Thanks Patrick! We have a lot in common. We are science teachers named Joe and of Italian heritage. We live on Long Island and we use straight razors. That's a pretty good start. Plus, Joe A sounds like a decent guy.

I followed along last month - mainly just reading the thread. It’s a bummer that Neal had to bow out for a little while, however I completely understand. Gotta do what ya gotta do for your own wellbeing. I hope everyone is doing well, and I’m glad to see a few guys coming back and posting again too. There have been some wonderful photos and posts last month, as per usual. Keep up the great work!

And, Charlie @wristwatchb you and your bride have been in my thoughts. I’m sorry to hear that the recovery has been difficult. Stay strong. You both have it in you to get through this!

Following Jim’s @jluc (now abandoned) method, I started using one soap throughout the workweek to finish it off. Most likely before the week is out, it’ll be history. Could be as early as tomorrow…

A little while back, I picked up this Blackland Sabre L1 from the DFS BST. It’s a mild little fella. Very smooth, almost zero blade feel, and pretty much devoid of the “buttering toast” sound that many GEM style razors exhibit. Just finished the fourth Ridiculously Awesome Shave (RAS) in a row with it. I’ve never used anything but CVS carbon blades up to this point - in any GEM razor. That’ll change tomorrow. One of the stainless blades will get tossed into the Sabre and run for a few more shaves. How many more days with the Sabre? Dunno. Until another shiny object vies for attention.


Hopefully I’ll be able to follow along for July as well, and maybe even contribute a little. Time will tell.

Have a great day fellas - and some awesome shaves as well!





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Talkinabout my "survey broadcasts". I don't want to be saying "and now let's see what's happening in the July survey. Well, I am WAY out in front, no one's gonna catch me". (One of the horses is apparently a reference to "Paul". )

Thanks Joe!

Well, if you lived on Long Island, then it would be the Nassau Colliseum.

Let me say this...as a Capitals fan, "you are not wrong".

Excellent shave, Perry! Superior and Stirling...

July Focus

Klar Kabinett~~Simpson Emperor 3~~Heljestrand MK32~~Penhaligon's The Hammam
Nice to be here again and joining the gang for some great shaves.
Today, I was especially ready for some new gear---read: soap.
What made me choose the KK? No clue, but I do love me some rose soaps.
KK belongs to the hardest soaps in my den, so a light bloom is called for.
I took my Emperor 3 (seemed appropriate) and loaded some gorgeous goo.

The razor of the day was rumored to have been used by King Gustav III of Sweden,
and after his untimely demise, it was lost.
Most recently, it surfaced in Idaho and found its way to me.
It is a razor befitting a King and that's exactly how it shaved.
My face feels royally smooth and refreshed.
My Valet spritzed my face with Penhaligon's The Hammam and I am off to hold court.​

Excellent shave, pic and post, Bruce!

That's truly a royal shave, your Excellency!

Fine shave, Joe! I hope you couple of Joes enjoy the meet.

Many times I reflect back on how it was for my sister and I, relative to "peer interaction". I find major differences, which led to mw telling my Mom shortly before her death that her two children were(are)quite different over the years(and it was the peer issue I was thinking about most when I said it).

Y'know, Joe, I don't like this idea of NHL in the summer. Wait til September when training begins, and call this season a huge asterisk.

Wow Bruce. Fantastic photo and welcome back. Good to see you posting again.

Excellent shave, Joseph! I hoped you tipped the Valet.

Thanks Andrew! I am sure it will be a great lunch with Joe! Besides, we are bringing some of our straights. Of course, Mad Max is going to be there.

Thank you, Joe!

As usual a very informative and entertaining recap. Thank you for taking the time Joseph. A quick question for you. What are some of your favorite modern "hard" shave soaps?

I agree, Paul! It should be considered a lost season, but this is about to partially recover lost income.

Wednesday's Shave

After thinking about this month's forecasted shaving plan, I decided to pull an audible at the line of scrimmage. Instead of choosing a one kit rule for the month, I am going to instead do what any Emperor would do - use just what the Emperor enjoys at that moment. If the Emperor likes it, so it shall be done.

Excellent 2.5 passes for a DFS++ today and zero irritation. I love the scent on this set, especially in the warmer months.

• Personna Razor
• Personna Blade
• Wild West Brushworks
• Oleo Soapworks: 'Bonaire' Soap, AS & ASB