The old-time aspect comes from the traditional wooden shaving bowl and triple-milled shaving soap from D.R. Rogers. Arlington has a citrus fragrance — “citrus mixed with fern” is how D.R. Harris describes it — that pleasantly brightens an overcast morning.
The brush, from Yaqi, is more new-time than old, given that the knot is synthetic (and so is the handle), but in overall appearance I think it has an antique aspect because of the amber look. There was certainly nothing wrong with the lather it made.
Gillette is a an old-fashioned name for a new old-fashioned safety razor, whose head design marks it as from the Mühle/Edwin-Jagger partnership. The handle hearkens back to the NEW, an old model that did a good job, though not so good as the razor today. This razor head steadily moves up in my estimation as I use it. Three comfortable passes left my face perfectly smooth.
A splash of Arlington aftershave with a squirt of hydrating gel, and I’m ready for the day.