Mail call today! All the way from the Frozen North, CanadaPost and the USPS managed to combine their efforts and get a package from @Screwtape to me in a fairly short amount of time. Somebody messed up somewhere. The main item of interest is the knot that I won when John fell off of his NB for the year. And no, I did not do anything unethical or unfair to entice or enable him. So, I'm now the proud owner of an APShaveco synthetic knot. It's a fan knot, my first, and it's one of the softest feeling knots I've encountered yet lots of backbone. It's a fine match with the handle from @jtspartan . I'll get them married up in the coming week and give it an inaugural run.

Also in the box was the Soviet era three piece razor he tried awhile back. This thing looks like the Soviets built it and it should be an interesting toy. He also sent some Russian "shave cream" to try. I think I've tried the same thing but not sure. It's typical Soviet quality too from his experience. And mine. Add to those items soap and cream from Rockwell Razors and a tuck of Rubie Plus blades to try and it's a pretty nice haul! Oh - also a sandalwood cologne sample from D.R. Harris. Many thanks to John for all the goodies!! They'll get their turn in the sun very soon!

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I think that will be a goodlooking brush when you put it together. Jason made you a nice handle.

The knot and handle do match up nicely in both fit and looks.

Sunday Shave

Wanted to use my Blood on Steel set so I am not on focus, but hey it is the weekend. Returned to epics shave.

Irritation A+ Closeness A+ Smoothness A+ Sharpness A+

Razor: PRC 7/8 3/4 hollow
Strop: Mastro Livi
Brush: Handle by Jason and knot by Shavemac
Pre: Proraso
Soap: QCS
AS: Speick AS, Stirling ASB
Scent: YSL Kouros

Great report, John!

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OCtober 7th
Razor: Blackbird OC
Blade: Feather NHS (1)
Brush: SOC Taj Mistura
Pre-shave: Stirling Mentholated
Soap: PAA Sangre de Drago
Lucky Tiger face tonic
AS: PAA Sangre de Drago

Good morning!

Great shave to start the day. Two pass with touch up. Near BBS.

Have a great Sunday, gentlemen!

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You’re right, Charlie. I’m used to being nimble and quick. You know zig when they expect you to zag and all that. Now that I’ve become one of you old guys, it’s more about comfort and luxury. I’m working on slowing down and enjoying the second half of life, so that picture of Brian traveling is me one day. I’m listening to his advice, but the “Kentucky folk retirement plan” still needs some refinement before I’m ready to buy in...

Excellent picture, Jim!

Thank you, Jim!

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So I’m kicking around an idea for 2019, and would love some feedback on it. Considering starting an EDRIO thread. EDRIO you ask? Every Damn Razor I Own. Goal would be to start the new year by using a different razor every day until you have used every damn razor you own. The thread would be pictures and an ongoing count, and any commentary or feed back would be asked to be included on the 30DC thread. So for those with obscene razor collections, (looking at you @mrchick,) this would be a pretty cool way to show off the entire collection.

Great shave report John. Sounds like Pete has a great line of products.

Very nice haul Neal. The handle and knot look fantastic.

Another great shave and photo Jim.

October 7 SOTD:

Razor: Gillette '37 Aristocrat
Blade: Voskhod
Brush: PAA Atomic Rocket
Lather: Stirling Sandalwood
Aftershave: Stirling Sandalwood
Additional Care:
Stirling Unscented PSB

I pulled out the OC Aristocrat for today, and it was smooth. Two passes and a DFS. Need I say more? I am planning on using this for my Sunday shaves for the month. I also went with one of the wife's favorite scents, so it is definitely a good morning. I hope everyone has a great day!

Thanks, Clint!

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Great picture and a beautiful razor!

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Thank you, Jim!

OCtober Focus

Vintage Colgate~~Semogue 620~~1908 Gillette~~Personna 74~~Vintage Aqua Velva
I had the rare no-shave day yesterday, so I had plenty to mow down this morning.
Even without my reading glasses, I could see a fair amount of stubble. Usually I can't hardly tell I have to shave.
On deck was a rarely-used stick of Colgate. (TSD raffle prize)
This soap is not going to win any awards---indeed, there is no scent (if there ever was), however,
it lathered well and was no slouch. Good travel stick.
The Semogue was one of my very first brushes. It's back in the den after residing with my son for a couple of years.
He was none-too-kind to it.
After using my Rubberset and Mondial, this boar does leave something to be desired. The knot density is rather
sparse; handle's ergonomics don't work well with my hands and even though I was using a soap stick,
it doesn't produce the volume of lather that I am looking for. However, it served its function and got the soap
on my face.
'08 Gillette did well until the Adam's Apple...zing!
Gone is the Personna 74 after about 15 shaves. Not bad. I've done better, but 15 is respectable.
Alum was quiet and stopped the blood.
Finished with an old-school AS.​

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Great shave and picture Jim.

Beautiful single ring, Joseph!