SoS: January 5, 2015 - January 11, 2015 | Page 5

ram57 · Jan 6, 2015

HolyRollah said: ↑

Evening shave for Tomorrow

BRIEF PRODUCT REVIEW: I just received in the mail my packet of Vigilio Valobra soft shaving soap (with menthol) and put it to a shave this evening.
The VV is, as labeled, a 'soft shaving soap,' so comes enclosed in a clear cellophane packet within the cardboard box. It is soft and malleable to the touch, reminiscent of soft putty.
I opened the packet and had a good sniff. Honesty, not much scent at all. Ivory-soap like? Smells clean but nothing to writer home about (they do make a non-menthol with a sublet almond scent). I packed the 150g cake into a wooden bowl and began to load the brush. A very nice easy-to-whip lather was made on my face; thick & slick. The lather went on thickly—dense and slick to the touch. There was, however, absolutely NO menthol tingle that I could detect. The lather does provides decent protection for SR shaving; not as slick as some other quality soaps I've used—but no slouch. Post-shave, my skin felt very nice. Not overly dry (common) that I get after using many soaps. Overall, I do like the efficacy of this shaving soap. All it needs is a bit more menthol. $17/shipped @ amazon.

The Shave: Three passes with the Dubl Duck was effortless. Good, dense lather made for a quick DFS! Splash of the Fine to seal the deal!
Have a great Tuesday, all!

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My take on this shave soap was spot on as yours Kevin. Just like the old Wendy's commercial "where's the beef" that was my first impression as no menthol was detected at all. I prefer the Valobra Almond scent over the menthol and when I bought both at the same time the Almond was cheaper but don't know if that is still the case. Nice scales on the dubl duck.

youngunn · Jan 6, 2015

Shave of the Day

Straight to the Point - Shave 3 of 30 Day Challenge

Prep: Hot bath, Shea Moisture Black African soap
Razor: Morley Clover 5/8 Barber's Notch
Brush: Rubberset 400-4 Silvertip Badger
Lather: Whoos the Man - Commander
Shave: 3 passes; WTG, XTG, ATG
Post: Royall Spyce

Its so cold outside here in Illinois! I needed a hot shave to warm me up and make me feel cozy for bedtime. To the shave den!

I switched to the bigger Rubberset brush because its taller handle let's me mix lather in the mug my soap is melted into...

Decided to do no PSO this shave and once again I can detect no difference. I prefer without I think, more sensitive to the feel of the blade that way, in my opinion.

Finally nicked myself real good on a pimple on my cheek. First bad bleeder in, what, 8 straight razor shaves? Not bad.

I can feel myself getting more comfortable shaving with the razor, I felt like this shave I was more fluid with my motion and had more feel for my face. Also, I finally found an angle for shaving around my Adams apple. Went well.

Resulting in a 3 pass DFS+ ... I'll take it!

youngunn · Jan 6, 2015

HolyRollah said: ↑

Evening shave for Tomorrow

BRIEF PRODUCT REVIEW: I just received in the mail my packet of Vigilio Valobra soft shaving soap (with menthol) and put it to a shave this evening.
The VV is, as labeled, a 'soft shaving soap,' so comes enclosed in a clear cellophane packet within the cardboard box. It is soft and malleable to the touch, reminiscent of soft putty.
I opened the packet and had a good sniff. Honesty, not much scent at all. Ivory-soap like? Smells clean but nothing to writer home about (they do make a non-menthol with a subtle almond scent). I packed the 150g cake into a wooden bowl and began to load the brush. A very nice easy-to-whip lather was made on my face; thick & slick. The lather went on thickly—dense and slick to the touch. There was, however, absolutely NO menthol tingle that I could detect. The lather does provides decent protection for SR shaving; not as slick as some other quality soaps I've used—but no slouch. Post-shave, my skin felt very nice. Not overly dry (common) that I get after using many soaps. Overall, I do like the efficacy of this shaving soap. All it needs is a bit more menthol. $17/shipped @ amazon.

The Shave: Three passes with the Dubl Duck was effortless. Good, dense lather made for a quick DFS! Splash of the Fine to seal the deal!
Have a great Tuesday, all!

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Great writeup Kev.

youngunn · Jan 6, 2015

GDCarrington said: ↑

Jasman you have hit on a point that I also found in my DE Challenge. The Big Ben is a mild and very smooth blade and even for me it is not my favorite in many of my razors. The issue is that it is not the sharpest blade, so if it is coupled with a mild razor such as a Merkur OC it will not be as effective as it is in very aggressive razors. In fact it can begin to cause tugging for me on shave #2 if the razor is not aggressive enough.

Example: Big Bens do not work as well for me in my Slim as other blades do. The Big Ben for me is my testing blade in unfamilar razors or I use it extensively in very aggressive razors such as the R41 2013, Neillites, etc. where I want smoothness over sharpness. In many of my less aggressive razors I prefer the Rapira Sweedish Supersteel, Lux or Ladas to provide a sharper edge to give me more performance.

