OCT 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

I'll post some this evening or tomorrow.

 

OCtober Focus Day 9:

Homemade PS Oil
Stirling Synthetic Brush
Tiki Cabernet Neroli SS
Phoenix Dbl OC
Stirling Unscented PSB
Brut Classic AS

Day 2 with the Phoenix and Feather combo, and it seems to work really well. I think I got the closest shave I have gotten with the Phoenix this morning. The Cabernet Neroli soap was also fantastic. For some reason, I seem to be getting really good lathers from my soaps. I don't think I have changed anything, but it just seems they are all exploding with lather now, and it is making for some great shaves.

 

10/09/2015
Razor – Wolfman OC with Dr. Bomber handle
Blade – Feather (3)
Brush – Olivewood with TGN Finest Fan
Lather – Soap Commander Passion
Post - Witch Hazel & Captain’s Choice Bay Rum



Another great 3 pass, near BBS shave this morning. This is my third shave with the Dr. Bomber handle. I think I like the Triad better and it's mostly down to the weight. The Triad is thinner and weighs in at just of 60 grams while the Dr. Bomber is bigger and weighs in at over 90 grams. I'll try the Wolfman with my Hemple Ti handle which is bigger still but only weighs 65 grams.

The Soap Commander Passion was very easy to lather. After loading for less than 20 seconds, I easily had enough lather for 5 passes. Finished off with some CC Bay Rum which pairs well with the Passion Soap. I hope everyone has a great Friday.

 

That is a fine looking razor- I've never heard of either manufacturer, but I am novice.

 

30 day focus - Day 9
Fat Boy set to 7
Dorco Blade
MDC
3 passes

This was only the third time I have used a Dorco blade. It was very smooth and cut cleanly without any issues. This could be a BBS, but I won't know until I feel it late tonight.

 

Thanks for some great info! I didn't know anything about the history of Treet or this razor. I think I like the handle, it's very light (bakelite?) and not as big as it looks. I'll try it out in November with my other "new" razors. You can borrow it if you like.

 

well, we're back to Easy Goer-Sunday Silence again on the Osage-Menthol battle.

 

October 9

20's Old Type
Astra SP (1)

Taking a break from the blade sampler. I was recently PIF'd 50 Astra SP's, so I wanted to try one again since I hadn't tried this combo the last time.

On the whole, a very nice one-pass shave. I was a little concerned as the first Astra SP I tried seemed a bit mild in my 60's SuperSpeed, but this time it seemed just about right.

Now the dilemma... to continue with the blade sampler or settle in with what could be a winning combination for me.

JR

 

I should add...if you don't recall that race, it was the 1989 Preakness. Google it, and picture one horse being Osage, the other Menthol.

 

Hilarious analogy!! Cheers. 01:53.8

 

That's a very good question and not necessarily easy to answer so I'll give it my best shot. Between Soap Commander and Catie's Bubbles, I will give the nod to Soap Commander. Catie's Bubbles is very easy to lather and has some very interesting scents for sure. It's very much an Artisan's take on MdC and since you already have MdC, I would rank it last. In terms of value, MdC is the much better value compared to Catie's bubbles since the jar of MdC will easily outlast several jars of Catie's Bubbles.

I like to describe Soap Commander as a vegan soap that tallow people would like. It is super easy to lather and provides a very slick and protective lather. There are many scents to pick from as well. I think it represents a better value than Catie's Bubbles.

B&M. I have 3 B&M soaps, 2 of his premium line and 1 from his Latha line. The Latha is very easy to lather and provides a very slick and protective lather. The post shave feel is very good but not quite to the level of the premium line. The premium line is a thirsty soap and requires some practice dialing in the soap to water ratio. Once dialed the lather has to be one of the slickest I have used. The post shave feel is fantastic. I find the scent of Seville truly intoxicating with citrus barbershop notes. I will purchase Seville again when this tub is gone if that tells you anything.

After noting the above throwing out the value side of things, I would rate them B&M premium line, Soap Commander and then Catie's Bubbles. It's certainly a YMMV thing.

 

The thing is, it has been going on at home or on the road. Don't think I am complaining, because it is great. I just wish I knew what was different so I could keep doing it.

 

Wow! Why limit yourself? All three are awesome! I'd go with Catie's because of the post shave I get. Don't forget Mike's Natural.

 

Excellent reviews! Thanks for sharing.

 

SOTD
October 9, 2015
Prep: Hot Shower. Axe Energizing Face Wash Boost
Razor: Gillette British Rocket
Blade: Personna Lab Blue
Lather: La Toja
Brush: L'Occitane Plisson
Post: Thayers Cucumber WH. Gold Bond Ultimate
Aftershave: Folsom & Co. Shady Past
Fantastic shave! La Toja is wonderful. I really like this Gillette British Rocket. Everyone wants to copy the Plisson, but the Plisson still shines through. I need to shave my head today as I am out of regulations. I'll do that later today.
Never let the things you WANT
Make you forget the things you HAVE

 

Glad to help out. And yes the handle is bakelite. Very interested to see how it shaves.

 

Awesome looking razor!

 

Good one...

 

I know the feeling. I took the time this week to actually add up the number of soaps that I have currently and it surprised me. I have stopped buying soaps and plan on using up a lot of my current inventory before purchasing any more. I hope you have a great day and weekend as well.

 

While it sounds like you're taking good care of your brush, you might be doing something that encourages the wild bristle behavior and if that is the case, you may find your next brush behaves the same way. On the other hand, you might just have a poor brush and your replacement could turn out much better. Just in case it might help, I'll just add a little advice:

When cleaning up, I sneeze out the excess lather, then with the bristles pointed down, give it a good soaking from the running water. I squeeze it frequently until there isn't any more soap coming out Then I hold it with the bristles up under the running water while keeping the bristles held closely enough so they can't splay. I squeeze the brush several times while doing this. Then, squeeze it out again, and then give it a few shakes trying to leave the bristles as close as they want to be. I store mine upright, not hanging down.

If you're considering a synthetic, I'd encourage you to read this great thread from GDCarrington:

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/the-four-generations-of-synthetic-fibers-clarifications.37568/

I wanted a synthetic for traveling, and after reading the thread, ended up buying a Frank Shaving Pur-tech Synthetic. I've been pretty pleased with it, but it doesn't hold water very well, so I tend to end up with either a too thick dryer lather, or a wet drippy lather. I can make do with either, but I prefer my Badger. It's a Vulfix (the Super Badger Shaving Brush - 660) bought on Amazon.

Best of luck on your next brush!