never-stop-learning's Quest for Knowledge

[never-stop-learning]

Personna Red is due to arrive today!

Mine came in yesterday. They sure appear to be authentic Personna Israeli Platinum Red blades.

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220811
365 Shaves in 2022: 223 of 223 = 100%
Blackland Brotherhood
Blackland Thursday
Bootlegger's Brigands
High Efficiency Summer

Razor: Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Perma-Sharp (4)
Brush: Saponificio Varesino, Pewter Crown, Bog Wood Handle (Hand-tied 26mm 2-band High Mountain Manchurian White Badger Knot)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti
Aftershave: Bootlegger's El Dorado
Fragrance: Belcam Volatile EdT Spray

Every shave with the Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird is superb. Efficient, smooth and highly effective, the Ti Blackbird is my Alpha Big Dog DE Razor for a reason!

Today is a Saponificio Varesino day. The Saponificio Varesino, Pewter Crown, Bog Wood brush with Hand-tied 26mm 2-band High Mountain Manchurian White Badger Knot is a true high end, top tier brush!

Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti is a top tier soap that is as good as shaving soap gets! Luxurious!

Same Aftershave and Fragrance as yesterday. Wonderful combination. Very satisfying!

Superb top tier shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220812
365 Shaves in 2022: 224 of 224 = 100%
Bootlegger's Brigands
Clubman Friday
Fatip Friday
High Efficiency Summer

Razor: Fatip Mixed Metal Lo Storto Originale
Blade: German Bolzano (1)
Brush: Saponificio Varesino, Pewter Crown, Bog Wood Handle (Hand-tied 26mm 2-band High Mountain Manchurian White Badger Knot)
Lather: Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti
Aftershave: Bootlegger's El Dorado
Fragrance: Pino Silvestre Original EdT Spray

The Fatip Mixed Metal Lo Storto Originale looks cool and shaves great! The FOCS + German Bolzano blade is a consistent and wonderful combination. The FOCS rocks!

The Saponificio Varesino, Pewter Crown, Bog Wood brush with Hand-tied 26mm 2-band High Mountain Manchurian White Badger Knot is a true high end, top tier brush!

Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti is a top tier soap that is as good as shaving soap gets! Luxurious!

Bootlegger's El Dorado is one of my favorite aftershaves. Outstanding! Applied Pino Silvestre Original before heading out for Friday Afternoon Cigars. Very satisfying!

Excellent Fatip Friday Shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220813
365 Shaves in 2022: 225 of 225 = 100%
Blackland Brotherhood
High Efficiency Summer
SV Saturday

Razor: Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Perma-Sharp (5 and retired)
Brush: @Rudy Vey 2022 Contributors Brush (Mühle 25mm STF)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Vault EdT Spray

The Ti Blackbird is my Alpha Big Dog DE Razor - 'nuff said!

The Rudy Vey 2022 Contributors Brush is one of my favorites!

Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti is a top tier soap that is as good as shaving soap gets! Luxurious!

Pinaud Clubman is one of my favorite aftershaves. Outstanding! Applied Belcam Vault before heading out. Excellent!

Superb Top Tier Shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220814
365 Shaves in 2022: 226 of 226 = 100%
High Efficiency Summer
Tatara Samurai Sword Alliance

Razor: Tatara Nodachi SB (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle)
Blade: Kai (5 and retired)
Brush: @Rudy Vey Irish Bog Oak (Mühle 25mm STF)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Vault EdT Spray

The Tatara Nodachi head, 25g GTS handle and Kai blade combination is quite nimble and maneuverable. A very synergistic match that provides a moderately efficient, very smooth and effective Big Dog shave!

The Rudy Vey 2022 Irish Bog Oak is another one of my favorite brushes. Love the 25mm STF knot!

Same soap, aftershave and fragrance as yesterday. Outstanding and excellent!

Superb Shave!

 

[Chan Eil Whiskers]

Nice looking bog oak, Dave.

Happy shaves,

Jim

 

[never-stop-learning]

Nice looking bog oak, Dave.

Happy shaves,

Jim

Thank you Jim. I have two @Rudy Vey Bog Oak handles, one with a Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan and this one with a Mühle 25mm STF. Both are beautiful brushes.

 

[Chan Eil Whiskers]

I'll keep an eye out for the other one.

Happy shaves,

Jim

 

[never-stop-learning]

Monday 20220815
365 Shaves in 2022: 227 of 227 = 100%
High Efficiency Summer

Razor: Karve Brass SB-G (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle)
Blade: Personna Med Prep (1)
Brush: @Rudy Vey Irish Bog Oak (Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Vault EdT Spray

The Karve Brass SB-G is one of my DE Big Dogs. Efficient, smooth and effective!