I usually tell people to try Big Bens if they are having issues with a combination of razor and blade that are too aggressive to see if it is the razor or the blade. If they have an aggressive razor (in their opinion) the Big Bens allow them to use the razor rather than giving up on it.
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You always have such insights into things Gary, I would have never thought to try Big Bens. I think I have one still, I'm gonna try it in my 46 aristocrat that seems to be too aggressive for me lately.

youngunn · Jan 6, 2015

ps1160 said: ↑

Following the SOTD is a review of Cold River Soap Works Select soaps.

Cold River Soap Works Select Vetiver soap
Plisson synthetic brush
RazoRock Stealth Slant razor
Feather blade
Queen Charlotte balm

Cold River Soap Works is a relatively new soap in my den and it is a shame it took me so long to try it. I have a full tin of the Puro Fresco and samples of Vetiver and Winter (Thank you JR Reyes for the generous sample of Winter!!).

This is my own tub and label rather than the professional packaging that you get with a full tin from CRSW. The opening is very wide on their tins, allowing you to quickly and easily load your brush.

The scent of this soap is very different from other Vetivers. It is a sweeter, cleaner version. It is very nice, but I don't love it as much as the. Puro Fresco, which is an amazing scent.

This Select line is a premium priced soap, and it comes with premium performance. It is loaded with top notch ingredients like tallow, lanolin, kokum, and shea. The lather is dense, creamy, and has a broad sweet spot when it comes to variations in the amount of water.

Slickness is very good, particularly if you are generous with the water and let it build - similar to B&M or Mike's. It is not slickest soap I've used, but certainly very good.

Where this soap really shines is post shave face feel. I have used the Puro Fresco soap without a balm afterwards and my face felt as if I had used one. I'm not sure any soap beats this one on skin feel. It is like Mitchell's Wool Fat but with a more robust (and very good) scent.

All in all, I think Cold River Soap Works has broken into my top 5 favorite artisans. I would compare it favorably to B&M and Mike's as one of the best tallow based soaps. The only reason not to try this soap is if you have an aversion to tallow. Otherwise, put it on your list.

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Great review! Now I need to buy some of this too...... *resigned chuckle*

#SAD activated

Bama Samurai · Jan 6, 2015

JR Reyes said: ↑

That my friend is a Muhle MS 89 head paired with a Blue Lapis handle from Elite Razor. It's a mild combo, because I didn't have much to clear off after the awesome single edge Sunday shave.
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I could see the 89 head, but the handle was new to me...nice look!

Bama Samurai · Jan 6, 2015

crackstar said: ↑

My planned shave for Tuesday:

Neutrogena Men Facial Wash
Large Horsehair Barbershop
Super Speed/new 7 AM
Stirling Glacial Lemon Chill SS
Stirling Glacial Wintergreen WH
Pour Un Homme de Caron EdT

What kind of a crazy, insane, wacked-out nutcase would dare to shave with the coldest set-up when the weather outside is -17C and a windchill of -29C? ME, MYSELF, and I - that's who's this nutcase is, and I'm not only crazy enough to shave with a set-up like this one in weather like that, I'm proud - so there!
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I live in Denver. I think the menthol strengthens our resolve and prepares us for the cold. I apply Osage Rub just to distract myself from the cold before going out. I totally relate to your feelings here.

macaronus · Jan 6, 2015

Tuesday! BSG#5

Music: Kraftwerk, Computerworld

Prep: hot washing cloth

Brush: TGN a grade silvertip in Oscar11 handle

Soap: Cella

Razor: birth quarter Gillette Slim (@ 4, 5, 6 & 7)

Blade: Derby #2

Shave: 3-pass + touch-up

Post: hot water rinse, Floyd AS

Great shave. Not as stellar as the last two shaves, but great none the less!

I'm starting to get more used to the brush. It's my first quality badger brush. A HUGE difference with the Wilkinson Sword badger I got as a Birthday present some years ago! I start with an almost dry brush. I just dip the tips in water before starting on the soap. If the brush is soaked in water before the shave, it retains too much water, leading to a too wet lather. Fully soaked it can hold a tot of rum! - And I'd rather drink that...

Have a great day, ya'll!

macaronus · Jan 6, 2015

GDCarrington said: ↑

Jasman you have hit on a point that I also found in my DE Challenge. The Big Ben is a mild and very smooth blade and even for me it is not my favorite in many of my razors. The issue is that it is not the sharpest blade, so if it is coupled with a mild razor such as a Merkur OC it will not be as effective as it is in very aggressive razors. In fact it can begin to cause tugging for me on shave #2 if the razor is not aggressive enough.

Example: Big Bens do not work as well for me in my Slim as other blades do. The Big Ben for me is my testing blade in unfamilar razors or I use it extensively in very aggressive razors such as the R41 2013, Neillites, etc. where I want smoothness over sharpness. In many of my less aggressive razors I prefer the Rapira Sweedish Supersteel, Lux or Ladas to provide a sharper edge to give me more performance.

