Let Tabactober Fest Begin!!

[deshaveman]

:a50:

According to the world clock it is officially October 1st somewhere in the world! Specifically, our friends in New Zealand and Kamchatka in the Russian Federation can start whipping up that awesome Tabac lather as soon as they wake up! :w00t:

For those of us in the US we have to wait at least another 18 hours. :tongue_sm

Off we go!

[MrFusion]

I'll wait. That gives me 18 hours before I turn a year older and I don't want that! (too bad I can't do anything about it! :tongue:)

[gollum83]

I kicked things off a little early. I couldn't control myself. I think I need help. Can you guys help me? :biggrin:

[MrFusion]

I kicked things off a little early. I couldn't control myself. I think I need help. Can you guys help me? :biggrin:

You've got a whole month of help coming, Buddy! :eek::biggrin:

[Matt P]

I kicked things off a little early. I couldn't control myself. I think I need help. Can you guys help me? :biggrin:

I jumped the gun too. Some how I think all is forgiven.:wink:

[mretzloff]

This should cover my feelings towards Tabac:

:smile::biggrin::001_smile:w00t::thumbup1::thumbup ::drool::001_wub::001_tt1::302::tongue3::o16::001_ 302::o13::001_005::c1::c9::c15::c16::em3200::em230 0::em2200::em2100::eek6::ladysman::smile1::shaving ::crazy::lol1::cornut::ihih::yesnod::biggrin::wink 1::jump::thumbsup::badger::a5::a50::a44::a14::a54: :a37::a29::happybday::angel::clap::bayrum2::sorcer er::smartass::lips::ouch1:

[BROWNS]

I kicked things off a little early. I couldn't control myself. I think I need help. Can you guys help me? :biggrin:

That's hilarious, I did the same thing. I started a day early because I was just sick and tired of waiting.

Happy Tabactober everyone!!!

[Klopstick]

I'm unable to do the whole month, but I'm going to kick it off with a fine Tabac shave in the morning!:lol:

[_JP_]

You spelled Taboctober wrong. :wink2:

[inkwell]

i wish i could get on this but tabac makes me feel like i rubbed poison ivy on my neck 8( you guys enjoy, make it call ya jason one time for me!!!

[Will P.C.]

I just started using Tabac. I had a Vulvix 2233s but it was hard to get a good lather from it.. Now I am using a 20mm Finest Extra from Tony and man does this soap lather. I am hooked

[markb]

YES!!!


http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-1/IMG_0523.JPG

[deshaveman]

i wish i could get on this but tabac makes me feel like i rubbed poison ivy on my neck 8( you guys enjoy, make it call ya jason one time for me!!!

Whoa! You are the first person I have ever heard of that has a reaction to Tabac! I have reactions to other soaps....but not Tabac (thank GOD). Do you think it is the FOs used to scent it? You can still get the awesome performance of Tabac with a different, greener scent in the form of Irisch Moos. The new stuff is made by Maurer and Wirtz just like Tabac. I hear it is a little hard to track down in the States.

[McShaverson]

This is going to be a good month, I can feel it.

[Ulysses]

I just caved in and bought the soap, so I'll be starting a few days late. I've been wanting to try this one for ages. Hopefully I'll be making a second order for the AS and Cologne in a week or two.

(By the way, for anyone else that wants to get the soap but hasn't yet, you can get it shipped in the bowl for under $14.00 from fragrancex.com using the code "free" for free shipping.)

[mretzloff]

(By the way, for anyone else that wants to get the soap but hasn't yet, you can get it shipped in the bowl for under $14.00 from fragrancex.com using the code "free" for free shipping.)

That is a great deal. It is actually cheaper than in Germany.

[dpm802]

I just caved in and bought the soap, so I'll be starting a few days late. I've been wanting to try this one for ages. Hopefully I'll be making a second order for the AS and Cologne in a week or two.

Yes, you should get the whole range. Nothing goes better with Tabac shaving soap except more Tabac products.

Used one at a time, they are good ... but think of them in a musical analogy. Each piano, violin, trumpet, flute, etc sounds good by itself, but put them all together in concert, and the result is much better. Its truly an example of where the value of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Order the Luxury Bath Soap, too ... from dridiot's eBay store. It cost me $17 and a 13 day wait for it to be shipped here from Singapore, and all I can say is ... "Its worth it."

And I'm still trying to find a North American source for Tabac AS Balm.

[dpm802]

That's hilarious, I did the same thing. I started a day early because I was just sick and tired of waiting.

Happy Tabactober everyone!!!

One hour, forty-six minutes to go.

[BROWNS]

I have 11 different TOBS cream samples coming tomorrow, I hope you can all appreciate my dedication by not shaving with them until November...

[cymric]

They're basically the same cream anyway (save for the Avocado and Hypoallergenic), so you have but 3 samples waiting on you. There, a 75% reduction of your sample collection in half a minute.

[FLTiger]

Morning shave with Tabac soap, followed by the after shave. Very nice. I don't intend to participate for the entire month, but I'll get a shave or three in at the front end.

[dsun]

I'm in baby! Tabac forever.

[40boy]

Day One in the books :w00t:

Tabac Shave Soap
Tabac Aftershave
Merkur HD
RPIP
EJ Med BB

[mdunn]

IM IN!

My SOTD for today :biggrin:

68772

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-1/IMG_0521.JPG

[gollum83]

IM IN!

My SOTD for today :biggrin:

68772

Careful! Don't damage that straight! I'll never forgive you if you do! :scared:

[my19]

Y'all have swept me up in this Tabactober stuff, and I whipped up some lather this morning.

I used the "dry brush" technique -- soaking it as usual, then squeezing and shaking it mostly dry. I thought I'd picked up the proper amount of soap, added water bit by bit, and had a nice bowl of lather with meringue-like peaks. I lathered it on, worked it in, but when blade hit face, man, the razor really seemed to drag.

I added a little more water to the lather and that seemed to help, but still some razor drag (with a brand new blade). Clearly, I did something wrong, but I'm not sure what.

Does the lather hold together best with more water in the lathering stage? Does adding a bit more water later mess things up? Or is this like most things involved with wet shaving --- practice, practice, practice?

BTW, despite the bits of razor drag, the overall shave experience -- and my tender neck -- were much better with the Tabac than with my recent shaves with the Bigelow/Proraso cream. I think I've got an aversion to eucalyptus ...

[miamijuggler]

I (almost) jumped the gun and shaved last night.

But I managed to restrain myself.

However, Tuesday night DID find me creating a lather with my bowl of Tabac, even though I did not shave. Does that count as cheating? You know, I had to warm up the puck, right?

Very much looking forward to tonight's shave.


Happy Tabactober everyone! :001_tongu

[mretzloff]

Thursdays are my least favorite days. I have a labratory class at 8:00 AM and because I commute, I have to wake up at 6:00 AM. This morning was different, though. I jumped out of bed and enjoyed a leisurely shave. I thought I spent 45 minutes in there, but it only took 20. The Tabac smell lasted almost all day. I cannot wait until tomorrow morning.

