November 23

Razor – 1974 Gillette SS
Blade – GSB
Brush – AOS Badger
Soap – Gada Cool Mint shave cream
Post - Cold water splash, Witch Hazel and TSD ISZ

Another good shave today. The razor and blade combo really likes the extra effort on the neck and chin to get a DFS+ or BBS shave. Today I believe it is just shy of BBS and I did not feel like chasing. I ended up with no irritation at all, which was definitely worth not chasing the baby!

I have been using this AOS Badger (fine badger I believe) so far this month. I can get a good lather out of it, just like I could the VDH boar. The difference is the AOS just has no backbone. This thing is soft as it can be on your face, but it just flops everywhere. I have no trouble making the lather, and no trouble distributing it on my face. I just am not sure about the way it feels on my face. I guess I am liking a little more stiffness and all after having started with the boar. I am going to finish out the month and then plan to use my new Stirling Kong for a month to see how it compares. Just running my fingers through the knot definitely seems like the Stirling has more backbone than the AOS.

I just used the same brush and agree with your comments 100%. This brush is not for face lather guys. It splays as easy as a plisson, but does pretty good with painting strokes. I have a good feeling that the kong will be a winner for you.

I think you hit the nail on the head. I definitely have found myself using the painting technique much more with this brush than a circular motion that was more common with the boar. I can still get a decent coat of lather from it, but definitely with more painting strokes. I like the massaging feel that I get from the circular strokes with the stiffer boar and miss it by having to use it like a paint brush.

You can try wrapping a rubber band around the knot just above the handle. This will effectively shorten the loft and improve the backbone a little.

Never thought about that. I will give it a go for my next shave! Thanks for the suggestion!

Thank you wife thinks I'm a little crazy though when she sees me taking pictures of my shaving gear ...

We've all been given that look before.

Within the last 24 hours

I get in trouble if I don't put the towel back. The only spot in the bathroom to take a picture with a 0% chance of catching a mirror and a reflection that no one wants to see is right under the hand towel. So I flip the towel out of the way so I can get a good picture.

15 minutes..

I've been wet shaving for a little over 3 years now and I still hear comments from my wife and daughter about shaving. Embrace it. They have awesome buying power.

I think that model brush might be the only thing I am currently pondering purchasing.

and so it begins....

Oh no...I am over all AD. I only own a 48 and a Plisson. I would like a synthetic with a bigger handle, but haven't bought any gear for myself other than consumables, and have PIF'd 6 razors and some accessories so far this year. I am on the minimalist quest..Love it if PIF it...I use a razor for a month, and if I don't love it...it gets PIFd.

Absolutely. I believe you. Never doubted for a second.
Seriosuly, I'm with you. I enjoy the few things that give me the greatest satisfaction.

Chris, I like it a lot. You can buy a blank collar and add a knot of your liking if you have the need to. The Switchback 400 is well made and a lot cheaper than a Rubberset 400.
I'm slowly going away from having so much inventory, every time my youngest son comes over (3 times a week) I'm giving him gear.

23 November 2015

Day 23 - No Variation November!



Utopia 3-piece
Gillette Silver Blue (1)
L'Occitane Plisson Synthetic
Proraso Red
Alum
Osage Rub (face and scalp)​

Finally changed out the blade, didn't have to, but did. Turns out a day one GSB is both way sharper and more harsh than a day 22 GSB. That being said, the sharp blade and the Proraso made quick work of it for a two pass near-BBS with zero irritation. Alum was quiet, Osage was Osage. I am proud to say I have no official responsibilities until Monday and plan on a relaxing holiday weekend. Other than that...all is quiet in Colorado.​

Have a terrific Tuesday!
​

It will be the next brush I buy.

You mean that a 22 day old GSB actually shaves worse than a brand new one? What happened to quality control? Who designed that dog of a blade? I mean, seriously?!?!?! In only 22 days it performs worse? Terrible job by the St. Pete boys on THAT one.

With only a few days left in the month I thought you would have finished out on the same blade.