Welcome to a new month
The Shaving Cadre
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SOTD May 2026
- Thread starter BarberDave
- Start date
Ram57
Shave Member
Friday SOTD
Razor: Standard Razor
Blade: Personna Reds (1)
Brush: Omega EVO Synthetic 28mm
Bowl: Captain's Choice Seafoam green
Pre-Shave Scrub: PAA Ice Cube 2
Pre-Shave Oil: Stirling Island Man
Shave Cream: Taconic Tequila Lime
Balm: C&E West Indian Lime
Aftershave: Captain’s Choice Lime
remfan170
Shave Newbie
May 1, 2026
• Brush: Semogue – 1470 (Boar)
• Razor: Muhle – R41 (Black)
• Blade: Tatra – Platinum
• Soap: Mystic Water – Orange Spice Tea
• Aftershave: Mystic Water – Orange Spice Tea Aftershave
• Balm: Stirling – Unscented Post Shave Balm
• Fragrance: Mystic Water – Orange Spice Tea Perfume Oil
I had the privilege of joining The Shaving Cadre a few days ago when Michelle Burke, the artisan behind Mystic Water Soaps, let me know that she was touched to see a thread of some gentlemen who were doing “Mystic May.” It has been nice to see some good folks on there including some I have seen in other forums. It is a real pleasure to see other folks who are big fans of Mystic Water. I’ve decided to join them with one small caveat. Since I have made some purchases and some kind souls have sent me samples lately, I am making this month “Mystic May Every Other Day.”
I’ve written about Mystic Water quite a bit, but just a quick note that she has an excellent sample policy. Basically, it is 3 0.5 oz samples for $4 and $5 shipping. You can do as many as you like. I also want to say that there is a misconception that somehow MW is finicky to lather. It isn’t. It just needs you to load for a bit longer than you think you might, and to add water near the end very slowly. This is because the soap does not contain coconut oil. It is a primarily a tallow and lanolin base with lots of other good things including shea butter. It balloons into a luxurious and moisturizing lather that is hard to beat. The scents are outstanding.
I’m kicking off Mystic May Every Other Day with one of my favorite MW scents: Orange Spice Tea. Michelle mentioned that growing up her friend’s mother was a tea blender and that this was her attempt to make a scent similar to one of those blends. She describes this scent as an “Astringent and refreshing black tea scent warmed with vanilla, orange peel essential oil, and just the right amount of spice: nutmeg, clove and cinnamon leaf.” I can’t improve on that description. This is good stuff. You can also see the aftershave and fragrance. She does aftershaves (about $16) and fragrances (about $9) of most any of her scents (you just have to email her). She also does shave sticks and full pucks. All excellent prices. She also ships internationally. Check out Mystic Water when you get a chance.
Have an awesome day, friends!
• Brush: Semogue – 1470 (Boar)
• Razor: Muhle – R41 (Black)
• Blade: Tatra – Platinum
• Soap: Mystic Water – Orange Spice Tea
• Aftershave: Mystic Water – Orange Spice Tea Aftershave
• Balm: Stirling – Unscented Post Shave Balm
• Fragrance: Mystic Water – Orange Spice Tea Perfume Oil
I had the privilege of joining The Shaving Cadre a few days ago when Michelle Burke, the artisan behind Mystic Water Soaps, let me know that she was touched to see a thread of some gentlemen who were doing “Mystic May.” It has been nice to see some good folks on there including some I have seen in other forums. It is a real pleasure to see other folks who are big fans of Mystic Water. I’ve decided to join them with one small caveat. Since I have made some purchases and some kind souls have sent me samples lately, I am making this month “Mystic May Every Other Day.”
I’ve written about Mystic Water quite a bit, but just a quick note that she has an excellent sample policy. Basically, it is 3 0.5 oz samples for $4 and $5 shipping. You can do as many as you like. I also want to say that there is a misconception that somehow MW is finicky to lather. It isn’t. It just needs you to load for a bit longer than you think you might, and to add water near the end very slowly. This is because the soap does not contain coconut oil. It is a primarily a tallow and lanolin base with lots of other good things including shea butter. It balloons into a luxurious and moisturizing lather that is hard to beat. The scents are outstanding.
I’m kicking off Mystic May Every Other Day with one of my favorite MW scents: Orange Spice Tea. Michelle mentioned that growing up her friend’s mother was a tea blender and that this was her attempt to make a scent similar to one of those blends. She describes this scent as an “Astringent and refreshing black tea scent warmed with vanilla, orange peel essential oil, and just the right amount of spice: nutmeg, clove and cinnamon leaf.” I can’t improve on that description. This is good stuff. You can also see the aftershave and fragrance. She does aftershaves (about $16) and fragrances (about $9) of most any of her scents (you just have to email her). She also does shave sticks and full pucks. All excellent prices. She also ships internationally. Check out Mystic Water when you get a chance.
Have an awesome day, friends!
