Doug's Journal of Shaving Happiness v2.0

[bentheduck]

It is possible that I may run out of the Strike Gold AS before the soap runs out.

That is one of my biggest fears in wet shaving. I gotta have my matching splash!

 

[Spider]

Keto FTW! I am not losing weight fast, but it is coming off. My health is improving with it. I am currently down to about my college weight. I am eating well and loving every second of it.

Nice! I love the fact that I can eat delicious things that I used to think were bad for me, and be healthy and lose weight. It's surely a game changer!

Bulletproof coffee is good stuff but way more hassle than I want most days.

How hard are you making it? Make coffee, add a bit of butter and cococnut oil and done. I make mine in a travel mug, so I just give it a good shake before drinking to keep it mixed up.

 

[dangerousdon]

Bulletproof coffee is good stuff but way more hassle than I want most days.

How hard are you making it? Make coffee, add a bit of butter and cococnut oil and done. I make mine in a travel mug, so I just give it a good shake before drinking to keep it mixed up.

I have a hard time not having a big "Bulletproof Coffee" on days before work. Even if I'm not doing Keto I find the Coconut Oil or the MCT Oil (basically looking for the medium chain triglycerides) give me a nice sustained subtle energy for about four to six hours! Sometimes I add some grass fed butter but most of the time I will just add a splash of cream. If I am feeling up to it...I will add some cocoa powder and maybe some vanilla extract. IF...I want it sweeter...and that's a big IF, because all of these ingredients are sweet enough to me as it is...I will add some Monk Fruit Sweetener to it. Absolutely no glycemic increase with that stuff.

I will admit that it takes an extra step or two to make it because the oils don't readily mix in with just a swirl of the spoon. But I use a manual hand blender (at least that is what I call it) and it makes it really easy to mix. It's spring loaded and makes emulsifying liquids pretty easy.

Amazon.com : Newness Egg Whisk, Stainless Steel Hand Push Whisk Blender for Home - Versatile Tool for Egg Beater, Milk Frother, Hand Push Mixer Stirrer - Kitchen Utensil for Blending, Whisking, Beating & Stirring : Gateway

Amazon.com : Newness Egg Whisk, Stainless Steel Hand Push Whisk Blender for Home - Versatile Tool for Egg Beater, Milk Frother, Hand Push Mixer Stirrer - Kitchen Utensil for Blending, Whisking, Beating & Stirring : Gateway

www.amazon.com

My current employer has a company shutdown for the 4th of July week. So, I am just about to start a week of employer mandated vacation. This is the second company that I have worked for which has this sort of shutdown policy. I really like it. This is going to be a very nice week.

Hope you are have a great time off!

 

[Spider]

I will admit that it takes an extra step or two to make it because the oils don't readily mix in with just a swirl of the spoon. But I use a manual hand blender (at least that is what I call it) and it makes it really easy to mix. It's spring loaded and makes emulsifying liquids pretty easy.

I find that if I add a bit of Heavy Whipping Cream to the BFC, it helps keep the oils emulsified much longer.

 

[dangerousdon]

I find that if I add a bit of Heavy Whipping Cream to the BFC, it helps keep the oils emulsified much longer.

I think you are right! I don't add much...like I said...just a splash! My wife looks at me like I am crazy with my concoctions. But honestly, I think they taste better than a latte at Starbucks!

 

[uacowboy]

How hard are you making it? Make coffee, add a bit of butter and cococnut oil and done. I make mine in a travel mug, so I just give it a good shake before drinking to keep it mixed up.

I just have issues keeping the oils emulsified unless I am at home and can use a blender. Plus I normally make my coffee at work on workdays so I don't have the blender on hand. In that case I just drink it black or with a splash of heavy cream.

 

[Spider]

I just have issues keeping the oils emulsified

I don’t worry about keeping them emulsified. And a little HWC will help keep them emulsified as well.

 

[uacowboy]

I don’t worry about keeping them emulsified. And a little HWC will help keep them emulsified as well.

Tried that. Not a fan of drinking all the oil off the top. I will try the HWC combo though.

 

[dkeester]

Journal Entry #320

07/07/2019
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling Piacenza pre-shave oil
Razor: Parker 22R
Blade: GIllette (Indian) Wilkinson Sword (1)
Brush: Maggard 24mm purple handle Plissoft
Soap/Cream: Strike Gold Shave Old Hickory (28)
AS 1: Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Strike Gold Shave Old Hickory (28)
Fragrance: none

Overview
A good shave to finish off my week off.

SOTD Pic
None

Shave Quality
It has been a week of great shaves with the Strike Gold. Iowa was nice, but very humid. The shaves have been just shy of BBS the whole time. I have been getting a bit too rough with my face I think. Overall it is good stuff. It is also nice to be home. The two kitties missed the LOTH and I.

Gear
No worries or complaints on any of my gear lately. I could gush more about the Strike Gold, but I won't this time.

Other Thoughts
Feeling relaxed and recharged. Isn't that what vacations are supposed to do?


Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.

 

[dangerousdon]

Glad the vacation took! And with your seal of approval on Strike Gold soap it is going on my list to buy!

 

[dkeester]

Glad the vacation took! And with your seal of approval on Strike Gold soap it is going on my list to buy!

Thanks.

I hope that you like the soap as much as I do.

 

[dkeester]

Journal Entry #321

07/08/2019
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling Piacenza pre-shave oil
Razor: Parker 22R
Blade: GIllette (Indian) Wilkinson Sword (2)
Brush: Maggard 24mm purple handle Plissoft
Soap/Cream: Strike Gold Shave Old Hickory (29)
AS 1: Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Strike Gold Shave Old Hickory (29)
Fragrance: none

Overview
A decent repeat

SOTD Pic
None

Shave Quality
My neck is always a problem area. It is easily irritated. I got a BBS- shave today in two passes, but my neck was a little red and splotchy. The LT Disappearing Cream + AV Balm made it feel really nice, however. Despite that, my neck is still a problem for me.

