2019 shave #312 (DE:140 SE:116 Str:56 Cart:0) - 462 days of consecutive shaving
Blacklands Vector "Merlin" w/ Schick Proline (4)
RazoRock synth
Tallow + Steel Madagascar
Alum
Thayer's Lemon
Nivea 2:1
Hermes Vetiver Tonka
Gentlemen, settle in and lets talk about this shave a bit. I got this soap from
@Spider's mystery box. Kinda took a flier on it because T+S soaps are among the most polarizing I believe because they aren't "safe" one note scents and they crank the scent strength up to 11. You have to be in the correct mood for this one for sure. Ready for something a little different and thoughtful. The scent notes are Ylang-Ylang, Katrafay, Vanilla, Rose Geranium, and Ravensara. Not that it tells you anything. And here's their description:
Madagascar is a wonderland of shifting landscapes forgotten by time—trek beneath the green canopy of the tropical rainforests, or relax in the long shadows cast by the majestic baobab trees.
Using essential oils sourced directly from Madagascar to reflect the island’s rich and unexplained biodiversity, this floral scent centers around some of the finest ylang ylang essential oil produced on the island. Combined with a sweet geranium rose oil, these floral notes will slowly subside making way for flora endemic to Madagascar - spicy ravensara, and green woody katrafay. Ever-present during the aromatic journey is a touch of the intoxicating scent of the island’s famed vanilla – prized for its warmth, and rich liqueur-like sweetness.
I wouldn't say it's floral to me. It's a rich, dark scent with maybe some unusual floral notes. Anyway, it's different for sure. I won't mind using it when the mood strikes, but won't be getting the aftershave. On to the shave. I was going to pursue ultra smooth tomorrow, but decided not to wait and went for it. Not only did I use Merlin and the best blade match for him, but I did skin stretching that I use with open blades. Boys, after 2 passes I was a very nice BBS. But did we stop there? Heck no! The Dolphins could be heard playing already, but lets get them all stirred-up! 3rd pass it is. ATG with some counter traction. Can you hear them screamin' dolphins now!??!!
Boooyah!
Decided since we were already out on the high wire with scents, I'd use a sample that I got some time ago and at first blush decided wasn't in my wheel house. Happy to report it dried down a nice middle of the road vetiver with a touch of sweetness to it. Not bad, but I'd need a bigger dose to know if it's something I'd buy and would last on me. It seems to be disappearing pretty quickly.
Back on the ranch, work is getting a bit nuts. The strike activity is still heading down the tracks. So all the work that goes into keeping the hospital running during something like that is piled on top of all the other work that needs to be happening anyway. The strike itself would have been okay to deal with, but the RNs announced they would have a sympathy strike. So that's a different ballgame and if it happens all of next week will be a mess.
