So the basic information:
Background:
I have been D/E shaving for about a year. First soap/kit was an Art of Shaving kit, which I got when I bought my straight razor there about 3 years ago. Since then, I've discovered a wide variety of soaps and became a bit more passionate about the "Hobby" part of shaving. Which leads me to now.
The Tools: (Plan is to maintain these same tools through the whole process.)
Water: I have moderately hard water, "Akron water can be described as mildly hard, averaging about 100 parts per million as calcium carbonate equivalent, and ranging from 55 ppm to 165 ppm."
Razor: Merkur Futur
Blade: Personna Double Edge Razor Blades
Brush: RazoRock Plissoft Synthetic Brush or Semogue 830
Bowl: EJ Shaving Bowl
The Method (D/E):
(I do soak the brush before, but do not bloom the soap.)
1. Shower
2. Pre-shave: Oil or Priming Soap or None (No huge difference, I do feel the oil helps a little)
3. Lather: I tend to bowl lather over face. (May try both)
4. Shave: Normally 3 passes:WTG, XTG and ATG. Only two if I feel a bunch of irritation, then WTG and XTG.
5. Post Shave: Alum, then Aftershave.
The Plan:
I've made a large purchase of samples, with intention of purchasing the ones I like. I wanted to find a way to rate them quickly and so that I would remember. After asking a few questions I have decided to use a scorecard system.
The Shaveing ScoreCard:
View attachment 630210
Scoring:
I decided to use a system of 1-5, using the ability to make a half by circling two numbers. (The reason why I did this was so I could keep the ScoreCard small and it could be easily converted to a 1 to 10 scale.)
Categories Explained:
Lather-ability: How easy does it lather? Quickly or does it take some time?
Protection: How protected do I feel while shaving?
Slickness: How slick is the lather? Is my razor hoping?
Cushion: Density of lather, Good barrier or no?
Aftershave Skin Feel: How my skin is?
Scent Strength: How strong the scent is. Does it fill the bathroom or you can barely smell it?
Scent Description: I'm okay with scents, not perfect. I'll try to describe them the best I can.
SWMBO(She who must be obeyed) Approval Rating: Managed to talk the g/f into participating in my hobby. Does she like the scent or will I sleep on the couch?
Would I buy it again? <--- basically what it says.
What will be reviewed:
Plan is every soap/cream in picture is my intention.
As well as:
RazoRock XX
RazoRock Classic
RazoRock Mudder Focker
Akro
Italian Barber Amici
Truefitt and Hill 1805
These are all the soaps I currently own. I may consider adding more on as I go.
Wrapping things up:
If you're still reading and interest, I would love to know your thoughts and what you think. Please keep in mind it's based solely on my opinion. (Before this I haven't used a large number of soaps or creams.) I may go back and re-review a soap or two if needed. I'd love suggestions.
Thanks so much,
Joe
Useful link for Abbreviations: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Abbreviations
Background:
I have been D/E shaving for about a year. First soap/kit was an Art of Shaving kit, which I got when I bought my straight razor there about 3 years ago. Since then, I've discovered a wide variety of soaps and became a bit more passionate about the "Hobby" part of shaving. Which leads me to now.
The Tools: (Plan is to maintain these same tools through the whole process.)
Water: I have moderately hard water, "Akron water can be described as mildly hard, averaging about 100 parts per million as calcium carbonate equivalent, and ranging from 55 ppm to 165 ppm."
Razor: Merkur Futur
Blade: Personna Double Edge Razor Blades
Brush: RazoRock Plissoft Synthetic Brush or Semogue 830
Bowl: EJ Shaving Bowl
The Method (D/E):
(I do soak the brush before, but do not bloom the soap.)
1. Shower
2. Pre-shave: Oil or Priming Soap or None (No huge difference, I do feel the oil helps a little)
3. Lather: I tend to bowl lather over face. (May try both)
4. Shave: Normally 3 passes:WTG, XTG and ATG. Only two if I feel a bunch of irritation, then WTG and XTG.
5. Post Shave: Alum, then Aftershave.
The Plan:
I've made a large purchase of samples, with intention of purchasing the ones I like. I wanted to find a way to rate them quickly and so that I would remember. After asking a few questions I have decided to use a scorecard system.
The Shaveing ScoreCard:
View attachment 630210
Scoring:
I decided to use a system of 1-5, using the ability to make a half by circling two numbers. (The reason why I did this was so I could keep the ScoreCard small and it could be easily converted to a 1 to 10 scale.)
Categories Explained:
Lather-ability: How easy does it lather? Quickly or does it take some time?
Protection: How protected do I feel while shaving?
Slickness: How slick is the lather? Is my razor hoping?
Cushion: Density of lather, Good barrier or no?
Aftershave Skin Feel: How my skin is?
Scent Strength: How strong the scent is. Does it fill the bathroom or you can barely smell it?
Scent Description: I'm okay with scents, not perfect. I'll try to describe them the best I can.
SWMBO(She who must be obeyed) Approval Rating: Managed to talk the g/f into participating in my hobby. Does she like the scent or will I sleep on the couch?
Would I buy it again? <--- basically what it says.
What will be reviewed:
Plan is every soap/cream in picture is my intention.
As well as:
RazoRock XX
RazoRock Classic
RazoRock Mudder Focker
Akro
Italian Barber Amici
Truefitt and Hill 1805
These are all the soaps I currently own. I may consider adding more on as I go.
Wrapping things up:
If you're still reading and interest, I would love to know your thoughts and what you think. Please keep in mind it's based solely on my opinion. (Before this I haven't used a large number of soaps or creams.) I may go back and re-review a soap or two if needed. I'd love suggestions.
Thanks so much,
Joe
Useful link for Abbreviations: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Abbreviations