JoWolf’s Lather Slide

[blethenstrom]

Sunday Six Day Double October 21

Blade - Single Use Feather
Razor - Lupo OC95 driven with a Chiseled Face Pineapple Twist Titanium Handle
Brush - Zenith Boar B35-31x57mm
Soap - Felce Aromatica

I haven’t done a review in awhile. I had been deliberating over this purchase for quite a few months. I finally pulled the trigger at the top of the month. The Barber Mask.

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The reason I took so long to decide was the price. The Canadian Quebec location where they originate from lists it for $29.00. That doesn’t sound to bad. What they fail to show on the web site is it’s $29.00 USD. This does come to light when you go to finalize the purchase. So to cut to the chase. To the $29.00 USD they then add $7.00 USD shipping and handling. Then they add $4.68 USD sales tax. (I have never paid sales tax, shipping and handling in USD funds purchasing a Canadian item in Canada.) So this was a first for me. So the total now is $40.68 USD. Paying with PayPal the $40.68 now gets converted to Canadian dollars on my credit card $57.38 CND. Do I think $57.38 is too much money for this item. Absolutely. My problem is that I am a hot towel freak.

Using a regular hot towel and trying to hold it and make good contact with the moustache and neck area below the chin can only be accomplished in a lying prone position. I could never get the heat on my neck and moustache area to my liking and it was uncomfortable to try to do it as well as tiring. Does this towel with the garter straps accomplish this to my satisfaction. Absolutely.

I always have a long hot shower and carefully exfoliate my head and face whiskers with a wash towel and my shower soap. Once this was done I crawled into the Barber Mask and then completed the balance of my shower. I was able to add more hot water to the mask with my hand held massage sprayer. It was above average in comfort and added to an extremely relaxing shower. After the shower I massage Shea Butter into my face and head skin for pre shave. I always let the butter soak into my skin for ten minutes. I massage a good foot ointment into my feet during these ten minutes.

Every now and again we all experience an exceptional shave. It could be moon position, it could be frame of mind, it could be a deeper relaxation. Whatever the reason this was one of those shaves. Extremely close. Accompanied with super ultra skin comfort. Was it the Barber Mask enhancing a very relaxing shower. I do not know. Face and head glorious in the best skin comfort I’ve experienced. Will I be able to replicate this shave in seven days? I sure hope so. Would I recommend the Barber Mask? On price definitely no. On performance definitely yes. I also thought I overpaid for my razor shave handle until I used it a few times. Some things are overpriced but you love em anyways. Time and use will tell with the mask. After all it’s just a towel.

Happy Shaves

The mask looks like it will work well. You have to excuse my sick mind, but this is what I thought of when I saw the mask.

 

[Eric_75]

You have to excuse my sick mind, but this is what I thought of when I saw the mask.
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The lack of GSB blades does strange things to a man's mind, Boris.

 

[JoWolf]

The mask looks like it will work well. You have to excuse my sick mind, but this is what I thought of when I saw the mask.
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Definitely similarities Boris. But he does look like an angry shaver

 

[JoWolf]

The mask looks like it will work well. You have to excuse my sick mind, but this is what I thought of when I saw the mask.
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The mask looks like it will work well.

Yes it does work quite well Boris. The moustache area and neck skin below chin are the areas I wanted covered mostly. Since I use it at the beginning of my shower it did not add any extra time to my two and half hour shave routine. The three day drying time might be an issue for more frequent shavers. I think it is overpriced, but if I get a couple of years out of it. 104 shaves. I will be happy. I believe it did relax the skin and the first shave using it very positive results. I’ll continue to report on my use of it over the next few shaves. I would also mention that it does replicate a barbers hot towel treatment, for the shave areas.

 

[Darth Scandalous]

Yes it does work quite well Boris. The moustache area and neck skin below chin are the areas I wanted covered mostly. Since I use it at the beginning of my shower it did not add any extra time to my two and half hour shave routine. The three day drying time might be an issue for more frequent shavers. I think it is overpriced, but if I get a couple of years out of it. 104 shaves. I will be happy. I believe it did relax the skin and the first shave using it very positive results. I’ll continue to report on my use of it over the next few shaves. I would also mention that it does replicate a barbers hot towel treatment, for the shave areas.