[cymric]

My first shave was a bit uncomfortable: a slight tightness of skin indicated a touch of razor burn. Probably because the lather was too thick---it's always a bit of a tricky few days after switching shaving products.

[gollum83]

Thursdays are my least favorite days. I have a labratory class at 8:00 AM and because I commute, I have to wake up at 6:00 AM. This morning was different, though. I jumped out of bed and enjoyed a leisurely shave. I thought I spent 45 minutes in there, but it only took 20. The Tabac smell lasted almost all day. I cannot wait until tomorrow morning.

I think I hear something off in the distance. Ah, yes! Do you hear it too, Matthew? It's the world's smallest violin! :001_tt2:


P.S. I'm glad you enjoyed your shave today. Happy Tabactoberfest! :biggrin:

[Ron Gallant]

I have 11 different TOBS cream samples coming tomorrow, I hope you can all appreciate my dedication by not shaving with them until November...

Lies. But it's OK to make us feel like your that dedicated.

[mretzloff]

I think I hear something off in the distance. Ah, yes! Do you hear it too, Matthew? It's the world's smallest violin! :001_tt2:

:ciappa: :001_tt2:

[gaseousclay]

funny. I didn't give much thought to Tabactober fest but sure enough, I shaved with none other than Tabac tonight. 'twas a thing of beauty

[deshaveman]

This morning started out with the All Star line-up.

Tabac SS
Shavemac D01
'54 Super Speed
Russian Yellow
Aqua Velva Ice Blue

Oh yeah! BBS all day long!

I don't have any Tabac ASL but I think I might accidentally place an order with a certain website sometime this month and rectify that situation. After all I need another puck of soap...my supply is dangerously low. :wink:

[mretzloff]

Y'all have swept me up in this Tabactober stuff, and I whipped up some lather this morning.

I used the "dry brush" technique -- soaking it as usual, then squeezing and shaking it mostly dry. I thought I'd picked up the proper amount of soap, added water bit by bit, and had a nice bowl of lather with meringue-like peaks. I lathered it on, worked it in, but when blade hit face, man, the razor really seemed to drag.

I added a little more water to the lather and that seemed to help, but still some razor drag (with a brand new blade). Clearly, I did something wrong, but I'm not sure what.

Does the lather hold together best with more water in the lathering stage? Does adding a bit more water later mess things up? Or is this like most things involved with wet shaving --- practice, practice, practice?

BTW, despite the bits of razor drag, the overall shave experience -- and my tender neck -- were much better with the Tabac than with my recent shaves with the Bigelow/Proraso cream. I think I've got an aversion to eucalyptus ...

I cannot believe I missed this post.

Tabac should not have razor drag. I use the "dry brush" method too (soak and then squeeze until dry). I load the brush liberally (remember, Tabac is dirt cheap). I then move onto my bowl and lather away. I may add two or three tablespoon of water at different intervals.

Good luck and try practicing. Again, Tabac is cheap enough not to have to worry about wasting it.

[McShaverson]

Well, since I shaved all of my facial hair off with Tabac last night I decided to treat my dad to a traditional straight razor shave :cool: (with Tabac of course). Needless to say, he loved the shave and got a BBS to boot. :biggrin: :closedeye

On tomorrows menu is another great straight shave with Tabac! :wink2:

Sorry about the poor picture quality. The pictures were taken on my moms cell phone.

-Kevin

[Ron Gallant]

Well, since I shaved all of my facial hair off with Tabac last night I decided to treat my dad to a traditional straight razor shave :cool: (with Tabac of course). Needless to say, he loved the shave and got a BBS to boot. :biggrin: :closedeye

On tomorrows menu is another great straight shave with Tabac! :wink2:

Sorry about the poor picture quality. The pictures were taken on my moms cell phone.

-Kevin

I love the expression on his face. Awesome!!! :scared:

[40boy]

He looks a little nervous in that first picture :biggrin:

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-2/IMG_0528.JPG

[Alaskan Eagle]

Two great mornings of Tabac in the books. Can't wait for tomorrow.

[NewYorkBuck]

I cant commit to ALL of October being Tabac, as Id have a hard time eschewing my MB Autumn Afternoon, but I do agree October is quite the Tabac month.

[40boy]

2 down, 29 to go.

HD
RPIP (2)
Omega 81052 Boar
Tabac SS
Tabac ASL
Nivea Sensitive Balm

Pretty much the same setup as yesterday, except I used an Omega boar brush, and added the Nivea at the end.

I'm not really a cologne kinda guy, but I did order some Tabacessories to add to the month long fest.
Deodorant, Talc and Body Wash should arrive next week sometime :w00t:

[trumpetchris]

Tabac 2 days in a row so far. New Derby blade in my Futur.

[mretzloff]

Mark, I love your SOTDs. Is that a Panchetta brush?

[markb]

Mark, I love your SOTDs. Is that a Panchetta brush?
Thanks Matthew! Yes, that's a Penchetta. 22mm finest with Box Elder Burl handle. Great brush once it was broken in! Better than my Simpson Chubby!!

[mretzloff]

Thanks Matthew! Yes, that's a Penchetta. 22mm finest with Box Elder Burl handle. Great brush once it was broken in! Better than my Simpson Chubby!!

Do you not have another Panchetta?

[markb]

Do you not have another Panchetta?
I have a second on the way. 20mm finest with a faux jade handle that was on sale.

http://www.penworks.us//index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_73&products_id=227

I figured for only $32 bucks, why not!?

[mretzloff]

I have a second on the way. 20mm finest with a faux jade handle that was on sale.

http://www.penworks.us//index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_73&products_id=227

I figured for only $32 bucks, why not!?

SBAD :biggrin:

[markb]

SBAD :biggrin:
Yeah, if there's an "AD", I have it, it seems!! LOL!!

I have enough soap and cream to shave a herd of yak and yet I'm on the hunt for some Knize 10 shave soap!

Maybe I need to look into a 12 step program!! :blush:

[The National Razor]

Yeah, if there's an "AD", I have it, it seems!! LOL!!

I have enough soap and cream to shave a herd of yak and yet I'm on the hunt for some Knize 10 shave soap!

Maybe I need to look into a 12 step program!! :blush:

B&B's 12 Step Progam

1. Before going to bed, decide with what you are going to shave with the next morning.

2. Upon waking up, change mind.

3. Spend far more time getting ready than any woman you have ever known.

4. Go to work and hope someone mentions how clean-shaven you are, or how nice your aftershave smells.

5. Get disappointed when no one does.

6. Go onto B&B to talk with people who actually care about shaving goods.

7. While perusing the thread, find some product you have seen referenced before, and suddently decide to buy it. Today.

8. Go onto favorite online vendor.

9. Notice that if you spend another $25 you will get free shipping. You'd be silly not to. Right?

10. Go back onto B&B and find some product you never heard of before but suddenly realize you can't live without.

11. Add this product to your shopping cart, which now qualifies for free shipping.

12. Pat yourself on your back for smart shopping, and contemplate how you're going to sneak the latest acquisition home without anyone being the wiser.

