You are spot on about adaptability. I tried a lot of different razors, including shavettes, early on. I didn't mind working with and adapting to things because it was all about discovery and the journey. But somewhere along the way, I started developing habits and preferences, and leaned into things that fit within those preferences. I find that I am far less adaptable these days, preferring shaving with things that fit my comfort zone. I enjoy being able to enjoy a nice, efficient wet shave with confidence. I fear that I have started to become "set in my ways". So, in the spirit of recovering my adaptability (and my pride), I picked up the hair of the dog that bit me tonight. And used Williams. Modern, unmolested. After some trial and error(s), I managed a very passable if not entirely DFS shave. Good enough to fake it. I didn't enjoy it very much apart from the satisfaction of standing up to my nemesis. But I am glad that I did it and didn't end on a note of frustration. I will most likely still PIF it. It just doesn't fall close enough to my preferences, and I'm trying to whittle down a bit anyway. Things that aren't often used are moving on, and I'm ok with that now. Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
I agree with your assessment that Barbasol is a great start because of the consistence of the lather. Taking out that variable allows for more focus on the actual act of putting blade to skin. And, it works a lot better than many give it credit for. For those who do want to work on building lather, I find Arko and Tabac fairly foolproof, scent preferences aside. If someone wants to go artisan, then Stirling because it is pretty forgiving and the generous sample sizes allow for jumping in without betting the farm. Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Sometimes it takes another's person perspective to open one's eyes. One has wisdom when one realizes and accepts ideas that are true despite some experiences to the contrary.
I like Arko stick and poraso green tube, each are great on their own. Even more fool proof small amount of Arko pressed into bowl, or Arko loaded on brush then bowl, For even more luxurious lather, Mix Arko with poraso. Both relatively inexpensive to boot, not to mention the long lifespan of Arko stick and amazing post shave skin feel.
When recommending soaps for new people I think about easy to lather, not sensitive to the amount of water and not sensitive the quality of the water. These soap/creams seem to work no matter what. Arko Tabac AoS Cream DR Harris Cream Castle Forbes Cream I am also doing German Steel this week.
SOTD January 15, 2019 Alphabetical journey through soaps and creams Letter O Prep: Cold water and Stirling mentholated pre-shave soap Blade: vintage Gillette Platinum Plus Razor: Schick M1 injector Brush: JR #60 synthetic Soap: Oleo New City Post: Witch hazel, Oleo New City aftershave Letter O today with Oleo Soapworks. First use of an Oleo soap. Was rewarded with nice, shiny, hydrated lather that was slick and comforting. Post shave feel seemed good. The scent is a take on Tom Ford Tuscan Leather with some raspberry as well. The soap container says raspberry and leather. You certainly get both scents in a slightly weird but workable way. I'm thinking the raspberry may fade away as citrus scents seems to do and leave the leathery part. We'll see. But overall a terrific first experience with Oleo. Have a great day!
Good Tuesday morning everyone! Bitter sweet shave today. Did a one pass head shave last night with the shavette, no blood nut a little irritation on the right back side. Finished up woth one pass using the Fatip this morning. Had a great 2 pass shave with the shavette and great touchup on the old mug. Till the last 30 seonds or so, two small nicks one on the cheek and one on the chin. I lost my mojo and decided to stop, didn't realy need to go over those two spots but think I was getting to cocky, the blade settled me right down. Not bad but there thy are, looks worse than they realy are, not much if any blood, but.... That's where I'm at. Enjoy tp
January 15th Razor: IBC/Blackland Vector Blade: Feather AC Professional/Schick P-30 AC (5) Brush: PAA Green Ray Pre-shave: Stirling Mentholated Soap: Proraso Sensitive Skin PAA Star Jelly unscented AS: Proraso Green Lozione Good morning! First pass with the shavette, no blood or irritation. Finished up with the Vector. What a wonderful razor! Light without being too light, perfectly balanced and nimble. The Proraso Sensitive finishes the letter P. I have one letter R soap then on to the letter S which will take me into February. Have a great day! Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Blackbird roosting in my shaving corner this morning. The cartridge razor is for shaving my head. Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
January 15 Parker SRX Lord Super Stainless (2) 30 Day Crew LE figured maple w/APShaveCo Tuxedo knot Soap Commander Love Alum, Thayers WH, USB & Pinaud Clubman 16th focus shave Have a great day, all!
Thank you, Doug! Beautiful photo as always, Jim! Congrats on finishing letter P. Like you my letter S collection will take quite some time. Great shave, Troy! Terrific photo and shave, Charlie!
