SOTD Saturday 12th Sept to Friday 18th Sept 2020

Well from the land of mild in the AS-D2 to wild in the Blackland Dart. Both stainless steel beauties to behold but at either end of the shave scale when it comes to “aggression”. Yes, we all have opinions on this topic and this is my opinion...the AS-D2 is mild and comfortable the Dart is not so much. Technique calms this beast as does blade choice and you will be rewarded with a super, super close shave. You will however be quite aware of your shave especially if you lose focus.

Wanted to try something different today and reached for the minty goodness of Sapone di Paolo Menta. All spearmint goodness with a touch of menthol in there. Now known as “eleven” the soap is wonderful and the scent strong. Wish I had a few more of these.

Got through three lovely, leisurely passes and was indeed rewarded with a BBS finish. The dolphins scream alright but it's in submission! I love this razor and it is beautifully made but it is a beast. I am thankful I honed my technique with a Muhle R41 before getting this one. Enjoy your shaves! Stay safe!

Rating: 5 / 5

Razor: Blackland Dart
Blade: Gillette Rubie Platinum
Brush: RazoRock Chubby Extra - Silvertip Badger 27.5mm knot
Lather: Sapone di Paolo Menta
Aftershave: Sapone di Paolo Menta
Additional Care:
B.I.G. Co. Alum Block
Armani Acqua di Gio
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Tuesday AM 2020-09-15
National Felt Hat Day
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Rooney 3/2 Ivory Finest (24/58)
Floris No. 89 shaving soap (tallow)
Carbon Damascus/Rockwell Elite
Schick Plus Platinum (12)
Floris No. 89 aftershave (vintage)

I have decided that it is not just my imagination: the Damascus and Mokume shave better - closer and with more feedback - than the regular Carbon 316L, for some reason.
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Date:- 16 September 2020

Pre-shave:- Cold Water straight from the tap
Bowl/Scuttle:- Captain's Choice
Brush:- WCS Two-Tone Tall (Blue & White) Extra Dense Synth. 26/56mm knot
Soap/Cream:- Whispers from the Woods (Australian made) ~ All Things Nice "Spiced Sandalwood & Honey"
Razor/Blade:- Merkur 34C / Gillette Silver Blue #2
Post/After-shave:- T.N. Dickinson Witch Hazel Astringent mixed into the 240ml bottle with Natural Glycerin (20 drops) & Tea Tree Antiseptic (5) / The Stray Whisker Aftershave Balm (Australian made)

I've been giving my face a 3 good days rest from my last mid bloodbath shave, using my Feather AC-SS since I haven't been using for nearly 3 an half years... SHIT!

Hopefully I'll get back into the ballgame again on Friday using my Feather AC-SS.
 
Wed 16 SOTD using a new found blade...
Soap The Goodfellas Smile Italian Orange
Brush Yaqi 24mm Sagrada Familia
Razor Game Changer.84 SB
Blade Starke Premium (German) 1st Use
Post & Aftershave
Ice Water + Special Thayers Mix
Hyaluronic + Aqua Velva Musk
The soap is truly remarkable. 20sec direct load and face lathering with the excellent brush. Nice nice scent, good creamy lather with excellent slickeness too...
Shave with razor paired with this new found blade was actually very nice. Initial stroke was smooth...can feel it is sharpish...
generally smooth and comfortable. The best test of a good blade is during atg, at 2 areas...just under the jawline and upper lips. Shave at both area was crisp and smooth. After a 3+1 pass...result was good. Between BBS to DFS. Icy water rinse followed by Thayers then Hyaluronic and AV Musk
Somehow there's 2 weepers...dang! Still a very good shave. Rating 9/10
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16/9/20

Soap - Barbon Shaving Cream
Brush - Yaqi Plissoft 24mm
Razor - 1972 Aluminium Handle Sportsman Tech
Blade - Astra SP (7)
Post - Witch Hazel
AS - Barbon Splash

I was sent a sample of the Barbon Shaving cream which I'd not used for ages, and it really produces a delightful lather, and as one might expect it pairs nicely with the splash as well, both have quite a unique scent. I'd also not used my Sportsman Tech for a while as well, it's definitely a little more aggressive than my Flat Bottom Tech, but not quite as smooth, but a good shave in the end.

Have a good day Gents.
 
Wednesday's Shave

  • Pre: Argan Oil Soap
  • Brush: Shavemac 24mm Synbad
  • Razor: Dovo Masters 6/8
  • Soap: PAA Cavendish
  • Splash: Skin Bracer
  • Balm: Bart's Unscented
  • Scent: Lidl No.1
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So today it is the conclusion of my PAA Trial. What a way to finish and I couldn't decide if I liked Cavendish better than Harvest Moon , but in the end gave it to Harvest Moon. I have to say every single soap performed extremely well and the thing that was extremely impressive is how consistent this soap is across the range. Many for me vary wildly.

The League table is purely my take on the fragrance and of course YMMV. Thanks @Boycie83 for the samples and the chance to try them all.

1. Harvest Moon
2. Cavendish
3. Astra Planeta
4. Gondolier
5. CAD
6. Dapper Docs
7. Solstice
8. John Frum CK6
 
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