labels and sleek design match the top notch performance of what is in the container of B&M soaps. Single edge razors also tend to help me achieve a BBS level shave on my neck, something that seems to be more of a challenge with DE razors. All around a refreshing, luxurious shave.

SOTD: Friday May 12, 2017

Razor: Merkur Futur ( setting 5 WTG, XTG; setting 4 ATG)

Blade: Voskhod (2nd use)

Brush: Omega Boar Hair 

Soap: Proraso White 

Aftershave: The Stray Whisker After Balm 

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 9/10

Scent Subjectivity: 7.5/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 10/10

Overall Average: 9.1/10

Comments

Amazing performance as always from Proraso. This version is their sensitive skin version, and this or the sandalwood (the "red" version) is probably my favorite scent out of their lineup. Although I have sometimes struggled with what I call it's "cheap" or "artificial" scent, you can see why it's a classic. The After Balm is amazing and pairs with anything, becoming my go to for those soaps I don't have a matching aftershave for with amazing post feel.

SOTD: Thursday May 11, 2017

Razor: Timeless (.95 blade gap)

Blade: Voskhod (1st use)

Bowl: Jay's Clay 

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: Catie's Bubbles Connecticut Shade

Aftershave: Catie's Bubbles Connecticut Shade

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 9/10

Scent Subjectivity: 8/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 10/10

Overall Average: 9.25/10

Comments 

I decided to pull this off the shelf after labeling it myself as a "fall scent" (sweet earthy) and seeing it Ken Lea's video the other day. Performance cannot be argued with, and I gave it a whirl with a hybrid bowl and face lather.

Taylor of Old Bond Street (I Am a Fan)

SOTD: Wednesday May 10, 2017

Razor: Parker 96R

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (2nd use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: Stirling Soap Co. Sharp Dressed Man 

Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. Sharp Dressed Man

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 8.5/10

Scent Subjectivity: 10/10

Performance: 9.5/10

Post Shave Feel: 9.5/10

Overall Average: 9.3/10 

Comments

Along with the Merkur 34C, the 96R is also a perfect gym razor, being inexpensive and mass produced, so it's easily replaceable. A good workout is one of the best natural shaving preps you can get.

SOTD: Tuesday May 9, 2017

Razor: Mühle R41

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (1st use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Mr. Taylor's 

Aftershave Balm: Taylor of Old Bond Street Mr. Taylor's 

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 9.5/10

Scent Subjectivity: 8.5/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 10/10

Overall Average: 9.5/10

Comments

A nice close shave with bite and no weepers. The English know how to do it with their creams-light fragrance, but still pleasant with excellent performance.

SOTD: Monday May 8, 2017

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

Blade: Timor (3rd use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Soap: Parma Inspiration (made by Catie's Bubbles for Razor Blades and More)

Aftershave: Parma Inspiration (made by Local agent Co. for Razor Blades and More)

Overall Thoughts

Closeness and Efficiency: 9/10

Scent Subjectivity: 8/10

Performance: 10/10

Post Shave Feel: 9/10

Overall Average: 9/10

Comments

This scent can be polarizing among wet shavers. It would always be good to try it in sample form

before purchasing a full puck or tub of any Parma scented soap. Love the performance and post feel. 

Update

So I updated my rating scale that I use on my SOTD's and will be reflected on my blog and forums. This way it's more comprehensive, and you know where I am grading it from and that I am not just pulling arbitrary numbers. Hope this helps all you guys out.

SOTD: Sunday May 7, 2017

Razor: Timeless (.95 blade gap)

Blade: Timor (2nd use)

Brush:  Cremo Horse Hair (produced by Vie-Long)

Soap: Soap Commander Confidence 

Aftershave Balm: Soap Commander Confidence

                      Comments/Overall Thoughts

Scent Subjectivity: 9/10

Performance: 9/10

Post Shave Feel: 10/10

Overall Average: 9.1/10

This was my first artisan soap (and it is seeing the ring of death) and it will always have a place in my den. Soap Commander's balms do not have a tendency to leave your face greasy, and always leave you with an excellent post feel.

SOTD: Saturday May 6, 2017

Razor: Merkur 34C

Blade: Timor (1st use)

Brush: RazoRock Plissoft 

Soap: RazoRock Zi' Peppino

Aftershave: RazoRock Zi' Peppino

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 8/10, for DFS, excellent scent and smooth shave overall. One of my friends told me Timor blades are close to the sharpness of Feathers, but smoother, so I was excited to give these a try. There is definitely some bite to them, and I cannot wait to try them in different razors to find the perfect pairing.

SOTD: Friday May 5, 2017

Razor: Merkur Futur (settings 5 down to 3 throughout the three passes)

Blade: Personna Lab Blue (2nd use)

Brush: Maggard Synthetic 22MM in Bronze

Cream: C.O. Bigelow 

Aftershave: Brut Classic 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9/10 (or an A-), for DFS overall, ease of lathering and loading, smooth post feel and scent on aftershave. In the past I have not been the biggest eucalyptus fan, but I can see this cream changing my mind. Great performance and value, and it was purchased from my local Bath & Body Works.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

SOTD: Thursday May 4, 2017

Razor: Above the Tie (Kronos handle, R2 plate)

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (3rd use)

Brush: Omega Boar Hair

Soap: Reef Point Soaps Classic Barbershop 

Aftershave: Reef Point Soaps Classic Barbershop 

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10 (or an

A), for BBS, no weepers, great scent and awesome post feel. If you're a fan of the traditional Barbershop scents I would suggest trying Reef Point, a completely underrated artisan. My ATT razor does not get enough love lately, but that thing is always a consistent performer, with no issues getting the blade angle.

SOTD: Tuesday May 2, 2017

Razor: Hone Type 15

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (1st use)

Brush: Cremo Horse Hair (produced by Vie-Long, sold by Target)

Cream: Taylor of Old Bond Street Cedarwood 

Aftershave: Lucky Tiger After Shave and Face Tonic

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9.5/10 (or an A) Cedarwood has immediately became one of my favorite TOBS creams, and for me personally it surpasses their popular Sandalwood scent. This brush that is in the $20.00 range from Target outperforms some of my badger brushes. It does lack backbone, splays very easily, and is not a lather hog. That being said, the horse hairs can get tangled easily so it will require extra attention. Overall a near BBS shave with excellent post feel.

SOTD: Monday May 1, 2017

Menthol Monday 

Razor: Timeless (.95 blade gap)

Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (3rd use)

Brush: DeLuxe Shaving Co. 30MM Silvertip Badger

Soap: Stirling Soap Co. Margaritas in The Arctic 

Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. Margaritas in The Arctic

Comments/Overall Thoughts: 9/10 (or A-), people always ask about this brush, and this is one of the more economical silvertip badger brushes on the market. Nice cooling menthol was a nice way to wake up (a little earlier than I usually do to run some errands), and produced that close shave. I was pleased that I still achieved BBS on my face after the third use of this blade, due to the fact Feather blades seem to have shorter lifespans on other blades.