never-stop-learning's Quest for Knowledge

[Phoenixkh]

As good as I'm sure (from the positive comments by folks who I respect) the Athena shaves, it's not (considering size and weight alone) going to score all that high on the nimble & maneuverable attribute. On my Overall Alpha Big Dog ranking, even the Rocnel Sailor (which I really like) is around number 5 or 6 due to a lower score on the nimble & maneuverable attribute.

I love the Athena handle.. and I'm not really a fan of heavy razors. The Athena has exceeded all my expectations.

That said, I'm going to buy a Bronze Wolfman WR2 when my name comes up and I'm going to buy an extra WH3 hollow bronze handle.. It will match up nicely with the Athena should I decide to experiment with a lighter handle.

 

[never-stop-learning]

I love the Athena handle.. and I'm not really a fan of heavy razors. The Athena has exceeded all my expectations.

That said, I'm going to buy a Bronze Wolfman WR2 when my name comes up and I'm going to buy an extra WH3 hollow bronze handle.. It will match up nicely with the Athena should I decide to experiment with a lighter handle.

Nice.....

And I'm sure that I'll end up getting an Athena - eventually, at least. Just decided to prioritize the Ti Wolfman.

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230208
365 Shaves in 2023: 39 of 39 = 100%
Wolfman Wednesday

Razor: Wolfman WR2 1.25 SB (TiBam New York Titanium Handle)
Blade: Perma-Sharp (1)

Brush: @apshaveco Candy Stripe (AP Shave Co 26mm MiG)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Cyril R Salter Indian Sandalwood Tub Cream

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum
Fragrance: Belcam Volatile EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Plenty of notes and comments regarding the Wolfman WR2 1.25 SB throughout my Journal. Every time I use the WR2 1.25 SB, I get a Top Tier Shave!

The AP Shave Co Candy Stripe 26mm MiG brush was one of the Christmas gifts from my Bride. The handle is quite comfortable and I'm liking the 26mm MiG knot!

My shaving software this week: Cyril R Salter Indian Sandalwood Tub Cream, Pinaud Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum Aftershave and Belcam Volatile EdT Spray. Wonderful combination!

Superb DFS+ shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230209
365 Shaves in 2023: 40 of 40 = 100%
Blackland Thursday

Razor: @Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Perma-Sharp (2)

Brush: Wild West Brushworks Volcanic Ash (TNS 26mm Original BOSS Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Cyril R Salter Indian Sandalwood Tub Cream

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum
Fragrance: Belcam Volatile 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. For my face/skin/beard, the Ti Blackbird SB is a superior DE razor!

Love the Wild West Brushworks Volcanic Ash brush. The TNS 26mm Original BOSS Fan is one of my top synthetic knots! Outstanding performance!

My shaving software this week: Cyril R Salter Indian Sandalwood Tub Cream, Pinaud Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum Aftershave and Belcam Volatile EdT Spray. Wonderful combination!

Superb DFS++ shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230210
365 Shaves in 2023: 41 of 41 = 100%
Clubman Friday
Fatip Friday

Razor: Fatip Lo Storto Originale
Blade: German Bolzano (3)

Brush: Omega EVO
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Cyril R Salter Indian Sandalwood Tub Cream

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum
Fragrance: Belcam Volatile EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

The FOCS rocks! Wonderful results!

The Omega EVO is an excellent synthetic brush!

My shaving software this week: Cyril R Salter Indian Sandalwood Tub Cream, Pinaud Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum Aftershave and Belcam Volatile EdT Spray. Wonderful combination!

Excellent DFS shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230211
365 Shaves in 2023: 42 of 42 = 100%

Razor: Rocnel Sailor
Blade: Perma-Sharp (4)

Brush: Edwin Jagger Imitation Horn (25mm Synthetic Silver Tip)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Cyril R Salter Indian Sandalwood Tub Cream

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum
Fragrance: Belcam Volatile EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Set the Rocnel Sailor on V today and took a very pleasant and effective walk on the wild side!

The EJ Synthetic Silver Tip brush is a pleasure to use!