Using my other Rudy Vey Irish Bog Oak handle today, this one with with the wonderful Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan. Love this brush!

Same soap, aftershave and fragrance as yesterday. Outstanding and excellent!

Superb Shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

I'll keep an eye out for the other one.

Happy shaves,

Jim

You inspired me to use the @Rudy Vey Irish Bog Oak brush with the Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan last night.

 

[Chan Eil Whiskers]

You inspired me to use the @Rudy Vey Irish Bog Oak brush with the Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan last night.

It looks great, too, Dave.

I had an IBO brush. In the photo you can see a crack in the wood. Rudy and I were unable to determine why my brush cracked. Rudy of course replaced the brush but I decided against another IBO.

I do have another brush, from the BST I think, with that handle shape.

I'm thinking of using the pictured iKon Tech some. Looking around the office I found both my brand new and never used Tech and the head of the Tech pictured above. I'll take the head home and find a handle. Not a one trial learner. You and I discussed it before - way back - and both get what a beast the Tech can be.

Even Big Nurse thinks I'm crazy for thinking that way, and, for once, I agree, but, well, you know, science!

Happy shaves,

Jim

 

[never-stop-learning]

It looks great, too, Dave.


View attachment 1506001


I had an IBO brush. In the photo you can see a crack in the wood. Rudy and I were unable to determine why my brush cracked. Rudy of course replaced the brush but I decided against another IBO.

I do have another brush, from the BST I think, with that handle shape.

I'm thinking of using the pictured iKon Tech some. Looking around the office I found both my brand new and never used Tech and the head of the Tech pictured above. I'll take the head home and find a handle. Not a one trial learner. You and I discussed it before - way back - and both get what a beast the Tech can be.

Even Big Nurse thinks I'm crazy for thinking that way, and, for once, I agree, but, well, you know, science!

Happy shaves,

Jim

BOSC SCIENCE can be a cruel mistress - kind of like Big Nurse.

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220816
365 Shaves in 2022: 228 of 228 = 100%
High Efficiency Summer

Razor: Ikon B1 Standard (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle)
Blade: Personna Med Prep (2)
Brush: RazoRock Hive Mokasoft HD Synthetic
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Vault EdT Spray

The Ikon B1 Standard is a very interesting razor. It is certainly efficient, smooth and effective. The addition of the GTS handle to the low profile B1 head results in very nimble and maneuverable "sports car" handling. A very nice combination!

RazoRock Hive Mokasoft HD Synthetic. Love using this very cost effective brush!

Same soap, aftershave and fragrance as yesterday. Outstanding and excellent!

Superb Shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220817
365 Shaves in 2022: 229 of 229 = 100%
High Efficiency Summer

Razor: Swing DE (Sweden) (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Personna Med Prep (3)
Brush: Craving Shaving Debris Handle (PAA 24mm Roswell Grey Hybrid Synthetic knot)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Vault EdT Spray

The Swedish Swing DE is a fantastic vintage razor that is efficient, smooth, nimble, maneuverable and highly effective. A really cool vintage razor that is a pleasure to use!

Really like the Craving Shaving Debris brush. Ergonomic. Builds great lathers. Very comfortable. All around excellent!

Same soap, aftershave and fragrance as yesterday. Good stuff!

Superb Shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220818
365 Shaves in 2022: 230 of 230 = 100%
Blackland Brotherhood
Blackland Thursday
High Efficiency Summer
Knights of the Veg Table

Razor: @Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Perma-Sharp (1)
Brush: @apshaveco Black Green (AP Shave Co 26mm G5C Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: WSP Rustic Tobacco
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman Lilac Vegetal
Fragrance: Belcam Clash EdT Spray

The Ti Blackbird is my Alpha Big Dog DE Razor! Shaving with the Ti Blackbird is a pleasure!

First use of the AP Shave Co Black Green handle + AP Shave Co 26mm G5C Fan knot. Very comfortable handle. Love the G5C Fan knot. All around excellent brush!

WSP Rustic Tobacco runs with the best soaps in my Den. Easy to lather. Exceptional performance. Great face feel!

Pinaud Clubman Lilac Vegetal rocks! It's good to be Chosen!
Applied Belcam Clash EdT Spray before heading out. Excellent scent!

A superb, and very pleasurable, top tier shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220819
365 Shaves in 2022: 231 of 231 = 100%
Clubman Friday
Fatip Friday
High Efficiency Summer

Razor: Fatip Mixed Metal Lo Storto Originale
Blade: German (Honorary Italian) Bolzano (2)
Brush: Saponificio Varesino, Pewter Crown, Bog Wood Handle (Hand-tied 26mm 2-band High Mountain Manchurian White Badger Knot)
Bowl: Face Lathered
Lather: Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman Lilac Vegetal
Fragrance: Pino Silvestre Original EdT Spray

The Fatip Mixed Metal Lo Storto Originale looks cool and shaves great! The FOCS + German Bolzano blade is a consistent and wonderful combination. The FOCS rocks!

