never-stop-learning's Quest for Knowledge

[never-stop-learning]

I have ceased the chase for this week and seeing how I get by with just two passes and touch ups rather than going full fledged - and I must say that I have had some of the most wonderful shaves. No irritation, smooth and comfortable and the end result still a very nice close shave. No full BBS but definitely DFS material. Quite happy about that.

Guido

I stick with my 3-Pass plus Touchups routine and end up wherever I end up.

With the Alphas and the top Big Dogs, I get very consistent DFS to DFS++ shaves.

Were I to chase BBS with my face/skin/beard, I'd have to use 5 to 6 passes from different directions over my jaw, jawline, chin, neck and 'goatee' (no, I don't have a goatee ) areas.

No thank you.

Please bear in mind that when I say BBS, that means ZERO stubble felt when pressing and running your fingers in multiple directions all over your face. You could also use the "cotton ball method" of checking.

So, bottom line, I am quite happy with the shave results I get and, more importantly, so is my Lovely Bride.

 

[Guido75]

Well you must be doing something right with the Lovely Bride with all the fancy gifts you for over Christmas.

But then again that could have nothing to do with shaving

Cheers!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230120
365 Shaves in 2023: 20 of 20 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 19 of 20 = 95%
Blackland Brotherhood
Clubman Friday

Razor: @Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle)
Blade: Eddison (4)

Brush: Lowborn Supply Jaded Rose (Maggard 24mm SHD Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Asylum Flying Mango Shaving Soap by Saponificio Varesino

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Bold Tobacco EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Went with the Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird for today's shave and was rewarded with a true top tier shave! The Eddison Israeli blade worked very well in the Ti Blackbird!

The Lowborn Supply Jaded Rose brush lathers beautifully and feels great - a wonderful brush!

Loving the Asylum Flying Mango Shaving Soap by Saponificio Varesino. Definitely adding it to my regular soap rotation.

My aftershave and fragrance selections remain Pinaud Clubman and Belcam Bold Tobacco EdT Spray. Great combination!

Superb DFS++ shave!

 

[Jack Goossen]

I tried a variety of angles and found that the shallow side of neutral worked best. Yes, I will experiment further.

The Prismatic is mild and smooth, just not effective on my beard.

Given the myriad of directions in which my beard grows plus the wiry nature of my old gray whiskers, I no longer chase BBS. A 3-Pass plus Touchups DFS to DFS++ is my target.

That's a pity, Dave. I'm rather focussed on head shaves, which are far easier, because of the long strokes. On my head, I can use it with the razor's head almost flat on my skin
The only thing I dislike is the poor quality of the metal of the head. Very thin and flimsy and scratches easily. When I'm out of GRUME, I'll buy an extra Prismatic that I will not be using. Call me strange

 

[never-stop-learning]

That's a pity, Dave. I'm rather focussed on head shaves, which are far easier, because of the long strokes. On my head, I can use it with the razor's head almost flat on my skin
The only thing I dislike is the poor quality of the metal of the head. Very thin and flimsy and scratches easily. When I'm out of GRUME, I'll buy an extra Prismatic that I will not be using. Call me strange

Never fear, Jack. I'll keep experimenting with the Prismatic.

I don't give up that easily.

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230121
365 Shaves in 2023: 21 of 21 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 20 of 21 = 95%
Tatara Samurai Sword Alliance

Razor: Tatara Nodachi SB (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle)
Blade: Eddison (5 and retired)

Brush: Shavemac 23mm Silvertip Badger
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Asylum Flying Mango Shaving Soap by Saponificio Varesino

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Bold Tobacco EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

I love pairing the low profile and (relatively) low mass Tatara Nodachi SB head with a ~14mm x ~80mm low mass Titanium or GTx handle. The combination is a high performing razor capable of delivering excellent quality results. The Eddison Israeli blade is batting a thousand so far and matched up nicely with the Nodachi SB/GTS combination.

The Shavemac 23mm Silvertip Badger was, if memery serves, my first Shavemac branded brush. A very nice brush indeed!

My soap, aftershave and fragrance selections for the week: Asylum Flying Mango Shaving Soap by Saponificio Varesino, Pinaud Clubman and Belcam Bold Tobacco EdT Spray. Great combination!

