Feb 28 - Phoenix Lives!!! Astra SP#1
Merkur 34C HD
Astra Super Platinum Day 1
The Phoenix Silvertip brush (JosephsLathe)
Homemade PSO
Stirling Pharaoh's Dreamsicle
Alum, Thater's Original WH
Nivea Sensitive PSB
Final Day of Feb and I chose to kick it off with the newly repaired brush from JosephsLathe(Etsy). I have nicknamed it
The Phoenix. Dry, it had a very firm backbone. Once wet, it softened nicely. It had a nice action and soft feel. Exactly what I was looking for. Also in comparison to my first use photo, the bloom is tighter. I need to work on lathering with this brush. I did not put enough product on it to start but after a bit more, lather was perfect. Pharaoh's Dreamsicle was awesome. I like musk and orange scents and to me this was great. I think this will be purchased again.
Astra SP blade felt smooth like the Derby Extras. It just glided across my face. they had a nice low drag feel and felt nice and sharp. I was expecting the best shave to date and expected these to dethrone the Voskhods form the top spot but the results were not as good. Cheeks were BBS but there is still some stubble on the neck and challenging spots. I think this is more due to my technique than the blade. Will need to see how day 2 goes. Alum was tingly and brighter than I was expecting but it quickly dulled. Better in respect to alum than Voskhods but I did do a feather light stroke on the Astras and I doubt I was as light with the Voskhods. A second run of the Voskhods will be needed. In all, I think this is also a very nice blade. No nicks or cuts and the shave went quickly.
Found an old bottle of Fahrenheit cologne that the wife loves and with its spicy orange sent (to me) I think it paired nicely with the Stirling. Will look forward to it coming back into my rotation.