Although Speick does not put the brand name on the foil around its shave stick (as Wilkinson does, for example), it does display the name in raised lettering on the bottom of the base. Because of that, I know that I’m using Speick. The fragrance also indicates Speick, but with my nose fragrance is an unreliable guide. (The packaging has changed somewhat — no foil now.)
I took a couple of minor risks with the prep. I did use Grooming Dept Moisturizing Pre-Shave (as usual), even though with a shave stick, I mix the soap and pre-shave as I rub the stick against the grain over my pre-shaved stubble. But nowadays I use such a tiny amount of pre-shave — because a) only a tiny amount is needed, and b) a tiny amount seems to work better than a larger amount — I figured that it would not be enough to affect the lather.
The other small risk was using a boar brush, whose extra-large capacity might require more soap to load than a shave stick would deliver — so I in fact picked my Omega 20102 in lieu of the Pro 48 because the 20102 has a slightly smaller knot.
As it turned out, The brush was well-loaded, and the lather I got was exceptionally good: very creamy, dense, and fragrant. I must use this shave stick more often. This was D.R. Harris quality lather, though with that bright Speick fragrance.
RazoRock’s Stealth is a supremely good slant. I harbor a hope that it might someday return, though that now seems unlikely. But at least I have a copy, and once again I enjoyed its wonderfully comfort and efficient performance. Three enjoyable passes left my face perfectly smooth.
A splash of Speick aftershave augmented with a couple of squirts of Grooming Dept Hydrating Gel, and the shave is done and a new week started on a holiday.
The tea today is Murchie’s Hatley Castle Blend, a green-black blend. Murchie is silent on the varietals used.
In honor of today’s day, 10/10, here’s Bing Crosby.