The brush is my Yaqi Target Shot, which arrived with two knots, each with a threaded base to fit the tapped handle. One knot is synthetic with the Target Shot pattern, the other the silvertip badger knot shown in the photo. This silvertip is a bit coarser in texture than my other silvertip brushes but works fine (and feels good — just different).
I used the usual minuscule amount of Grooming Dept Moisturizing Pre-Shave, and I rubbed the Mystic Water Wild Lavender shave stick against the grain all over my stubble. I seemed to have scraped off more soap than usual because at first the damp brush did not raise much lather. But then I added water to the partly soapy knot — more a glug than a driblet — and brushed again, and lo! the lather sprang up like the army of warriors from the dragon’s teeth that Cadmus sowed. Indeed, today’s lather was first-rate — fragrant, thick, and effective.
My Above-the-Tie S1 slant — more a “semi-slant” than the Parker, since the S1’s slant is truly minimal — did a superb job: super-smooth today.
I sprayed a small pool of Wild Coast Perfumery’s Eau de Lavande in my palm and added a couple of squirts of Grooming Dept Hydrating Gel. For some reason, this morning I was somehow open and receptive to the fragrance, and it was stunning: a distinct hit of lavender but clearly modulated by the citrus of the bergamot and lemon. It was impressive.
The tea this morning is my own combination of three of Murchie’s varietals: 1) Ceylon Kenilworth, 2) Assam Tippy Golden, and 3) Keemun Extra Superior. A very tasty blend, if I say it myself.