SoS: Dec 18 - 24, 2017

clint64 · Dec 23, 2017

December 23, 2017
Gillette Super Speed J4 Birth Year and Quarter
Feather (1)
Doug Korn DK7 with Druida Manchurian
Nuàvia Rossa

Primotenore · Dec 23, 2017

NCoxSTL said: ↑

Decadent December!!!

December 22 - Toggle vs Fatboy

Razor - 1959 (E4) Gillette Fatboy & 1960 (F4) Gillette Toggle (6)
Blade - (3)
Soap - Stirling Barbershop
Brush - 30DC LE
Post - Alum

Well here we go. Final night of comparing the Toggle and Fatboy as I near the end of my time with a Toggle in my den. It's been a fantastic couple of weeks, and very fun for me even if it has brought my reputation as a stunt shaver into question. This much luxury gear and this many luxury shaves in a row haven't made me soft, I promise. But I have found myself in no great hurry to grab the Soyuz 1 and a Tiger.

My plan tonight is to use both razors. Half a face each and rotate passes. So, here's how it laid out. Fatboy on the right for the WTG pass, Toggle on the left. Toggle on the right for XTG, Fatboy on the left. And, half of each side with each razor for the ATG. Looking for feel of the razor, handling, ease of the shave, differences in balance etc. that might cause someone to choose one over the other. Ignoring the cool factor of the Toggle in modern times and also ignoring the price difference when manufactured. That's as objective as I can make a shave. It isn't perfect, but it's somewhere down the road.

Stirling Barbershop with the 30DC LE Tuxedo. Fantastic lather so that's a neutral. Let's skip to the final result. BBS in three passes as usual. Nothing extra needed.

So what's the difference? It's subtle, but the Fatboy's balance is superior to the Toggle by juuuuuuuuust a hair. That extra weight in the Toggle, and the fact it's shifted slightly to the head, creates a difference in handling that doesn't feel quite as "easy" as the Fatboy. However, it isn't difficult to adjust to the Toggle and make it work perfectly. It just isn't quite the "intuitive feel" of the Fatboy. The feel on the face during the shave? The same. The result? The same. Ease of holding the razor? Extremely close but the Fatboy just wins out. Knurling seems a bit nicer and that balance thing still applies. Again....subtle difference and I tried to shrug it off during the XTG pass and ignore it but it never completely left my awareness.

Fantastic and double decadent shave that settled the issue for me. I am working on a complete review of the Toggle that will include my comparison with the Fatboy, but the short version is this. Given the slight advantage in feel and handling the Fatboy seems to have, and applying the price difference back in the day, $10 for the Toggle, $1.95 for the Fatboy (or up to $2.49 depending), it's pretty easy to see why testers back then put the Toggle down and kept the Fatboy in their hands. A legend was born while a really cool and unique design faded into history. Until we showed up. I'm glad we are seeing more of the Toggles around. Maybe some day I'll find one in the wild I can get for a steal to add to my den. It is a fantastic shaving tool with a great and fascinating history, and it's just a cool thing to have around.

Hope your weekend plans are joyous, fun, and most of all safe! I know many will be travelling over the next three days or having company in your homes. Check in whenever you can and we'll keep your place at the table here until you're able to sit back down and relax from the holidays.

Click to expand...

Nice write up. Hope I can one day snag a Toggle as well.

Smooth Steve · Dec 23, 2017

Tim Spencer said: ↑

I like this set. The scuttle, the brush, the blade, the products. Nice!
Click to expand...

Thanks Tim. That is a real complement coming from you! You have the most coordinated and well thought out kits. I always appreciate how thorough you are in every detail. Happy holidays my friend.
Steve

Smooth Steve · Dec 23, 2017

Str8on2 said: ↑

Fantastic looking kit.....
Click to expand...

