December 27
Muhle R41/Big Bomber SS
Rapira Swedish Supersteel (2)
30DC LE
SC Love
Alum, Thayers WH, USB, Floid Vigoroso
Tomorrow ends my
@Terry-inspired focus with the R41 (2013) head mounted on the Big Bomber SS handle. I purchased the R41 head a few years ago, and the handle came with my Batch 2 Mongoose SE razor. My first shave with this set up took place on November 25, and I've shaved most days since then.
I didn't know what to expect from such a heavy handle paired with the R41, but it has been a pleasure to use. The blade, head, and handle combined weigh 5.75 ounces. It is, by far, my heaviest razor. As such, I nicknamed it
Hoss Cartwright. Because of the extra weight, I really focused on using the correct blade angle, very little pressure, and good skin stretching. The size and texture of the handle actually made the razor a pleasure to use. With solid technique, as many of you know, this razor is all bark and no bite.
I used three different brushes (30 DC LE with a synthetic knot, Chubby 2 in Super, and JR # 160 with a boar knot), and each one is distinctly different. I like each one for what it is. The boar builds the best lather, the quickest. The Chubby provides a great lather and face massage if you take the time to really load it, and the LE is my
pick up and shave brush. It builds a nice lather without having to soak it first, it dries quickly, and the handle shape is a favorite. I used several blades: Ladas, Sputnik, Feather, Lord Super Stainless, and Rapira Swedish Supersteel. All give fine shaves, but some are definitely smoother. Among these, I rate the Ladas and Rapira to be the smoothest overall.
I hung with the Soap Commander, and I'm definitely making some headway with it. I've got at least another month's worth left in the tub. For a vegan soap, it provides a nice, cushiony, and fairly slick lather. The value for this soap is outstanding. I still rate it a notch below my favorite tallow soaps in overall performance. The rose scent is pleasant, and I find it to pair well with many of my aftershaves. Having said that, I'll probably not repurchase this brand of soap or this particular scent in any soap.
One more shave with this set up tomorrow before I head off to see my kiddos...and the Parker SRX comes out on Saturday for my
@Hembree-inspired focus.
It has been fun riding along with you guys this month...and for all of 2018. We've all learned, had fun, acquired traded & used up stuff, shared life experiences, and made new friends along the way. A few of us even got to meet in person for the first time, and that was awesome. I sincerely hope we get to do that again in 2019.
@NCoxSTL is the best virtual cat herder on the planet, IMO. It still amazes me that he simultaneously work multiple jobs, ride herd over this bunch, and direct the global activities of The Cartel.
This is a special place, and I'm glad to be part of it. I can't wait to see what 2019 brings.
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