:wink:

[markb]

B&B's 12 Step Progam


:wink:
http://www.nehp.net/~newhope_ap/Smilies/gaffaw.gif

[deshaveman]

Day 2:

Tabac SS
Rooney 3/1 Super
'54 Super Speed
Yellow Russian (Day 2)
Booster's Polar Ice

The Rooney it turning into quite a fine performer now that it is getting broken in. It is smaller and less dense than the D01 Shavemac but still works great as a face latherer and holds plenty of lather for three passes.

[nemo]

I'm on it today. Could have gone all Deutsche but love my Gillettes too much.

Tabac soap
Gillette Super Speed
German blade
German Blue Chip (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=107557&highlight=blue+chip) Aftershave

Got some Irisch Moos coming soon so I can't do the full Fest.

[r0ckrat]

Here was my first shave of Tabactober:
http://pensandpixels.com/stephenhj/images/razors/sotd_100109.jpg

The second was with a Weishi, and TBS Amber ASB. More to come in the month ahead!

[cymric]

2nd shave (out of 16---I shave every other day): made the lather thinner, and the shave went much better. Some stubble reappeared during the cold water rinse, though. Have to pay more attention to the blade movements on the ATG pass.

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-3/IMG_0530.JPG

[brianw]

1st tabac of the month DFS

[Flyfisherman]

Where's the Aqua Velva?

[wilsonent]

Missed the first day of Tabactober. (Used Proraso) I have spent the last 3 days trying to get my puter back in order, took up all my spare time, and forgot what day it was. Oh well, guess I can make it up on November 1st. Let the games begin!

[r0ckrat]

Another Tabactober Shave, and as my SOTD entry states:

General Tabac, in the Library, with the Wade & Butcher, while Misters Thayer and Baxter look on...

http://www.pensandpixels.com/stephenhj/images/Razors/SOTD-100309.jpg

[SilverToy]

As long as I don’t have to wear Lederhosen, I’m in!
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=791&pictureid=1214

[Ulysses]

My Tabac arrived a few days earlier than I was expecting, so I got to use it today!

Tabac SS
Friedr. Baurmann & Sohne - Comfort 40
Pinaud Clubman


I'm glad I finally got around to the soap. Hopefully I can last the whole month. And I'll be ordering the AS soon hopefully.

[Alaskan Eagle]

Another great shave.
Tabac SS
40's Aristocrat with a 7 o'clock 5th shave
Custom brush, Kim Son handle, black with 22mm finest from the nib
Brut AS
No edt-it's a Saturday.:w00t:

[McShaverson]

I love the expression on his face. Awesome!!! :scared:



He looks a little nervous in that first picture :biggrin:

He probably was and rightfully so. I would be nervous if my 18 year old son was taking a straight razor to my face as well :rolleyes: O well, afterwords he said he thoroughly enjoyed himself and he was ready for another shave next week :biggrin:

I got my first shave of Tabactober in today. BBS, Tabac is good stuff :cool:

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab124/3dfkevin/DSC_0001.jpg

Kevin

[gregdreg]

As soon as the PIF tabac I am receiving from OCDshaver comes in. I will be participating in Tabactober. :badger:

[thanks]

As soon as the PIF tabac I am receiving from OCDshaver comes in. I will be participating in Tabactober. :badger:

Going to use the slant? :wink:

How is she treating you by the way?


So I assume this is the SOTD thread for Tabacaholics throughout this great month of ours?

My shaves all so far (and for the rest of the month) will have these things as definites. Gillette NEW, Kent Butterscotch Golden Nib two-band finest restore, Tabac shave soap (obviously), and either Aqua Velva/Clubman. I was doing some blade testing with the NEW, but now I've settled on the Derby so I think I'm going to stick with the same setup the rest of the month.

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-4/IMG_0536.jpg

[gregdreg]

Going to use the slant? :wink:

How is she treating you by the way?


So I assume this is the SOTD thread for Tabacaholics throughout this great month of ours?

My shaves all so far (and for the rest of the month) will have these things as definites. Gillette NEW, Kent Butterscotch Golden Nib two-band finest restore, Tabac shave soap (obviously), and either Aqua Velva/Clubman. I was doing some blade testing with the NEW, but now I've settled on the Derby so I think I'm going to stick with the same setup the rest of the month.

Heck yeah, I used the slant I got from you yesterday with some proraso and got a BBS shave, Its definitely not as scary as I have read. I cant wait to try it out with some tabac.

[thanks]

Heck yeah, I used the slant I got from you yesterday with some proraso and got a BBS shave, Its definitely not as scary as I have read. I cant wait to try it out with some tabac.

The slant is a really smooth shaver. With Keramik's I think it was at it's best for me, but the open comb Gillette NEW just speaks to me a little more.

Today's leisurely shave;

Gillette NEW
Derby
Kent 'Nib Finest
Tabac SS
Barbasol Pacific Rush AS

Nice menthol kick to the Pacific Rush, but with a generic department store scent. I didn't expect the best for 1.75$.

[Miles]

I've got to try Tabac one of these days. Maybe the Tabactoberfestivities will inspire me to seek it out...

[dpm802]

I've got to try Tabac one of these days. Maybe the Tabactoberfestivities will inspire me to seek it out...So what's holding you back? Tabac is cheap and readily available. Place an order, and you'll be swimming in tallowy-slick lather by mid-week.

http://www.fragrancex.com/products/_lid_T-am-pid_1248M-am-cid_Cologne__products.html

[deshaveman]

Four days of Tabac awesomeness! If I was forced to shave with one setup for the rest of my life, Tabac would definitely be the soap of choice. After shaving with various citrusy-scented glycerin soaps for most of the summer I instantly noticed the Tabac lather. It is at another level entirely. The shave is so smooth it is almost transcendental!:w00t:

[cymric]

3rd out of 16. Excellent shave this time. Probably because the lather was a bit wetter still. Now to see if I can do this consistently. (I also think that switching soaps and creams every day is a bad idea. I know Tabac very well and still need a few shaves to hit the optimum again.)

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-5/IMG_0537.jpg

[Miles]

So what's holding you back? Tabac is cheap and readily available. Place an order, and you'll be swimming in tallowy-slick lather by mid-week.

http://www.fragrancex.com/products/_lid_T-am-pid_1248M-am-cid_Cologne__products.html

Only my wallet is holding me back! Eventually I will check it out. The esteemed opinion of one meelion B&B'ers must hold at least some merit :smile:

[jadam318]

I've yet to use Tabac. Perhaps I'll buy some for myself for my birthday (this week)...and maybe a new straight razor too...and maybe a new brush...and some new aftershave...and...wait. Someone stop me, please :wink:

Seriously, though. I'll get some of this stuff and jump in on this. I've heard great things.

