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Doug's Journal of Shaving Happiness v2.0
- Thread starter dkeester
- Start date
dkeester
"TSC's Master of Bourbon"
Journal Entry #440
2020 Shaves (DE: 12, SE: 2, Straight: 2, Cart: 0)
01/16/2020
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/CBL Tonsorial BETA as pre-shave
Razor: Gillette NEW LC w/ball-end handle
Blade: Crown SS (3)
Bowl: Fine Lather Bowl
Brush: VIG Shaving 24mm Silvertip Badger
Soap/Cream: CBL Tonsorial Money BETA (18)
AS 1: 365 Everyday Rose Petal Face Toner + Lucky TIger AS & Face Tonic
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Barbasol Pacific Rush
Fragrance: Blue Depths cologne (clone of Cool Water)
Overview
Neck irritation
SOTD Pic
None
Shave Quality
I am thinking that the Crown SS might not be the best blade for me. They work decently, but I feel like I am more irritated on my neck than I should be today. The shave was BBS. The lather was pretty good. I also had a different pre-shave routine this morning. That could explain some of it. I used some of the CBL Tonsorial protolather as my pre-shave today. It seemed to work okay, but I think my face needs more.
Gear
The Crown SS blade is still a little rough on shave #3. I think that this is a blade which I am not going to restock when I run out. There are other blades that I like better.
The VIG Shaving brush is still losing about 2 hairs every shave. I really hope that it settles down.
Other Thoughts
Feeling much better today after a relaxing evening of pipe smoking and a decent night sleep.
Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.
2020 Shaves (DE: 12, SE: 2, Straight: 2, Cart: 0)
01/16/2020
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/CBL Tonsorial BETA as pre-shave
Razor: Gillette NEW LC w/ball-end handle
Blade: Crown SS (3)
Bowl: Fine Lather Bowl
Brush: VIG Shaving 24mm Silvertip Badger
Soap/Cream: CBL Tonsorial Money BETA (18)
AS 1: 365 Everyday Rose Petal Face Toner + Lucky TIger AS & Face Tonic
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Barbasol Pacific Rush
Fragrance: Blue Depths cologne (clone of Cool Water)
Overview
Neck irritation
SOTD Pic
None
Shave Quality
I am thinking that the Crown SS might not be the best blade for me. They work decently, but I feel like I am more irritated on my neck than I should be today. The shave was BBS. The lather was pretty good. I also had a different pre-shave routine this morning. That could explain some of it. I used some of the CBL Tonsorial protolather as my pre-shave today. It seemed to work okay, but I think my face needs more.
Gear
The Crown SS blade is still a little rough on shave #3. I think that this is a blade which I am not going to restock when I run out. There are other blades that I like better.
The VIG Shaving brush is still losing about 2 hairs every shave. I really hope that it settles down.
Other Thoughts
Feeling much better today after a relaxing evening of pipe smoking and a decent night sleep.
Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.
Sounds great
dkeester
"TSC's Master of Bourbon"
Journal Entry #441
2020 Shaves (DE: 13, SE: 2, Straight: 2, Cart: 0)
01/17/2020
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling unscented pre-shave oil
Razor: Rockwell Model-T @3
Blade: Crown SS (4)
Bowl: Fine Lather Bowl
Brush: Yaqi 24mm R1818 Aqua High Mountain Silvertip Badger
Soap/Cream: CBL Tonsorial Money BETA (19)
AS 1: 365 Everyday Rose Petal Face Toner + Lucky TIger AS & Face Tonic
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: none
Overview
A Clubman day is a good day.
SOTD Pic
None
Shave Quality
Today the shave clicked. I got the best lather yet from the CBL Tonsorial. The Yaqi HMW might have had something to do with that. There were times where I couldn't feel the blade in the Rockwell Model-T. This is the most irritation free that I have been in a few weeks. My face is smooth and I am a happy boy.
Gear
Shave #4 on the Crown SS. I think I may have hit the break-in point. The roughness of the past few shaves was absent. Maybe it was the razor. The Model-T is a well engineered piece of hardware. But, I am hoping that at least part of it was the blade smoothing out.
I am wondering if I need to clean my badgers better before using them. I always shampoo a new badger once before using. However, I wonder if working out the badger funk is having a negative impact on my skin during the shave. Today's shave with the Yaqi R1818 was a funk-free experience. It was also the best shave that I have had in quite a while. I wonder if the brush being finally funk-free played a role.