This might be one of those things that might be even better for a less frequent shaver like yourself. I don't think I could do the full hot towel treatment every day, might tenderize the skin a little too much, if you see what I mean.

 

[blethenstrom]

Yes it does work quite well Boris. The moustache area and neck skin below chin are the areas I wanted covered mostly. Since I use it at the beginning of my shower it did not add any extra time to my two and half hour shave routine. The three day drying time might be an issue for more frequent shavers. I think it is overpriced, but if I get a couple of years out of it. 104 shaves. I will be happy. I believe it did relax the skin and the first shave using it very positive results. I’ll continue to report on my use of it over the next few shaves. I would also mention that it does replicate a barbers hot towel treatment, for the shave areas.

Yeah I am a daily shaver and I do take a shower before shaving and I have not found any need for me to do any additional softening of whiskers. If I used it it would probably never dry fully.

 

[thombrogan]

I don't think I could do the full hot towel treatment every day

Some folks hold a damp towel to their skin before every shave. Glycerine seems to soften my whiskers whiskers better than a pre-shave soak.

 

[JoWolf]

Sunday Seven Day Double November 3

Blade - Single Use Feather
Razor - Lupo OC95 driven with a Chiseled Face Pineapple Twist Titanium Handle
Brush - Zenith Boar B35-31x57mm
Soap - Felce Aromatica

A great shave. My second use of the shave mask. I do like it and it fits well into my shower and shave routine. The extra hydration on my neck is comforting and very relaxing. Hot towel is certainly not new to wet shaves. My neck area does shave better with the extra hydration. Very close shave and above average skin comfort. It’s always nice to incorporate an improvement into my shave routine. Looking forward to a delivery of SV products from the Emirates Outlet store. They have good stock of SV products and pricing is cheaper than North American stores.

We had our first frost last night. The winter tires are on the Subie and the new electric snowblower and electric snow thrower shovel are on standby. The new blower is smaller and lighter, with steering assist. I should be able to handle it without too much strain. The Honda track machine, sold very quickly to the first inquiry. We have had a couple of winters without having to remove the dust cover from the blower. I hope we get another couple of those. Stay warm.

Happy Shaves

 

[Eric_75]

Sunday Seven Day Double November 3

Blade - Single Use Feather
Razor - Lupo OC95 driven with a Chiseled Face Pineapple Twist Titanium Handle
Brush - Zenith Boar B35-31x57mm
Soap - Felce Aromatica

A great shave. My second use of the shave mask. I do like it and it fits well into my shower and shave routine. The extra hydration on my neck is comforting and very relaxing. Hot towel is certainly not new to wet shaves. My neck area does shave better with the extra hydration. Very close shave and above average skin comfort. It’s always nice to incorporate an improvement into my shave routine. Looking forward to a delivery of SV products from the Emirates Outlet store. They have good stock of SV products and pricing is cheaper than North American stores.

We had our first frost last night. The winter tires are on the Subie and the new electric snowblower and electric snow thrower shovel are on standby. The new blower is smaller and lighter, with steering assist. I should be able to handle it without too much strain. The Honda track machine, sold very quickly to the first inquiry. We have had a couple of winters without having to remove the dust cover from the blower. I hope we get another couple of those. Stay warm.

Happy Shaves

Have a blessed week ahead, John.

 

[JoWolf]

Have a blessed week ahead, John.

Thank you Eric. I hope you have a blessed week ahead as well. We are so fortunate in so many ways.

 

[JoWolf]

Mail Call….Attention Canadian SV Shoppers

The soap, pre shave, deodorant and after shave and shipping totalled $118.04 Euros. That converted to $185.04 Cnd. FedEx collect $31.92 duty before delivery. The total $216.96 Cnd. The same items from the USA store totalled $200.00 USD. which converts to $278.78 CND. Shipping would be free but I would have to pay US duty, taxes and sometimes they charge a brokerage fee. (I have no idea why) I’m not saying I won’t buy USA but only when there is no other alternative and I’m bleeding at the gums for the product. My savings $61.82 CND before any of the added razzle-dazzle, hocus-pocus charges coming across the USA Canadian border.

The Oder was fulfilled in Brebbia (VA) Italy it is called a comune rather than a city or town. The samples are appreciated and I do enjoy them. My order was placed October 28, and got to my town November 5. I know a USA purchase would definitely be beyond an eight day delivery.

