Yes, I'm doing the same. Of the soaps I wanted to try, I have a list I plan to pass on, and a list to try while I have the box, but no list (yet) of what I really want to keep. Its a double edged sword. If I like a brand but not a scent, I should pass it on so I can order a scent I like. On the other hand, if I already have the soap in hand, and like it... well, that's the dilemma. So far, I've only tried two soaps, so it's hard to say what's going to happen at this point. But I expect that most all of the small sample sizes will be sent with the box.

Great Idea, Thanks!

Thanks, I found his blog. The last time he updated it was in June, but he did say he was easing back into making soaps and gave his email. I'll give the soap a try!

I'm looking forward to that surprise super lather, or at least one that I really like.

Dr. Jons is good too....just saying...lol

And the one in the box (HYDRA) fits right in with the Marvel story lines.

Been busy today so I haven't shaved yet. I am going to get the kids in bed so I can use my shavette without a hospital visit.

It looks and smells like snow here but the weather reports isn't saying that its even going to rain.

NOVember - NO Variation

November 17

Razor - Feather SS AC Pain Stick
Blade - (7)
Soap - Mitchell's Wool Fat
Post - Cold Water, Alum, Nivea

Tuesday is meeting day in my world and the only thing I despise more than meetings is conference calls, of which I have two every day. So having a meeting every Tuesday just grinds my gears. But, up a bit early this morning, into the shower early and going to try and chill out with a dangerously sharp instrument in my hand. BoSFat sets it up and I started my 17th day of No Variation with a nice downstroke on the right cheek. Finished the first pass, reveled in the great lather for the second pass and settled in for a very smooth and comfortable pass while contemplating a lot of things that had nothing to do with shaving. Didn't ignore the blade but for once it wasn't the only thing I was focused on. And, after a few touch ups to finish I found myself in possession of a baby. Well, ok, maybe not by every standard, but by far the best shave the Feather SS or CJB has ever given me. Amazing. If it wasn't BBS it was DFS+++. So, did I just butcher myself without bleeding? Alum says no. Very mild reaction. What?!?! Apparently my zen tendencies this morning actually helped me get in the zone and just shave like a maniac with this setup. Now THAT'S a nice surprise to a morning with a hated meeting.

I think the most important lesson so far this month really is that practice and repetition do lead to that "shaving zen" that is necessary for the best shaves. Now, I will probably end up slicing off part of my nose and an ear tomorrow, so I'm not about to go overboard on self-admiration. Just nice to know that even with a sharp and unforgiving razor like this one you can get that near perfect shave.

Or, maybe it was just the extra humidity from the inches of rain that have piled up the past two days.

Hope your Tuesday was great! And meetingless!!!

Congratulations on your BBS-ish Zen shave!

That may be deserving of a new acronym. BBZ.

BBZ... Dig it. And your conclusion is correct.

I don't know about mastered. I'm definitely getting much better b

Put one on your Christmas list

I like it and am proud to be a member

Congratulations. I'm still behind you but gaining. I am getting consistent DFS but not close to BBS yet.

Or that picture of Societ Russia's strongest shaving with an axe.

I tell Mrs. Samurai that I can smell an impending snowstorm, she thinks I am nuts. However, the air gets this subtle ozone kind of scent and feels heavy.

Today was day 17 for me with the Feather AC SS and I am in a groove. I haven't had any blood or significant irritation for days. I decided to go longer than a week with a blade this time and did day ten today. I still got a DFS with no tugging and think I'll go another day or two.
SOTD
TOBS Grapefruit
Rubberset 400
Feather AC SS
Feather Professional (10)
Pinaud Clubman AS
Have fun!

If I were to buy only two boutique/artisan/small producer soaps in 2016...who would it be?