MAYhem Continues!!!
May 16
Razor - W.B. Speed - The Rabbit
Soap - Soap Commander
Brush - Wolf Whiskers Custom Silvertip
Post - Alum
So, after taking a couple of days off from shaving to add to the whole MAYhemic feel to this month, I'm back and have a traditional straight razor in my hand. It's the Rabbit, the first real straight I owned, and it has been ages since I've used it. Why don't I use TSR's more? I hear a few of you screaming - BECAUSE HE HATES TO STROP!!!!! Yep, you got it. However, with three days growth and the need for a razor that will mow it down easily, I put up with the strop. And, I will admit, it went well. I didn't feel like I was hurting anything, just relaxed and went with the flow. A little Zen perhaps?
I chose Soap Commander for the lather and used the Wolf. It's been several weeks since I've used anything besides a synthetic. I'm ready to feel some luxurious badger on my face.
Before proceeding to the shave let me say something that I'm sure
@Bama Samurai won't be surprised at, other than it coming out of my mouth. I missed my synthetics. Yes, I enjoyed the feel of the badger but the quality of the lather suffered. I thought I had it wet enough, but it wasn't quite as slick as when I use a synth. And, while there was plenty, there wan't the overabundance I've grown used to. Ok, ok, I'll say it. I understand where synthetics can outperform the natural brushes. Does my tradition bound and vintage loving shaving mind enjoy saying that? No, not really. But man, I missed the JR46 and WSC tonight.
Moving on. I got the grip on the Rabbit and started on the first stroke and it took a couple of strokes for me to realize how loose and relaxed I was. That was a nice surprise. No tension in the grip, no pressure on the blade, just smooth strokes to finish the right side. The left side was a bit of a trick to start, but that's because my left hand should be chopped off and shredded, the useless idiot. Still, I managed a pass without tension or pressure and had a good result. I went for the second pass, some XTG and other cleanup and even a bit of ATG on the neck. Ended with a nice DFS, no blood, and overall a very self-satisfied look on my face. Apparently, absence makes the shave grow better when it comes to me and TSR's. I may have to spend some more time with them again since it seems my mental block has a huge crack in it.
Alum was a bit on the warm side but that's not a problem. As for tomorrow night? It's MAYhem - how the heck should I know?
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