January 7th
DSCosmetic Z0/Rapira Swedish SS
APShaveCo Mixed/Resin&Sapele
Palmolive Menthol SC
Thayers
Vintage MIM English Leather AS
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Another early morning shave and later drive-by post. Had to be out the door for a 7am meeting but did take the time for a proper 3 passer beforehand. Glad I didn't rush the shave with this R41 clone. A bunch of focusses on the go this morning- the every 2nd day usage of this cream, the Rapira blade focus and the focus on some new to me razors to see if they'll get to survive the 'one in, one out' line in the sand.
I've been getting good lathers with this fairly heavily mentholated cream (at least in comparison to Proraso Green...nothing like the Stirling Glacials, etc, though) and today was no exception. Switched in this Swedish Supersteel after using the Voskhod (meh, at best) and SharpStar (that's more like it) in the Katana. It isn't considered the sharpest blade out there, but that just fine with this razor. The Z0/R41 clone finally arrived and I gave it a go as expected. I've heard folks say that it is a replica of the 2013 R41 and not the infamous 2011 R41, but as I own neither I wouldn't know the difference. I have also seen some reviews that said there is more blade chatter than the original, but again I have nothing to compare it to. I will say, after 3 passes, that I found no issue with blade chatter. In general, the fit and finish of this razor is outstanding. For the price? Yeesh...impressive. The handle appears to be Karve clone and is nice and heavy. No cracks, a la
@Hembree , either....

. It is an 'aggressive' razor in my opinion, no question. I say this based primarily on blade feel (tonnes) as the blade gap gives no overt warning of danger. I took my time and had a very successful shave. It felt like it was ready to bite, but never did. No red (although a bit of neck irritation) and close results. A successful first day. I look forward to playing with it for a few days for sure.
The Splash was also new to me. I took a flier on a NOS (still with the cellophane wrapper on) Aftershave/Cologne English Leather combo. I did some quick research after seeing it listed on the Canadian 'bay site and found that English Leather was made by MIM and later sold to Dana. Fans seem to feel that Dana did the scent no service. As this was the original MIM formula and was $10 plus shipping, I thought 'why not'? I do wish it came in the iconic bottle with the wooden top but as you can see, it is marked 'unbreakable travel bottle', which apparently means tan plastic with a dark brown plastic knob in place of the iconic wooden one. If I decide to keep it, I'll decant it into glass for sure.
My thoughts after one day? a. strong, masculine 'over the top' scent. Nothing subtle or delicate about it (especially with the cologne chaser...) b. it would pair well with Tabac...take that as you wish. c. I'm not sure about it after one day, however I am shocked it elicited zero response from SWMBO after a goodbye kiss only 15min after application. I thought it would get a comment, because it ain't subtle...however no thumbs up to the vintage/iconic scent it is (a la her love of OS or the Brut clone) but no "that smells like A--" (a la Gentleman, which is in this scent range) either.
Have a great day all!
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