July 12, 2024

• Brush: Chisel & Hound Gulf Short 26mm V22 Fanchurian

• Razor: C.V. Heljestrand MK 31 11/16 Söderfors Extra Specialstål Full Hollow

• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Aranceto - Soap

• Toner: Thayers - Lavender - Toner

• Aftershave: Wholly Kaw - Hiatus - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Creed - Aventus

2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.

The Extra Specialstål absolutely never disappoints. It is always extra special.

Aranceto is orangey goodness. It is certainly an all-season scent but its freshness and lightness combats the humidity of summer here in the mid-Atlantic. And, as a straight shaver, I’ve become a huge fan of Wholly Kaw’s soap bases.

Enjoy your weekend!

July 12, 2024

• Brush: Maggard 24mm Synthetic
• Razor: Chiseled Face - Legacy Raw Titanium (#69)
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue (2)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Tobacconist - Soap
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - Admiral - Aftershave

This may surprise some people, but this cheap Maggard Synth is my most used brush. It’s very similar to the L’Occitane Plisson, but the Plisson is softer feeling and there are zero prickly bits. It’s also smaller.

Today it dawned on me that much like a boar knot, this Maggard Synth might have upside-down hairs which feel prickly. I managed to find 8 hairs that were easily removed (out of how many thousands of hairs? Not bad) and now there’s not a prick in sight (aside from the handler).

Fougère Friday: Contemplation

• Brush: Stirling Soap Co. Green & Ivory 24mm Synthetic 2-Band Synthentic Knot
• Razor: Karve Shaving Co. Overlander
• Blade: Gillette 7 O’Clock Super Stainless (Green) [8]
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Contemplation - Soap
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Contemplation - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Declaration Grooming - Contemplation - Eau de Parfum

In the bustle of traveling home on Friday, I completely forgot to log this shave.

Varen

• Brush: Zenith 506 N XS (extra soft horse)
• Razor: Zwilling J. A. Henckels Friodur 72-V (13/16", quarter hollow or near wedge, stainless steel)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Varen
• Post Shave: Brut – Original
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – Varen

It’s impossible to have anything but a great shave with Varen. That’s a fact, look it up.

My prospect AA razor, a chonky and pretty early Friodur, seemingly from before the Friodur patent was granted in 1951, is supposed to be delivered today and I’m impatient. Still haven’t decided on the software, though.