The Shaving Cadre
Welcome to The Shaving Cadre, a forum dedicated to gentlemanly discourse about wet shaving and other topics of common interests. Membership is always free so register today and join in the fun
The wonderful excesses of acquisition disorders...and wet shaving
- Thread starter Dagwoodz
- Start date
clyde72 said:
Thanks Craig! This was a "JENGA" moment the first time I smelled/used this soap. One of my favorites in the den for sure.
cmh737 said:
Thanks Chris! I'm trying not to go overboard, but I guess I'm making up for lost time. LOL
Cvargo said:
Thanks Chad! It really is a great product!
NurseDave said:
If you're an English Fern fan, this is just about as "must buy" as it gets. It matches up incredibly well with it! And the rest of the soaps from the actual maker of the soap, WSP, are awesome as well...at least from what I've tried. They have a vegan formula, the Rustic line, and a cream available. I haven't tried either of those, but this is the Formula T version, and it's elite level stuff.
Quijote said:
Thanks Don...Yeah, after I felt the first borderline tug/catch on that spot from the 'Jectah, I knew it was time to just avoid it and take what the shave gods were going to give without further blood sacrifices.
Thursday, 29 March, 2018
No shave Thursday
No shave today, but over the past 72 hours, I’ve fully enabled/introduced one of my co-workers into this wonderful hobby. He’s a younger service member who really gravitated to the concept of proper grooming, and just slowing down every once in a while. After explaining a few things to him, I let him borrow some of my hardware, namely the 54’ Gillette Superspeed, the Captain’s Choice lather bowl, and one of my Wild West Brushworks Cashmere brush. I also PIF’d him some software, (PannaCrema Nostalgia, Haslinger Schafmilch, a sample of Stirling Island Man, Fine L’Orange Noir AS, a tuck of Astras, and a stick of alum).
He just had his first shave with the SS and was really impressed with the result, even after not going ATG. He wants to play around with the lather a bit more to see what he enjoys, but he’s already looking at picking up one of the starter kits from Stirling to get the ball rolling. He was shocked at how good his face felt after all was said and done. Not sure if he’s going to be getting into the hobby as hardcore as many of us here, but for me it’s more about getting people, mostly men out here, to take better care of their skin, and be more economical per shave. I was going to say "save money" there, but we all know how that goes. LOL.
On the home front, the SWMBO is about to go in and take care of something that we have been dreading for a couple of months, taxes. With the injury happening and me being back in the states for my recovery, we aren’t going to be eligible for the tax break for overseas contractors, and my tax withholdings weren’t set up to take that into account. We are going to end up owing a substantial amount to the gov’t, it’s just down to how much at this point. It is what it is, we’ll cope just like any other situation, and the 4 months I was home was nice, so I can’t really complain. I’ve since adjusted my withholdings now so that if I have to come home for any more than 35 days, it won’t end up hurting us in the end. Lesson learned...time to pay the tax man.
The weekend is almost upon us, with Easter coming up on Sunday. The following weekend is one of my favorite sporting events of the year, The Masters. Looking forward to how that tournament shakes out, with the re-emergence of Tiger Woods being competitive again after his spinal fusion surgery. It would be amazing to see him in the mix again on Sunday. The last time he was in serious contention on the final day was back in 2011 when he was just a couple of shots back with 4 holes to play. I was lucky enough to see that in person, sitting by the 15[sup]th[/sup] green. The sound of the crowd, the ambiance of the course…it’s the most memorable sporting event I’ve been to. If you ever get the chance to go to Augusta National for this event, do yourself a favor and go. Even if you aren’t a golf fan. You don’t need to be to appreciate it, and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Obviously, no photo for the no-shave. Have a great day everyone!
No shave Thursday
No shave today, but over the past 72 hours, I’ve fully enabled/introduced one of my co-workers into this wonderful hobby. He’s a younger service member who really gravitated to the concept of proper grooming, and just slowing down every once in a while. After explaining a few things to him, I let him borrow some of my hardware, namely the 54’ Gillette Superspeed, the Captain’s Choice lather bowl, and one of my Wild West Brushworks Cashmere brush. I also PIF’d him some software, (PannaCrema Nostalgia, Haslinger Schafmilch, a sample of Stirling Island Man, Fine L’Orange Noir AS, a tuck of Astras, and a stick of alum).
He just had his first shave with the SS and was really impressed with the result, even after not going ATG. He wants to play around with the lather a bit more to see what he enjoys, but he’s already looking at picking up one of the starter kits from Stirling to get the ball rolling. He was shocked at how good his face felt after all was said and done. Not sure if he’s going to be getting into the hobby as hardcore as many of us here, but for me it’s more about getting people, mostly men out here, to take better care of their skin, and be more economical per shave. I was going to say "save money" there, but we all know how that goes. LOL.