Yehuda D
Sr. Shave Member
Friday morning - close to being a Grand Freeze:
Warm shower
Yaqi 30mm Barber Pole
Super Speed/7 O’Clock day 13
Stirling Frozen Tundra SS
Gold Bond Moisturizer
Floid Vigoroso AS Splash
This Frozen Tundra is the second coldest soap after the Glacials and it has a lovely scent which is a blend of peppermint, wintergreen, and earthy notes, it’s such a delight to lather, it has the typical Stirling slickness, and it’s great in the skincare department. The Gold Bond moisturizer works wonderfully as a cooling, soothing balm, and the Floid Vigoroso aftershave went on icy cold along with its beautiful old school European scent that I love so much. Another picture perfect three pass BBS shave to begin the new month!
Wishing you all a nice weekend - be well and stay safe!
Jeff
Warm shower
Yaqi 30mm Barber Pole
Super Speed/7 O’Clock day 13
Stirling Frozen Tundra SS
Gold Bond Moisturizer
Floid Vigoroso AS Splash
This Frozen Tundra is the second coldest soap after the Glacials and it has a lovely scent which is a blend of peppermint, wintergreen, and earthy notes, it’s such a delight to lather, it has the typical Stirling slickness, and it’s great in the skincare department. The Gold Bond moisturizer works wonderfully as a cooling, soothing balm, and the Floid Vigoroso aftershave went on icy cold along with its beautiful old school European scent that I love so much. Another picture perfect three pass BBS shave to begin the new month!
Wishing you all a nice weekend - be well and stay safe!
Jeff
Yetzirah
Shave Member
An excellent shave to start the new Month Akhi! Shabbat Shalom!
Yehuda D
Sr. Shave Member
Sara-s
Shave Member
@Yehuda D Shabbat Shalom to you as well!
Shampoo- Rose of Sharon Acres Neem/Peppermint shampoo bar
Conditioner- My own blend
Body soap- The soap is a blend that includes shea butter & goat milk. The scent is Lavender-Spearmint-Eucalyptus.
PSO- Sweet almond & castor oils, with Somme lavender EO for scent.
Shave soap- my own blend- same scent as my shower soap
Brush- badger with pink camo handle
Razor- Leaf Twig
Blade- Lead-branded blade (not sure who actually manufactures them.)
My legs & I are squeaky clean!
Shampoo- Rose of Sharon Acres Neem/Peppermint shampoo bar
Conditioner- My own blend
Body soap- The soap is a blend that includes shea butter & goat milk. The scent is Lavender-Spearmint-Eucalyptus.
PSO- Sweet almond & castor oils, with Somme lavender EO for scent.
Shave soap- my own blend- same scent as my shower soap
Brush- badger with pink camo handle
Razor- Leaf Twig
Blade- Lead-branded blade (not sure who actually manufactures them.)
My legs & I are squeaky clean!
1 May, 2026
Hello everyone! Hope you had a pleasant evening.
An incredible shave for the start of the new month! Returned to Floris and their excellent "Elite" shave soap, splash & EdT. Fantastic scent with incredible lather built with the PAA synth for three passes with the Karve and I finished with alum, followed by Thayers unscented witch hazel, the matching aftershave & EdT.
BBS bliss!!
Hope you have a great day.
Hello everyone! Hope you had a pleasant evening.
An incredible shave for the start of the new month! Returned to Floris and their excellent "Elite" shave soap, splash & EdT. Fantastic scent with incredible lather built with the PAA synth for three passes with the Karve and I finished with alum, followed by Thayers unscented witch hazel, the matching aftershave & EdT.
BBS bliss!!
Hope you have a great day.
Floris of London / Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements / Karve / Polsilver / Thayers
05.01.26
anchovie666
Shave Member
Friday 5/1 Shave
MODERN MAY
Used this razor for 31 Days during March
It still has a wonderful edge on it
Three Pass and just a few swipes with the Karve OC-G
Overall one of my smoothest BBS Shave results
Razor: Sun & Moon “Green Goblin” 14/15
Blade: JNat/Botan Refresh
Clean Up: Karve OC-G Plate
Lather: PAA Clown Fruit 2025
Brush: A P ShaveCo STF Knot
Post Shave: Draggon Noir Splash
Post Shave: Ariana & Evans SIAM Aftershave
MODERN MAY
Used this razor for 31 Days during March
It still has a wonderful edge on it
Three Pass and just a few swipes with the Karve OC-G
Overall one of my smoothest BBS Shave results
Razor: Sun & Moon “Green Goblin” 14/15
Blade: JNat/Botan Refresh
Clean Up: Karve OC-G Plate
Lather: PAA Clown Fruit 2025
Brush: A P ShaveCo STF Knot
Post Shave: Draggon Noir Splash
Post Shave: Ariana & Evans SIAM Aftershave
Yehuda D
Sr. Shave Member
Shabbat Shalom to you too!@Yehuda D Shabbat Shalom to you as well!
View attachment 158626
Shampoo- Rose of Sharon Acres Neem/Peppermint shampoo bar
Conditioner- My own blend
Body soap- The soap is a blend that includes shea butter & goat milk. The scent is Lavender-Spearmint-Eucalyptus.
PSO- Sweet almond & castor oils, with Somme lavender EO for scent.