Excellent DFS shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230122
365 Shaves in 2023: 22 of 22 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 21 of 22 = 96%
Blackland Brotherhood
Single Edge Sunday

Razor: @Blackland Razors Ti Vector SB (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG (6)

Brush: @Rudy Vey Keyhole (Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: A&E Kaizen

Aftershave: Old Spice Classic
Fragrance: Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Wonderful Sunday shave with my top shaving hardware. The Blackland Razors Ti Vector SB remains my favorite razor. Paired with the Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG, the results were absolutely awesome! I actually got a BBS without trying on my face & neck and a DFS++ on my upper lip. No blood or irritation at all. Effortless excellence!

The Rudy Vey Keyhole + Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan is one of my favorite brushes. Wonderful in use!

My soap, aftershave and fragrance selections for the week: A&E Kaizen, Old Spice Classic and Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray. Awesome shaving software!

Superb Top Tier shave: DFS++ on my upper lip, BBS on the rest of my face and neck!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230123
365 Shaves in 2023: 23 of 23 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 22 of 23 = 96%

Razor: @Above The Tie Mixed Metal SE1 (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle)
Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG (7)

Brush: @Rudy Vey Irish Bog Oak (Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: A&E Kaizen

Aftershave: Old Spice Classic
Fragrance: Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

The ATT Mixed Metal SE1 with Aluminum cap, Stainless plate and GTS handle is my preferred SE1 configuration. Paired with the Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG blade, this SE1 comes very close in performance to the AC blade Top 4. An excellent razor!

The Rudy Vey Irish Bog Oak + Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan is another one of my favorite brushes. Love this handle - wonderful and comfortable to use!

My soap, aftershave and fragrance selections for the week: A&E Kaizen, Old Spice Classic and Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray. Awesome shaving software!

Superb DFS shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230124
365 Shaves in 2023: 24 of 24 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 23 of 24 = 96%

Razor: Swing (Sweden) (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle)
Blade: Perma-Sharp (2)

Brush: @Rudy Vey Lemondrop (Shavemac 24mm 2-Band)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: A&E Kaizen

Aftershave: Old Spice Classic
Fragrance: Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

The Swedish Swing DE is one of my top DE Vintage razors. Efficient, smooth and effective. An excellent razor!

The Rudy Vey Lemondrop is a very cool brush. Lathers really well. Soft tips. Comfortable handle. Excellent performance!

My soap, aftershave and fragrance selections for the week: A&E Kaizen, Old Spice Classic and Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray. Awesome shaving software!

Superb DFS shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230125
365 Shaves in 2023: 25 of 25 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 24 of 25 = 96%
Wolfman Wednesday

Razor: Wolfman WR2 1.25 SB (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle)
Blade: Perma-Sharp (3)

Brush: Simpson Classic 2 in Best
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: A&E Kaizen

Aftershave: Old Spice Classic
Fragrance: Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

The Wolfman WR2 1.25 SB (with @Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle) is one of my Top 3 Current DE razors. The Perma-Sharp blade is an excellent match. Efficient, smooth and effective. A superb razor!

The Simpson Classic 2 in Best is "too cool for school". Wonderful smaller brush!

My soap, aftershave and fragrance selections for the week: A&E Kaizen, Old Spice Classic and Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray. Awesome shaving software!

Superb DFS+ shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230126
365 Shaves in 2023: 26 of 26 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 25 of 26 = 96%
Blackland Brotherhood
Blackland Thursday

Razor: @Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird SB (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Perma-Sharp (4)

Brush: Yaqi R1818 Aqua Highmountain Silvertip Badger
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: A&E Kaizen

Aftershave: Old Spice Classic
Fragrance: Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

The Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird SB is my favorite DE razor. Doug's GTx 25g handles and a Perma-Sharp blade are perfect complements. The combination is highly efficient, very nimble & maneuverable, very smooth and highly effective. On my face/skin/beard, the Ti Blackbird SB is a superior DE razor!

The Yaqi R1818 Aqua Highmountain Silvertip Badger is a reasonably priced brush that provides good feel and performance.

