I think the brushes that Stirling sells are the best value on the market right now. That handle is great, and can also be had in boar. I think the badgers he is selling are also an amazing deal. The next closest thing you can get in my opinion, are Envy Shave knots, and your looking at $60 just for the knot. The Stirling brushes run $35-45, and are just great brushes. I have five of them in my den, and am really happy with all of them.

All appear to be very good values, on all fiber types.

At one point a guy had to buy them in huge quantity. Like 5000 pieces. Maybe that has changed now???

Really good job on the photo layout.

The gear is quite nice, but Blanca classed it up even more!
Thumbs up for a superb shave!

Agreed, I have the largest badger they offer. It's outstanding at $40 or so. Great feel and churns out lather.

JR brushes are excellent values, too.



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Excellent shot! The setup & the blue theme...top notch!

Very nice Brian! It’s tough to beat an “89” style razor head in the DE side.

Decadent December!!!

December 9 - It's TOGGLE TIME!

Razor - 1960 (F4) Gillette Toggle (3)
Blade - (3)
Soap - Tabac
Brush - Jayaruh #54
Post - Alum

Cranking it up one notch at a time. We'll hit setting Neal in another 6 days or so but I'm going to take my time and enjoy every stop along the way. Toggle on 3 today, Tabac and the JR54 for the classic lather and lots of it. This is the setting where the Gillette Adjustables start acting like they know how to shave instead of kind of trying to wear off the stubble.

I did three passes and finished with a very nice DFS, which is pretty normal for the 3 setting with any decent blade. Now, in a few days, two passes and touch ups should start bringing the baby aboard, but you really can't complain about this result at this setting. The Toggle continues to impress with its heft and solid feel. If I've found any weakness so far it would be the knurling. It's better than some, but seems a little slick at times, especially if lather gets down in the grip area. Comparing it to the handle of the Fatboy they appear to be very similar in their knurling pattern if not identical. Part of the issue may be the replating on the Toggle. It's a beautiful finish and extremely well done by Chris, but I think the new nickel layer may be adding a bit of slickness to the handle. It's not extremely difficult to grip, just occasionally I find it necessary to stop and dry my hand to continue on. Again, that's not a huge problem to have.

Another epic and decadent shave on the books! Nine in a row for DECember and three in a row for the Toggle.

​

The Fatip. Often feared, never disappoints once tamed. Very nice setup and shave!

I've made my peace with how it's working. I like the long life of hard soaps and this puck & tub are right sized for each other. First couple of uses the puck did spin around as I tried to load, but it's souse water glued in place now. The only soap I've put to the grater was Arko. I felt kind of bad afterwards because I couldn't face lather with it.

Still need to purchase quite a few to get the volume discount. A small shop owner might squeeze some profit from a smaller buy.

Thank you Jared! Looking back at my early photos I see I've learned much more than just shaving technique.

Thank you Neal! You and Chris talked me into trying a Fatip. If not for The 30 Day thread I'd have given up on it. Besides it, the Futur clone and a Muhle R89 are the "new" razors I've encountered. Ming Shi 2000S is plenty fun, I ought to get another to tuck it away JIC. The R89 is a little mild for my taste.

Of the badgers, which is your favorite?

Sneaking in a second shave? Great picture!

Nice set up, Rick. You are tempting me with the Fatip.

Beautiful picture, Keith!

DECadent! Just a terrific looking shave, Neal!

Thank you Jim.
Do you own one? If not, they are relatively inexpensive.
I got mine off the bay for less than $15.00. It's a Piccolo - the shorter handle. If you prefer long handles go for the Grande.

Sunday early morning December 10 - Mystery Cream Challenge

Delta Echo Ink black Gillette Black Beauty on 4 / Topaz Platinum (2)
30DC LE Maple Cashmere synthetic brush
Vlasta cream sample I
Alum and no postshave products

A most enjoyable shave today. I think this sample was one of the Vitos soft Italian almond soaps, either Red or Green label. They are one of my favourite soaps, forming a core part of my Italian frankensoap (along with Cella). I always enjoy that soap when it comes up in the rotation and I enjoyed this sample today.

Hope everybody is having a good weekend!

Indoor voice? You obviously haven’t met me yet
I have a very deep voice that carries even when I’m trying to be subtle.
It was a fun evening.

Thanks. I agree about the 89. I can get a BBS in my sleep with this baby. Too bad it’s just not as fun as a straight.

Thanks. I had to be sneaky. My straights get jealous.