Other Thoughts
Its Friday and I have a three day weekend. Woot.
Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.
2020 Shaves (DE: 13, SE: 2, Straight: 2, Cart: 0)
01/17/2020
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling unscented pre-shave oil
Razor: Rockwell Model-T @3
Blade: Crown SS (4)
Bowl: Fine Lather Bowl
Brush: Yaqi 24mm R1818 Aqua High Mountain Silvertip Badger
Soap/Cream: CBL Tonsorial Money BETA (19)
AS 1: 365 Everyday Rose Petal Face Toner + Lucky TIger AS & Face Tonic
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Pinaud Clubman
Fragrance: none
Overview
A Clubman day is a good day.
SOTD Pic
None
Shave Quality
Today the shave clicked. I got the best lather yet from the CBL Tonsorial. The Yaqi HMW might have had something to do with that. There were times where I couldn't feel the blade in the Rockwell Model-T. This is the most irritation free that I have been in a few weeks. My face is smooth and I am a happy boy.
Gear
Shave #4 on the Crown SS. I think I may have hit the break-in point. The roughness of the past few shaves was absent. Maybe it was the razor. The Model-T is a well engineered piece of hardware. But, I am hoping that at least part of it was the blade smoothing out.
I am wondering if I need to clean my badgers better before using them. I always shampoo a new badger once before using. However, I wonder if working out the badger funk is having a negative impact on my skin during the shave. Today's shave with the Yaqi R1818 was a funk-free experience. It was also the best shave that I have had in quite a while. I wonder if the brush being finally funk-free played a role.
Other Thoughts
Its Friday and I have a three day weekend. Woot.
Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.
Indeed! I have found Crown blades to be surprisingly good. I forget how I stumbled onto them, maybe a freebie inclusion of an order long ago. I have used them extensively and found them to be quite good, though I haven't tried them in a wide variety of razors.
dkeester
"TSC's Master of Bourbon"
Journal Entry #442
2020 Shaves (DE: 13, SE: 2, Straight: 3, Cart: 0)
01/18/2020
TSC Straight Shave #32
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling Uncented pre-shave oil
Straight: Classic Samauri shavette
Shavette Blade: Shark SS
Strop: none
Razor: Colonial Razors The General v1
Blade: Feather Pro (6)
Bowl: Fine Lather Bowl
Brush: Yaqi 26mm Rainbow Handle, Brown Hair Synthetic
Soap/Cream: CBL Tonsorial Money BETA (20)
AS 1: 365 Everyday Rose Petal Face Toner + Lucky TIger AS & Face Tonic
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Barbasol Pacific Rush
Fragrance: Blue Depths cologne
Overview
More Successful Shavette Experimentation
SOTD Pic
Shave Quality
I feel like I am starting to get the hang of these half blade shavettes. Today's shave was really good. Two passes with the shavette left me DFS+ with only three nicks. One nick is on my chin from a hard touchdown in the same place that I always seem to get a hard touchdown. The other two are on each side of my mustache area. These are the same places where I always seem to nick myself. However, they were less bad than they have been in the past. I think my touch is getting lighter. The CBL Tonsorial lather was amazing. It was a really great shave.
Gear
This shavette is sold under several brands. It is a very thin piece of hardware. While I was able to get a really good shave from it today, it was a bit challenging to use at times. It kept wanting to roll over in my hand. I think this is due to the thinness of the razor. I never felt like it was dangerous, but it also meant that I had to be extra careful. I don't think I will be using this shavette again. I have several half blade shavettes that are thicker and a bit easier to hold. There is nothing wrong with this model, I just have better ones.
Other Thoughts
At the cigar shop for the third Saturday in a row. I haven't been here this much in two and a half years. It feels really good to be enjoying my lounge again.
Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.
