Thanks Walt!
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The wonderful excesses of acquisition disorders...and wet shaving
- Thread starter Dagwoodz
- Start date
Thanks Walt!
SOTD – Thursday, 6 September, 2018
Stirling Island Man | The Colonial General | Feather Pro-Guard (6)
Currently on Shave #592 | Straight shave still at #365
Yesterday was pretty weird…I ended up having to leave the office after just feeling run down with a nasty headache. This has been, in the past month, the pre-cursor to someone coming down with the 24 hour bug, so I was taking no chances and took the opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep and rest. Feeling much better today, though late waking, and decided to get my shave on. This time with a new to me soap, Stirling’s Island Man. This is their take on Creed’s Virgin Island Water, and it’s a great tropical citrus scent, without being cloying in any way shape or form. Very similar to A&E’s Little Fictions, and of course St. Barts, (A&E’s version of Virgin Island Water).
The lather was typical Stirling, though I think I really hit the sweet spot for hydration. The lather’s sheen was amazing this morning, providing a slick and protective shave. The residual slickness is only just above average, but still allows for some careful water-only touch ups. Post shave, for me, is where Stirling really shines however. I could have gone without a post-shave product, but what fun is there in that?
The razor this morning was the General…the regular aluminum version. This is the first time using it, and while it’s indeed comfortable, it’s not quite as efficient as the brass version I own. Both have similar blade feel, but the added weight of the brass version just makes it a better shaver overall. I did end up chasing this morning, unusual for me and wound up BBS with just some irritation/alum feedback on the neck from a little too much clean-up.
I followed everything with the Omega Aquae serum, the matching ASB from Stirling, as well as some Tommy Bahama St. Barts, which is a very nice match to this scent. I’m feeling much better today after some extensive rest and hydration, so hopefully yesterday’s poorly feeling will be a thing of the past.
Thanks for reading, have a great Thursday!
Stirling Island Man | The Colonial General | Feather Pro-Guard (6)
Currently on Shave #592 | Straight shave still at #365
Yesterday was pretty weird…I ended up having to leave the office after just feeling run down with a nasty headache. This has been, in the past month, the pre-cursor to someone coming down with the 24 hour bug, so I was taking no chances and took the opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep and rest. Feeling much better today, though late waking, and decided to get my shave on. This time with a new to me soap, Stirling’s Island Man. This is their take on Creed’s Virgin Island Water, and it’s a great tropical citrus scent, without being cloying in any way shape or form. Very similar to A&E’s Little Fictions, and of course St. Barts, (A&E’s version of Virgin Island Water).
The lather was typical Stirling, though I think I really hit the sweet spot for hydration. The lather’s sheen was amazing this morning, providing a slick and protective shave. The residual slickness is only just above average, but still allows for some careful water-only touch ups. Post shave, for me, is where Stirling really shines however. I could have gone without a post-shave product, but what fun is there in that?
The razor this morning was the General…the regular aluminum version. This is the first time using it, and while it’s indeed comfortable, it’s not quite as efficient as the brass version I own. Both have similar blade feel, but the added weight of the brass version just makes it a better shaver overall. I did end up chasing this morning, unusual for me and wound up BBS with just some irritation/alum feedback on the neck from a little too much clean-up.
I followed everything with the Omega Aquae serum, the matching ASB from Stirling, as well as some Tommy Bahama St. Barts, which is a very nice match to this scent. I’m feeling much better today after some extensive rest and hydration, so hopefully yesterday’s poorly feeling will be a thing of the past.
Thanks for reading, have a great Thursday!
Nice shave Josh. I havent tried a general either but the Asylum RX is a beast weight wise and is a very very nice shaver indeed
Thanks Chad...it was good to get the rest and a little bit of down time.
Thanks Walt. There are some that enjoy less weight in a razor...and depending on the head geometry, a lighter razor is sometimes a good thing. But this razor just becomes a whisker chopping beast when a little weight is put behind it.
