Y'know, I think I saw Fine before Stoylin....I threw up my hands and said "They're(Fine) copying classic fragrances!". Man, have I learned a lot since then.

i remember when everyone was whining that their prices had gone up..since then they lost their soap producer,changed a/s bottles etc..many products are long gone now.

I noticed the price increase muhself. Didn't matter much, as I haven't puchased any Fines.

i buy a product if i like it.if it goes up as bit in price so be it.within reason.maybe they hired a new jr chemist,or bottles went up a penny.but to abandon it seems unrealistic in todays world.brands need some loyalty to survive.,unless they are gouging of course..

Thanks Gary. Good morning to you.

Terrific shave Gary. Have a wonderful day.

thank you Joe,you as well.

Who is that new Jr. Chemist....@Trigger? (chuk yuk yuk). I'm just glad(or lucky)that Bill Neumann's prices have been the same since I first noticed Bill Neumann.

90 % of fragrances are copies of something.tweaked a bit but copies all the same.just like cars,perogy flavored pizza and marshmallow coffee..

I understand prices going up, but Fine went from 16 to 25 dollars per 4 oz. That's 6 dollars an oz and that is a premium price tag for a non-premium soap. Fine is very slick but the scent strength is lacking. After I am done with my Fine Platinum puck, I won't be buying another Fine soap product. I have had two and just was disappointed with the scent strength.

they are long established,and not mainstream.maybe they make their stuff inhouse or have unlimited supply of ingredients.if not ,one ingredient supplier could change all that.

their new soap might be better.it's also not made in the states,so shipping,licensing,ingredient laws/taxes etc come into play..

I'll say one thing about Bill Neumann...I signed on to their newsletter a few years ago....haven't received anything. Could explain your comment about them being "long-established". It's always nice to get caught up in what they're doing, I thought.

Today's shave was a pleasant 2 pass with cleanup. I seem to have harder time with some razors getting my jawline close. I run my hand there and still feel stubble! Tough area! But, the shave was nice. Open Comb with a fresh Feather blade. Alum gave some feedback due to my trying to get that stubble!!!

Razor - 1930's Gillette "New Model" open comb (Long Comb)
Blade - Feather (1st shave)
Pre-shave - TOBS Herbal Gel
Soap - Mudder Foker
Brush - Satin Tip synthetic (soft tip)
Post-shave - Thayers Toner & Geo F Trumper "Skin Food"
AS - Pinaud Clubman "Virgin Island Bay Rum"

Showered and warmed the lather bowl & brush with HOT water. HOT washcloth to the face. This soap is easy for me to work into a nice lather. It also helped that I added a dab of TOBS "Almond Cream" to the bowl. Smell is really nice! I got the water correct and did not have to add any. In less than a minute, I had rich creamy lather. I did a 2-pass WTG & ATG with a little cleanup to get the stubborn jawline. All this work gave me some feedback from the alum bar but, no cuts, nicks, or weepers. Thayers is always nice and so is the Geo F Trumper. My face has never been better! I wish I have found these products years ago! Face is super smooth and smelling nice.

I wanted to ride to the Italian restaurant but, they calling for rain today and tomorrow. Grass really needs it. I have not mowed in about 3 weeks!

Superb Lakewood shave Danny.

Superb shave Hogie. I as well have the occasional challenge along the jawline, mostly at the hinge area. Some days are better than others.

I had been doing well but, for some reason, that has changed. Too much work creates BURN so, I limit the passes. Try again tomorrow!

SRS # 741 - Affronted August Soap - Weekdays

Rating: 5 / 5

Razor: AA Gen Takahashi Tokusei (Mug)
G.E. Jones Shake Sharp (Dome)
Blade: Shark Platinum
Brush: Leo Frilot ECWS 2018 Ghost Trails
Lather: Wholly Kaw King of Oud
Aftershave: Wholly Kaw King of Oud
Additional Care:
Stirling Alum Block
Humphreys Cucumber Melon Witch Hazel
Stirling Unscented Glacial Balm

I decide to break out the WK King of Oud. I find this Oud to be refreshing. The aftershave does have a bit of longevity which I like. I get reminded of the great shave throughout the day.

The Leo Frilot Ghost Trails Synthetic whipped up a huge amount of lather. As a result, I decided to take out the G.E. Jones Shake Sharp for it’s inaugural shave to take care of the dome. I had just finished buzzing the dome with the barber shears. The razor performed beautifully. I know the missus will not be entirely pleased as she does not like the feel of the skin head, she prefers a little peach fuzz. Guess she will have to be sit until tomorrow to do the “ I wish I had a watermelon.” routine.

At our June LI 30DC meet up Joe, @Trigger, brought his Shake Sharp to review with me the loading procedure. I was having a challenge loading mine with two blades. He suggested some lubricant to assist in easing the process, ie WD 40. I used Tri - Flow Superior Lubricant, which I have used previously on my bicycle chains. It worked like a charm.

I did my usual three pass for the face and a two pass for the dome. Both face and dome are smooth with very little irritation. The Japanese straight is an excellent razor and always delivers a close shave.

Will there be more dome shaves in the future? I am sure they will be sporadic at best and once Mother Nature begins here cool down they will have to cease. I do not like my head cold and a little peach fuzz does make a huge difference compared to a skinned head.

Have a great day gentlemen

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