Thanks Bruce. We had a great time!

Thanks Jason! Actually, that's one of the knots I had in mind.

Classy set up, Keith. The Silverloaf 8/8 is one mean and cool looking razor!

Pretty much the setup that I am using, though mine is an aluminium handle tech. I binned off the Merkur 34c focus, it's just too rough a razor for me on my neck... The tech is so much smoother and results in a better shave all around!

I’m in the minority with you on that one.

As you certainly know, since you've been doing this much longer than me - the classic, (mostly) mass-produced soaps are just "different" than the artisan offerings. It's not a "good or bad" sort of thing - just different. I suppose one could say, the classic soaps are more utilitarian. No frills - just "get the job done, and do it well" soaps.

Artisans set themselves apart adding in a wide range of scents and extra ingredients for skincare/slickness. Ease of lathering? Oh yeah - most have that, too. If a person can't lather Stirling, there isn't anything they can lather. It practically lathers itself. Whatever the artisans do to make this possible, it's a smart move. Make the product as easy as possible to use, in scents that people love, and add in some slickness...recipe for success.

That's not to say the classics are inferior in any way, shape, or form. Aside from the vast array of scent choices, these humble soaps perform. There's a reason soaps like MWF have been around so long. And, for as much Williams bashing that goes on, people obviously buy it, otherwise it wouldn't be made anymore.

Ah, yes....and then there's Tabac! Love it, or hate it - can you deny the performance? I think not!

It was a shedder. Until yesterday morning.

Good morning ATL gate T13!

Me thinks thou dost protest too much. Viva la Revolution!

I don’t see that as a downside if the can make it easy to lather and also retain all its other original benefits.

No worries. Personally, although I understand the reasons behind a NB I think the point is balance and moderation. Sounds like you are there. I’m kind of at the point where if I buy something (say a soap) I’ll put aside my least favorite of that item to PIF or sell. If I don’t have a soap I’m willing to give up for the one I’m planning to buy, then I don’t buy the new one.

I like shiny. That’s just me. It will eventually develop patina, but will look more cared for and not “abused”. Others will disagree and say you’re removing history. I say if it looks nice it still retains its history, and if it’s history was not to be well maintained or well cared for, then who cares. Again just me.

Well said.

Great report and photo Rick. Very cool brush.

Great question. I can say that the shave from the F plate lasted longer than the D plate. So I would say it is more efficient the the D plate. There is a real noticeable difference between the D and F plate while the difference between the D and E is less noticeable.

I wouldn't beat yourself up too much. You made it much longer than I did several years ago.

Great shave and write up John. Thanks for taking the time to do the experiment.

Have a safe trip home Chris.

Adjustable August Focus

In keeping with this month's theme, I shaved with my Merkur Progress set to "1.5"
Alum saved yesterday's and today's shave.
The Progress handle rivals the ridiculously slippery Mühle handles.
But with a touch of alum, the Progress was tamed.
1.5 was today's setting. Certainly more blade exposure, but, again, I don't shave allowing the safety bar to touch my skin,
so the gap between the blade and the safety bar plays no role in my shave.
This razor, I could definitely live without.
Sounds ludicrous after a 3+ pass BBS shave without incident.
The Personna 74 got through its 13th shave in remarkable fashion. No tugging, still sharp and smooth.
Last minute line-up change vis-a-vis post-shave, I pulled the Dominica and substituted
Krampert's Bay Rum AS, followed by a smear of Captain's Choice Bay Rum balm.​

Thank you Gentlemen! Not many brushes have asymmetric shapes. This truncated cashew does grip easily.

You're welcome, Keithmax. It's the best way to reflect.

Very sorry you lost her right before #88. That's how old my Mom was.

Great photo and write up this morning. You have inspired me and tempted me at the same time. I admit that brush is about to reawaken by Brush Acquisition Disorder. Your use of Bay Rum AS inspired me to do the same.

August 12, 2018
Karve F Plate
Feather
ATG LE Shavemac D01 Flat Top
Nuàvia Blu

​

Another excellent spooky close shave this morning. I decided to tempt fate and start with an ATG pass first. Even though it all worked out, I am not sure this is something I will do with the F plate on a work morning. Two passes and touch ups on my jawline and lower right neck reeled in the baby with ease. If I can master this razor, it might be the first to match my SE razors on getting my lower right neck smooth. I don't usually use aftershave with Nuàvia Blu but after seeing @Primotenore post on the SOTD thread, I rewarded myself with a splash of Captain's Choice Bay Rum. I am off to visit my Mom today. Maya and my wife are going as well so Mom will be very excited. I hope everyone has a great Sunday