My soap, aftershave and fragrance selections for the week: A&E Kaizen, Old Spice Classic and Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray. Awesome shaving software!

Superb DFS++ shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230127
365 Shaves in 2023: 27 of 27 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 26 of 27 = 96%
Fatip Friday

Razor: Joris Classic - Thujawood and Palladium
Blade: German Bolzano (1)

Brush: Simpson Classic 2 in Best
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: A&E Kaizen

Aftershave: Old Spice Classic
Fragrance: Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

The Joris Classic - Thujawood and Palladium provides an elegant option for Fatip Friday. As with my other Fatip made heads, it is efficient, smooth and effective!

Decided to use the Simpson Classic 2 in Best again today. I really like this smaller brush!

My soap, aftershave and fragrance selections for the week: A&E Kaizen, Old Spice Classic and Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray. Awesome shaving software!

Excellent DFS shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230128
365 Shaves in 2023: 28 of 28 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 27 of 28 = 96%

Razor: Green Cult V1 (Timeless Crown TRH8 Polished Ti Handle)
Blade: Perma-Sharp (5)

Brush: @Rudy Vey "The Favorite" (Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: A&E Kaizen

Aftershave: Old Spice Classic
Fragrance: Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Matched up the Green Cult V1 DE razor with the Timeless Crown TRH8 Polished Ti Handle and a Perma-Sharp blade. Excellent match in the handle and blade departments. Nice balance. The overall weight, however, is still heavier than my top DE razors, resulting in a lower nimble and maneuverable score. Overall, an efficient and medium effective razor that is a good value.

Continuing BADGERary 2023 with Rudy Vey's "The Favorite". The wonderful Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan lathers great and feels great. Excellent handle. Excellent knot. Excellent brush!

Last day for this week's soap, aftershave and fragrance selections. The excellent A&E Kaizen soap performed flawlessly. Got lots of compliments on the Old Spice Classic and the Original Penguin Reserve EdT Spray. Great combination of scents. High marks for all of this week's shaving software!

Excellent DFS shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230129
365 Shaves in 2023: 29 of 29 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 28 of 29 = 97%
Blackland Brotherhood
Single Edge Sunday

Razor: @Blackland Razors Ti Vector SB (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG (8)

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: RazoRock Santa Maria Del Fiore Sapone Da Barba

Aftershave: RazoRock Santa Maria Del Fiore Lozione Dopo-Barba
Fragrance: Belcam Bold Tobacco

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

The Ti Vector SB consistently delivers superb top tier DFS++ shaves! My Overall Alpha Big Dog razor!

Winding down the last days of BADGERary 2023. Today I went with the Saponificio Varesino, Pewter Crown, Bog Wood Handle. Superb handle. Superb knot. Superb brush!

This week I'll use a couple of Soap, Aftershave and Fragrance selections. Today's selections are the RazoRock Santa Maria Del Fiore Sapone Da Barba soap, the RazoRock Santa Maria Del Fiore Lozione Dopo-Barba aftershave and the Belcam Bold Tobacco fragrance. Wonderful shaving software!

Superior DFS++ shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230130
365 Shaves in 2023: 30 of 30 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 29 of 30 = 97%
MdC Monday

Razor: Rocnel Sailor
Blade: Feather (1)

Brush: Heritage Collection Ever-Ready 500E (Heritage Manchurian knot)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Martin de Candre Fougère

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Gladiator

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Decided to take the Rocnel Sailor out for a spin today. With a Feather blade and the setting between numbers III and IV, the shave was efficient, smooth and predictable. A very effective razor. The Sailor is my Alpha Big Dog Adjustable razor!

Winding down the last two days of BADGERary 2023. Today I went with the Heritage Collection Ever-Ready 500E (Heritage Manchurian knot). A superb brush that I need to use more!

Changing my Shaving Software up for MdC Monday: MdC Fougère Soap, Pinaud Clubman Aftershave and Belcam Gladiator Fragrance. Wonderful combination!