The Saponificio Varesino, Pewter Crown, Bog Wood brush with Hand-tied 26mm 2-band High Mountain Manchurian White Badger Knot is a true high end, top tier brush!

Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti is a top tier soap that is as good as shaving soap gets! A very luxurious soap!

Pinaud Clubman Lilac Vegetal rocks! It's good to be One of the Chosen!
Applied Pino Silvestre Original before heading out for Friday Afternoon Cigars. Very satisfying!

Excellent Fatip Friday Shave!

 

[Phoenixkh]

20220818
365 Shaves in 2022: 230 of 230 = 100%
Blackland Brotherhood
Blackland Thursday
High Efficiency Summer
Knights of the Veg Table
View attachment 1507459
Razor: @Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Perma-Sharp (1)
Brush: @apshaveco Black Green (AP Shave Co 26mm G5C Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper
Lather: WSP Rustic Tobacco
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman Lilac Vegetal
Fragrance: Belcam Clash EdT Spray

The Ti Blackbird is my Alpha Big Dog DE Razor! Shaving with the Ti Blackbird is a pleasure!
View attachment 1507460
First use of the AP Shave Co Black Green handle + AP Shave Co 26mm G5C Fan knot. Very comfortable handle. Love the G5C Fan knot. All around excellent brush!

WSP Rustic Tobacco runs with the best soaps in my Den. Easy to lather. Exceptional performance. Great face feel!
View attachment 1507461
Pinaud Clubman Lilac Vegetal rocks! It's good to be Chosen!
Applied Belcam Clash EdT Spray before heading out. Excellent scent!

A superb, and very pleasurable, top tier shave!

David,

If you'd be so kind, could you give me the dimensions and weight of that handle Doug made you? I'm trying to finalize one for my FBT. I don't know if I should go with the 14mm or the 14.3mm or if it would make all that much difference. I think I'll just match the weight and length of the OEM Fat handle, but I wanted your input.

 

[never-stop-learning]

David,

If you'd be so kind, could you give me the dimensions and weight of that handle Doug made you? I'm trying to finalize one for my FBT. I don't know if I should go with the 14mm or the 14.3mm or if it would make all that much difference. I think I'll just match the weight and length of the OEM Fat handle, but I wanted your input.

PM sent.

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220820
365 Shaves in 2022: 232 for 232 = 100%
High Efficiency Summer

Razor: Barbasol Floating Head
Blade: Personna Med Prep (4)
Brush: Heritage Collection Ever-Ready 500E (Heritage Manchurian knot)
Bowl: Face Lathered
Lather: Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti
Aftershave: Floïd The Genuine
Fragrance: Pino Silvestre Oud Absolute EdT Spray

A very efficient and effective DE, the Barbasol Floating Head is a wonderful razor. Give it the proper respect and attention to detail and you will be rewarded with an excellent result.

The Heritage Collection Ever-Ready 500E (Heritage Manchurian knot) checks a number of the right boxes. Soft tips. Good backbone. Builds great lathers. Ergonomic handle. Nice for face lathering. Great brush!

Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti is as good as shaving soap gets!

Floïd The Genuine is a beautiful old school Italian aftershave!
Sprayed on Pino Silvestre Oud Absolute EdT Spray before heading out to a get together with a bunch of folks from my high school days. Very nice scent!

Superb shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20220821
365 Shaves in 2022: 233 of 233 = 100%
High Efficiency June 2022

Razor: Frankenrazor SLOC/R41 Rosegold
Blade: Personna Med Prep (5 and retired)
Brush: @apshaveco Black Green (AP Shave Co 26mm G5C Fan)
Bowl: Face Lathered
Lather: Saponificio Varesino Dolomiti
Aftershave: Floïd The Genuine
Fragrance: Pino Silvestre Oud Absolute EdT Spray

The Frankenrazor SLOC/R41 is a really cool and very effective razor. The SLOC cap retains all of the R41 efficiency, eliminates most of the blade chatter and improves overall smoothness. Very nice shave!

The AP Shave Co Black Green handle + AP Shave Co 26mm G5C Fan knot is a wonderful brush. Very comfortable handle. Love the G5C Fan knot. Excellent for face lathering. All around excellent performance!

Same soap, aftershave and fragrance as yesterday. Excellent performance. Fantastic combination!

Superb shave!