[jonnyt]

Hmm, second shave much worse than first despite exact same set-up.
First pass was ok but not enough lather for a second, had to go back to the puck (which I never normally have to do). Think maybe I didn't have enough water in the brush. More experimentation needed...

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-6/IMG_0539.JPG

[MrFusion]

I can't do a whole month of Tabac but I will join you all this month from time to time. This morning I used my Merkur HD with a Red IP blade, Simpson Special brush and Tabac.
I think I left a bit more water in my brush than I should have but Tabac didn't care; Gobs of nice thick lather and a great shave were achieved! :biggrin:

[BROWNS]

Day 6; Shave 7!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/jb6389/CIMG0635.jpg

[Drubbing]

Only just got my Tabac (refill). Apparently we aren't special enough for our local vendors to be allowed the ceramic tubs in Australia.:frown:

Anyway, I noticed a couple of posts regarding lathering Tabac, and I'm finding it more work than anything else I've whipped up (Proraso soap & cream, Conk, TOBS).

I know this isn't a newbie thread, but some feedback on how some of you lather this up would be appreciated, and keeps the Tabactober groove thing moving along...

I've tried the dry brush method and for me, it sucks. I've also tried the method in the review forum (Joel?) which uses a far wetter brush, but I can never get that amount of soap off with just a few swirls; I have to work it, and while I can get a reasonable lather, it looks nothing like the dense cream whip pictured.

Could be just water differences I s'pose. I have had 2 good shaves with this stuff, though. Just wondering if I'm missing out on some extra special slickness?

Thanking you.

[BROWNS]

I like to soak the surface of the soap pretty well before I lather it up. When I soak my brush and all that while I'm in the shower, I put hot water on the surface of the soap and let it sit while I'm in the shower. You'll find the first few times the puck absorbs a fair amount of the water and gets easier to lather from then on. Whatever standing water is left on the puck I dump out and take a moderately dry brush to. Give that a try and let us know how it works, it always gives me a killer lather to work with when I do it that way!

[Drubbing]

Will do. Thanks.

[cymric]

There's one basic rule you must adhere to when using Tabac and that is:

DO NOT SOAK TABAC!

Soaking Tabac for more than a few moments can cause the soap to swell and rise up out of the container like a soufflé; this is not good for the longevity of the soap. Pictures like shown here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=965291&postcount=16) give an idea of the mangled and sorry mess you'll then end up with.

Tabac does not need to be soaked. The soap is fairly soft and doesn't need any further softening; the moisture in your brush will do so well that you don't need anything else. I've had excellent results with a variety of brushes, ranging from boar to a 'scrubby' silvertip with a flattish loft to a 'soft' sivertip with a bulbous loft. Depending on the firmness of the brush I shake them dry till they're moist---the firm ones a little dryer---then load gently for about half a minute until there is a thick white paste on the soap and in the brush. Remember, moisture is key (sogging wet is too much, flicked firmly and squeezed dry too little) and so is the action of the bristles on the soap's surface to promote dissolution. This white paste is dissolved soap waiting to be diluted and aerated and transformed into lathery goodness. I find that with scrubby brushes Tabac likes a good drink, with soft brushes somewhat less. Good luck!

[cymric]

Shave 4 out of 16. Effortless. Blade is starting to go to the Dark Side, however.

[jadam318]

There's one basic rule you must adhere to when using Tabac and that is:

DO NOT SOAK TABAC!

Soaking Tabac for more than a few moments can cause the soap to swell and rise up out of the container like a soufflé; this is not good for the longevity of the soap. Pictures like shown here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=965291&postcount=16) give an idea of the mangled and sorry mess you'll then end up with.

Tabac does not need to be soaked. The soap is fairly soft and doesn't need any further softening; the moisture in your brush will do so well that you don't need anything else. I've had excellent results with a variety of brushes, ranging from boar to a 'scrubby' silvertip with a flattish loft to a 'soft' sivertip with a bulbous loft. Depending on the firmness of the brush I shake them dry till they're moist---the firm ones a little dryer---then load gently for about half a minute until there is a thick white paste on the soap and in the brush. Remember, moisture is key (sogging wet is too much, flicked firmly and squeezed dry too little) and so is the action of the bristles on the soap's surface to promote dissolution. This white paste is dissolved soap waiting to be diluted and aerated and transformed into lathery goodness. I find that with scrubby brushes Tabac likes a good drink, with soft brushes somewhat less. Good luck!

Thanks for the heads up. I would surely have messed that up if it were not for your post.

[BROWNS]

There's one basic rule you must adhere to when using Tabac and that is:

DO NOT SOAK TABAC!

Soaking Tabac for more than a few moments can cause the soap to swell and rise up out of the container like a soufflé; this is not good for the longevity of the soap. Pictures like shown here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=965291&postcount=16) give an idea of the mangled and sorry mess you'll then end up with.

Tabac does not need to be soaked. The soap is fairly soft and doesn't need any further softening; the moisture in your brush will do so well that you don't need anything else. I've had excellent results with a variety of brushes, ranging from boar to a 'scrubby' silvertip with a flattish loft to a 'soft' sivertip with a bulbous loft. Depending on the firmness of the brush I shake them dry till they're moist---the firm ones a little dryer---then load gently for about half a minute until there is a thick white paste on the soap and in the brush. Remember, moisture is key (sogging wet is too much, flicked firmly and squeezed dry too little) and so is the action of the bristles on the soap's surface to promote dissolution. This white paste is dissolved soap waiting to be diluted and aerated and transformed into lathery goodness. I find that with scrubby brushes Tabac likes a good drink, with soft brushes somewhat less. Good luck!

I have soaked my Tabac every time I've used it with no ill effects. I'm not sure what happen to the Tabac in that picture, but I highly doubt that happened from letting a tablespoon of water rest on the surface for a few minutes.

Drubbing - My recommendation is to still at least wet the surface of the soap a bit with hot water. In my experience if the top layer of soap is hydrated it gets picked up very easily by the brush and explodes later that much easier.

[cymric]

It happened to me too. Not as extreme, but there was definitely a noticable amount of puffing. And once again, Tabac does not need extra wetting whatsoever. Try it yourself.

[BROWNS]

I have tried it myself. I'm sorry if I seem skeptical I just have a hard time believing it, as I've done it daily and had absolutely no "puffing" or anything like that. That is, a teaspoon of hot water on the surface for about 10 minutes before I shave. This is right in line with Jim's soap lathering tutorial, shown here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21136).

If there's one thing I've learned from wetshaving, it's all the different variables there can be. After seeing the pictures and hearing it happened to you, I could see puffing as happening in certain conditions. However, soaking with a bit of water under the conditions I have, it does nothing but create killer lather with absolutely no puffing.

