Didn't have time to old hiker up my samples so back to the SSL kill. A bit of dedication and shaving more than once a week and I could probably kill it before Christmas
Today is the Austrian National Holiday – the day of the flag, which commemorates when the last Soviet soldier left the country in 1955. I used my only remaining Haslinger soap to commemorate, and combined it with a blade produced in Russia.
They list fucus vesiculosus extract as one of their ingredients. Unfortunately, I don't smell it at all in the soap - I would love to have something that smells like the sea at the French Channel or Atlantic coast.
This is a little presumptive on my part because you didn't ask for my opinion. However, if you are within your first 100 shaves, I suggest that work on good technique and comfort with a straight will pay off with closeness and comfort. The closeness that you want will just come to you as you gain familiarity.
Also, I have two Union 5/8 razors that I bought for $27. I haven't honed or used them yet, but I'll make a video of what I learn when I finally get to them.
I'm still under 10 shaves with an SR, so I'm under no illusion that I'll manage as close a shave (as with my DEs) right away. I'm still getting used to the feel of the razor in my hands. I'm open to advice, so no worries about coming across presumptive.
The Los Jabones de Joserra soap base is very low structure. It is so slick, that the lack of structure doesn't bother me, and the fragrance is very well blended. I did a 3-pass shave about two weeks ago. This one happened because I was tinkering with my 2-pass routine and wasn't satisfied with the result after two passes.
-> 2 passes on the dome, 1 for the neck and cheek lines. A really great shave!
Hadn't posted in a while since a few shaves were boring shower shaves with a cartridge. Feels good to use something proper again! I felt in the mood for a barbershop scent, but couldn't decide - so I used a chunk of the huge sample @sahenders@sub.wetshaving.social graciously provided to us for BVWSC N°2. I lathered it up in a new candle coaster I got myself (the old lid I've been using has finally RIP'd). Lo and behold, it worked great. MacDuff's base is really a treat and gladly I experience no irritation from the Oak moss.
Today's aftershave balm is a new one I bought on Friday, it's by a natural cosmetics brand that seems to be on clearance sale. The balm has a gel-like texture and absorbed very quickly. It unfortunately contains alcohol, but also lots of skin food ingredients to balance that out. Only downside is that it makes my dome shine like I polished it, so it's only getting used for late shaves 😅
The lather was really great. It made me wonder, do you think Stirling been slowly improving their base over time? They're sort of famous for not coming out with new bases, but that doesn't mean they can't tweak stuff here or there without us noticing. Frogs in boiling water, so to speak.