The Mühle Gen 2 synthetic was a deliberate effort to make a “synthetic badger” brush, while the Plissoft brushes are not imitating any natural-bristle brushes. (The Omega S-series was a deliberate effort to make a “synthetic boar” brush.) So this Mühle brush has a different feel from the Plissoft types, but it performs admirably and feels good on the face.
AOS Sandalwood shaving soap is made, I believe, by Valobra, and it is a really excellent soap. I bought the refill on eBay and crammed it into this little tub, where it seems to be happy to live. The lather and fragrance are both first-rate.
My trust 1940’s Gillette Aristocrat, the very razor that adorns the cover of the Guide, delivered a fine shave with an Astra Keramik Platinum blade: totally smooth result, no nicks or problems. And a splash of Phoenix Artisan’s Sandalwood aftershave finished the job (and got a compliment from The Wife).
Update on carbon-steel pan. It has not been really nonstick to date, but I continue to use it daily, cleaning off any stuck food with a nylon-coil scrubber and hot water (no detergent) and then reasoning. I figured that in time it would come around, and this morning I did an over-easy egg that did not stick at all: sliding around the pan and flipping easily. Patience is the key.