Smooth Steve · Dec 23, 2017

celestino said: ↑

Hi, Steve.
The razor is beautifully machined and the knurling on the handle is superb! Probably, one of the best handles I have every seen and felt on any razor.
However, the shaves don't seem to be working for me. I don't know what it is. I find plate D, the most aggressive one this razor comes with, is the most suited to me, but I am still left with more stubble than I would prefer. The shaves are quite smooth, but I seem to get irritation in some areas that I wouldn't normally do. I may need more time with the razor, but it just doesn't seem to be working for me, unfortunately.
It reminds me a lot like the Timeless .95, but not as efficient, in my opinion.

Of course, this is all very subjective.
Click to expand...

I hope the shaves improve with this razor my friend. It looks very nice, but I understand what you are experiencing.
Steve

Yehuda D · Dec 23, 2017

You know what? Instead of the Gillette Menthol cream I found a tube of Lavendor, which is from Israel. My country prfoduces a few fantastic creams, balms, and aftershaves. Anyway this cream smells great, it lathers so well, and it feels so good. The Lucky Tiger balm cooled and soothed my skin great and the Don Donato aftershave from Razorock went on cool with its lovely scent!

Enjoy the weekend!

EzraCobb · Dec 23, 2017

Last Night's Stirling Shave - 12/22/17
As always Stirling shave soap and aftershave did not disappoint -rich and creamy tallow goodness.
brush by Scott Kenarrd, colorado razor designs, duro synthetic knot.

Have a great weekend, JAMIE

McGrande · Dec 23, 2017

23 December 2017

Same set-up and more importantly, same 2 pass / minor touch-up BBS result. The 7 O'Clock at 7 shaves in is still as smooth and sharp as day 1. As is my custom.....OK, habit, I'll be starting next week with a fresh blade. (trying a Personna med prep for the 1st time)

I am really hooked on the scent of both the Tuscan Oud soap and the Stallion AS splash. RazoRock soaps are consistent, reliable performers. Plenty of easily obtained lather. Great cushion & glide. Did I mention the scents?

Soap: RazoRock Tuscan Oud
Brush: Omega 10086 boar
Razor: RazoRock German 37 Slant
Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock (7)
Aftershave: RazoRock "The Stallion"

EzraCobb · Dec 23, 2017

Bird Lives said: ↑

Thurs' Shave
Hot Shower Prep
Hot Whisker Rinse
Arko/Vie-Long Horse Hair
Ming-Shi 2000s/Perma-Sharp Super
Thayers WH for the clean-up pass instead of lather
Splash of Skin Bracer....then
Vintage Old Spice Cologne by Shulton

View attachment 154538

I feel Fantastic!....Have a Great Day, Everybody!
Click to expand...

Jazzy shave!!!

EzraCobb · Dec 23, 2017

TestDepth said: ↑

Razor: Schick I1
Brush: Van Chase Punchy Skull w/ Plisson knot
Soap: Captain’s Choice North
A/S: Razorock XX

View attachment 154562
Enjoy your shave!
Tom
Click to expand...

That is the greatest skully brush out there, end of story! So did you drill the hole for the knot? I assume it had a shift knob on the bottom?

Tdmsu · Dec 23, 2017

Superb US Shave
The JR 159 Slugger made thick almost rope like lather from this jewel of a soap. This is easily in my top 3 scents as well. The Rockwell blade was smoother the second time as usual, but still not as good as voskhod for me.
Prep: Chatillon Lux Unconditional Surrender Salve
Soap: L&L Unconditional Surrender
Brush: JR159 Slugger
Razor: Rockwell 6sR6
Blade: Rockwell
AS: Chatillon Lux Unconditional Surrender Toner

mrchick · Dec 23, 2017

Mystic Water Lime Soap
B-400 Brush by Tom
Feather AC SS Razor
Feather Pro Super Blade
Lucky Tiger
Brut After Shave
Have a great weekend!

wristwatchb · Dec 23, 2017

December 23

Weber SS
Astra SP (6)
Simpson Chubby 2 Super
MdC shave soap
Alum, Thayers Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Alt-Innsbruck aftershave

It was a welcome return to decadence this morning. Two passes plus a few touch-ups, and I'm ready for the day. Two days until Christmas, and I hope you all have a blessed time with family and friends.

