2023.09.10 SOTD:

• Prep: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser

• Brush: AKA Brushworks Amethyst Watchman with 26mm AP Shave Co G5C

• Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable

• Blade: Wizamet Super Iridium Extra Stainless (1)

• Lather: Elysian Pineapple Ambrosia

• Post Shave: Alum, Stirling Mentholated Unscented Witch Hazel and Aloe, Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime Aftershave Splash, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry

Fantastic shave today. 2 pass on face, 3 on neck. Could’ve done some cleanup on the neck, but it was unnecessary due to the fact that I’ll just be playing Starfield all day. First time using the Wizamet, and it is a fantastic blade. If it keeps this up I’ll definitely have to buy some in bulk. I know it’s only one shave, but man it was good.

Sep. 10, 2023

• Brush: Yaqi 26mm Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Super Speed Flair Tip
• Blade: Treet Platinum
• Lather: Macduffs - Wild Rose Country - Soap
• Post Shave: Macduffs - Wild Rose Country - Aftershave

Good shave today. Brand new blade for this shave and it’s a bit harsh not much of a surprise. Scent is great for a nice warm harvest day.

Vetiver Sample Straightember Shave

• Brush: Zenith 506U N (50/50 horse mane/tail)
• Razor: Böker Abalone
• Lather: Martin de Candre – Vetyver
• Post Shave: The Scottish Fine Soaps Company – Vetiver & Sandalwood
• Fragrance: The Scottish Fine Soaps Company – Vetiver & Sandalwood

I got a great shave with MdC Vetyver (courtesy of GEM Djustice u/EldrormR) today. This soap lathers easily with the horsey and I enjoyed the scent during three passes with the Abalone.

The balm and eau de toilette set was a gift from my sister in law, and it’s a sure compliment getter when I wear it around my wife.

September 10, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co Lemondrop 28mm SynBad

• Razor: Dubl Duck 5/8" Full Hollow (Straight Shave 322)

• Lather: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Soap (45)

• Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner

• Fragrance: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Eau de Parfum
   

3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.

Part of Straightember for me is using new edges in addition to using new razors. Today’s edge is a Black Arkansas finish over a Belgian coticule preparation using the “dilucot” method. This razor was previously finished on the coticule so it went from this coticule finish to this Black Arkansas finish. The raggedness on the edge comes from going through the “dilucot” progression instead of preparing the razor on synthetic stones. My Filarmonica Novodur was refreshed on synthetic stones through 8K and then finished on the coticule. To me it looks like a synthetic finish that’s been roughed up a little by the coticule.

I thought that the coticule edge on the Novodur shaved better than the coticule edge on the Dubl Duck. I was told by two people who know a lot more about honing razors than I do, that I would be surprised at how much I would like the Black Arkansas finish on a coticule edge. Experience matters. They were right! I was also told that a Black Ark finish after an 8K synthetic is really special. I’ll be trying that in a couple of days.

Anyway, a fun morning of edge tinkering. Enjoy your Sunday!

September 10, 2023

• Brush: Stirling 24mm Synthetic
• Blade: Cien Men 2-Blade Cart (7)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth! Heather - Soap
• Post Shave: allMan - Fearless - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Musgo Real - EdC

The Spearhead base is very good looking and slick. I loaded like a mad man because Chicago has hard water and had no problem.

September 10, 2023: Equine Greatest Hits Straightember

• Preshave: Proraso Green Preshave
• Brush: Zenith 506U XS Horse 🐎
• Razor: Thiers-Issard 188 7/8 ““Coq et Renard””
• Lather: Abbate y La Mantia Marduk
• Post Shave: Mennen Le Grand Large
• Post Shave: Nivea After Shave Balm

Second day of 35 degrees here; it’s still 31 degrees in the flat. Tomorrow temperatures should be down to 29, and Tuesday, 23. We went to the sea today, and were refreshed by a bath in cool water.

I needed all the menthol I had, and went back to my hot days setup. I might have benefited from touch ups on the chin, but overall, a good shave.

Have a good night!