3/22/17 SOTD
Razor: Crandall Cutlery Co, Bradford PA
Strop: Drygulch Leatherworks Horse/Linen
Brush: Dubl Duck M2/ Omega Boar
Soap: The Soap Exchange Beach Bum
Post: Cold Water, Alum, Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Master Lilac Vegetal
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Very nice shave this morning. Used a recently restored razor and a new to me soap. First the razor, Crandall Cutlery operated from 1905-1912 in Bradford, PA. It was founded and operated by Case family members, and was absorbed into W.R. Case & Sons in 1912. This razor was in rough shape when I got it, and the scales were ruined. I had these obnoxious orange scales from a different razor I had restored, and had the blade cleaned up and put into them. I had the razor professional honed, and this is my first use of it.
I won this soap in the February TSD raffle. Despite them being a supporting vendor of the site, I don't see much of their soaps. The Beach Bum scent is Sea Salt, Sea Moss and Green Vetiver.
@TheSoapExchange warned me that the scent for Beach Bum is the lightest one she has. I was able to load my mostly dry boar brush in the container, adding just a little water to get a really good load on the brush. Then I went to my lather bowl, and slowly added water. This soap is thirsty, but when I hit the right hydration point, the lather exploded into a thick, shiny lather that provided a lot of cushion and slickness. I did three passes, and the lather didn't dissipate as I shaved, and the bowl didn't need more water added between passes. The scent was light, but a very good green earthy salt smell. It didn't fill the room, but was noticeable throughout the shave. My only gripe with the soap is that the container is only about 2.5 inches wide, and I can't load the soap with my badger or synthetic brush because they won't fit in the container. I am looking forward to continuing to use the soap, but I will probably move it to a bigger container. I also have a tub of espresso scented soap that was included with the order. The scent on that is stronger, and I would like to PIF the container to someone who will enjoy it. (I have more soap than I can use, and want more people to try this brand, it's good stuff.)
The shave was a very straight forward three pass almost BBS with no irritation. The great fresh edge on the NY steel, really well working lather, and clean finish of urine-less Vegetal was wonderful. Alum was silent, and I am happy with the shave.
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