One of the very best slants I have: The Parker Semi-Slant

Just to note: I speak only as a customer, with no remuneration, kickbacks (aka affiliate links), discounts, or gratuities. I buy the products, I use them, and I relate my experience. And my experience with this razor has been first rate.

But let’s go through the shave. I let my Omega Mixed Midget (badger and boar) soak while I showered — not by immersing the brush, just by wetting the knot thoroughly and letting the brush stand on its base, soaking wet.

Once out of the shower and at the sink, I used MR GLO as a pre-shave beard wash — and though I don’t regularly mention it, this is invariably my practice. (I have a stash of 6 pucks of MR GLO in the cabinet to see me through the next few years.)

Then I loaded the brush with Nancy Boy Signature shaving cream — getting to be difficult as the little tub is running low. Still, I got an excellent lather and this is one of my favorite fragrances.

Then the shave: total comfort combined with extreme efficiency easily resulted in a complete BBS result, probably helped by the fact that it was a two-day stubble. I highly recommend the Parker Semi-Slant, which sells at a very reasonable price. Link is to the satin chrome handle; the handle in the photo is the graphite handle. Update: Note in the description: “Material: Solid Brass frame with textured electroplated satin chrome finish for improved grip” /update

A splash of Stetson Sierra, which has a pleasant fragrance but not the unusual desert fragrance of Solstice. I see from Basenotes.net that this fragrance was introduced in 1993, and the fragrance profile is:

1. Top Notes
   • Aldehydes,
   • Caraway,
   • Juniper berry,
   • Artemisia,
   • Basil,
   • Bergamot
2. Heart Notes
   • Stone pine needle,
   • Rose,
   • Carnation,
   • Geranium,
   • Jasmine,
   • Caraway
3. Base notes
   • Amber,
   • Oakmoss,
   • Leather,
   • Musk,
   • Patchouli

Stetson itself describes the fragrance as “A bold Western blend of fresh green woods, citrus, and sage. A breath of fresh air that takes you to Big Sky.”

I certainly did not detect the sage (nor, apparently, did Basenotes). I think the big difference may be the benzoin resin fragrance in Solstice: “Scent Profile: Sage, Sweetgrass, Cedar, Rose Absolute, and Benzoin Resin.”

That said, Stetson Sierra is a perfectly fine fragrance, and I’m enjoying it as I sit here feeling the marvelous smoothness of my face.