Douglas Carey · Dec 23, 2017

Razor: Gillette Fatboy G 3 1961
Blade: Gillette Platinum
Brush: Fendrihen Horn Faux Ebony Silvertip
Soap: Jeeves Soaps Key Lime
A/S: Old Spice Fresh Lime
Bowl: Timeless

Mail man stopped by yesterday and dropped off a wonderful Christmas gift from Adam @Drygulch. Thanks so much Adam.

So I put it in a container and went at it. The soap (Key Lime) whipped up very easily into a great lather with an excellent lime scent. Another great soap from Jeeves Soap. Thanks again Adam.

Douglas Carey · Dec 23, 2017

clint64 said: ↑

December 23, 2017
Gillette Super Speed J4 Birth Year and Quarter
Feather (1)
Doug Korn DK7 with Druida Manchurian
Nuàvia Rossa

Click to expand...

Great setup and photo Clint. Happy Birthday.

Sparrow · Dec 23, 2017

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bobcat · Dec 23, 2017

Saturday

Prep: Warm Shower-Stirling Bath Soap-Scots Pine Sheep
Soap: TOBS Avocado Cream
Razor: Gillette Fat Boy
Blade: Vintage Gillette Platinum-Plus (Shave #5)
Brush: Canadian Fuller/Whipped Dog High Mountain-24mmx52mm
Aftershave: Country Club Frozen Vetiver

WTG-XTG-ATG (adjusted angles for my beard)

TOBS Avocado Cream today. 10 seconds to load the Canadian Fuller/WD High Mountain brush. Easy, thick, slick, lather. Vintage Gillette Platinum-Plus still in the Gillette Fat Boy. Excellent smooth, close shave. I finished with Country Club Frozen Vetiver aftershave.

Bob

SmokeShowing · Dec 23, 2017

120inna55 said: ↑

Phoenix and Beau - Borealis
Zenith XXL Manchurian
Ever-Ready SE | Gem PTFE

The stunning albeit controversial artwork featured on Phoenix and Beau's Whitechapel is what initially attracted me to the brand, but the performance is what kept me. As a result, when I got a glimpse of the seasonal "Borealis", it was a no-brainer. I love the stark, rich colors contrasted against the black background.

I've seen lackluster reviews of their base, and the only reason I can fathom that is due to the thirst of this soap. If you've had disappointing results from this base in the past, consider revisiting it with quite a bit more water. I find this base to perform very similarly to Barrister and Mann's white label with just about the same water requirement. You'll certainly be rewarded with excellent slickness from the extra water.

There are very few soaps in my den that don't have matching post-shave products. I know it's a ridiculous stipulation because it's quite rare that a soap's fragrance lingers much longer than the shave, but it's my own weirdness. Phoenix and Beau has had a placeholder on their site for some time now, teasing at upcoming aftershaves. I'm ready for them to roll these out.

The documented scent notes on Borealis are Siberian fir, Scotch pine, frankincense, tangerine, star anise, and allspice. Prior to actually receiving the soap, I'd considered a few of the splashes in my collection with fir and frankincense notes with which to pair it. However, upon opening the tub, the decision was easy. Tallow and Steel's "Boreal" is a very close match.

Borealis opens with bold fir and pine notes filled in by a low key citrus. The fragrance gets colder and more resinous as the shave progresses. If I didn't know going in that anise was a component, I wouldn't have detected it. Instead, I believe it, along with the tangerine, is responsible for the crisp, cold feeling. The allspice also keeps a back seat to the fir and pine, lending only hints of cinnamon and clove. This is a nice Winter fragrance that's far from being a novel Christmastime scent.

While not a copy, Tallow and Steel's Boreal pairs quite well with Borealis, trading the cooling anise for minty monarda and the resinous frankincense for the sharp and woody cedarwood. Borealis is the festive brother of the wintery Boreal. These two were meant for each other. Other potential pairs in my den could be Barrister and Mann's "Le Grand Chypre" and "First Snow".
Click to expand...