On the home front, the SWMBO is about to go in and take care of something that we have been dreading for a couple of months, taxes. With the injury happening and me being back in the states for my recovery, we aren’t going to be eligible for the tax break for overseas contractors, and my tax withholdings weren’t set up to take that into account. We are going to end up owing a substantial amount to the gov’t, it’s just down to how much at this point. It is what it is, we’ll cope just like any other situation, and the 4 months I was home was nice, so I can’t really complain. I’ve since adjusted my withholdings now so that if I have to come home for any more than 35 days, it won’t end up hurting us in the end. Lesson learned...time to pay the tax man.
The weekend is almost upon us, with Easter coming up on Sunday. The following weekend is one of my favorite sporting events of the year, The Masters. Looking forward to how that tournament shakes out, with the re-emergence of Tiger Woods being competitive again after his spinal fusion surgery. It would be amazing to see him in the mix again on Sunday. The last time he was in serious contention on the final day was back in 2011 when he was just a couple of shots back with 4 holes to play. I was lucky enough to see that in person, sitting by the 15[sup]th[/sup] green. The sound of the crowd, the ambiance of the course…it’s the most memorable sporting event I’ve been to. If you ever get the chance to go to Augusta National for this event, do yourself a favor and go. Even if you aren’t a golf fan. You don’t need to be to appreciate it, and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Obviously, no photo for the no-shave. Have a great day everyone!
Very cool about sucking, I mean, introducing someone new into the hobby. It really is a shame not everyone that shaves at least has the experience of a good traditional shave. Of course not everyone would switch to it, but many don’t know even know what they are missing.
Interesting to hear about Tiger. I thought he was pretty much washed out. I went to an LPGA tournament back in the day. Much more interesting in person for sure.
And the taxes, ouch
Interesting to hear about Tiger. I thought he was pretty much washed out. I went to an LPGA tournament back in the day. Much more interesting in person for sure.
And the taxes, ouch
The WSP (Asylum) soaps are all great. I have Royal Fougere and Vetiver Bourbon from Asylum and WSP Rustic line (vegan version) Gaelic Tweed and it performs as well as the Formula T ones for me. Sorry about the tax situation and Hooray for bringing another traveler into the abyss of wet shaving.
Hopefully, the tax man is gentle with you. Nice enabling. I have never been to a golf tournament. I enjoy playing, but watching is not something I could ever do. I remember growing up, whenever I would watch it with my dad, we would both end up falling asleep.
NurseDave said:
Thanks Dave. If he chooses to join the forum, he'll be a good addition.
Cvargo said:
Thanks Chad...we'll see on the taxes...not holding my breath on that one. LOL
Quijote said:
Thanks Don. Even though I love the sport and personally love watching on TV, I can understand why it is not very popular with a lot of people. (SWMBO can't stand it) But going to see a tournament live is a different experience entirely. Lot's of fun without the sometimes annoying commentary, and there is usually a lot to do outside of just watching the players.
Majorrich said:
Amen Brother!
Friday, 30 March, 2018
Wholly Kaw Monaco Royale | ERN 204 5/8” shoulderless
Currently on Shave #476 | Straight shave #285
“Burnin’ For You”
Blue Oyster Cult gives the name to the shave today, day 7 of the fougere theme. For the soap, I grabbed what can loosely be called a fougere, Monaco Royale. I say loosely simply because it doesn’t have the deep, darker notes that typically back up the bright opening in a fougere. It’s also quite a bit more floral than others, with a nice citrus kick to it. The soap itself, well, it’s the donkey milk formula by Wholly Kaw so it’s elite level. I overloaded the Wolf Whiskers brush, which incidentally shed about 10 hairs today, and took my time building the lather, doing quite a bit of face lathering on top of the bowl lathering.
I selected the ERN 204 today, the edge still wonderfully keen after the recent touch-up, and went to town. I altered what I normally do, which is on the WTG and XTG passes using medium to long strokes, followed by some short clean up passes. Instead, I started off with the short strokes and ended with a few long strokes. On the ATG pass, I did what I do normally, cheeks with the straight and the rest with the Injector. In the end, I did get my BBS, but I definitely paid for it.
So, while the shave result was great, a DSBBS, there was a substantial, (at least more than usual) amount of feedback from the alum and aftershave. I think the change in routine, (don’t know why I chose to do that…wild hair up my rear-side I guess), is what caused it. Next shave will be on Easter, so I’ll go back to what I normally do.
Nothing new on the home front to report…hope everyone is doing well and has a great Friday!
Wholly Kaw Monaco Royale | ERN 204 5/8” shoulderless
Currently on Shave #476 | Straight shave #285
“Burnin’ For You”
Blue Oyster Cult gives the name to the shave today, day 7 of the fougere theme. For the soap, I grabbed what can loosely be called a fougere, Monaco Royale. I say loosely simply because it doesn’t have the deep, darker notes that typically back up the bright opening in a fougere. It’s also quite a bit more floral than others, with a nice citrus kick to it. The soap itself, well, it’s the donkey milk formula by Wholly Kaw so it’s elite level. I overloaded the Wolf Whiskers brush, which incidentally shed about 10 hairs today, and took my time building the lather, doing quite a bit of face lathering on top of the bowl lathering.