I've looked at the RX, but I get such good shaves from the General's brass version that it's hard for me to justify picking the RX up. Add in the fact that 60-70% of the time I'm using straights...just doesn't make too much sense. not that it won't still happen...because shopping and sense really don't go together. LOL
The General Brass is a sexy beast!
Hope your health holds up!
Keep getting rest as you can, drink plenty of fluids, have some chicken noodle soup, don’t forget the clean underwear and socks, no talking to strangers, be home by 9...
Mother Noir speaks.
No shave today...since I chased BBS and shaved much later in the day, there really wasn't any stubble to speak of at 19 hours...I was still sitting DFS. I did have everything laid out in case I did get some stubble, but no dice. That's all good, it'll just be a better shave tomorrow!
Hope everyone's day goes well...TGIF!
Hope everyone's day goes well...TGIF!
Dave in KY
Shave Newbie
Just another day in the salt mines Josh. Have a great day!
Thanks Dave!
I know, right?
Thanks Craig...the feedback wasn't too terribly bad, just isolated to one spot underneath the left side of the chin. I am feeling better!
SOTD – Saturday, 8 September, 2018
Wholly Kaw Dance of Agrumes | Brass Colonial General | Feather Pro-Guard (7)
Currently on Shave #593 | Straight shave still at #365
Thank goodness I got to shave today. That was the overwhelming thought going through my head as I got everything ready. I grabbed the TSC Legacy brush and the Brass General, as the last time out I used the aluminum version and chased a bit, eventually getting to BBS. This morning was not going to be a repeat where I tried to chase; in fact, I only did two passes. It was enough to knock down the stubble and get to CCS+, which I was fine with. It was a later than normal shave, so going a full three passes would have possibly left me in a quandary tomorrow morning on whether I could shave or not.
A little bit about this soap…specifically the scent, since I’ve sung the soap base’s praises in the past. This scent is absolutely dynamite! It’s very reminiscent of King of Oud, surprisingly enough. The opening is quite different, as it’s entirely citrus and fruit. But man, when the heart notes and base notes come through, which is rather quickly, it’s just a symphony of herbs and resinous wood notes that work so very well together. The oud and amber are the predominant notes, but the vetiver, musk and patchouli, (all three of which I’m not the biggest fan of), give it the perfect grounding, keeping it from getting overly sweet without dominating in any way. The middle notes give the perfect transition between the two. The cedarwood and vanilla-like aldehydes are the bridge for the agarwood (oud), while the black pepper, rosemary and coriander bridge the amber and patchouli. The galbanum is the perfect transition note for the musk…just a very, VERY well done composition of scent notes.
I topped off with the matching aftershave from Wholly Kaw, this time in the toner formulation. It seems that this is the same as the normal aftershave, with the removal of the alcohol. I was half expecting it to go on a little tacky or oily, but experienced none of these. Instead, it went on more like a witch hazel (alcohol-free type), with the scent of the soap. The longevity was pretty good, almost outlasting the Penhaligon’s Endymion EdT that I layered on top. Pretty impressive indeed.
A bit of a stressful day at work, not for anything specific, (typical work stuff), but just one of those days…thankfully it’s over. Dad had a successful balloon procedure to clear a blockage in his leg on Thursday, and will most likely have another in November. These were expected since his surgery and near heart attack in late May. He’s doing well, and was home from the hospital that night. I have a ton of catching up to do on the journals and the videos, and will be trying to get up to date over the next few days. I hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Thanks for reading, have a great Saturday!
Wholly Kaw Dance of Agrumes | Brass Colonial General | Feather Pro-Guard (7)
Currently on Shave #593 | Straight shave still at #365
Thank goodness I got to shave today. That was the overwhelming thought going through my head as I got everything ready. I grabbed the TSC Legacy brush and the Brass General, as the last time out I used the aluminum version and chased a bit, eventually getting to BBS. This morning was not going to be a repeat where I tried to chase; in fact, I only did two passes. It was enough to knock down the stubble and get to CCS+, which I was fine with. It was a later than normal shave, so going a full three passes would have possibly left me in a quandary tomorrow morning on whether I could shave or not.
