Sotd - week ending 16/12 and yesterday 18/12 -
Travel shaving - 9 - 15/12 -
Razor - Yaqi double open comb 'mini'
blade - Perma Sharp Super (5 uses)
soap - Fitjar Slatteroy
brush - Satin Tip - The Purest synth
aftershave - Williams Aqua Velva - Spanish version
balm - BBA or Spanish almond oil moisturiser
scent - varied.
Result - just fine.
The Yaqi 'mini' is a good choice for me in the wash kit - it works - and you aren't going to lose any sleep if - for some reason - your luggage disappears - given how much they cost. It isn't actually that mini - the handle is about the same length as a Merkur 34 or 37 for reference - and because it is made of brass it has a decent heft to it. I have hands like shovels and don't find the size an issue. The razor is definitely on the assertive/efficient side of the equation in my opinion. I've had no blade alignment issues at all. The Fitjar sample size is ideal for travel - it is so concentrated - it could last a month. It seemed a wee bit hissy with hard water - nothing serious - didn't stop it being excellent in use - Fitjar's take on bay rum - is very different to most - great for me - warm, complex and not too heavy on the cloves. Picked up the Williams splash in El Corte Ingles (ECI) for a very reasonable four euros 70 cents - classic old school - you can't go far wrong. ECI is a proper old fashioned department store chain - a Spanish institution - they will have a branch - if not more than one - in most towns of any size - and all the cities. The name means incidentally - 'the English cut' - the founders were tailors. They carry a good range of proper shaving gear - Lea Classic, La Toja, Alvarez Gomez, Proraso, Williams, Nivea and Tabac - that sort of thing. Top tip - if you are looking for basic items - like La Toja or Lea sticks or cream, Williams cream and after shave, Old Spice - go down into the supermarket in the basement - they are even cheaper in there than upstairs. I didn't take any scent with me - but regular trips to the perfume department - for samples - of ECI sorted that out - the lady at the ADP outlet was particularly tolerant - I've marked a couple to purchase full size next year. Talking of scent - I've tried really hard with Tom Ford - but I just don't like anything I have tested - it doesn't smell good on me - never mind justifying the selling price. No idea why.
Yesterday - 18/12 -
Razor - Cobra Classic
blade - Schick Proline (?)
soap - Stirling Barbershop tallow
brush - Stirling two-band fan butterscotch M7 type handle
post - witch hazel
a/s - Lea Classic
balm - Spanish almond oil lotion.
Result - faultless.
A good homecoming shave is one of the few benefits of a holiday ending. Like this one - effortlessly bbs in two passes. I'm coming to realise that - although there are many excellent soaps and creams in the den - there - for me - is something about the Stirling lather that just nudges it ahead of the rest. Particularly in post shave face feel - superior. I must get more. Each to their own.
Enjoy your shaves gentlemen - yours - I.