Sotd - Wednesday - 6/9
Razor - 1912
blade - Gem (5)
brush - Semogue 1305
soap - Tabac
post - witch hazel
a/s - Tabac
balm - Russian Vitamin F.
Result - great - a properly relaxing evening shave. On my own so I could mimsy about in the bathroom to my heart's content. Taking off a four day growth and the blade does not seem to be degrading at all in the 1912. It really is a good razor for me - two passes and out.
Round six of my 'no-artisan' experiment. Using only mass produced products. I think the Tabac qualifies - and it will be the exception that proves the rule compared to the software I have used so far. I am aware that asking yourself the question - 'is a tub of 20 euro soap ten times better than a tube of cream costing 2 euros' is an overly-simplistic and reductive approach to take. I fully understand why artisan soap makers have to charge more for their products - economy of scale principally I should imagine. Re-formulations must cost them proportionately much more - safety certificates etc - than a huge international cosmetic company. Certainly - when I get bored of this experiment the first things I reach for will be my OSP and Wickhams soaps and splashes. My interim findings are that - the real difference with an artisan product is the quality of scent - stronger, more identifiable and just more sophisticated. The other is the immediate post-shave face feel. This is harder for me to determine as I always follow up with a post-shave routine that I know will work. It sorts out any immediate dryness of my skin that I have felt with cheaper creams. The Tabac is the crossover point for me - it has an excellent scent and equally good face feel. Apart from anything else I have to use it once a week or I get withdrawal symptoms. The Russian balm is a top end product at any price.
Enjoy your shaves - yours - I.
P.
