Components of the perfect shave?

[pcb01]

Don't know if this will have any legs, but...

I think a lot of us enjoy fooling around with various combos of soaps, DEs, etc. And even when we find that elusive "perfect" set-up, it gets ... well, boring. Recently, I discovered a combo that gets me there every time -- minimal irritation, perfect BBS, fast, etc., etc. I've repeated this over the past few days, and it's as reliable as a rock star's misbehavior. But if I had to limit myself to this set-up every day, I'd probably start growing a beard.

I guess it's the journey, not the destination.

Anyway, these are the "essential" components of my perfect shave (prep, AS stuff etc., not included, presumed to be at least adequate):

Gillette SS ('48-50 style) (NB: I've tried everything from Futur and Sledgehammer to various GEMs, SE Schicks, other Gillettes, etc.)

Superlather with Trumper's (Almond) soap and T&H Ultimate cream

IP reds (or Crystals -- I can't tell a difference).

Your magic combo?

 

[dpm802]

Your magic combo?

A long, hot shower, incorporating Kyle's prep. Dr. Bronner's Soap to get me clean all over. Infusium-23 for the hair. Tabac Luxury Bath Soap, lather it up but don't rinse it off.

Bigelow #1197 PSO.
Tabac soap + Tabac cream, whipped up with a B&B Essential using FILTERED water.
SlantHammer + corked Feather. 2.5 passes.
Warm rinse. Cold Splash.
Tabac ASL, let it air-dry while I smoke a cigarette and check B&B.
Bigelow #1200 unscented ASB.
Tabac EdT.

Works every time. But as you said, it gets boring after a while. And it takes too much time to get it right.

 

[klstclair]

Getting up and deciding that I can be 15 minutes later getting to work and really relax and enjoy a good start to the day with a shower followed by the feel of that warm towel as it melts away the tension in my face... Then the smell of Castle Forbes Lime as I apply it. Shaving with the Merkur Vision and Merkur blades and then the cool splash of water followed by Castle Forbes Lime After Shave (Lime isn't just for Margaritas...

Then a crisp shirt and slacks and I feel myself standing taller and morning ritual complete, ready to face the day in style.

Kevin