Shave soap- my own blend- same scent as my shower soap
Brush- badger with pink camo handle
Razor- Leaf Twig
Blade- Lead-branded blade (not sure who actually manufactures them.)
My legs & I are squeaky clean!
Jeff
Friday's Cold Water Shave
Cold Water Rinse
Williams Mug Shave Soap
Jayaruh #425 Synthetic
Schick C Repeater
Personna Injector
Cold Water Rinse
Humphrey's Witch Hazel
Classic Old Spice After Shave
The Williams Mug Shave Soap face-lathered well with Jayaruh #425 Synthetic brush. Two passes and touch ups with the Schick C Repeater razor and the Personna Injector Blade gave me a close, comfortable shave. After a cold water rinse I finished off with Humphrey's Witch Hazel and Classic Old Spice After Shave. I am clean, smooth, and refreshed...
8th Night
Shave Member
Friday, May 1, 2026
Great shave this afternoon with the AL-13 ++ and the Nivea Shave Cream. I face lathered the the Green Ray and built a thick, slick lather. 2 passes with some cleanup. 1 day of growth.
View attachment 158652
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (Epic Shave!)
Smoothness: ★★★★★ (BBS Perfection)
Irritation: ★☆☆☆☆ (Zero Burn)
Time of Day: Afternoon
Blade Uses: 1
Passes: 2
Razor: Henson AL-13++ Medium
Blade: The Gentleman Super Platinum Max x 7 (India)
Soap: Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Cream
Shaving Bowl: Face Lather
Brush: PAA Green Ray
Pre-Shave: Hot Shower
Pre-Shave 2: Van Der Hagen Hypo-Allergenic Fragrance Free Glycerin Puck
Aftershave: PAA Alum Solid Block No slip Grip.
Aftershave 2: Thayer's Cucumber Facial Toner - Witch Hazel
Aftershave 3: Ariana & Evans Ultima Unmasked Unscented Splash
Aftershave 4: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Generated by Shaving Sherpa — Shaving Sherpa - Master Your Wet Shaving Journey
Great shave this afternoon with the AL-13 ++ and the Nivea Shave Cream. I face lathered the the Green Ray and built a thick, slick lather. 2 passes with some cleanup. 1 day of growth.
View attachment 158652
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (Epic Shave!)
Smoothness: ★★★★★ (BBS Perfection)
Irritation: ★☆☆☆☆ (Zero Burn)
Time of Day: Afternoon
Blade Uses: 1
Passes: 2
Razor: Henson AL-13++ Medium
Blade: The Gentleman Super Platinum Max x 7 (India)
Soap: Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Cream
Shaving Bowl: Face Lather
Brush: PAA Green Ray
Pre-Shave: Hot Shower
Pre-Shave 2: Van Der Hagen Hypo-Allergenic Fragrance Free Glycerin Puck
Aftershave: PAA Alum Solid Block No slip Grip.
Aftershave 2: Thayer's Cucumber Facial Toner - Witch Hazel
Aftershave 3: Ariana & Evans Ultima Unmasked Unscented Splash
Aftershave 4: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Generated by Shaving Sherpa — Shaving Sherpa - Master Your Wet Shaving Journey
Nice end to the week / beginning of the month… finishing up with an inexpensive puck I got when I first got into DE shaving, plus a few other items that made for a nice post-shower shave.
Cheers!
Cheers!
remfan170
Shave Newbie
I love your mug. Thank you for your service! Naval aviator! Top Gun!
I'm about 300 pages into this book about the 2015 sinking of the SS El Faro, left Jacksonville, sailed right into a hurricane on its way to San Juan bc of the captain's incompetence and not listening to the crew, and sank. I'm just a civilian, but I've been desperately wanting someone in the navy to answer this question for me please (and please feel free to say no, i hope this isn't inappropriate): is there not some sort of "air traffic control tower" that is monitoring via radar where all ships are at a given moment? dont the ships need to register their intended path with some sort of...central authority so they don't crash into each other or clog up shipping lanes? was no one "tracking" them? what about the place in new london, ct. where they track the icebergs and warn the ships? was there not communication between other ships like titanic's "ice warnings" that they got over the wireless?
Thanks - it's one of my old squadron mugs that's perfect for shaving.
The short answer to your question is no, there isn't anything like that for shipping that I'm aware of. Mariners need to schedule departures and arrivals to ports so they have services like tugs, pier services, Customs & Immigration, etc. but the go/no-go decisions are usually made by the ship's captain and owners - with I'm sure input from insurers, especially these days. There is such a thing as a "float plan" that (smart) recreational boaters use so that people will know when and where to look for them if they don't arrive at their destination within a reasonable time. Beyond that, mariners use radar, satellite weather services, and automatic information service (AIS) for vessel tracking - there is no central authority. The Coast Guard (and others) issue various notices, etc. for mariners and MarineTraffic is a great resource for seeing where ships are operating worldwide. <<I've embedded a couple of non-shaving links above if you're curious... hopefully I didn't break any rules here.>> Hope this helps.
Cheers!