A little bit about this soap…specifically the scent, since I’ve sung the soap base’s praises in the past. This scent is absolutely dynamite! It’s very reminiscent of King of Oud, surprisingly enough. The opening is quite different, as it’s entirely citrus and fruit. But man, when the heart notes and base notes come through, which is rather quickly, it’s just a symphony of herbs and resinous wood notes that work so very well together. The oud and amber are the predominant notes, but the vetiver, musk and patchouli, (all three of which I’m not the biggest fan of), give it the perfect grounding, keeping it from getting overly sweet without dominating in any way. The middle notes give the perfect transition between the two. The cedarwood and vanilla-like aldehydes are the bridge for the agarwood (oud), while the black pepper, rosemary and coriander bridge the amber and patchouli. The galbanum is the perfect transition note for the musk…just a very, VERY well done composition of scent notes.
I topped off with the matching aftershave from Wholly Kaw, this time in the toner formulation. It seems that this is the same as the normal aftershave, with the removal of the alcohol. I was half expecting it to go on a little tacky or oily, but experienced none of these. Instead, it went on more like a witch hazel (alcohol-free type), with the scent of the soap. The longevity was pretty good, almost outlasting the Penhaligon’s Endymion EdT that I layered on top. Pretty impressive indeed.
A bit of a stressful day at work, not for anything specific, (typical work stuff), but just one of those days…thankfully it’s over. Dad had a successful balloon procedure to clear a blockage in his leg on Thursday, and will most likely have another in November. These were expected since his surgery and near heart attack in late May. He’s doing well, and was home from the hospital that night. I have a ton of catching up to do on the journals and the videos, and will be trying to get up to date over the next few days. I hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Thanks for reading, have a great Saturday!
Dave in KY
Shave Newbie
Yes Glad your dad is doing well Josh
Thanks Chris...it went by fine, ableit there were some little annoying things that occurred. But that's pretty much par for the course out here.
Thanks Dave!
Thanks Craig!
Thanks Dave...it's one that you definitely should keep an eye out for!
SOTD – Sunday, 9 September, 2018
Asylum Shave Works Royal Fougere | Hartford Cutlery 5/8” Extra Hollow Ground
Currently on Shave #594 | Straight shave #366
Back to the straights this morning, grabbing the Hartford Cutlery Extra Hollow Ground 5/8’s. I’m temporarily suspending using my normal rotation of razors and brushes in favor of just winging it and grabbing what feels right for that day. This razor is a very nice shaver, and takes a great edge, so it’s very easy to turn to. For the software today, I was feeling the fougere bug, and grabbed some Asylum Shave Works Royal Fougere. Now, this is in the WSP formula T soap base. I had originally given this pretty high marks, but the shave today showed me otherwise. It’s not a bad soap at all. The cushion is right up there with the best around, as is the latherability. But there was a definite lack of slickness, both primary and secondary (residual), that I experienced this morning that really makes me reconsider whether this is as good a soap as I thought originally. I know that I didn’t push the soap too far into its waterband, as I wouldn’t have experienced the cushion I did. And, it did have a decent amount of water in it, demonstrated by the consistency of the lather as well as the sheen coming off of it. (it’s not as good as other soaps used in the past week, but still there.)
The shave went by without any real issue, sans a little dig with the point on the razor by my left nostril. It ended up not even being a nick or a bleeder, but did give a little feedback with the alum. I was really paying attention during the shave to the properties of the soap, and after reflection, I’m going to actually downgrade the rating on this soap base. I initially had it as a 51/55 soap, but it’s just not there. After re-looking at the scores, and making the proper adjustments, it’s only a 45.5 point soap, and that’s maxing out the latherability, cushion and stability. The slickness, residual, and moisturizing properties just aren’t there. Now, this particular soap is still a tier 1 soap just due to the scent, which is amazing, but it’s only a tier 1 box 4 soap. The others will probably be right there as well since those scents are great as well, but if there’s a scent that I’m not too hot on, this soap base would be classed at a tier 2 box 5.
