Wonderful shave and picture, Neil!
I had that bowl as my first choice in that raffle and you got it just ahead of me. It's beautiful.
I have a puck of SV Felce Aromatica awaiting a home. I haven't used it yet but it smells terrific.

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

Your message arrived right on time. I've become aware of a situation that needs solving. Thanks Chris!

Neal, how can you imagine you have enough soaps when there's an empty dish waiting to be filled and used? It's a Canadian soap dish, made by a Canadian from wood harvested in Canadia. There can be only one answer but you'll still need to do the choosing. Here's a CLUE.

One last shave with the Gravjura razor for a while. Tomorrow I switch to the Ralf Aust. The Cyril Salter solid shaving soap is really growing on me. Wonderful, slick lather and English lavender scent. The sample of Sudsey Soapery lavender & peppermint aftershave is not really a match, but it aint too bad either.

nice shave sir..

June Basics w/ a Focus

Proraso Red sandalwood SS
Osaka Suribachi bowl, cool water
Omega Pro #10098 boar brush
Univinlions Salon kami-shavette
Feather Artist Club Pro, 3rd use
Proraso Red sandalwood AS
Tenth shave with the Chinese clone pain stick, and the blade holder is becoming familiar. The do's & don't's are more clear. Joseph @Primotenore gave a clear pointer about lather hydration - if it clings to the razor it's too thick. Joe @Trigger suggested trying short strokes rather than long passes - the buffing is working. My grips are improving; I use my left/primary hand first, then do the same grip and area on the other side with my right/off hand. While I'm not fully ambidextrous a career as a wood worker with many hours doing plumbing, auto mechanics, and other hands on tasks has me much closer than the average Righty. Tonight got two passes generally N to S, and back for no errors and approaching a CCS on my chin. Cheeks, neck, under jaw line all comfortably close if not better than a DE shave. For less than twenty bucks, I'm pleased with the results and see no need to buy the more expensive tools.
Good Shaves Y'all!

That Cyril Salter hard soap that I used this morning would be a fine choice. And only $8.50ish shipped from Connaught.
https://connaughtshaving.com/crs100.html

Thanks, Gary.

very cool sir, great progress on your new endeavor..

Thanks Gary! I didn't start from scratch. With a few SR & shavettes I've put some time in learning open blades. I am liking the handle without scales. I can even see how an actual kamisori (in a Western grind) could be a future choice.

Favorite Friday​

The 'straights guys' really' brung-em and rung-em today. Made me want to grab my favorites. Not my best shave, but in a way BASIC and what could be my signature.

The Wacker Barbers Bride represents a somewhat unique sound craftsmanship of strength and durability. She does not own the bright silk and jewels, but projects an enduring strength and beauty that one can love for life. Simple laser etching, horn scales.

In a similar discussion, one of my girls once said, well you know dad, you just can't turn a hoe into a housewife......... Yup, took me a while to get off the floor. Anyhow, I love the razor.

The Simpsons Emperor 2 is probably my most expensive brush. I bought it, because I wanted one hand tied and glued Simpson Super Badger. It is my fave.

Being the Brut fan that I am, Wholly Kaw brings it on... with a super lather in a similar scent. The aftershave has a punchy menthol that I like. Okay, so this ain't really basic, but basically with the cost being an arm and a leg, you can basically buy it twice before you basically don't have the appendages required for shaving anymore.




Basically.... Have a great weekend!

i have wondered about a straight without the scales..they seem to be in the way at some points..i know nothing about straight razors other than the visuals seen here..i am still loving step 2..

awesome set up sir,awesome pic..

Robert, great post!

Thanks, Rick! More importantly, you have mightily improved on your shavette shaving! As far as using a traditional straight, you have the skill set to shave with one without any problems. After using a shavette for only 16 shaves, I chose to use a straight for the sheer challenge, the aesthetics, the nostalgia and the cool factor. Again, I applaud you in your getting a good shave with your pain stick!

Very nice shave, Jason! It's a good thing that Clubman doubles as bug and tar remover for your car. I hope all is well, my friend.

It is great to hear from you, Perry. I'm glad to hear you're getting settled, and it's nice that you can make all the home upgrades before you move in. If you get caught up, come help me unpack some boxes.

Have a great time on the Gulf Coast...mos def one of my favorite places to visit.

Congrats Perry! That is great news. I'm glad you got the house you really wanted.