Shave of the day 9th June

Pre-shave: Dr Bronner’s Liquid Eucalyptus
Lather: Mike’s Natural Rose&Cedarwood Soap (sample)
Brush: Semogue TSN 2012 LE mixed boar/badger brush
Razors: Parker 22R with a fresh Feather blade
Post-shave: Cool water rinse, alum and Kramperst’s Finest Bay Rum

Shave of the day 6th June

Pre-shave: Dr Bronner’s Liquid Eucalyptus
Lather: Aubrey Organics North Wood shaving cream
Brush: N/A
Razors: Yuma pot metal razor with a Shark blade
Post-shave: Cool water rinse, alum and Kramperst’s Finest Bay Rum

Shaving made easy – a free ebook

Over at Project Gutenberg – which is an awesome site for free books, by the way – I found a gem from 1905:

Available of reading online, or to download to a Kindle or other ebook reader, it’s a keeper. A little thin on the subject of DE- razors for some strange reason*, but covering the straight edge well as well as touching upon the strop, the brush, the soap, and other supplies. Has some sage advice too, that has not changed in over a century, such as:
Next to the razor, the most important article of the shaving outfit is the soap. In its proper use lies the real secret of easy shaving.
And:
If you desire a really clean shave, you must go over the face the second time.

It’s a highly enjoyable read, and I urge you to take a few minutes to grab a copy.

*) The first DE Gillettes went on sale in 1903 – so when this booklet was written they were very much the new kid on the block.

Shave of the day 4th June

Pre-shave: Dr Bronner’s Liquid Peppermint
Lather: Lea Shave Stick
Brush: Omega #50014 travel boar
Razors: Merkur 985CL Open Comb travel razor
Post-shave: Cool water rinse, alum and Krampert’s Finest Bay Rum

Review of Krampert’s Finest 80 Below

Krampert’s 80 Below is – in my opinion – one of the best aftershaves you can’t get; it’s a limited edition, and has for all intents and purposes been replaced by Krampert’s Frostbite.

The 80 Below shares it’s basic properties with Krampert’s Finest Bay Rum and Krampert’s prototype menthol – all of Krampert’s aftershaves do a great job of moisturizing my face after shaving – they work so well I have caught myself using them even if I haven’t shaved. They also does a good job of sealing and healing any minor nicks I might have inflicted on myself while shaving, something which is happening less frequently these days.

As far as scent and face feel goes, the 80 Below is… very menthol. If you’re not awake by the time you’re done shaving, you will be after putting the 80 Below on… also; if you’re not awake, why are you waving a sharp razor around your face and throat?

It is interesting to note that while menthol works wonders on warm, muggy summer days, it is just as nice for different reasons on a chilly winter morning… best way to describe it is that it makes you feel alive in a way you have to experience to understand.

While getting hold of a bottle of 80 Below is dependant on a fellow shaver giving up his loot these days, you ought to do yourself a favour and get a bottle of Krampert’s Frostbite – like Krampert’s Finest Bay Rum it’s well worth the asking price.

Shave of the day 2nd June

Pre-shave: Dr Bronner’s Liquid Eucalyptus
Lather: RazoRock XXX
Brush: Vie Long 14033 horse/badger mix
Razors: Yuma pot metal razor with a Shark blade
Post-shave: Cool water rinse, alum and Kramperst’s Finest Bay Rum

Shave of the day 30th May

Pre-shave: Dr Bronner’s Liquid Orange
Lather: Prairie Creation’s Walter
Brush: Vie Long 13051M pure horse
Razors: Yuma pot metal razor with a Shark blade
Post-shave: Cool water rinse, alum and Body Shop Maca Root Face Protector

Closeup of a well loved Lea shavestick

Shave of the day 28th May

Pre-shave: Dr Bronner’s Liquid Peppermint
Lather: Lea Shave Stick
Brush: Omega #50014 travel boar
Razors: Merkur 985CL Open Comb travel razor
Post-shave: Cool water rinse, alum and Krampert’s Finest Bay Rum

Closeup of my Merkur travel razor