I usually tell people to try Big Bens if they are having issues with a combination of razor and blade that are too aggressive to see if it is the razor or the blade. If they have an aggressive razor (in their opinion) the Big Bens allow them to use the razor rather than giving up on it.
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Neat idea! I must try them in the Sledgehammer!

Tdmsu · Jan 6, 2015

Lavanille Luxury
Another excellent shave with B&M Lavanille. This time I paired it with Givenchy Pi and the vanilla notes in each meld nicely. Der Vorschlaghammer made easy work of my stubble, set up with luxurious lather. I used Maggard's London Barbershop aftershave for a little extra protection against the 9° cold this morning. My face feels great!
Don't forget to be awesome!

Troy M · Jan 6, 2015

1/6/15

Prep: warm wash and Cornhuskers Lotion
Lather: Klar Kabinett
Brush: Vie-Long 13061M
Razor: Weber PH
Blade: Voskhod (3)
Post: cool rinse and Ogallala Bay Rum

Face lathered the KK after a quick 10 second load. 45 seconds or so to build the lather. 2 passes and I have a DFS. No nicks, no weepers. This is what I want to achieve during the work week.

RaZorBurn123 · Jan 6, 2015

SOTD
January 6, 2015

Prep: Hot shower. Axe Shield Face Wash
Razor: RazoRock Stealth Slant
Blade: Personna Lab Blue
Brush: Semogue 750
Lather: MdC
Post: Alum.Thayers Lavender WH.
Aftershave: Stetson
Go out and get it!

poppi · Jan 6, 2015

Fume SS
Turkish #6 brush
Schick G8 razor
Personna blade
Osage Rub/Witch Hazel/Sage mix
English Leather Cologne

Not sure I like the Turkish #6 brush. Will try is a few more times to decide. But I do like the Fume SS which helped with another great shave

markjnewcomb · Jan 6, 2015

MDC
EverReady 1912
CVS Single Edged Blade

wonderful shave this morning. 3 passes and smooth as silk.

dbersh · Jan 6, 2015

6 Jan 2015
Pre- Corn Huskers
Soap - RR Zi Peppino
Brush - Vulfix 660S Medium
Razor - Merkur 34C
Blade - Astra SP (1)
AS - Pinaud Clubman

Was rushed this am for early appt. Reached for the 34C because I know the razor so well with using it for my 30 day rule. Also will be using the Zi Peppino every day to finish the tub (guessing 2-3 weeks), I have Tobacco Verde en route. Overall DFS+ all areas. Shower, shave and cleanup time...15 minutes.

macaronus · Jan 6, 2015

dbersh said: ↑

6 Jan 2015
Pre- Corn Huskers
Soap - RR Zi Peppino
Brush - Vulfix 660S Medium
Razor - Merkur 34C
Blade - Astra SP (1)
AS - Pinaud Clubman

Was rushed this am for early appt. Reached for the 34C because I know the razor so well with using it for my 30 day rule. Also will be using the Zi Peppino every day to finish the tub (guessing 2-3 weeks), I have Tobacco Verde in route. Overall DFS+ all areas. Shower, shave and cleanup time...15 minutes.
View attachment 60251
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Wow! That's a quickie!

dbersh · Jan 6, 2015

macaronus said: ↑

Wow! That's a quickie!
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All time record for me, much prefer to take my time and enjoy the shave. I think it is a testament for the 30 day rule, really helps hone those skills. No thinking just muscle memory.

Bobcat · Jan 6, 2015

Tuesday

Prep: Hot Shower-Stirling Scots Pine Bath Soap
Soap: Cold River Soap Works-Bergamot & Bay
Razor: Gillette Slim
Blade: Rapira Swedish Supersteel (4)
Brush: oscar11 2-Band Finest-24mmx50mm
Aftershave: Country Club Modern Fougere

WTG-XTG-ATG (adjusted angles for my beard)

CRSW Bergamot & Bay today (this jar is about kaputt). 20 seconds: load & go with the oscar11 brush. Great lather and scent. Rapira Swedish SS still in the Slim. Excellent, smooth, close, nick free shave. I finished with CC Modern Fougere.

Bob

Llyr · Jan 6, 2015

Tuesday
hot shower
Rudy Vey Sambar Antler,Shavemac Flat-Top,2 band,d01 knot
Corn Huskers Lotion
Proraso SS (white tub)
iKon SC 102 slant,iKon handle/Kai (1) The Kai blade turned out to be a very smooth blade in the slant,great shave today.Face and dome BBS!
cold water rinse
Monster Block Alum
cold water rinse
Tend Skin
Proraso ASB (white)
Nasomatto Blamage

Stay frosty,my friends!

HolyRollah · Jan 6, 2015

youngunn said: ↑

Finally nicked myself real good on a pimple on my cheek. First bad bleeder in, what, 8 straight razor shaves? Not bad.
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With straight razors, there's no nicking of pimples; just bloody decapitations….

youngunn said: ↑

I can feel myself getting more comfortable shaving with the razor, I felt like this shave I was more fluid with my motion and had more feel for my face. Also, I finally found an angle for shaving around my Adams apple. Went well.
Click to expand...