Superb DFS+ shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230131
365 Shaves in 2023: 31 of 31 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 30 of 31 = 97%
Tech Tuesday

Razor: Gillette Canada Pre-War Tech (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle)
Blade: Feather (2)

Brush: @Rudy Vey Butterscotch Beehive (Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Martin de Candre Fougère

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Gladiator

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Love shaving with the Gillette Canada Pre-War Tech. Using a steep angle and a Feather blade, the Pre-War Tech is efficient enough and very smooth. Paired with the GTS 25g Handle, the Pre-War Tech is highly nimble & maneuverable and very predictable. Used with the proper technique, this is a very effective razor/blade/handle combination. Definitely a Big Dog!

Huge thanks to @SharpieB for hosting BADGERary 2023. For the last day of BADGERary 2023, I went with the Rudy Vey Butterscotch Beehive. A sentimental favorite and a very high performing brush!

Same software as yesterday: MdC Fougère Soap, Pinaud Clubman Aftershave and Belcam Gladiator Fragrance. Wonderful combination!

Superb DFS+ shave!

 

[Phoenixkh]

20230131
365 Shaves in 2023: 31 of 31 = 100%
BADGERary 2023: 30 of 31 = 97%
Tech Tuesday
View attachment 1597924
Razor: Gillette Canada Pre-War Tech (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle)
Blade: Feather (2)
View attachment 1597925
Brush: @Rudy Vey Butterscotch Beehive (Shavemac 24mm 2-Band Silvertip Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Martin de Candre Fougère
View attachment 1597926
Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Gladiator

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Love shaving with the Gillette Canada Pre-War Tech. Using a steep angle and a Feather blade, the Pre-War Tech is efficient enough and very smooth. Paired with the GTS 25g Handle, the Pre-War Tech is highly nimble & maneuverable and very predictable. Used with the proper technique, this is a very effective razor/blade/handle combination. Definitely a Big Dog!

Huge thanks to @SharpieB for hosting BADGERary 2023. For the last day of BADGERary 2023, I went with the Rudy Vey Butterscotch Beehive. A sentimental favorite and a very high performing brush!

Same software as yesterday: MdC Fougère Soap, Pinaud Clubman Aftershave and Belcam Gladiator Fragrance. Wonderful combination!

Superb DFS+ shave!

David, I look forward to the gear you select every day. Your thread is foundational for B&B. Thank you for your thought provoking posts.

 

[never-stop-learning]

David, I look forward to the gear you select every day. Your thread is foundational for B&B. Thank you for your thought provoking posts.

Thank you for your very kind feedback, Kim!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230201
365 Shaves in 2023: 32 of 32 = 100%
Wolfman Wednesday

Razor: Wolfman WR2 1.25 SB (Trident Razors Ti G2 Albion Handle)
Blade: Feather (3)

Brush: @Graydog 2021 Saint Sue (@apshaveco 26mm G5C Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Martin de Candre Fougère

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Belcam Gladiator

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

The Wolfman WR2 1.25 SB never fails to please. Wonderful shave. Definitely near the top of the Big Dogs Category!

The Graydog 2021 Saint Sue handle plus AP Shave Co 26mm G5C Fan is a superb brush. I love usung this brush!

Same software as yesterday: MdC Fougère Soap, Pinaud Clubman Aftershave and Belcam Gladiator Fragrance. Wonderful combination!

Superb DFS+ shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230202
365 Shaves in 2023: 33 of 33 = 100%

Razor: Greencult v1 (Timeless Crown TRH8 Polished Titanium Handle)
Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock Super Platinum (1)

Brush: @apshaveco White (@apshaveco 26mm G5C Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Pre de Provance No 63

Aftershave: Lustray Draggon
Fragrance: Classic Match Noir

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Exploring the Greencult v1 some more today. Really like the balance and feel with the Timeless Crown TRH8 Polished Titanium Handle. Today's blade is the Gillette 7 O'Clock Super Platinum. Decent match for the v1. An efficient and comfortable shave!

Using the AP Shave Co White with 26mm G5C Fan today. Very comfortable in hand. Effortlessly built a beautiful lather with the PdP No 63. Wonderful brush!

Going with Pre de Provance No 63 Soap, Lustray Draggon Aftershave and Classic Match Noir EdT Spray as my shaving software for the rest of the week. Love the scent. Wonderful combination!

Excellent DFS shave!