[40boy]

Man, this is going to be tough to go a whole month... anyone else faltering yet?

Sensor
Omega Boar
Tabac SS
Thayers Witch Hazel Astringent with Aloe Vera
P&G Old Spice

1st time I've used the Sensor in a while. Not bad for a 2 pass quickie.

[cymric]

Man, this is going to be tough to go a whole month... anyone else faltering yet?
Why would it be tough? It's not that I have many alternatives, true, but once you're at the performance peak and shave without problems, quickly and surely, without irritation to BBS---why bother switching?

[BROWNS]

I haven't had a problem using just Tabac yet. That's like someone telling you you have to drive a Ferrari for a month and struggling because you can't drive your garage full of Honda's.

[persco]

I've already done the months of Tabacune, Tabaculy, Tabaugust, Septabac, and will gladly do Tabactober... I love it. I wish my wife liked the AS, but am glad she can at least live with the soap.

[Drubbing]

It happened to me too. Not as extreme, but there was definitely a noticable amount of puffing. And once again, Tabac does not need extra wetting whatsoever. Try it yourself.Thanks for the warning, but I'm going to give it a try, as I don't drown my soaps. I've tried it with the soap dry and brush lightly shaken and my results were ordinary.

EDIT: Tried it and it works well; dryish brush/wet puck is essentially the method I'd used for Conk. With Tabac, I previously followed other suggestions to have a shaken brush and dry puck, and it's too hard to load.

Just finished my morning shave and it was terrific. The Tabac came up more dense than previously and allowed me to trust the blade more on the tricky bits. Mind you, I did try a new blade as well this morning, but that doesn't take anything away from the lather. I think Tabac may be making me a soap convert.

Cymric, I read recently that all non-glycerine soaps will expand and soften with use. Given the method suggested to me is from Jim's tute, then we can only assume that souffle'd Tabac (which doesn't appear to be yours, going on your post) has suffered more water damage than just water on the puck. As Brown's says, there's a lot of variables out there, with hard and soft water etc

SOTD:
Tabac SS
Slim @ No5
Vulfix 849
Treet blade
Dickinson's WH
Jack Black Double Duty Moisturiser

[40boy]

Why would it be tough? It's not that I have many alternatives, true, but once you're at the performance peak and shave without problems, quickly and surely, without irritation to BBS---why bother switching?

Nothing wrong with the Tabac, it's one of my favorites.
Just tough in the sense I get bored easily. I kinda miss my Speick shave stick, MWF and Trumpers Coconut. I'll get over it :biggrin:

[cymric]

EDIT: Tried it and it works well; dryish brush/wet puck is essentially the method I'd used for Conk. With Tabac, I previously followed other suggestions to have a shaken brush and dry puck, and it's too hard to load.
Well, a quick soak of a few moments (read: splash water onto it and then straight after pour it off again) so that the surface is wet, and then begin loading won't of course harm the puck. It's prolonged soaking that does funny things. I remember that when I still did this with Tabac, the soap underneath the puddle would become a soggy mess with the consistency of a very thick cream. Picking that up with a brush is of course foolproof. However, when I tried this method with a harder soap like TOBS or Wilkinson (in the blue tub), I got nowhere. I learned then the hard way that there is more to loading brushes than merely putting water on the puck and scraping off the softened result.


Just finished my morning shave and it was terrific. The Tabac came up more dense than previously and allowed me to trust the blade more on the tricky bits. Mind you, I did try a new blade as well this morning, but that doesn't take anything away from the lather. I think Tabac may be making me a soap convert.
Soaps are not necessarily better than creams in an absolute sense. They may, however, suit your shaving needs better.


Cymric, I read recently that all non-glycerine soaps will expand and soften with use. Given the method suggested to me is from Jim's tute, then we can only assume that souffle'd Tabac (which doesn't appear to be yours, going on your post) has suffered more water damage than just water on the puck. As Brown's says, there's a lot of variables out there, with hard and soft water etc
I very much doubt hard and soft water have anything to do with soufflé-ing. And the effect will be lessened if the soap is allowed to dry out properly between shaves. So in the end my exclamation may have been over the top, all things considered---but still, the fact that you don't need to soften or soak or wet Tabac because it practically dissolves on its own in the vicinity of a shaving brush... I maintain that the warning is not without merit.

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-8/IMG_0543.JPG

[Augustiner]

DON'T SOAK TABAC

Water should be added to the lather in a separate location (face or bowl) AFTER you have loaded your brush with soap off the DRY puck with a damp brush. This gives a much richer and creamier lather of higher quality.

[zoom]

DON'T SOAK TABAC

Water should be added to the lather in a separate location (face or bowl) AFTER you have loaded your brush with soap off the DRY puck with a damp brush. This gives a much richer and creamier lather of higher quality.

A dry puck is better than it sounds.

I did that today instead of the 5 min 1 tsp soak I did yesterday and the lather was at least as good. One less thing to soak is fine with me.

[BROWNS]

Different strokes for different folks I suppose. I've had absolutely nothing but good results from getting my Tabac wet, so I will continue to do it. Drubbing, I'm glad to hear it worked for you as well as it does for me. Not to take anything away from cymric as he clearly had a bad experience somehow, but I'll continue to stick to Jim's tutorial as it works great with Tabac and every other soap I use.

Wooooo Day 8!!!

[Alaskan Eagle]

8 days in and loving every moment.

[McShaverson]

Day 8, and I'm still faithful :biggrin:

[Drubbing]

Different strokes for different folks I suppose. I've had absolutely nothing but good results from getting my Tabac wet, so I will continue to do it. Drubbing, I'm glad to hear it worked for you as well as it does for me. Not to take anything away from cymric as he clearly had a bad experience somehow, but I'll continue to stick to Jim's tutorial as it works great with Tabac and every other soap I use.
I'm taking it conservatively with the water, and appreciate all the differing advice, but it's working well so far. Another excellent shave result today.

[40boy]

After a blazing hot shower where I used TABAC Body Wash,
I followed it up with:

Merkur HD
RPIP(1)
TABAC SS
TABAC ASL

TABAC Deodorant
TABAC Talc

Ready to face another day :w00t:

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-9/IMG_0544.JPG

[cymric]

Shave #5 of 16. Slightly less than shave #4, probably due to haste, blade deterioration and too wet a lather. But still a fine shave.

[rbaloha]

IMO soaking tabac prior to showering and continual use leads to nice lathering.

[Icemanxxxv]

Ok I'm a bit late but maybe just maybe I get half the month of tabactfestin. I had to find out what this is about. I just couldn't stand the rave so I had to break down and buy some!

[Dharion]

May aswell post it here, too.



http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn299/Dhark1/IMG_35501.jpg
Tabac SS - Erbe badger brush in finest - Robert Klaas 5/8 - Tabac Man AS

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-11/IMG_0551.JPG

[mretzloff]

May aswell post it here, too.




