It has never occurred to me to tell people about my shave before but today it lifted my spirits, made me feel one with myself and has generally improved my outlook since. Surely this is as good as it gets? Maybe not, it was still one of the best shaves I've ever had, if not technically then spiritually.
Lots of hot water to start and a good soak while I got my Westholme strop hooked up and selected the Solingen G. Felix 5/8" that Billy kindly produced recently. The zen headspace I have found when stropping a razor is a new and welcome part of my shave.
Recently acquired Duke 3 with best badger from a kind member of this forum and the third visit to my recently discovered Wickham's 1912 Citrus Musk made for a superb wake-up once the stropping was done.
That brush is lovely. It took me a while to learn it after my much less dense Vulfix but it has a superb feel, both in the hand and on the face as I lather. It makes me happy.
I'm still learning the art but today the shave was smoooooth, felt intuitive and was a pleasure throughout.
Two passes and a touch-up was grand. In the recent past I might have taken the 38c or another DE for the third pass but it just wasn't necessary today. I might have got a bit closer in a few places but not by much.
Alum and cold water confirmed it, that was a good one.
With the delicate citrus notes still there I stropped again and realised I still have only one post shave balm. Trumper's sandalwood skin food it was. MWF has spoilt me in that respect...
I would like a balm that complements the Wickham soap better. It hasn't spoilt my day though.
Peace.