Last shave with this week's software: Cyril R Salter Indian Sandalwood Tub Cream, Pinaud Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum Aftershave and Belcam Volatile EdT Spray. Wonderful combination!
Now I have to figure out what to use next week.

Superb DFS+ shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230212
365 Shaves in 2023: 43 of 43 = 100%

Razor: PAA Copper Ascension DOC
Blade: Astra SP (3)

Brush: Frickwerkz Handle (PAA 26mm Roswell Grey Hybrid)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Zingari Man The Wanderer

Aftershave: Epsilon Mediterranean Blue
Fragrance: Verse Adonis EdP Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Used the PAA Copper Ascension DOC today with the handle loosened 1/2 turn to increase efficiency.

Compared to my previous shaves with the handle tightened all the way, efficiency is increased. The usable shaving angle also slightly increased. So....was I able to use my preferred steep angle? Not really. Using a neutral to shallow angle with the Ascension DOC still provided the best balance of efficiency and smoothness. The Copper Ascension DOC is a beautiful razor. I like the Copper Ascension DOC, but it isn't the best fit with my face/skin/beard. Maybe it has something to do with how the blade is torqued/bent to conform to the DOC plate and cap? I'll keep experimenting with the Ascension DOC to see if I can "crack the code".
As with all things shaving, it's important for shavers to experience prospective razors, blades, brushes, soaps, etc. for yourself. What one person likes might not be right for you - and vice-versa.

The Frickwerkz (PAA 26mm Roswell Grey Hybrid) brush is a pleasure to use!

Regarding this week's software:
Zingari Man The Wanderer is an excellent soap. Easy to build a slick and protective lather.
Epsilon Mediterranean Blue aftershave feels great and smells wonderful.
First use of Verse Adonis EdP Spray. From the manufacturer's description: "It opens with a vibrant and glowing freshness obtained from top notes of Italian lemon and mandarin, mint oil and candied apple. These intense top notes are enhanced with a captivating sensuality delivered by intriguing, enveloping Oriental notes of geranium flower, clary sage essence and ambermax. The fragrance is rounded off with a base of rich woody notes, consisting of cedarwood atlas and virginia, vetiver orpur essence, patchouli coeur orpour essence, sandalwood and vanilla."
Wonderful combination!

Very good CCS++ shave!

 

[Guido75]

As with all things shaving, it's important for shavers to experience prospective razors, blades, brushes, soaps, etc. for yourself. What one person likes might not be right for you - and vice-versa.

First hand is most important I have learned. I never considered the Old Type because of the reviews about super aggressiveness. Until Mitch very generously send one over the pond. One of the best shaves ever!

I like the copper look David! There’s a copper Fatip as well now. Temptation!

Cheers,

Guido

 

[never-stop-learning]

First hand is most important I have learned. I never considered the Old Type because of the reviews about super aggressiveness. Until Mitch very generously send one over the pond. One of the best shaves ever!

I like the copper look David! There’s a copper Fatip as well now. Temptation!

Cheers,

Guido

A very wise policy, my friend.

The Copper Ascension DOC sure is a pretty razor. I believe (if memory serves) that opening the handle 1/2 turn is the maximum recommend amount. Things improved greatly going from all the way tightened to 1/2 turn opened. More research is required to see if I can open it up 3/4 turn and still retain enough blade tension to keep it securely at 3/4 turn.

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230213
365 Shaves in 2023: 44 of 44 = 100%
MdC Monday
Mühle Monday

Razor: Mühle R41/SLOC Rosegold
Blade: Astra SP (4)

Brush: Wild West Brushworks Invasion Handle (TNS 26mm Original BOSS Fan)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Martin de Candre Nature

Aftershave: Epsilon Mediterranean Blue
Fragrance: Verse Adonis EdP Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Every time I use the Mühle R41/SLOC Rosegold combination, I like it more and more!

The Wild West Brushworks Invasion/TNS 26mm Original BOSS Fan brush is one of my go-to synthetics!