2020 Shaves (DE: 13, SE: 2, Straight: 3, Cart: 0)
01/18/2020
TSC Straight Shave #32
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling Uncented pre-shave oil
Straight: Classic Samauri shavette
Shavette Blade: Shark SS
Strop: none
Razor: Colonial Razors The General v1
Blade: Feather Pro (6)
Bowl: Fine Lather Bowl
Brush: Yaqi 26mm Rainbow Handle, Brown Hair Synthetic
Soap/Cream: CBL Tonsorial Money BETA (20)
AS 1: 365 Everyday Rose Petal Face Toner + Lucky TIger AS & Face Tonic
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Barbasol Pacific Rush
Fragrance: Blue Depths cologne
Overview
More Successful Shavette Experimentation
SOTD Pic
Shave Quality
I feel like I am starting to get the hang of these half blade shavettes. Today's shave was really good. Two passes with the shavette left me DFS+ with only three nicks. One nick is on my chin from a hard touchdown in the same place that I always seem to get a hard touchdown. The other two are on each side of my mustache area. These are the same places where I always seem to nick myself. However, they were less bad than they have been in the past. I think my touch is getting lighter. The CBL Tonsorial lather was amazing. It was a really great shave.
Gear
This shavette is sold under several brands. It is a very thin piece of hardware. While I was able to get a really good shave from it today, it was a bit challenging to use at times. It kept wanting to roll over in my hand. I think this is due to the thinness of the razor. I never felt like it was dangerous, but it also meant that I had to be extra careful. I don't think I will be using this shavette again. I have several half blade shavettes that are thicker and a bit easier to hold. There is nothing wrong with this model, I just have better ones.
Other Thoughts
At the cigar shop for the third Saturday in a row. I haven't been here this much in two and a half years. It feels really good to be enjoying my lounge again.
Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.
That is a wicked looking Shavette! I think shavettes are awesome pieces of shave equipment...but they are also my nemesis. They are like Bobcats...they look like a regular kitty cat...but man they will tear your face off if you don't admire from afar!
dkeester
"TSC's Master of Bourbon"
They do take time, care, and a very light touch. One of my problems has been not realizing how they differ from traditional straights. They really are harder to use than an old-school straight razor.
EDIT: It hit me today that one of the big differences between a shavette and a straight is that you cannot use the toe on a shavette. When using a traditional straight with a square toe, you can use the toe to do some work in tight areas with the rest of the blade off of your face. The blade can flex enough to make precision work possible. Trying to do the same thing with a shavette will most likely cause the blade to bite down releasing the red magic fluid.
dkeester
"TSC's Master of Bourbon"
Yes. I am very pleased with all aspects of that brush.
I have a tough time with the DE bladed shavettes, so kudos on your skill level.
dkeester
"TSC's Master of Bourbon"
The shavette used a Shark SS. The General that I used for the cleanup pass used a Feather Pro.
Dave in KY
Shave Newbie
dkeester
"TSC's Master of Bourbon"
Journal Entry #443
2020 Shaves (DE: 13, SE: 3, Straight: 3, Cart: 0)
01/19/2020
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling unscented pre-shave oil
Razor: RazoRock Black Hawk v1
Blade: Feather Pro (2)
Bowl: Fine Lather Bowl
Brush: VIG Shaving 24mm Silvertip Badger
Soap/Cream: CBL Tonsorial Money BETA (21)
AS 1: 365 Everyday Rose Petal Face Toner + Lucky TIger AS & Face Tonic
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Figaro Monsieur Ambra
Fragrance: none
Overview
Feeling barbershoppy... If that is actually a word...
SOTD Pic
None
Shave Quality
The CBL Tonsorial + RR Hawk did good things to my face today. There was a fair bit of blade feel, but that didn't detract from the shave. I am a happy BBS boy. Today's splash left me feeling and smelling like a million bucks.
Gear
I think the VIG brush splays too much. It is a good brush, but I think when I start my brush restorations I will set the knots lower than this one. The Yaqi badgers that I have also have less loft than the VIG brush.
The Figaro Monsieur Ambra is my favorite barbershop AS splash. (Yes, I mean the big bottle.) It has this spicy, powdery smell that is really inviting.
Other Thoughts
Having a nice relaxing weekend. I am hanging out at the cigar shop again. Just having a quiet day.
Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.
2020 Shaves (DE: 13, SE: 3, Straight: 3, Cart: 0)
01/19/2020
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling unscented pre-shave oil
Razor: RazoRock Black Hawk v1
Blade: Feather Pro (2)
Bowl: Fine Lather Bowl
Brush: VIG Shaving 24mm Silvertip Badger
Soap/Cream: CBL Tonsorial Money BETA (21)
AS 1: 365 Everyday Rose Petal Face Toner + Lucky TIger AS & Face Tonic
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Figaro Monsieur Ambra
Fragrance: none
Overview
Feeling barbershoppy... If that is actually a word...
