I can't really get samples over here that easily, so i usually don't buy anything too expensive. But i'm alright using a soap without matching aftershave, quite often i'm using just a balm with a very mild scent.
The PAA samples aren't as big as the Stirling samples, but they are also only $1. They come in the little vials often used for Cologne samples. PAA offers a few Cologne dupes, but many more original scents than Stirling. And, most of their original scents are more complex than Stirling's. I am a big fan of Stirling, and their soap base is probably about my favorite when I combine price and performance, but I think PAA has them bested in the scent department.
It is a classy scent. Not foul. I just don't like like it. The Mrs said it smelled like I licked the ashtrays though.
I never wore any scent before I started wet shaving, but now, I like wearing a nice AS. It has enough scent that my wife or kids can smell it when they are close, but not enough that most people can detect. And, I can usually get a slight smell of it throughout the day. Just about perfect to me. But, I completely understand people who don't like lingering scents.
I'm pretty well set for the year in the tool department. I do plan to get a couple "Bar Soaps" from Central Texas Shave Soaps-then nothing until the 2020 Stoylin Tony winning duo(Course that will be announced on New Year's 2020 anyway).
For me it depends a bit on the day. Sometimes i just don't feel like wearing anything, except my clothes. Maybe. Ok, now i need more coffee, i'm getting too tired.
Love the setup, Especially the brush! Wonderful shave Terry! Fantastic shave Charlie. Have a good day with the kiddo's. I am praying for you and your wife. Great shave Joe! Awesome shave Perry! Have you tried a Proline in your Hawk yet? Stunning shot Jim! Great photo and shave Clint! Love the RT, Joseph! Very nice! Awesome photo and shave Jason! Cool photo and shave, Gary! Fantastic shave Evan! I do think the characteristics of a razor change a little when you put a period correct blade in it. Great photo and shave Jim! Awesome shot blair! Sometimes a drop of blood is the price we have to pay. Nice shave Daniel!
SOTD OCtober 7th Stirling Mentholated Pre-Shave Soap Blackland Brass Blackbird OC Gillette Super Thin (3) JR# 134 (24mm, Frigate Class) Mitchell's Wool Fat Van Yulay Spicey Bomber AS So, I think I have isolated my struggles with The Fat. It seems like I have the hardest time making a good lather with a synthetic brush. Today's lather was frothy and airy. I was able to deflate it some using painting strokes but it was far from the thick and creamy lather I experienced the last two shaves. So the two things that I need to work on in regards to The Fat is working in more moisture while face lathering and lathering with synthetic brushes. The lather was still plenty slick though and allowed the Blackbird to glide along leaving no whisker in it's wake. Three passes to a marvelous BBS finish. A generous splash of the Spicey Bomber AS for a spicy leathery finish with just a touch of menthol. Have a great day my friends! Sent from my Galaxy using Tapatalk
Thank you, Andrew! Terrific shave and picture! Does this mean you're going to stick with synthetics for awhile?
Thank you, Andrew! I think I tried a Proline with the Hawk a while back and remembered it being a lot sharper than the Captain Mild. I'll try one again because you've piqued my interest now.
Wonderful photo and shave, Andrew! I like the sound of the Spicey Bomber aftershave with the leather scent. I'll try a synthetic brush tomorrow with The Fat and join you on your quest. I've been using mainly badgers with The Fat with great success.
I'll probably alternate synthetic and face lathering. I feel like I didn't get enough soap on the brush even though I loaded for quite some time. Sent from my Galaxy using Tapatalk