Regarding today's software:
Martin de Candre Nature is one of my favorite soaps. It does everything right!
Epsilon Mediterranean Blue aftershave feels great and smells wonderful!
Verse Adonis EdP Spray is now Lovely Bride Approved!
Wonderful software combination!

Superb DFS shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230214
365 Shaves in 2023: 45 of 45 = 100%
Tech Tuesday

Razor: Gillette Canada Pre-War Tech (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle)
Blade: Feather (1)

Brush: @apshaveco Candy Stripe (AP Shave Co 26mm MiG)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Goodfellas Smile Sea Citrus

Aftershave: Epsilon Mediterranean Blue
Fragrance: Verse Adonis EdP Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Lots of notes throughout my Journal regarding the Gillette Canada Pre-War Tech, the @Rosseforp GTx 25g handles, Feather DE blades and the AP Shave Co Candy Stripe brush with AP Shave Co 26mm MiG knot. Excellent shaving hardware!

Regarding today's software:
Goodfellas Smile Sea Citrus is an excellent shave soap. Great lather. Great shave!
Epsilon Mediterranean Blue aftershave feels great and smells wonderful!
Verse Adonis EdP Spray is now Lovely Bride Approved!
Wonderful software combination!

Superb DFS shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230215
365 Shaves in 2023: 46 of 46 = 100%
Wolfman Wednesday

Razor: Wolfman WR2 1.25 SB (TiBam New York Ti Handle)
Blade: Feather (2)

Brush: Made Rite 34 (Cashmere knot)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Musgo Real Classic

Aftershave: Epsilon Mediterranean Blue
Fragrance: Verse Adonis EdP Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Lots of notes throughout my Journal regarding the Wolfman WR2 1.25 SB razor and Feather DE blades.
The Made Rite 34 is a very nice brush. The Cashmere knot is very comfortable.
Excellent shaving hardware!

Regarding today's software:
Musgo Real Classic is a wonderful, and very consistent, soap. It checks a lot of the right boxes!
Epsilon Mediterranean Blue aftershave feels great and smells wonderful!
Verse Adonis EdP Spray has been approved by my Lovely Bride!
Wonderful software combination!

Superb DFS+ shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230216
365 Shaves in 2023: 47 of 47 = 100%
Blackland Brotherhood
Blackland Thursday

Razor: @Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird SB (@Rosseforp GTS 25g Handle)
Blade: Feather (3)

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

Lather: Musgo Real Classic

Aftershave: Epsilon Mediterranean Blue
Fragrance: Verse Adonis EdP Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

I've commented extensively in my Journal regarding the Blackland Razors Ti Blackbird SB razor, Feather DE blades and the Graydog 2021 Saint Sue handle with @apshaveco 26mm G5C knot.
Superb shaving hardware!

Regarding today's software:
Musgo Real Classic is a wonderful, and very consistent, soap. It checks a lot of the right boxes!
Epsilon Mediterranean Blue aftershave feels great and smells wonderful!
Verse Adonis EdP Spray has been approved by my Lovely Bride!
Wonderful software combination!

Superb DFS+ shave!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230217
365 Shaves in 2023: 48 of 48 = 100%
Clubman Friday
Fatip Friday

Razor: Joris Classic - Thujawood and Palladium
Blade: German Bolzano (4)

Brush: Omega EVO
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Pinaud Clubman

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Swiss Arabian Mutamayez EdP Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

The Joris Classic razor, German Bolzano blade, Omega EVO brush and Captain's Choice Copper bowl have pretty much become my Fatip Friday choices. This combination provides wonderful results!
Excellent shaving hardware!

Regarding today's software:
Used as my travel soap in years past, I was prompted to get reacquainted with Pinaud Clubman Shave Soap by @Cal's review. This soap punches well above its price.
Pinaud Clubman Aftershave is a classic. Well deserved status!
First use of the Swiss Arabian Mutamayez EdP Spray. From the manufacturers description: "Opens with finest notes of uplifting Cypress; The beating heart of the fragrance brings out the deep resonance of Vetiver and Amber; Cashmere Wood and Musk add depth to the aroma and inspire attention".
Excellent software combination!