Tabac SS - Erbe badger brush in finest - Robert Klaas 5/8 - Tabac Man AS

How do you like the Tabac Man? I thought it smelled too much like the after shaves/colognes you usually find in American department stores. Have you tried the Tabac Man Silver? It is pretty good too.


EDIT: Mark, we need to get you some Tabac ASL. What is this?!?! :biggrin:

[markb]

EDIT: Mark, we need to get you some Tabac ASL. What is this?!?! :biggrin:
I have some...

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-1/IMG_0522.JPG

Use it occasionally... :wink:

[Drubbing]

Day 7 for me, and have used Tabac exclusively, and only changed blades (still sussing some out). Every shave a winner so far. After up and down results with other soaps and blade combos, I'm starting to think there's something in this Tabac lovefest.

Some of you guys have to ease up on the T-Pr0n. We can't even get the soap bowls over here...Yes, I can get it sent from the states, but this puck will last me til Easter as it is.

[Dharion]

How do you like the Tabac Man? I thought it smelled too much like the after shaves/colognes you usually find in American department stores. Have you tried the Tabac Man Silver? It is pretty good too.


[...]IMHO Tabac Man is a modernisation of the Tabac scent. It's not perfect but with a young un like me it's much better than Tabac. Though I like that old Tabac scent, too. Haven't tried Silver.

[Jwolf24601]

Day 5 for me, did not shave for a week while deer hunting.

Been great so far, will see how it goes as I get into it consistantly.

[40boy]

Still hanging in:

1958 TV Special SS
Feather (1)
Omega 81052 Boar
Tabac SS
Speick AS

[Alaskan Eagle]

Day 12 shave 11

48-50 Aristocrat with yellow 7 o'clock (x2)
Tabac SS
Kim-son and Golden nib brush with 22mm finest
Georgetown scuttle
Old spice AS
Penhaligan's English Fern edt.

[TinFish]

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=18609

Just got the soap last week after my birthday. Got the EDT a while ago. Love 'em both!
I wish I had discovered Tabac about 40 birthday shaves ago! I'm in for the rest of Tabactoberfest!

[BROWNS]

It was homecoming weekend on campus, and I haven't shaved in at least four days thanks to all the... "festivities." This is the longest lapse in shaves I've had since I started DE shaving, going to have to break out the open comb Gilette for this one!

[deshaveman]

Different strokes for different folks I suppose. I've had absolutely nothing but good results from getting my Tabac wet, so I will continue to do it. Drubbing, I'm glad to hear it worked for you as well as it does for me. Not to take anything away from cymric as he clearly had a bad experience somehow, but I'll continue to stick to Jim's tutorial as it works great with Tabac and every other soap I use.

Wooooo Day 8!!!

I love putting a table spoon of water in the depression on the top of my puck. I usually come at the puck with a fairly dry brush and I think the little bit of water starts the lather building. Otherwise the knot of the brush just gets clogged with soap and it takes way longer to get things moving again.

Sorry I've been silent on this thread for so long, my computer was on the fritz for the better part of a week. Thanks to Time Machine I am up running again after replacing some hardware.

My Tabac shaves have been keeping me sane while I was living without a computer. Okay, so I had my phone with internet...:001_rolle...It's not the same! :biggrin:

[The National Razor]

I'm not participating in Tabactoberfest, but I did bust out the Tabac soap, Aftershave Lotion, and EdC today! Now I'm enveloped in the most comforting scent I know.

[MikeS]

Tabac Shave Soap: Day 13 Shave 9
Tabac ASL

Shavemac 21mm Finest
Dovo Special 5/8
TGR Unscented Balm

I just received the Tabac ASL and EdC in the mail last night, so I was happy this morning to wake up and reach for the ASL... :biggrin:

Unfortunatly, this may not be approved by SWMBO, something about a "powder bomb" when I entered the room. :confused: I'll have to see if I can ease her into the smell, otherwise I have more than a lifetime supply to use when she is not around...

Cheers,
Mike

[inkwell]

im not all about using it for a month...but i realized that my irritation problems were not caused by this soap...so umm i just got one in...this soap is so badass seriously! i can lather it like no other....:biggrin::biggrin: *tabac dance*

[Deftim13]

I cheated on Satuday and used my English Fern. Otherwise I am 100% Tabac this month.

[Yushiro]

Ah...lathered up and shaved with the Tabac Shaving Stick last night. Wonderful..Woke up to a rainy cold morning, perfect for some Tabac EDC. mmmm....

[cymric]

Shaves #6 and #7 were uneventful. Excellent, of course, but if that's your standard then things can become a bit boring. I did switch from the AS splash to the AS balm on the last shave because there had been something which had caused some hives to appear on my neck---probably due to helping moving a very cat hair-rich house---hence the need for some extra care. The balm is an excellent product, by the way. I should probably switch between splash and balm a bit more often.

[letsdisinfect]

I was running late to work yesterday and slipped -- I pulled out the tube of Proraso...

That being said, I'm digging Tabactober! I'm really getting the nuances of the soap and getting better lather every day.

Anyone know what the plan is for November?

[cymric]

I'm really getting the nuances of the soap and getting better lather every day.
Exactly.


Anyone know what the plan is for November?
As for myself, I'm going to give Cella another try, and then do a Musgo run. Or perhaps the other way around. I've been shaving with just 2 soaps in about 5 months now, and I noticed that some of the creams I've been hoarding because I really dug them seemed to shave with more friction than these two soaps. I'm not really sure whether it's just me or that these creams indeed are less slick---if they are I'm very much afraid I'm going to sell them off.

[Sixxtwo]

man, I gotta buy some of this stuff it seems...

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-14/IMG_0560.JPG

[mretzloff]

I had to skip shaving yesterday. I had no time :sad:

Today I did pick it back up, though :thumbsup:

[McShaverson]

I get to shave in the morning! Tabac, here I come :w00t::w00t::w00t::thumbup1:

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-15/IMG_0565.JPG

[dmnall]

Dang it what a way to start the month out and I am out of Tabac... Well no worries, I should have a puck refill on it's way tomorrow along with a tub of proraso white!

Cheers,

[r0ckrat]

Day 15 came and went with Tabac. I've been super-lathering to ease up a little on the Tabac-ness, I guess I like things a little "sweeter". Wish I had some Tabac cream to try.

So far, my favorite is adding a little Macca Root cream to the lather. Softens the edge a little.

[40boy]

Day 16 - Shave 14 ( I've been skipping Sundays)

HD
Astra
Tabac SS
Omega Boar
Thayers Witch Hazel Astringent w/Aloe
Ivory Club Por Homme

[cymric]

Wish I had some Tabac cream to try.
No, you don't.

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-16/IMG_0616.JPG

[Icemanxxxv]

Well? Yes! It does live up to the hype. What a wonderful shave!