SOTD Pic
None
Shave Quality
The CBL Tonsorial + RR Hawk did good things to my face today. There was a fair bit of blade feel, but that didn't detract from the shave. I am a happy BBS boy. Today's splash left me feeling and smelling like a million bucks.
Gear
I think the VIG brush splays too much. It is a good brush, but I think when I start my brush restorations I will set the knots lower than this one. The Yaqi badgers that I have also have less loft than the VIG brush.
The Figaro Monsieur Ambra is my favorite barbershop AS splash. (Yes, I mean the big bottle.) It has this spicy, powdery smell that is really inviting.
Other Thoughts
Having a nice relaxing weekend. I am hanging out at the cigar shop again. Just having a quiet day.
Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.
Sounds like you are enjoying your weekend.
Why I outta....Skim reading again......
Dave in KY
Shave Newbie
A formal apology will come this week.......
dkeester
"TSC's Master of Bourbon"
Journal Entry #444
2020 Shaves (DE: 14, SE: 3, Straight: 3, Cart: 0)
01/20/2020
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling unscented pre-shave oil
Razor: Gillette Heritage DE
Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome - Israeli Red (1)
Bowl: Fine Lather Bowl
Brush: RazoRock Finest Badger w/barber handle
Soap/Cream: CBL Tonsorial Money BETA (22)
AS 1: 365 Everyday Rose Petal Face Toner + Lucky TIger AS & Face Tonic
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Aqua Velva Ice Blue
Fragrance: none
Overview
There's something about an Aqua Velva man.
SOTD Pic
None
Shave Quality
The RazoRock badger didn't produce as good of a lather as my Yaqi badgers do. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't all that CBL Tonsorial can be. That didn't matter, however. The Gillette Heritage is a really good razor. It gave me a smooth BBS-ish two pass shave today. There was minimal alum feedback. My aftershave routine left my face feeling great.
Gear
The Gillette Heritage might be a bit of a gimmick, but it shaves as well as an EJ. I just wish the handle were heavier.
I wish Aqua Velva sill came in a glass bottle. It is, IMO, the best OTC aftershave splash on the market.
Other Thoughts
Today is a good day. I hopped on the scale and it said 219.7. I am a very happy person. 220 has been my goal weight for many years. When I was at 260 and higher this seemed like an almost impossible goal. I have been doing Keto longer than any other diet that I have tried and had more success with it. On to the next goal... 200.
Also, I went for the hat trick. This is my third day in a row going to the cigar shop since I have today off. This weekend has been full-on good life.
Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.
2020 Shaves (DE: 14, SE: 3, Straight: 3, Cart: 0)
01/20/2020
Pre: Hot shower/splash of cool water/Stirling unscented pre-shave oil
Razor: Gillette Heritage DE
Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome - Israeli Red (1)
Bowl: Fine Lather Bowl
Brush: RazoRock Finest Badger w/barber handle
Soap/Cream: CBL Tonsorial Money BETA (22)
AS 1: 365 Everyday Rose Petal Face Toner + Lucky TIger AS & Face Tonic
AS 2: Aqua Velva Sensitive 5-in-1 ASB & Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
AS 3: Aqua Velva Ice Blue
Fragrance: none
Overview
There's something about an Aqua Velva man.
SOTD Pic
None
Shave Quality
The RazoRock badger didn't produce as good of a lather as my Yaqi badgers do. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't all that CBL Tonsorial can be. That didn't matter, however. The Gillette Heritage is a really good razor. It gave me a smooth BBS-ish two pass shave today. There was minimal alum feedback. My aftershave routine left my face feeling great.
Gear
The Gillette Heritage might be a bit of a gimmick, but it shaves as well as an EJ. I just wish the handle were heavier.
I wish Aqua Velva sill came in a glass bottle. It is, IMO, the best OTC aftershave splash on the market.
Other Thoughts
Today is a good day. I hopped on the scale and it said 219.7. I am a very happy person. 220 has been my goal weight for many years. When I was at 260 and higher this seemed like an almost impossible goal. I have been doing Keto longer than any other diet that I have tried and had more success with it. On to the next goal... 200.
Also, I went for the hat trick. This is my third day in a row going to the cigar shop since I have today off. This weekend has been full-on good life.
Thank you for reading and commenting on my journal. I hope you have a great day and stellar shaves, Cadre.