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The 5th Annual Williams Mug Soap 3017 Challenge!

Today I realized if I continue to shave every other day, I’ll still be using this soap by Christmas. I have to pick up the pace. I placed the soap to bloom in my copper lathering bowl thinking I could load from it there. Well, after chasing the fool thing around for a bit, I captured it and hand loaded with a Stirling Boar brush, then bowl lathered. Gillette Slim with Gillette Platinum blade that a touch past its prime. I’ll press on with this blade a while longer to explore long term use without fully committing to the challenge. Short strokes provide a DFS shave in 2 passes. I think I can still improve on my results. Likely more product. I left the lather in the bowl, using it to hopefully secure the puck for better, heavier loading.

This is the thumbnail I’m using for this series:

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Days 3 was same setup except razor was a gem micromatic eith same blade. Another 2 pass BBS . Started loading heavier on the soap because It wasn't quite like I'm used to.

Day 4 used Muhle Rocca birch bark handle with Gillette Platinum blade . Probably 15 shaves on it. BBS 2 passes. Williams pug is starting to show some size reduce . Lathering heavy because I like that better. Not going the conservative route. Just enough for super slick with a little cushion. Was barely using enough in beginning making it slightly uncomfortable. So just enough to make shaves comfortable
Still shave stick style application
Yep too lazy for pics for now.
 
Day 5
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Razor: Gillette Senator
Blade: Treet Carbon Steel “Black Beauty”, 5th use
Brush: Wald Glacial Meltwater A1 Bulb
Bowl: Captain’s Choice Seaworthy “Abaco” Bowl
Soap: Williams Mug Soap Puck
Aftershave: Aqua Velva (Combe) Classic Ice Blue Aftershave
Balm: Ethos Unscented Skin Food Lotion
Additional Care: Osma Alum
Additional Care: Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Galactic Witch Hazel

Tried putting a drop of the AV on the puck before lathering today, and that trick works perfectly to add just a little scent without messing up the lather ability of the soap. Thanks @CBLindsay for the suggestion!
 
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Gillette pre war tech.
Gillette Wilkinson Sword blade.
Yaqi 24mm synthetic brush.
Williams Mug shave soap.
Timeless Razor shave bowl.
Scottish Antique by Andy Hilfiger cologne.

Number four shave of the Williams challenge.
 
Ok.. today I tried loading Williams from the puck that I thought was marginally secured into my lather bowl. It was not. What happened next I’m not especially proud of, yet in retrospect is textbook me. I found the puck where it came to rest (under the commode) rinsed it off, placed it in an Old Spice mug and proceeded to load the everlovin’ piss out of it to try for adhesion again. Failing that, I think I have a teacup the puck will securely fit. Now, this superload face lathered epically and provided an unqualified DFS with the Slim. I think I’ve found the cushion I need if I’m going to try and daily shave with a razor and blade that’s not factory fresh anymore.

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Gillette pre war tech.
Gillette Wilkinson Sword blade.
Yaqi 24mm synthetic brush.
Williams Mug shave soap.
Timeless Razor shave bowl.
American Tobacco by Andy Hilfiger cologne.

Number five shave of the Williams challenge.
 
Building on yesterday’s success I did another super load from the Williams in its new home. Yesterday’s hate loading seems to have secured it in place for today’s shenanigans. Face lathering with just the water on my face yielded ampl3 volume and epic slickness. Two passes with the Slim and the Platinum blade for a DFS+. Not chasing dolphins as my face isn’t used to daily shaving yet. I’m thinking face lathering might be key to blade stretching and face saving as it puts the product on the face before lathering. This gives a slick substrate for better glide. I’m thinking as the blade settles in, maybe some additional beard preparation, such as hot towel may make harvesting easier on the blade. Of note, I experienced less tugging on this shave than last. Maybe it’s stabilizing? Anyway, follow up with Lucky Tiger and I’m happy with how this is going. More tomorrow.

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