Sotd - Thursday 29/6 -
Razor - Ikon 103 slant on a ES Braveheart handle
Blade - Polsilver SI
Brush - Maseto 30mm silvertip
Soap - Williams Ice-Fresh menthol cream Spanish version
Post - Witch hazel
A/S - Williams Aqua Velva Spanish version
Balm - Aloe vera gel.
Result - how good was that? Very good indeed - I can't actually remember the last time I had a crap shave but that was one of the most enjoyable in a long time. If you are partial to a slant and haven't tried this razor, it's excellent for me. You can get it head-only for not that much money. It's super efficient - pretty much the only way I think I could hurt myself with it is to poke the handle in my eye. Initially I found the lack of auditory feedback a bit odd - the first time I used it, I genuinely thought 'did I put a blade in this?' It's not hissy about blades and has worked with anything I've chucked into it. The Williams cream and aftershave are stupidly good for the few euros I paid for them. Anyway - none of that is important.
First use of the Maseto silvertip - paint me purple and call me Susan - I'm impressed. For reference - I bought this from a member that had kindly done the de-funking duties but hadn't used it in anger. It's the 30mm knot with a black handle. It will be compared to my beloved Chubby 2 - Best - the only other brush I own that falls into the same class. I solely face lather. Out the box the tips are exquisitely soft - it comes with an oddly tall drying stand. It's hefty - heavier than the CH2 - the handle is very much Chubby-like but has a more raised rib at the bottom - it's very comfortable and you aren't going to drop it. The knot is indeed very dense. Bulb shaped but I'm sure that will spread to a more fan shape when it's properly broken in. Rinsed it well, gave it a gentle shake and left it upright at the edge of the sink while I showered. Smeared some of the Williams onto the knot and off we went. Superb - it feels - well - luxurious? It's incredibly soft - not in a sloppy or floppy way. I think the relatively short loft takes care of that. It still has face feel but it's like velvet. Don't get me wrong, it is a 'wall of badger' sort of brush but I like that sometimes. The lather built easily and rapidly but it didn't descend into the knot - easily given up. Superb. I'm deeply smitten. My best friend and shave buddy is 50 next month - I know what he's getting for his birthday. In fact he is so dear to me that I might get him a two-band as well - at the price. One for myself also - of course, save on postage. Ultimately it depends on what you like a brush to do for you - if you fancy being lowered face first into a skip full of badgers - I couldn't recommend it too highly. That was only the first use and - dear reader - it didn't shed a hair. cheers - I. Oh - does anybody know what the strange plastic loop thingy that was in the box is for?
@Bizzyberry @AnthH