[Mr. O]

Um, is it bad if you like the smell and feel of Tabac so much you want to wear it everyday?:lol:

[40boy]

Um, is it bad if you like the smell and feel of Tabac so much you want to wear it everyday?:lol:

Nope, that's why they make Tabac deodorant, talc, body wash, EdT and cologne :biggrin:

[Ironman06]

Oh man! I didn't realize it was Tabactober already... I really need to check my calander more frequently.

Hmmm, but now that I think about it. My brush seemed to know the correct month because I just realized we (my brush and I) have been using Tabac pretty much exclusively.

Thanks brush, and Hooray for Tabactober!!!

[cymric]

Shave #8 was a bit rough for some reason I cannot explain. Too hot water? Lather too thick? Anyway, it left me with some faintly nagging and not-quite-itchy skin the entire day; and so I took it very slowly and gently for shave #9---which I nearly ruined because of a lather which was too thin. But I managed very well, I think.

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-17/IMG_0619.JPG

[McShaverson]

Mmmmmmmmmmmm Tabac...

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab124/3dfkevin/Red%20Imp%20Restore/DSC_0072.jpg

[Kappa]

Had my first Tabac shave today (came into the festivities kind of late heh) Gonna need to get the hang of making lather with this soap as I normally use TAOS sandalwood cream. I went at the puck with a shaken out brush and dry puck and then moved to a mug. The lather ended up drying on my face so I've got a bit of work to do. I won't give up though, I am loving the scent! (So much that I bought the ASL today as well.)

Gonna have to do some experimenting tomorrow, thanks so much for all the great tips so far!

Dovo 5/8" straight
Edwin Jagger Best Badger Brush
Tabac SS
TAOS Sandalwood ASL

[mretzloff]

I like the SOTDs, guys. I am enjoying the month of Tabac. Maybe I will even go for another :eek:

[fleshdunce]

Well I just had the opportunity to join Tabactober fest and I must say I am quite impressed. Had my first shave with Tabac today (and first try at shaving soap) and it went very well. Took a pretty wet brush to a dry puck and loaded it for about 30 seconds until I started to see quite a bit of lather build up and then moved onto my face. Few extra dips in the sink later I had some nice lather going within another 2 minutes. Definitely took me a bit longer then with the cream I am used to but I am sure that will get better as I use it more.

That said, let me say that I think this stuff smells fantastic. I am tempted to buy the aftershave lotion already. Also, the slickness of this stuff is amazing. I always thought my cream was slick, but this morning the razor was literally gliding across my face more smoothly then anything else I have used before.

Will look forward to keeping this one in my rotation. Question though, do you guys leave the container open after shaving to dry? Or do you shut the lid? The lid seems to leave enough room to let air flow through so I figured I could leave it on.

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-18/IMG_0620.JPG

[dpm802]

Question though, do you guys leave the container open after shaving to dry? Or do you shut the lid? The lid seems to leave enough room to let air flow through so I figured I could leave it on.I leave the lid off on most soaps ... at least for 24 hours.

[Tricky]

Gentleman,
Y'all have done me a great service. As a relative newbie to the correct way to wet shave, Tabac has been an absolute treasure to find. I just got my Tabac friday and have already shaved twice with it. The lather was SO simple to create and it was a wonderful lather. I would suggest that anyone having trouble creating good lathers to get this stuff. It seems so incredibly forgiving with amounts of water added. I purposely tried to drown the lather and it took much more water than I thought. Unbelievable stuff, will be doing it again in the morning!

[cymric]

Glad to hear it, but shaving twice with it is just the beginning. Twenty times, then we're talking a bit; two hundred times you've got the soap all figured out.

Shave #10: Return of Excellence. Took it slow, didn't rush the blade, took care not to reshave the same area too much---and voilà: smooth, no irritation and no slightly sensitive skin which doesn't mind but doesn't like to be touched. Tabac is a great soap to shave with, but expects a little attention from the user in return; it's not absolutely foolproof, in any case.

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-19/IMG_0624.JPG

[gollum83]

Will look forward to keeping this one in my rotation. Question though, do you guys leave the container open after shaving to dry? Or do you shut the lid? The lid seems to leave enough room to let air flow through so I figured I could leave it on.

Leave it on, the puck dries rather well with with it on. As you've already noticed, it's designed to allow moisture to evaporate and escape easily.

[Kappa]

Tabac is a great soap to shave with, but expects a little attention from the user in return; it's not absolutely foolproof, in any case.
+1
This is so true. Today was my second shave with Tabac and I'm still having trouble keeping it from drying on my face (I had to re-apply twice). I tried shaking the brush out a little more and even put a small amount of hot water on the puck (and then dumped it off). When I began to lather in my mug it seemed like I had not used enough soap. I'm going to try squeezing the brush completely out as too much water may be coming into contact with the puck.

I also noticed that when I build lather I may be pushing down too hard. When I pulled my brush out the breach was open and staring right at me :eek: Maybe I'm pushing down too hard and getting far too much soap up inside the brush?

Any thoughts?

(Still love the scent and the shave it provides!)

[fleshdunce]

From my understanding, if the lather is drying on your face that means that you aren't using enough water. I have only just started using shaving soap, but for me I start with the Tabac puck dry and the brush pretty wet. I don't put much pressure on the brush and swirl it around the puck and use pumping motions in order to load up the brush. I keep doing this for 30-45 seconds before applying it to my face.

[mretzloff]

Mark, are you traveling somewhere? Nice SOTD, as always.

[cymric]

Any thoughts?
Yes, a lot of them, all of them screaming Stop abusing that poor puck of Tabac! For one thing, use a moist brush. With my silvertip I aim for the hairs clumping together in little groups. It's harder to judge with a boar or synthetic brush, but there must still be some moisture left. Second, don't try to scrape off Tabac---the soap it soft enough that it doesn't need to be treated to the point where a brush is flattened like a pancake. Instead, push the moist brush gently onto a dry puck and start swirling gently. Let the combination of water in the brush and the soft brushing dissolve the soap and slowly migrate upwards between the hairs. Occasionally try to let the brush 'soak up' the thick white cream which should appear within about 10 seconds or so; this ensures that all moisture comes into contact with soap. After about half a minute or so, you're done loading, and should now have sufficient soap in the brush for four royal passes. At this stage the lather in my experience likes a good drink of water before it becomes shaveworthy, so don't be afraid to add a few tiny splashes. This procedure should also immediately cure any problems of disappearing lather: Tabac disappearing is a sign that something is very wrong with how you made the lather. Once you've made a few good lathers you can judge loading times better so you don't make more than you need.

[markb]

Mark, are you traveling somewhere? Nice SOTD, as always.
Thanks Matthew!!

Was on vacation last week and had several day trips planned. Never knew if I would be staying anywhere overnight but I always took a small kit along just in case. Along with the items shown (which included a Merkur 34C instead of the Bull Mastiff) I packed a tube of Musgo Real cream.