I followed up with the matching aftershave splash, which is a great match to the soap. Of course, it had to be followed with some Penhaligon’s English Fern. So, out came the Paladin balm, infused with some EF, then followed with a healthy dose of EF to finish off the post-shave routine.
Thanks, everyone, for the words of encouragement for Dad. I spoke with him last night and he’s doing well back home. He’s a bit bruised up on his leg, which is to be expected, but feeling well enough to return to work on Monday or Tuesday.
Thanks for reading, have a blessed Sunday!
Asylum Shave Works Royal Fougere | Hartford Cutlery 5/8” Extra Hollow Ground
Currently on Shave #594 | Straight shave #366
Back to the straights this morning, grabbing the Hartford Cutlery Extra Hollow Ground 5/8’s. I’m temporarily suspending using my normal rotation of razors and brushes in favor of just winging it and grabbing what feels right for that day. This razor is a very nice shaver, and takes a great edge, so it’s very easy to turn to. For the software today, I was feeling the fougere bug, and grabbed some Asylum Shave Works Royal Fougere. Now, this is in the WSP formula T soap base. I had originally given this pretty high marks, but the shave today showed me otherwise. It’s not a bad soap at all. The cushion is right up there with the best around, as is the latherability. But there was a definite lack of slickness, both primary and secondary (residual), that I experienced this morning that really makes me reconsider whether this is as good a soap as I thought originally. I know that I didn’t push the soap too far into its waterband, as I wouldn’t have experienced the cushion I did. And, it did have a decent amount of water in it, demonstrated by the consistency of the lather as well as the sheen coming off of it. (it’s not as good as other soaps used in the past week, but still there.)
The shave went by without any real issue, sans a little dig with the point on the razor by my left nostril. It ended up not even being a nick or a bleeder, but did give a little feedback with the alum. I was really paying attention during the shave to the properties of the soap, and after reflection, I’m going to actually downgrade the rating on this soap base. I initially had it as a 51/55 soap, but it’s just not there. After re-looking at the scores, and making the proper adjustments, it’s only a 45.5 point soap, and that’s maxing out the latherability, cushion and stability. The slickness, residual, and moisturizing properties just aren’t there. Now, this particular soap is still a tier 1 soap just due to the scent, which is amazing, but it’s only a tier 1 box 4 soap. The others will probably be right there as well since those scents are great as well, but if there’s a scent that I’m not too hot on, this soap base would be classed at a tier 2 box 5.
I followed up with the matching aftershave splash, which is a great match to the soap. Of course, it had to be followed with some Penhaligon’s English Fern. So, out came the Paladin balm, infused with some EF, then followed with a healthy dose of EF to finish off the post-shave routine.
Thanks, everyone, for the words of encouragement for Dad. I spoke with him last night and he’s doing well back home. He’s a bit bruised up on his leg, which is to be expected, but feeling well enough to return to work on Monday or Tuesday.
Thanks for reading, have a blessed Sunday!
I was behind a few shaves Josh but I think I'm caught up now. First of all I am super happy that your Dad came out doing well. I will think of him from time to time and continue to keep him in my prayers.
I'm kind of kicking myself in the butt for getting the Agrumi in Estate instead of the Dance of Agrumes. I like the citrus scent of AiE, but it's nothing special to write home about. I really got it because I wanted to test out the collagen aspect of it...meh! But the scent notes of the DoA seems more up my alley! Great shaves all around.
It is interesting about the Asylum soap. I remember trying Formula T when it first jumped on the scenes. I thought that is was seriously the best soap ever. I am guessing that now...with all the incredible soaps out there...it has just kid of moved down the pack a bit.
I'm kind of kicking myself in the butt for getting the Agrumi in Estate instead of the Dance of Agrumes. I like the citrus scent of AiE, but it's nothing special to write home about. I really got it because I wanted to test out the collagen aspect of it...meh! But the scent notes of the DoA seems more up my alley! Great shaves all around.
It is interesting about the Asylum soap. I remember trying Formula T when it first jumped on the scenes. I thought that is was seriously the best soap ever. I am guessing that now...with all the incredible soaps out there...it has just kid of moved down the pack a bit.