Fair play Mr C, you never fail to impress with your razors.
Kanayama 50000 | Robert Williams 'Purist' 7/8 | Wee Scot | Saponificio Varesino 70th
I got a similar experience with the Star Noir last week. I may have stored it wet. I left the lid off for a couple of days and, although soft, it has dried out a bit. The 'slime' helped by dipping the brush tips in water (if face lathering) or dribbling a little in the bowl. They are thirsty soaps and I found that this improved matters.
Brush: Omega 10098
Razor: iKon 102
Soap: Phoenix and Beau Albion
Post: L'Octtiane eau de L'Occitan
Decided to use two things I haven't used much of. My 102 slant and the Albion. I love thescent of the Albion but for me the performance feels a little lacking. I think my soap is from a bad batch around last summer (same issue with Denali, bought the same time). It feels softer than some of my others and loading it is all slimey for lack of a better word. Still managed to get it to work, pastey more than lather.
A good shave was had, albeit a wee bit aggressive.
I received them in the Summer, it was particularly hot from what I remember, I did put them in the fridge but they have always seemed softer. I added heaps of water today and it made for a nice coating as opposed to lather.I got a similar experience with the Star Noir last week. I may have stored it wet. I left the lid off for a couple of days and, although soft, it has dried out a bit. The 'slime' helped by dipping the brush tips in water (if face lathering) or dribbling a little in the bowl. They are thirsty soaps and I found that this improved matters.
I have heard that batch quality varies with Star Noir; softness and an ammonia smell (which I have experienced) for instance.
Alas, I must concur. That said, Baskerville seems to be behaving itself; which probably is due to the curing argument you outline.I received them in the Summer, it was particularly hot from what I remember, I did put them in the fridge but they have always seemed softer. I added heaps of water today and it made for a nice coating as opposed to lather.
I think from Star Noir onwards the soaps are being cured for several weeks more. I have read online others having the same issues with batches pre-dating the Star Noir release. It's still usable but not something I reach for often, which is a shame.
Thank you sir.Fair play Mr C, you never fail to impress with your razors.