June 21--Just the Basics June

Gear

• Razor: Utopia Care Shavette--going back to the basics again with this most-basic-of-all shavette. You know, for how inexpensive it is, you get a pretty decent stainless steel shaver in matte black
• Blade: Astra SS (2 or 3?)
• Brush: Stirling Finest Badger
• Soap: Stirling Texas on Fire
• Menthol: Stirling Frost Drops
• AS: Clubman Original (1 Frost Drop added)--talk about basics. You can purchase this on the cheap at a CVS in-store, but the performance and face feel is fantastic. I add a bit of glycerin to it as well. When it comes to scent, it has its detractors, but I like it, and I know I’m not alone in this. The bed-down plays quite nicely with Texas on Fire as well.
• Balm: Stirling Glacial Unscented

The Shave
I had a late night trying to convince my youngest son that he wanted to sleep before 1:30am (an epic fail, I might add), then my wife, oldest son and I woke up at 5:30 to do some volunteer work for what our church calls the Storehouse. Basically it’s a warehouse full of grocery items that go out to people who are having trouble making ends meet. Five hours later, and I didn’t feel much like doing anything… even shaving.

Eventually I got myself to do a quick 2 pass shave (WTG and XTG), and got a very decent shave for my efforts. DFS and not a hint of irritation. I learned something, too. My last pass (ATG) must take a considerably longer time than the WTG and XTG passes, because I finished that shave in record time. Feeling good, looking good (or as good as it’s going to get for yours truly), and smelling barbershop-y. Now to find something to do to keep from falling asleep…

Have a terrific Tuesday!

I couldn't agree more Tim. They have impressed me greatly!

Its 7:15 PM here and still over 100 degrees .

Brutal. That's how it is here, but we have a considerably milder winter. My hat's off to you, sir!

Thanks Tim! It's easy to do when you have a new blade in the razor.

116°F is brutally hot! The hottest temperature that I have experienced was 103°F. I didn't think Canada gets that hot!

Thanks.

Great menthol shave Joe.

Awesome job volunteering Tim. Great shave and recap as well.

Thanks Clint!

Good post, Joe. I have learned that blades can differ in longevity, even though they are the same make.

Nice shave, Andrew.

I am jonesing for some Tabac. Very nice, Patrick.

Very nice photo, Jason.

Cold beverages help on days like this !

Ah, yup.

Thanks, Clint. My softest boar. I only have two.

Thanks, Jeff. I hate glue dots...almost as much as granules.

Me too, Tim. Thanks.

Does that include salt and sugar? Lol!

I love the knots on those Stirling brushes. I give them away as presents.