Pre-shave: Dr Bronner’s Liquid Eucalyptus Soap
Lather: C&E Sandalwood
Brush: Semogue TSN 2012 Limited Edition badger/boar
Razor: Phillips Philite razor with a Astra Green blade
Post-shave: Cool water rinse, alum, and Proraso Liquid Cream
Beard care: Big Red Beard Oil (Factory) and Big Red No7 Beard Comb
Do you manage to drop the soap or powder off the brush before lathering? If so, the invention by Mr D Andrew Albright might be the thing you need:
An object of the invention is to provide a cup-like depression in the ends of the bristles constituting the brush, for the purpose of retaining the cream or powder in the center of the brush and to prevent it from falling from the brush…
While I’m not convinced that a cup shaped brush would be great for shaving – after all, a common complain about cheap brushes is that they develop a hollow space in the middle – it is interesting to note that the erstwhile inventor suggested a mixed brush:
A further and quite important character istic of the invention resides in the’sectional formation of the brush, the innermost section or core being constructed of relatively stiff bristles, such’as pig bristles, while the outermost surrounding section or’enveloping portion is composed of relatively soft bristles such as soft badger hair, the stiff’ bristles constituting the core being adapted to Work in the lather to soften the beard while preventing the latter from being misplaced, while the encircling section made of soft hair, allows for the spreading and smoothing off of the lather.
I have a couple of mixed brushes myself – one badger/boar and one horse/badger – but they are not built up like this… not sure if any brushes ever has been built with a stiff core and a soft outer shell.
As an aside; can you even get shaving powder any longer?
Pre-shave: Dr Bronner’s Liquid Peppermint Soap
Lather: Proraso Eucalyptus & Menthol Soap
Brush: Vie Long 14033 mixed horse/badger
Razor: Phillips Philite razor with a Astra Green blade
Post-shave: Cool water rinse, alum, and Krampert’s Finest Bay Rum
Beard care: Big Red Beard Oil (Factory) and Big Red No7 Beard Comb
Scent is slightly overpowering when sniffing the naked puck – much like sticking my nose into the bottle of Krampert’s Finest aftershave – but mellows considerable when lathered.
Not particularly thirsty soap, meaning I have to dial back on the amount of water I start out with. Not a bad thing per see, but something to keep in mind.
Upper tier as far as moisturising and slickness goes, but could in my opinion have a bit more cushioning. Added points for being easy to clean out of the brush, unlike a number of big-name offerings.
So far it’s a definite thumbs up!
Pre-shave: Dr Bronner’s Liquid Peppermint Soap
Lather: Orange Essential Oil Shave Soap
Brush: Vie Long 13051M unbleached horse
Razor: Phillips Philite razor with a fresh Astra Green blade
Post-shave: Cool water rinse, alum, and Krampert’s Finest 80 Below
Pre-shave: Dr Bronner’s Liquid Peppermint Soap
Lather: Dalan d’Men Energetic
Brush: Semogue TSN 2012 LE mixed badger-boar
Razor: Lord Racer razor with a Racer blade
Post-shave: Cool water rinse, alum, and Body Shop Maca Root Face Protector
Since I have gathered more than a few razors, it’s only fair that I use them all… and to give them equal time, I have set up a rotation:
A – YUMA pot metal razor
B – GEM 1912 SE
C – Ever-Ready 1914 SE
D – GEM Micromatic Clug Pruf
E – Merkur 25C Open Comb
F – Cadet TTO-11 Open Comb
G – Cadet TP-01 Open Comb
H – Merkur 39C Slant
I – Bakelite Slant (most likely Merkur)
J – Merkur 45C Bakelite
K – Gillette ’58 TV Special Superspeed
L – Cadet TTO-13
M – Parker 22R
N – Wilkinson Sword Classic
O – Lord Racer
Not in the photo is my Merkur 985CL travel razor and my Gillette Old Type Khaki – the former is in my GoBag, the later in the locker at work.
Pre-shave: Dr Bronner’s Liquid Peppermint Soap
Lather: Arko Cool Mint Cream
Brush: Turkish No7
Razor: Lord Racer razor with a Racer blade
Post-shave: Cool water rinse, alum, and Thayers Original Witch Hazel
Presented with no further comment:
Pre-shave: Dr Bronner’s Liquid Peppermint Soap
Lather: Krampert’s Finest Bay Rum Shaving Soap
Brush: Vie Long 13051M pure, unbleached horse
Razor: Lord Racer razor with a fresh Racer blade
Post-shave: Cool water rinse, alum, and Krampert’s Finest Bay Rum