Superb DFS+ shave!

 

[Eric_75]

Dang it. I'm going to order some Clubman soap soon!

 

[never-stop-learning]

Dang it. I'm going to order some Clubman soap soon!

Pinaud Clubman Shave Soap is excellent on an absolute basis and also on a value basis. The post shave face feel is top tier.

I'm pretty sure that you will not be disappointed.

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230218
365 Shaves in 2023: 49 of 49 = 100%
Blackland Brotherhood

Razor: @Blackland Razors Ti Vector SB (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG (1)

Brush: @Rudy Vey B&B 2022 Contributors Brush (Mühle 25mm STF knot)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Pinaud Clubman

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Swiss Arabian Mutamayez EdP Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

The Blackland Razors Ti Vector SB, Doug’s GTC 25g Handle, Rudy Vey Contributors Brush, Mühle 25mm STF knot and Captain's Choice Copper Bowl are all right at the top of their respective categories. To my face/skin/beard, this combination is as good as it gets!
Superb, top tier shaving hardware!

Regarding today's software:
Pinaud Clubman Shave Soap is excellent on an absolute basis and also an excellent value.
Pinaud Clubman Aftershave is a classic. Well deserved status!
The Swiss Arabian Mutamayez EdP Spray gets along with my body chemistry. I like it!
Excellent software combination!

Superb DFS++ shave! Top Tier in all respects!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230219
365 Shaves in 2023: 50 of 50 = 100%
Blackland Brotherhood
Single Edge Sunday
Synthetic Sunday

Razor: @Blackland Razors Ti Vector SB (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG (2)

Brush: @Rudy Vey Emerald Green AS3M (Mühle 25mm STF)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Pinaud Clubman

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Swiss Arabian Mutamayez EdP Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

The only difference between the shaving hardware used today vs yesterday is the brush handle. No surprise, then, that the performance is identical. To my face/skin/beard, this combination is as good as it gets! Superb, top tier shaving hardware!

Today's shave software is the same as yesterday. Excellent software combination!

Same results as yesterday. Superb DFS++ shave! Top Tier in all respects!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230220
365 Shaves in 2023: 51 of 51 = 100%
Blackland Brotherhood
Mühle Monday

Razor: @Blackland Razors Ti Vector SB (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG (3)

Brush: @Rudy Vey Irish Bog Oak (Mühle 25mm STF)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Pinaud Clubman Shave Soap

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: Swiss Arabian Mutamayez EdP Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

The only difference between the shaving hardware used today vs yesterday is the brush handle. No surprise, then, that the performance is identical. To my face/skin/beard, this combination is as good as it gets! Superb, top tier shaving hardware!

Today's shave software is the same as yesterday. Excellent software combination!

Same results as yesterday. Superb DFS++ shave! Top Tier in all respects!

 

[never-stop-learning]

20230221
365 Shaves in 2023: 52 of 52 = 100%
Blackland Brotherhood

Razor: @Blackland Razors Ti Vector SB (@Rosseforp GTC 25g Handle)
Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG (4)

Brush: Edwin Jagger Imitation Horn (25mm Synthetic Silver Tip)
Bowl: Captain's Choice Copper

Lather: Canada Shave Soap

Aftershave: Pinaud Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum
Fragrance: Belcam Bold Tobacco EdT Spray

Balm: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (applied at bedtime)

Used my Overall Alpha Big Dog razor (Blackland Razors Ti Vector SB) again today. Rhetorical question: Sometimes I wonder why I shave with other razors? To my face/skin/beard, the Ti Vector SB is as good as it gets!
The Edwin Jagger brush uses the same knot as Mühle does in their STF brushes. I like the EJ handle more than the stock Mühle handle. Great brush!
Superb, top tier shaving hardware!

Changed up the shave software for today's shave. The Canada Shave Soap is top tier. VIBR and Belcam Bold Tobacco match up quite well. Excellent software combination!

Superb DFS++ shave! Top Tier in all respects!