January 15th was one year to the day since my first traditional shave -- well, the first one since I left DE and SE shaving for carts about four decades ago. Here, with boldface names, is how I've evolved over the past year:
My starting setup was the Edwin Jagger DE87 (faux ivory handle), Timor blades, D.R. Harris Almond soap, and the Edwin Jagger Best Badger brush. No aftershave, just witch hazel.
Now I'm into more aggressive razors: the Mühle 2011 R41, a restored Old Type with a bespoke solid Old Type handle, and the Micromatic open-comb (OCMM/MMOC). (Along the way I tried a dozen or more different razors, and I think this helped solidify my skills.) Personna Med Prep or Lab blades are my favorites, though I also like Russian Perma-Sharps, Racers, and Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (Yellows), among others. Mitchell's Wool Fat (MWF) is the soap for me, with Irisch Moos and Tabac close seconds. (I'm not into creams, but I like making superlathers by adding a bit of Ingram shaving cream to my soaps. Ingram provides a great menthol blast.) The EJ brush still sees use, but not as much as my big boars, the Semogue 2000 and the Omega 10049. As for aftershaves, I like bay rum (especially a mix of Pinaud Virgin Island BR + Master BR + Gabels Lime), Aqua Velva (AV), Proraso splash, and Master Challenge.
The best part of it all has been interacting with the people here on B&B. It's been a lot of fun, and I look forward to many more years (I hope) of great shaves and interesting shave-related talk.
Be well, guys, and enjoy your shaves!
My starting setup was the Edwin Jagger DE87 (faux ivory handle), Timor blades, D.R. Harris Almond soap, and the Edwin Jagger Best Badger brush. No aftershave, just witch hazel.
Now I'm into more aggressive razors: the Mühle 2011 R41, a restored Old Type with a bespoke solid Old Type handle, and the Micromatic open-comb (OCMM/MMOC). (Along the way I tried a dozen or more different razors, and I think this helped solidify my skills.) Personna Med Prep or Lab blades are my favorites, though I also like Russian Perma-Sharps, Racers, and Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (Yellows), among others. Mitchell's Wool Fat (MWF) is the soap for me, with Irisch Moos and Tabac close seconds. (I'm not into creams, but I like making superlathers by adding a bit of Ingram shaving cream to my soaps. Ingram provides a great menthol blast.) The EJ brush still sees use, but not as much as my big boars, the Semogue 2000 and the Omega 10049. As for aftershaves, I like bay rum (especially a mix of Pinaud Virgin Island BR + Master BR + Gabels Lime), Aqua Velva (AV), Proraso splash, and Master Challenge.
The best part of it all has been interacting with the people here on B&B. It's been a lot of fun, and I look forward to many more years (I hope) of great shaves and interesting shave-related talk.
Be well, guys, and enjoy your shaves!