I rarely shave in the daytime, but I'm really glad I did today! I switched the hardware totally, which was risky since I'm early in the learning phase (with straight shaving) but again, I'm GLAD I did.
Pre: Strop; shower; mild scrub with Shea Moisture Facial Scrub; Anthony Logistics Pre-Shave Oil
Lather: Pyrate Cove Bay Rhum and Lime soap
Brush: Waterford Crystal silvertip badger (this brush is more than pretty - it whipped the lather the way my favorite boar does!)
Razor: Joseph Elliot Patented Frameback (now my favorite straight razor!)
Shave: WTG 2x, ATG, XTG (during touchup, as needed)
Post: Alum, Lukewarm rinse, Oil of Olay Toner, Shea Moisture A/S Balm, Unrefined shea butter and Garnier Gel Moisturizer
This is the second time that I picked up a piece of equipment (first was with my Merkur Futur) and we just "clicked". I instinctively knew how to hold it with both hands, whipping the scales around to where I could get the spots I was trying to get. The weight felt good and it was well balanced. It doesn't sing like my Australian Hollow so at first I was concerned that it wasn't sharp enough, but it soon acquitted itself. I decided to take someone's advice and do my entire shave with the straight and live with the results, which should give me incentive to do better next time. Honestly, this was one of my better shaves - very close, I shaped up my goatee nicely, and though I had two nicks (one was sheer stupidity, grazing the razor sideways), my skin feels refreshed and not irritated in the least. The alum barely registered, which was great. I'm looking forward to my next one.
Pre: Strop; shower; mild scrub with Shea Moisture Facial Scrub; Anthony Logistics Pre-Shave Oil
Lather: Pyrate Cove Bay Rhum and Lime soap
Brush: Waterford Crystal silvertip badger (this brush is more than pretty - it whipped the lather the way my favorite boar does!)
Razor: Joseph Elliot Patented Frameback (now my favorite straight razor!)
Shave: WTG 2x, ATG, XTG (during touchup, as needed)
Post: Alum, Lukewarm rinse, Oil of Olay Toner, Shea Moisture A/S Balm, Unrefined shea butter and Garnier Gel Moisturizer
This is the second time that I picked up a piece of equipment (first was with my Merkur Futur) and we just "clicked". I instinctively knew how to hold it with both hands, whipping the scales around to where I could get the spots I was trying to get. The weight felt good and it was well balanced. It doesn't sing like my Australian Hollow so at first I was concerned that it wasn't sharp enough, but it soon acquitted itself. I decided to take someone's advice and do my entire shave with the straight and live with the results, which should give me incentive to do better next time. Honestly, this was one of my better shaves - very close, I shaped up my goatee nicely, and though I had two nicks (one was sheer stupidity, grazing the razor sideways), my skin feels refreshed and not irritated in the least. The alum barely registered, which was great. I'm looking forward to my next one.
