SoS; April 2018

I think we're all ready to see a "complete" den picture Steve.

 

My first time using the Proraso White cream and I think it's great. It's got the same lovely scent as the soap version and it's so easy to lather. I can't feel any menthol from it but I don't care because the skincare is awesome. I love the Bull Dog moisturizer's soothing feeling so much. What a great shave this was!

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

I used the Omega PRO48 brush for years, and while I loved the boar knot, I hated the cheap plastic handle. I reached out to a brush restorer and asked for suggestions on a suitable handle for such a large knot. He recommended the Rubberset 200-4, as he'd done several restores himself using the same combo.

The RS 200-4 wasn't too difficult to find. I'll note that eBay had quite a few, but ultimately, someone in a FaceBook group made me an excellent offer. As far as things to look for when purchasing a host RS 200-4: look for cracking on the ferrule especially where it meets the handle and at the top. Also, if you're particular, note the lettering. While most of these will be missing much of the paint in the lettering, the depth of the embossing is crucial in it's ability to accept new paint. Many of these are worn down and won't hold new paint very well. My brush had no paint left, but the seller on FB dusted it with talc to show me the potential (he did this unprompted).

The brush restorer asked my preferences with regard to how much restoration I wanted done. There are essentially 2 routes to take: Leave some imperfections to reflect it's age / character vs. restore to as close to new as possible. Since I didn't have a sentimental connection to this brush, the history meant nothing to me. I therefore wanted it restored to as close to new as possible. The "yellowing" of the handle is a result of ultraviolet light converting the phenolic resin handle into phenyl alcohol. They were ivory in color when they were new. If it was possible without affecting the integrity or geometry of the handle, I wanted the restorer to try to make it closer to the original ivory as possible. It has since started to yellow again, and this is exactly what I wanted. It's ageing "again" while in my possession. A really cool aspect of owning a restore.

This boar knot only gets better with age. It was well broken-in when the transplant took place. A new Omega PRO48 brush can be had for $12, so if I had it to do over again, I never would have tolerated the cheap handle for years. I would have immediately pulled the knot to use in a better handle, and for that price there's no reason not to.

Here's an album of the restoration: https://imgur.com/a/9cnd8

If you want the name/contact info of the restorer, just send me a PM. He's a pleasure to work with and his pricing is very reasonable.

 

Solid shave today. I really like the scent and performance of Uncle Jon's. Very close and comfortable.

Rating: 5 / 5

Razor: Rockwell 6s R6
Blade: Personna Platinum
Brush: Brothers Bristles Silver Surfer
Lather: Uncle Jon's Pipe Smoke
Aftershave: Uncle Jon's Pipe Smoke
Additional Care:
PAA Cube

 

Looks like you're just about out of Barbasol Pacific Rush aftershave. It's a shame it's no longer available. I really liked it.

 

15 April 2018

Cream: Proraso White
Brush: Omega S10065 synthetic
Bowl: Dollar Tree salsa
Razor: Fatip Grande
Blade: Personna Red (1)
Aftershave: Pinaud Special Reserve

 

Sun. 4/15/18



Good morning friends. A fine three pass shave today with the Schick E2. Marvelous lather from the Stirling Cocoa Forest. I am smooth and refreshed. Enjoy your day friends. ☺️

 

No Worries, I Have Two More In Reserve LOL

 

April 15, 2018

OneBlade Genesis V1
GEM PTFE
Doug Korn with TGN Finest
La Savonniere Du Moulin
Chatillon Lux Colbeck
ADP Blu Mediterraneo Ginepro Di Sardegna

​

 

I believe so. I know we have discussed Local Gent in the past, so would assume so. Fields & Streams is a scent inspired by Robs grandpa I believe, which is a cool back story.

 

I used my Henry Sears razor this morning. It’s not much of a looker, but it always gets the job done. It was a smooth and comfortable two pass shave.

 

Well, this explains this then...actually, now that I think of it, he did mention in the website description the trips they took into the "fields&streams".!

 

•metal Clix E-Z Flo w/bakelite handle
•Blue Bird Hi-Stainless
•Colgate lime can o'foam

1 pass BBS of 2-3 days growth.

The trick for me when using Blue Birds (which can feel rough) is to cork them. Since I don't have cork, I used my old 1960s Avon Leather boot bottle, which has a tan rubbery (PVC, I think) coating on it. Two or three gentle slices each side and the blade is smoothed out perfectly while still more than sharp enough. The BB is back to being a favorite stainless. With the Clix it's a winning combo.

Witch hazel for afters. Didn't need it but it's warming up here so it felt good.

 

Sunday

Prep: Warm Shower-Stirling Scots Pine Sheep
Soap: Stirling Sandpiper
Razor: Gillette NEW Short Comb
Blade: Vintage Personna 74 Tungsten (Shave #24)
Brush: Wild West Brushworks/Elite Razor Manchurian White-24mmx54mm
Aftershave: Stirling Sandpiper w/Menthol

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

Stirling Sandpiper today. 20 seconds to load the Wild West/Elite Manchurian White brush. Easy, thick, slick, lather. Personna 74 Tungsten still in the Gillette NEW Short Comb. Excellent smooth, close, shave. I finished with Stirling Sandpiper aftershave.

Bob

 

I thought it was OK, but didn't quite get the "Rush" I was hoping for.

 

Same here. It's okay but never cared for it. I have two bottles put back only because they were on clearance after being discontinued. I reach for pretty much anything else first. Cooling is good, but I prefer Skin Bracer.

 

I now wonder if the Barbasol folks felt Arctic Chill was selling better than Pac Rush(during the spring/summer months).

 

Sun 15th April

Omega 11126
P & B Spitfire
Merkur Futur
Personna Lab Blue [ 3 ]
Jaguar Prestige A/S Lotion

My First DE Shave- 2018
Now shave with SE/injectors both Modern/Vintage most of the Time. They are so dependable and forgiving so
was wary of a return to DE, which I personally find unforgiving of errors in technique.
I throttled the Razor down to 2.5 to 3 as that suits my beard and really concentrated on technique and making
no errors. Really very pleased as I suffered no mishap, and the quality of all round finish was excellent. The only problem is that I cannot guarantee maintaining a constant level of concentration, so may well revert to my easier
options of SE & Injectors.

 

I might need to review this for 2019.....I always figured if I tried smoking, it'd be pipes only, but...never did.

 

Was there an Arctic Chill a/s? If so I missed out.