Gear
Good gear. Although, I think the Indian Wilkie is not the best choice for this Parker.

Other Thoughts
Back to the salt mines.

Also, when doing Keto it can be hard to get enough fat in one's diet...


Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.

 

[Majorrich]

Reminds me... Bacon run tomorrow!

 

[Dave in KY]

Reminds me... Bacon run tomorrow!

YUMMMMMM !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dkeester]

Journal Entry #322

07/09/2019
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling Piacenza pre-shave oil
Razor: Parker 87R
Blade: Parker PP (1)
Brush: TSC Member Brush w/Silk Smoke knot
Soap/Cream: Strike Gold Shave Old Hickory (30)
AS 1: Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Strike Gold Shave Old Hickory (30)
Fragrance: none

Overview
Parker razor + Parker blade = Great results

SOTD Pic
None

Shave Quality
The problem area was less of a problem today. I attribute that to using a better blade and using an aggressively light touch. Full-on BBS in two passes. The lather was great. Wet, thick, and slick.

Gear
This hobby is has a huge YMMV component. The DE blade that works wonders for me could irritate the hell out of the next guy. But, for me it is hard to beat these Parker PP blades. They are one of my top 5 blades.

I really like the looks of the 87R. It is one of Parkers better looking TTOs. It reminds me of a Gillette Aristocrat. It is also really well balanced.

The Strike Gold 3017 is kind of slow going. This is not a complaint, because I am in love with this soap. However, I am a month in and only about 1/3 the way through the tub. I have a feeling that this one is going to last me until September. I think the AS splash is going to give out before the soap does, which never happens with me. I am about 1/2 through the bottle of AS, but that is probably due to me using glugs of the stuff. It is just such a great smell. In a couple of weeks I am going to buy another bottle of the AS to have a backup in the event that the AS gives out before the soap does.

Other Thoughts
I may give myself a 3017 cheat day sometime soon. I don't really feel the need for one, but there is so much stuff in my den that is sitting unused right now. The question is, what do I choose for my cheat day?


Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.

 

[SteveChuckFrank]

I’m also a big fan of the Parker blades. They work well in everything I’ve used them in so far.

 

[Dave in KY]

Journal Entry #322

07/09/2019
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling Piacenza pre-shave oil
Razor: Parker 87R
Blade: Parker PP (1)
Brush: TSC Member Brush w/Silk Smoke knot
Soap/Cream: Strike Gold Shave Old Hickory (30)
AS 1: Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Strike Gold Shave Old Hickory (B30)
Fragrance: none

Overview
Parker razor + Parker blade = Great results

SOTD Pic
None

Shave Quality
The problem area was less of a problem today. I attribute that to using a better blade and using an aggressively light touch. Full-on BBS in two passes. The lather was great. Wet, thick, and slick.

Gear
This hobby is has a huge YMMV component. The DE blade that works wonders for me could irritate the hell out of the next guy. But, for me it is hard to beat these Parker PP blades. They are one of my top 5 blades.

I really like the looks of the 87R. It is one of Parkers better looking TTOs. It reminds me of a Gillette Aristocrat. It is also really well balanced.

The Strike Gold 3017 is kind of slow going. This is not a complaint, because I am in love with this soap. However, I am a month in and only about 1/3 the way through the tub. I have a feeling that this one is going to last me until September. I think the AS splash is going to give out before the soap does, which never happens with me. I am about 1/2 through the bottle of AS, but that is probably due to me using glugs of the stuff. It is just such a great smell. In a couple of weeks I am going to buy another bottle of the AS to have a backup in the event that the AS gives out before the soap does.

Other Thoughts
I may give myself a 3017 cheat day sometime soon. I don't really feel the need for one, but there is so much stuff in my den that is sitting unused right now. The question is, what do I choose for my cheat day?


Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.

Man that Strike Gold is going the extra mile for you Doug. I admire how you can stick with one soap for so long while still having others all around you. B14

 

[dkeester]

Journal Entry #323

07/10/2019
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling Piacenza pre-shave oil
Razor: Parker 87R
Blade: Parker PP (2)
Brush: TSC Member Brush w/Silk Smoke knot
Soap/Cream: Strike Gold Shave Old Hickory (31)
AS 1: Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Strike Gold Shave Old Hickory (31)
Fragrance: none

Overview
So good it deserved a repeat.

SOTD Pic
None

Shave Quality
Almost a grail shave today. It was so smooth and irritation free that I could seriously just use this combo from now on.

Gear
A really great setup.

Other Thoughts
I am hoping that WCS will offer a decent discount on soaps and ASes soon so that I can order a few more Strike Gold scents. I still need to try the Moon Soaps stuff.


Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.

 

[dkeester]

Journal Entry #324

07/11/2019
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling Piacenza pre-shave oil
Razor: Parker 87R
Blade: Parker PP (3)
Brush: TSC Member Brush w/Silk Smoke knot
Soap/Cream: Strike Gold Shave Old Hickory (32)
AS 1: Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Strike Gold Shave Old Hickory (32)
Fragrance: none

Overview
Parker hat trick.

SOTD Pic
None

Shave Quality
Had a little more irritation today, but it was still a really great shave. I really like the Parker blades. BBS- in two passes.

Gear
Time to change it up for tomorrow.

Other Thoughts
I bought 5 pounds of yarn yesterday and got most of it on clearance with a couple of coupons for the regular priced stuff. My yarn stash is getting quite large.


Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.

 

[Cvargo]

5 pounds of yarn? Wow! That has to be a lot of string.