I went back to my Koraat, and I got a smooth and close shave, even for the spot on the right side of the chin where I'm generally struggling to get a close shave. Unfortunately I massacred a pimple, and some blood was shed.
I seem to get noseblind to Ishtar. There's not the excitement there anymore I had in the beginning - and that started when I had to change the container. Not sure what's going on here.
This is my first run with this pretty Valet AutoStrop VC1, and my first time using any AutoStrop, or other razor using the FHS-10 blade format. (Mail call) I love the clever and simple design of the stropping mechanism, although it's not useful anymore with coated blades. (I have the same mechanism on my Wilkinson Sword razor with permanent blades, too, so I get to enjoy it there)
I struggled a bit with finding the right angle initially, and at first the razor felt mild with little to no blade feel, but once I found the angle, it quickly felt more natural. The audible feedback is much less intense than on GEM razors, closer to what I'm used to from injectors.
I chased BBS, and wasn't punished for it, so I'm thinking this VC1 and I are going to get along well.
Post Shave: Elysian Soap Shop - Olympus - Aftershave
Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
Fragrance: Elysian Soap Shop - Olympus - Eau de Parfum
Talc: Pinaud Clubman
Β
Everything about this setup is very pleasant. I like the soap base and I like the scent. And there's nothing standout or distinctive with either. For me, the marketing from Elysian Soaps makes me expect much more. I hope someone else can weigh in with their experience with this soap maker.
I've tried one Elysian soap before, and while the base and scent were good, the scent strength left a lot to be desired. How is the strength of Olympus?
The scent strength is just below medium; more European than American. And the blend of notes (there are a lot of them) is such that it is hard to pick out top, middle, and base. This is similar to SV, however the SV scents (I've tried 5) seem more distinctive.
Brush: Chisel and Hound Ambrosia Maple with 26 mm synthetic Maggard knot
Razor: Valet AutoStrop VC1 (1922-1929?)
Blade: Feather FHS-10
Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company Seaforth! Black Watch
Aftershave: Spearhead Shaving Company Seaforth! Spiced
Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company 3 Scots
I know that Black Watch and 3 Scots were developed based on the same prompt (backstory), but 3 Scots bears a striking resemblance to Spiced rather than Black Watch. It's like a fresher version of Spiced without the Vanilla to me (Mandarin + Spices). Either way, it seems like u/hawns and u/Ironbeard_Sys collaborating can do no wrong, and all six scents they've published are right down my alley.
I can tell I'm going to enjoy matching 3 Scots with different soaps and post shaves going forward.
The Valet AutoStrop is treating me well, especially for a new-to-me razor. Good shave.