SOTD 9/20/17
Razor: Cattaraugus Seneca 11/16
Strop: Drygulch Leatherworks Horse/ Linen
Brush: Dubl Duck M-2/ Omega 10066 Boar
Soap: Eufros (Jabonman) Dama de Noche
Post: Cold Water Rinse, Alum Bar, Alcohol free Which Hazel
Aftershave: Jabonman Dama de Noche
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Yesterday’s shave was interesting. Haven’t used this boar brush in a while, but it was my main brush for a couple of years. Didn’t realize how broken in it is. It is softer than my badger of synthetic, and beats all of my other boars for softness, while maintaining some of the backbone I don’t get in badger or synthetic. Working my way through this soap, down to less than 3 oz including the container. (Was at 4.8 oz in December.) Made a great lather in no time flat. I have thoroughly enjoyed this soap. It’s a near top performer, but a little expensive due to shipping from Spain. This brush is the one I measure all of my other ones against. Great feel.
For the razor today, I used one of my favorite ones, a Cattaraugus Seneca 11/16 I picked up in trade. It had been in storage for over 20 years, and still had an edge. I’ve never really looked at the edge under a scope, but have refreshed it a few times on some Arkansas finishers. Touched it up on Tuesday night with an Arkansas Hard and an Arkansas Surgical Black. It always leaves me with no post shave irritation, and at least a DFS, and this shave was very similar to others I have had with this razor. A little tuggy, and used more pressure than I wanted. Managed to slice my cheek with the muted tip when it slipped. Great post shave feel, very comfy and smooth. Whiskers came back a little faster than they do with a truly great straight razor shave.
If I had to guess, the bevel isn’t set completely on this razor, but the combination of very fine Little Valley steel from New York and well polished finish on the edge has made it useable. Before using again, I am going to take it down to the bevel, and reset that on a synthetic stone. I have two new Arkansas hones inbound, and I will take it through a five Arkie progression: Washita, Soft, Hard, Surgical Black, and Translucent. I know this razor is capable of super sharp and long lasting edges, I just need to get it there.
Aftershave dispenser broke while using it today. I then busted the lid off to get some out, and it didn't work. This container is hitting the bin unless I can figure out a new container soon. Its nice, but not special enough to work that hard for, when I have 24 other aftershaves.
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