Perry - got a link to the vendor?

I kinda like it too, Bruce. It's a good deal for a modern stainless SE razor. If I'm not mistaken, it's $99, and I think there was a coupon code...

I've got a Batch 2 Mongoose (and a spare ), a Parker SRX, and a Feather AC folder that I've never even used, so I'm fairly well set on SE razors for the time being.

Thanks Perry. I was afraid it would get messy. I tried to keep Aaron's brush discussion at the top, but I needed to get in on the Cookie debate, too. Unhijackable!

Declan's first Christmas is just around the corner! I bet Christmas is fun in your house, Andrew. I look forward to seeing photos of both of your boys on Christmas morning.

My Bride and I are giving each other Definitive Technology ceiling mounted surround sound speakers for Christmas. We have 4 for downstairs and 2 for upstairs in the new house. Depending on the sales, we might pick up some other surround sound system components either before or after Christmas.

Oh yeah...sweet looking shave too!

Thank you Charlie. I haven’t got to the good stuff yet.

I’m still working on that big contract which means I’m at a client site every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Given the extra drive time I have to get up much earlier. I’ve managed to get the job in good order but now I’m stressed about closing the year out under very tight time constraints.

I might even take part of tomorrow off as a mental health break.

Already finished a pot of coffee so I’ll switch to water now


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Let me check the brand once I get home this afternoon.

First things first. HOLY CRAP! You, sir, are a complete master of multi-quote.

Jared is indeed someone who you can trust when it comes to brush recommendations. He helped my immensely. I almost pulled the trigger on a big ol' Kent BK12. I'm glad I didn't, as I think regret would've set in immediately. They're big, soft, and floppy. Not to mention the sheer size of them. Good luck loading off a normal size puck. If you want to softly lather your entire head, it might be your cup of tea.

Jared spent a bit of time exchanging messages with me, and thoroughly explained various knots and manufacturers. I went with two of his picks (a Simpson Duke 3 in Best Badger, and a Thater 4125/1) and spent less than the BK12. I couldn't be happier with those two brushes. As Jared pointed out, Simpson Best Badger offers more value than their other knots. The Manchurian knots, while luxurious, are ridiculously expensive. Are they worth a few hundred more than the Best Badger? Only the individual buying can answer that. For me, the answer is no. Maybe if I got one from a BST for a killer deal, but I'm not likely to spring for a new one.

Simpson Best knots offer plenty of density and backbone, while still offering soft tips. There's scrub, but no scritch.

Thater bumps up the luxury level a notch, without bumping the price up too hateful. Not cheap, by any stretch, yet not over the top expensive compared to others. Backbone? Yep. Density? Sure thing. Soft tips? You betcha!

Jared also sings the praises of the Stirling badgers, and will recommend them at the drop of a hat. I have the same one that Joseph used for his shave today. It is an amazing brush, at an amazing price. I honestly would put it right there with a Simpson Best knot. For someone interested in getting a great badger brush, whether it's their first, or their tenth - fantastic quality, fantastic value. No, it doesn't have the fancy sticker or name on it - but you aren't paying for the fancy sticker or name either. Could I tell the difference between knots between a Simpson Best and a Stirling Finest blindfolded? I'm not certain that I could. And that's the truth.

You'll get there with shaving everyday!
With carts, I shaved every two or three days. It was a chore. Not one I hated, but not one I enjoyed either. It was just, well...shaving. Ever since I discovered this "lost art" of wet shaving, it's become an everyday pleasure. Never did I think it would become a hobby, though. Pressure is the big one for those of us switching from carts. I have 30+ years of "cartridge razor muscle memory". Jam it on the face and go to town. It's proven to be a challenge for me to learn how to use zero pressure. The shaves have gotten so, so, so much better, yet occasionally I'll have a brainfart and relapse for a shave or two. Shaving everyday certainly requires you to get the technique (and absence of pressure) down, otherwise the irritation caused today is quickly re-irritated tomorrow. Although it's tough to do sometimes, it's best to know when to say when. Easier to say, than to do!