Happy Shopping

 

[JoWolf]

Sunday Seven Day Double November 10

Blade - Single Use Feather
Razor - Lupo OC95 driven with a Chiseled Face Pineapple Twist Titanium Handle
Brush - Zenith Boar B35-31x57mm
Soap - Felce Aromatica

Enjoying my shaves more than ever. I believe shavers who regularly campaign and change blades, razors and the rest of their kit on a regular basis can fall into a rut just as easily as a minimalist. What do I mean by a rut? Shave results that remain the same. Little change in closeness and little change in skin comfort. How do you get out of a rut? Even changing some or all aspects of your kit may continue to repeat the same results. At this stage if your shaves are satisfactory you’ve arrived. Your shaves will remain the same. That is exactly where I was after three years using the same kit and same shave routine. Repeating excellent weekly face and head shaves.

Excellence is the door step to unachievable perfection. I had a yearning for an elevation in closeness and skin comfort but also realizing that it might not be possible. Replacing the Grande with the more efficient Lupo was the cornerstone. Shaves became closer but skin comfort did not improve. I changed my short quick shave strokes to short quick buffing strokes. The Lupo’s efficiency forced me into a lighter touch especially with buffing strokes. My comment on buffing strokes. An open comb is paramount because the reverse stroke continues spreading lather and protection, not achievable with a closed comb. The overall change became closer shaves and improved skin comfort. I thought I’d arrived but the urge to explore the realm of diminishing returns will always haunt me. Three shaves ago I added the shave mask to my shower routine. I can now say that improved relaxation and a little longer shower time has elevated my shaves in both closeness and comfort. I believe the increased hydration has made that improvement. I will continue to refine all aspects of my shave routine. Knowing full well that a drive to explore diminishing returns will continue to haunt me.

Back in the kitchen simmering pork hocks for four hours to make some head cheese. The local store quit selling it. My love and admiration only deepens for my mother and grandmother. The wonderful recipes they cooked for us. The time consuming labour and preparation a realization which went by us without a thought. They worked so hard on a daily basis to care and guide us to a better life. I miss you so much. Thanks Mom.

Bon appétit & Happy Shaves

 

[Guido75]

I believe shavers who regularly campaign and change blades, razors and the rest of their kit on a regular basis can fall into a rut just as easily as a minimalist. What do I mean by a rut? Shave results that remain the same. Little change in closeness and little change in skin comfort. How do you get out of a rut? Even changing some or all aspects of your kit may continue to repeat the same results. At this stage if your shaves are satisfactory you’ve arrived. Your shaves will remain the same. That is exactly where I was after three years using the same kit and same shave routine. Repeating excellent weekly face and head shaves.

I think you are a) absolutely right in your observation that at a certain point our technique is such or should be such that we get excellent shaves no matter what. And so shave results remain the same. And b) the rut is looking at shaving from a technical point of view? I know I am in a rut for sure - albeit a different one than the one you are referring to! - but I also see fun in rotation (aside from my OCD anxiety regarding rotations, but ok). That aspect is actually currently driving my technique development in that I really want to get similar results with different razors.

I should have learned from your journey sooner or towards the beginning of my journey. I probably would have stuck with the same razor as well and get those stellar results you always post about John.

Enjoy! still using the towel mask I presume?

Guido

 

[JoWolf]

I think you are a) absolutely right in your observation that at a certain point our technique is such or should be such that we get excellent shaves no matter what. And so shave results remain the same. And b) the rut is looking at shaving from a technical point of view? I know I am in a rut for sure - albeit a different one than the one you are referring to! - but I also see fun in rotation (aside from my OCD anxiety regarding rotations, but ok). That aspect is actually currently driving my technique development in that I really want to get similar results with different razors.

I should have learned from your journey sooner or towards the beginning of my journey. I probably would have stuck with the same razor as well and get those stellar results you always post about John.

Enjoy! still using the towel mask I presume?

Guido

 

[JoWolf]

albeit a different one than the one you are referring to! - but I also see fun in rotation

All shaves that have the element of fun involved are great shaves. Rotation allows you to explore and experience changes you desire. Fun shaves are happy shaves.

(aside from my OCD anxiety regarding rotations, but ok). That aspect is actually currently driving my technique development in that I really want to get similar results with different razors.