Fantastic overview and another wonderful image!

120inna55 · Dec 23, 2017

SmokeShowing said: ↑

Fantastic overview and another wonderful image!
Click to expand...

Thank you.

Douglas Carey · Dec 23, 2017

120inna55 said: ↑

Phoenix and Beau - Borealis
Zenith XXL Manchurian
Ever-Ready SE | Gem PTFE

The stunning albeit controversial artwork featured on Phoenix and Beau's Whitechapel is what initially attracted me to the brand, but the performance is what kept me. As a result, when I got a glimpse of the seasonal "Borealis", it was a no-brainer. I love the stark, rich colors contrasted against the black background.

I've seen lackluster reviews of their base, and the only reason I can fathom that is due to the thirst of this soap. If you've had disappointing results from this base in the past, consider revisiting it with quite a bit more water. I find this base to perform very similarly to Barrister and Mann's white label with just about the same water requirement. You'll certainly be rewarded with excellent slickness from the extra water.

There are very few soaps in my den that don't have matching post-shave products. I know it's a ridiculous stipulation because it's quite rare that a soap's fragrance lingers much longer than the shave, but it's my own weirdness. Phoenix and Beau has had a placeholder on their site for some time now, teasing at upcoming aftershaves. I'm ready for them to roll these out.

The documented scent notes on Borealis are Siberian fir, Scotch pine, frankincense, tangerine, star anise, and allspice. Prior to actually receiving the soap, I'd considered a few of the splashes in my collection with fir and frankincense notes with which to pair it. However, upon opening the tub, the decision was easy. Tallow and Steel's "Boreal" is a very close match.

Borealis opens with bold fir and pine notes filled in by a low key citrus. The fragrance gets colder and more resinous as the shave progresses. If I didn't know going in that anise was a component, I wouldn't have detected it. Instead, I believe it, along with the tangerine, is responsible for the crisp, cold feeling. The allspice also keeps a back seat to the fir and pine, lending only hints of cinnamon and clove. This is a nice Winter fragrance that's far from being a novel Christmastime scent.

While not a copy, Tallow and Steel's Boreal pairs quite well with Borealis, trading the cooling anise for minty monarda and the resinous frankincense for the sharp and woody cedarwood. Borealis is the festive brother of the wintery Boreal. These two were meant for each other. Other potential pairs in my den could be Barrister and Mann's "Le Grand Chypre" and "First Snow".
Click to expand...

Beautiful picture of fine products Matt.

Log in or Sign up

SoS: Dec 18 - 24, 2017

clint64 Blind Squirrel

Primotenore missed opera tunity

Smooth Steve Well-Known Member

Smooth Steve Well-Known Member

Smooth Steve Well-Known Member

Yehuda D Israeli Ambassador to TSD

EzraCobb Well-Known Member

McGrande Well-Known Member

EzraCobb Well-Known Member

EzraCobb Well-Known Member

Tdmsu Well-Known Member

mrchick Odd, Terrible Avatar

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

Douglas Carey Wildman

Douglas Carey Wildman

Sparrow Well-Known Member

Bobcat Well-Known Member

SmokeShowing Well-Known Member

120inna55 Well-Known Member

Douglas Carey Wildman

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

SoS: Dec 18 - 24, 2017

clint64 Blind Squirrel

Primotenore missed opera tunity

Smooth Steve Well-Known Member

Smooth Steve Well-Known Member

Smooth Steve Well-Known Member

Yehuda D Israeli Ambassador to TSD

EzraCobb Well-Known Member

McGrande Well-Known Member

EzraCobb Well-Known Member

EzraCobb Well-Known Member

Tdmsu Well-Known Member

mrchick Odd, Terrible Avatar

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

Douglas Carey Wildman

Douglas Carey Wildman

Sparrow Well-Known Member

Bobcat Well-Known Member

SmokeShowing Well-Known Member

120inna55 Well-Known Member

Douglas Carey Wildman

Share This Page

Useful Searches