I selected the ERN 204 today, the edge still wonderfully keen after the recent touch-up, and went to town. I altered what I normally do, which is on the WTG and XTG passes using medium to long strokes, followed by some short clean up passes. Instead, I started off with the short strokes and ended with a few long strokes. On the ATG pass, I did what I do normally, cheeks with the straight and the rest with the Injector. In the end, I did get my BBS, but I definitely paid for it.
So, while the shave result was great, a DSBBS, there was a substantial, (at least more than usual) amount of feedback from the alum and aftershave. I think the change in routine, (don’t know why I chose to do that…wild hair up my rear-side I guess), is what caused it. Next shave will be on Easter, so I’ll go back to what I normally do.
Nothing new on the home front to report…hope everyone is doing well and has a great Friday!
Good stuff Josh, Wholly Kaw makes good soaps for sure.
DocHoliday0831 said:
Thanks TJ...they've quickly become one of my favorites!
Majorrich said:
Umm...thanks? LMAO!!
Quijote said:
Thanks, and indeed Don!
clyde72 said:
Thanks Craig...I love spreading the joy of this hobby around, and surprisingly enough, many are more interested than they originally thought they would be.
Sunday, 1 April, 2018
Martin de Candre Fougere | William H. Ragg 6/8” Napoleon
Currently on Shave #477 | Straight shave #286
First things first…Happy Easter to everyone back stateside! To celebrate this wondrous day, and the end of the fougere theme, the king of shaving soap fougere’s in many people’s eyes, Martin de Candre Fougere was brought out. I know some on here have issues with MdC drying their skin out, extremely so for some, but I’m lucky enough to not have that issue. What I’m left with is just an incredible soap with just a classic fougere scent. The MdC soap base scent does come through a little, but it is nothing but complimentary to the overall scent profile. If you’ve never tried MdC, this soap lathers up QUICK, and it doesn’t take much to get an overload of lather. A 15 second load this morning resulted in enough lather for about 8 passes.
Also up to the plate is the Ragg Napoleon. This is shave #6 on this razor in its life, 4 on this edge since I honed it, and it’s quick becoming one of my favorites in the stable…yes, almost as good as the C.V. Heljestrand Mk*31! This surprises me since it’s a near wedge, but I’m finding that as I refine my technique to the wedge, the shaves are getting better and better, while the irritation is going down. Today was no exception, and the top tier soap, incredible razor, and great brush by WildWest Brushworks added up to a wonderful, blood free, minimal irriation shave. Three passes, a little clean-up, and I’m walking away with a DSBBS, and borderline grail shave. There was as little feedback from the alum, but nothing out of the ordinary, which is what keeps me from giving it that grail designator. So close, however. To finish up, I chose Wholly Kaw’s bright and vibrant Fern Concerto aftershave and finished up with some Paladin Unscented infused with English Fern, then quite a few vassily’s on top of that…I want others to enjoy the fern goodness today!
I hope everyone is doing well and that you all have a wonderful Easter Sunday!
Martin de Candre Fougere | William H. Ragg 6/8” Napoleon
Currently on Shave #477 | Straight shave #286
First things first…Happy Easter to everyone back stateside! To celebrate this wondrous day, and the end of the fougere theme, the king of shaving soap fougere’s in many people’s eyes, Martin de Candre Fougere was brought out. I know some on here have issues with MdC drying their skin out, extremely so for some, but I’m lucky enough to not have that issue. What I’m left with is just an incredible soap with just a classic fougere scent. The MdC soap base scent does come through a little, but it is nothing but complimentary to the overall scent profile. If you’ve never tried MdC, this soap lathers up QUICK, and it doesn’t take much to get an overload of lather. A 15 second load this morning resulted in enough lather for about 8 passes.
Also up to the plate is the Ragg Napoleon. This is shave #6 on this razor in its life, 4 on this edge since I honed it, and it’s quick becoming one of my favorites in the stable…yes, almost as good as the C.V. Heljestrand Mk*31! This surprises me since it’s a near wedge, but I’m finding that as I refine my technique to the wedge, the shaves are getting better and better, while the irritation is going down. Today was no exception, and the top tier soap, incredible razor, and great brush by WildWest Brushworks added up to a wonderful, blood free, minimal irriation shave. Three passes, a little clean-up, and I’m walking away with a DSBBS, and borderline grail shave. There was as little feedback from the alum, but nothing out of the ordinary, which is what keeps me from giving it that grail designator. So close, however. To finish up, I chose Wholly Kaw’s bright and vibrant Fern Concerto aftershave and finished up with some Paladin Unscented infused with English Fern, then quite a few vassily’s on top of that…I want others to enjoy the fern goodness today!
I hope everyone is doing well and that you all have a wonderful Easter Sunday!
Happy Easter Josh! Great shave.