I used Cade in a recent shave, lathering with a badger brush, and the lather was meh, so I thought I’d use a synthetic to compare. It’s a world of difference. The lather is still not from an ultra-premium soap — a soap that includes all sorts of oils and emollients — but the lather was worlds better, thick and creamy and altogether satisfying, thanks to my the Plissoft knot in my RazoRock Keyhole brush. I think the very fine-bristled synthetics work best for this soap, though I should try a Mühle or Jagger synthetic (somewhat coarser) to check.
With a good lather and the excellent Baili 179 (that’s the silver — gold finish is 177, gun metal 175) the shave was comfortable and efficient. This razor is more efficient (or at least has more blade feel) than, say the Baby Smooth or Mamba, but still quite comfortable. Men who want a more aggressive razor (in terms of performance) will like this one. I actually bought this as a Vikings Blade Chieftain. It was a reader who pointed out that it is just a rebranded Baili 179.
After three passes my face was perfectly smooth. I had one small nick on my upper lip (it’s a more aggressive razor, as noted), but that’s why I have My Nik Is Sealed, and that stopped it on the spot. Several sprays of Cade EDT into the palm of my hand, a squirt of Grooming Dept Hydrating Gel to sooth it out, and with that applied the day begins — overcast, but so far not so windy and rainy as yesterday. The tea this morning is Murchie’s Anniversary Blend; the fruit was tangerine, Bosc pear, and apple.