Wet shaving has been described as an Art, a manly ritual, a return to the wisdom of our fathers and grandfathers. However you describe it, its certain that, when properly done from skilled hands, it is a very enjoyable experience and can truly give a wonderful, close, comfortable shave. But lets focus for a moment our attention on the economic aspect of what has also become a hobby for many of us. Can wet shaving really be inexpensive? Yes, Sir. Can I get the same results from budget stuff that actually works on par with their pricey counterparts? Yes, Sir. Can I avoid buying super expensive items and be equally satisfied? Yes, Sir. Of course Im not saying that you do not have to purchase a luxurious brush or a decorated razor if you want, but only that those things are not strictly necessary in order to be happy with your shaves. When it comes to traditional wet shaving the higher cost does not equal the better performance. By keeping this in mind Id like to start a thread in which we give luster to cheap stuff that simply does the job and pretty well, too. Lets list all our favourite low cost set-ups and comment on the tools we list. The basic idea is to make a dedicated thread where, day by day (and not necessarily every day), we add new combinations of budget wet shaving items that we love using.
Today I used the following, amazing (for me) set-up:
Brush: Semogue 1800. Ive always been a huge fan of the Semogue brand and consider their boars, all very reasonably priced, among the finest available on the market. The 1800 with its stunning wood handle and lovely shaped knot is one of my favourite. Nice backbone, ultra soft tips and excellent latherability with both soaps and creams. Got it from Chris at Shaving.ie for 12,95.
Soap: La Toja stick. I love using shaving sticks and La Toja is an all-round winner for me. I discovered this Spanish gem while I was in Madrid three years ago. I did pay my sticks 1.50 each at the local El Corte Ingles shops and am currently finishing my second soap. Delicious salty scent, superior lather, amazing slickness.
Razor: Gold Dollar straight. I got this very cheap Chinese razor from Alfredo (Doc226), who was also very kind to professionally hone it for me. My expectations for this $2 (!) straight were not high, but I was wrong. The steel is of good quality and easily keeps a keen and smooth edge. A true surprise!
Strop: A practice strop from Tony Miller, the Strop Master. It is a simple Horsehide piece of leather with no Dee rings, no caps and no second component. Just a plain piece of wonderfully smelling leather, with a superb finish and a very light draw. Got if for $12 with my Premium strop.
Aftershave: Proraso splash old formula. This is probably my preferred Proraso product. It is a classic barbershop lotion, hence very popular and sought after among experienced wet shavers. Nice menthol kick and great post-shave feel. Here in Rome a 100ml glass bottle costs around 4.50 at any local supermarket.
Now its your turn!
Today I used the following, amazing (for me) set-up:
Brush: Semogue 1800. Ive always been a huge fan of the Semogue brand and consider their boars, all very reasonably priced, among the finest available on the market. The 1800 with its stunning wood handle and lovely shaped knot is one of my favourite. Nice backbone, ultra soft tips and excellent latherability with both soaps and creams. Got it from Chris at Shaving.ie for 12,95.
Soap: La Toja stick. I love using shaving sticks and La Toja is an all-round winner for me. I discovered this Spanish gem while I was in Madrid three years ago. I did pay my sticks 1.50 each at the local El Corte Ingles shops and am currently finishing my second soap. Delicious salty scent, superior lather, amazing slickness.
Razor: Gold Dollar straight. I got this very cheap Chinese razor from Alfredo (Doc226), who was also very kind to professionally hone it for me. My expectations for this $2 (!) straight were not high, but I was wrong. The steel is of good quality and easily keeps a keen and smooth edge. A true surprise!
Strop: A practice strop from Tony Miller, the Strop Master. It is a simple Horsehide piece of leather with no Dee rings, no caps and no second component. Just a plain piece of wonderfully smelling leather, with a superb finish and a very light draw. Got if for $12 with my Premium strop.
Aftershave: Proraso splash old formula. This is probably my preferred Proraso product. It is a classic barbershop lotion, hence very popular and sought after among experienced wet shavers. Nice menthol kick and great post-shave feel. Here in Rome a 100ml glass bottle costs around 4.50 at any local supermarket.
Now its your turn!