All serious hobby’s contain a good dose of OCD. I wouldn’t beat myself up on that, we all have a measure of it. I agree Guido our OCD is very helpful in driving us to improvement.

should have learned from your journey sooner or towards the beginning of my journey.

We are all fortunate to examine each other’s journeys. Taking and using elements that will improve our own. Our journeys are personal and suit our needs and desires to enjoy and improve in our own fashion. I would never consider my shave better than another gentleman’s, just different. And that’s what makes our pursuits so interesting.

I probably would have stuck with the same razor as well and get those stellar results you always post about John.

Being a minimalist removes complexities and allows practice with a comfortable stability for me. Some musicians play multiple instruments and excel as good musicians. There is no right way. Our choices are correct for our path.

Enjoy! still using the towel mask I presume?

Yes Guido I am enjoying the mask. I use it at the beginning of my shower right after I gently exfoliate my face and head skin. It lengthens my shower time which is a good thing. The extra hydration improves my shave performance. The extra shower time also deepens my relaxation. Many shavers would improve their shaves if they could add a little more relaxation to their shaves. I cringe when I read a post of a quick rushed shave often accompanied by a mishap.

 

[JoWolf]

Sunday Seven Day Double November 17

Blade - Single Use Feather
Razor - Lupo OC95 driven with a Chiseled Face Pineapple Twist Titanium Handle
Brush - Zenith Boar B35-31x57mm
Soap - Felce Aromatica

Another Sundays excellent face & head shave. The seven day shave interval has worked out really well for me. Ultra close with fabulous skin comfort. The Lupo OC95 continues to be a great performing razor. I enjoy the high efficiency it delivers. To-date the best head shaver I’ve used. The last three weeks I have added more hot towel time and it has improved my shaves in closeness and comfort. Shave prep and post shave care are an important part of my shave routine. I credit that extra care to adding a great level of comfort which I had not thought possible with my sensitive skin. I’ll soon be starting my six year of DE shaves. Over that period I had explored Straights, Kamasori and re visited electric shaves. Previously as a cart shaver I hadn’t been aware that these fantastic shaves methods were still in use. Badger & Blade had taught and schooled me through and down some very interesting rabbit holes. The knowledgeable Gentlemen and great friends in this community are priceless. Thank You All for helping me along a very exciting journey.

 

[Eric_75]

Have a great week ahead, John.

 

[JoWolf]

Have a great week ahead, John.

And you as well Eric. Thank You.

 

[JoWolf]

Black Friday has come and gone. I waited to see it this Semouge Estandar might have a discount. It did not and I ordered it anyway.

Amazon.ca

I was all over the net to try to find specs for this brush with no luck. Very frustrating. Going by the photo it should be at least a 26mm I might be able to live with that but less than 26mm and I’ll return it. I like big brushes 28+mm because they are very comfortable in lathering. Since every shave is a face and head shave I need plenty of lather and big brushes load appropriately.

I have been extremely happy with the performance of my Zenith Boar B35-31x57mm. I purchased it in October 2021. So in three years with exclusive use it has had less than three hundred shaves on it. A years use for a daily shaver. Since it is used once a week it has a chance to dry out completely and I run a comb through it to keep the knot pristine in looks and performance. (I also sniff brushes ) A few months back it started to shed a single hair about every third or fourth shave. Not a problem but a slight unwanted distraction. The Chubby B27-28-55mm had started to shed a little more prolifically in its last few shaves just before I switched to The Big One. This week I will use the chubby and if it sheds a lot, it’s gone.

I have enjoyed using these two Zenith’s because they have fine bristles and dense knots. I purchased the Semouge Estandar because it is a premium priced brush, looks big, and Semouge’s reputation with their SOC brushes. The handle also looks very comfortable. It is also considerably cheaper $71.08, $86.08 Cnd. delivered, compared to $130.00 Cnd. plus shipping duty, and taxes, for the Zenith which would move it closer to two hundred. I also wanted to try another premium boar other than a Zenith which has been my only experience with boar brushes in this price category. I have had smaller boars like the Jade and a few boar knots that I had set into handles. The smaller brushes south of 28mm were too small, and just didn’t do it for me.

The Semouge (and I hope it’s big) will be here into first week of December.

Happy Shaves

 

[Guido75]

I also sniff brushes

I don't see anything wrong or weird with that at all!