At least you're having fun shaving with your granddaughters! After all..fun is what this life is all about!

I apologize for the rambling. Thanks for bearing with me.

DEcember 5th
Gillette NEW LC w Wizamet (3)
Stirling Bay Rum SS
30DC LE
Thayers
Chatillon Lux GLSq AS

Very nice 3 pass shave earlier this morning. Is it DEcadent? Great soap, great razor & blade, great splash. I'm willing to call this decadent. Looks like the next time I use this soap, it will be finished. I've actually finished a couple Stirling sized samples this year...that would be something to be proud of if I hadn't just received a couple more full tubs. Sigh.
Have a great day all!

At your convenience Perry. I wasn't sure I'd like menthol when I first started this wet shaving thing. C.O.Bigelow cream changed my mind. Now I'm considering how much more I'd like Florida Water with a touch of cooling.

I miss Jared. Hope he's doing okay. Sent him a PM recently but haven't heard back.

Beautiful photo, Jason!

I'm glad to have them on hand. The cool is nice after a shave. I shave with cold water religiously, so it's even chillier with a cold shave and cold water splash and then menthol. Invigorating! @Primotenore has some iced Florida Water I think. I bet it's pretty nice.

Thanks, Charlie!
I'm not getting much done with trying to keep up in here! It's still slow, but it's going. Yesterday a guy came out and took measurements for a new quartz vanity top, which should be installed next Tuesday. There is still a long road ahead...

I'm looking forward to seeing the progress on your new house! You and your bride must be getting very excited!

Wow! Incredible photo, Jason! Love the warm feel to it. And, the gear ain't nuttin to sneeze at either! Top job!

Same here, Perry! Like you, I shot him a PM last week, and haven't heard anything. I hope he's doing OK and it's just work that's keeping him from being here.

For those that wish to pick and choose while quoting here's the trick. Click, drag cursor over the selected text, release. That picks the pertinent chunk from the whole post.

It's all good! Aaron @ordinaryshaver and others, myself included, can pick up tidbits of wisdom that help us save money for other purchases. No one here is a minimalist. Maybe Chris @Bama Samurai.

Well written, Bruce.

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Wonderful warm picture, Jason. The photos with the firetruck in the background are some of my favorites.

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Perry, it is much better using JR #160, longer load times, and extra water being added slowly.

Yup. One of my great pet peeves is when I grab a cookie thinking it is chocolate chip and it turns out to be raisin. People disguise them on purpose!
I like raisins...in granola...

I got a Stirling Finest from @BaylorGator. Agreed, great knot.

As others have said, you can steam that knot out, Jim. To be honest, if it were me and I didn't like the knot, I wouldn't be that subtle. I'd drill a hole in the middle of the knot and Dremel the whole thing out of there. Be careful not to get the handle, though.

I've had some distracted or rushed shaves due to work 'thoughts' as well, Clint. I've actually decided to get up earlier as I find a relaxing shave to be vital on some days. Take care of yourself, friend.

Nice combo, Mark. What are your thoughts on the Brooks Brothers? I saw it at a BB outlet a few months ago, but they didn't have a tester bottle.

La Grange.

This is the exact brush I got from Randy. Alas, I did bash it out of the handle and put it in one of my own. Nothing wrong with the handle, I guess I was a little prideful.

Gentleman? You, sir, have also arrived.

You and I enjoy similar scents often, Perry. Which is your fave of the Stirling Black Friday offerings?

Awesome Hump Day pic of Declan and an stunning looking 'crat, Andrew!

If you had a slow, relaxing, enjoyable shave, Bruce, it was DEcadent. Regardless of gear. Ok, except maybe the Clubman...

Can't help you with the Perma Sharps, Joseph. The best price I have seen them for is at Connaught Shaving.