Decided to do my "travel kit" shave this morning. :smile:

[Kappa]

:biggrin: haha thank you for the advice cymric! I'll be sure to try that. I definitely have some learning to with making lather, I'll be sure to keep that in mind for next time. In fact, I might just experiment tonight with making a better lather heh:smile:

[fleshdunce]

http://i37.tinypic.com/35jza6c.jpg

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-20/IMG_0637.JPG

[Kappa]

Sorry for the quality, didn't have my camera out and just had to get a picture w/ my phone of my first successful lather. Thank you cymric!!!! :w00t:
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=18660

[fleshdunce]

Good looking lather! What kinda brush is that?

[Kappa]

Good looking lather! What kinda brush is that?

It's an Edwin Jagger Best Badger Brush. I got it off Amazon for ~$44 and I absolutely love it :biggrin:

[cymric]

Has the like-soft-peaks-meringue look alright... Enjoy!

Shave #11: efficient, smooth, no irritation. Blade is starting to go, though.

[Tricky]

And is it just me, or does anyone else love the ceramic bowl it comes in?! I can't find anything wrong with this product.

[Kappa]

And is it just me, or does anyone else love the ceramic bowl it comes in?! I can't find anything wrong with this product.
+1

uh, YES! :biggrin:

On another note, had my first awesome shave with Tabac. Had the chance to use my newly found lather success for a 2 pass shave

[dmnall]

Finally got my refill puck of Tabac tonight and I cannot wait until I can get a nice Tabac shave tomorrow morning!

Cheers,

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-22/IMG_0642.JPG

[WhosYerBob]

Plan to try my puck of Tabac tomorrow morning. :001_smile

[Drubbing]

Plan to try my puck of Tabac tomorrow morning. :001_smile The first puck is the sweetest.

[SpyvSpy]

Ordered my shave stick from WCS. Should b here soon hopefully so I can join in for the last few days of this how do you say Tabactober.

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-23/IMG_0644.JPG

[Cookie_Junkie]

Hi guys!

Sorry I couldn't post earlier and report. Anyway, I've been in since Day1 and haven't slipped so far, that is 21 great shaves with the tallowy goodness and 23 great days with our beloved comforting scent. Oh, yes, I got careless with a 7O'-loaded Old-Type :eek: and badly cut myself, hence these 2 days off I took/needed to recover.:redface:
Everything's fine now and today's been delightful as well: just check THIS (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=1560378#post1560378) mates!!:biggrin:

The good thing with this Tabactoberfest is I wanted to "overdo" it and decided to order the Talc as well. Not only did I love the smell but also the very feeling. I did not use talc before!!:rolleyes: Now, I use it either as a body freshener/softener, or even on a rough day when my face needs rescue. I go with generous amounts of balm and end up tacky; then I bring out a very tiny amount of T-Talc and my cheeks are all soft n' slick, but not shiny. Besides, did I mention the smell!??:w00t:

Enjoy!
C_J

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-24/IMG_0648.JPG

[mretzloff]

Mark, your pictures are great. I must say, although I believe I have mentioned it before, I have not seen one picture with Tabac ASL. Do you not have any (again, forgive me if I have asked before)?

[markb]

Mark, your pictures are great. I must say, although I believe I have mentioned it before, I have not seen one picture with Tabac ASL. Do you not have any (again, forgive me if I have asked before)?
Thanks Matt! Yeah, I have Tabac ASL.. Used it..

Here: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1560348&postcount=175

Here: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1506933&postcount=25

&

Here: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1506210&postcount=12

:wink:

[cymric]

Shave #12 was a tricky shave as I was in foreign parts, and I had to be careful since water hardness, the way I stand in front of a mirror, and the soap I clean my face with were all different than what I am accostumed to. I was very careful, and applied lots of Tabac balm which my skin soaked up like a parched camel soaks up water. The regular soap was obviously very harsh, and it was a good thing I took the balm with me instead of the splash, otherwise my skin would have broken out in hives. Still, the shave went surprisingly well.

Shave #13 was at home again, a bit thin lather, but a very nice and pleasant shave all the same.

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-25/IMG_0649.JPG

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-26/IMG_0655.JPG

[McShaverson]

10/26/09

I'm not sure what shave I just had, but it was amazing. We're almost at the end! This was a lot easier than I thought it would be.

-Kevin

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-27/IMG_0661.JPG

[cymric]

Shave #14: great shave, although I probably did the Good Thing by using balm instead of splash.

I've come to realise that if Tabac has a flaw, then for me it lies in its fairly strong scent. Make no mistake, I like it a great deal, and have several products in the Tabac family I would take with me to a desert island---but its raw strength tires me. It's not that I count the days till shave #16, but to say that I have great difficulty in saying Tabac goodbye for a while is not true either. I was in Germany recently where I picked up a stick of Irisch Moos, and I'm interested in finding out whether it behaves similarly in that respect.

[miamijuggler]

I'm still here, still keeping up the pledge of Tabac-only.

That's not to say that I don't look longingly at my other soaps.:biggrin: While I really like Tabac, I do miss having a variety of shave scents to choose from. My puck of MWF is getting cracked and lonely. The tub of Proraso white collects a fine layer of dust. The recently purchased puck of C&E Nomad has not even been unwrapped.

A cold, empty wind whistles a low, mournful tone through my shaving cabinet, eagerly awaiting my return from Tabactober.

My final Tabactober shave will be tomorrow night. And then I will be able to last until Sunday, at which point I probably won't be able to make up my mind about which soap to use.:w00t:




Stay strong out there,

--miamijuggler

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-28/IMG_0666.JPG

[Kappa]

I love the light behind the brush, Markb! Great looking picture as always!

[Kappa]

On another note:
Last nights shave with Tabac was probably my best shave with the soap AND my razor! Finished up with some Tabac ASL and it was great. I didn't even have to shave today (although I wish I could!)

Dovo 5/8" straight razor
EJ Best Badger Brush
Tabac SS
Tabac ASL

[mretzloff]

Mark, wow! Those Halloween pictures look great. You must have spent quite some time on them.

[markb]

Mark, wow! Those Halloween pictures look great. You must have spent quite some time on them.
Thanks Matthew!! :smile:


http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-29/IMG_0672.JPG

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-30/IMG_0674.JPG

[SpyvSpy]

I've swtiched up. Can't get the lather down on the shave stick right. Everytime I use it ALOT of gunk builds up on the blade (almost like using canned crud) any suggestions? (more water?)

[gwanzek]

Got in late to Tabactober fest, but have been shaving with nothing else since a week ago.

This soap is awesome!!

[jchennav]

Just concluded Tabactober Fest with a Tabac + Tabac superlather. Smells and shaves like heaven indeed.

[markb]

http://www.nehp.net/~markbeem/Shaving/2009%20shaves/October/10-31/IMG_0677.JPG

It's been a fun month with lots of great shaves!!