Two things I particularly noticed in this morning’s shave:
- The Phoenix Artisan Kokum Butter formula (less costly than the CK-6 formula) is really excellent, good enough that one wonders why he worked on improving it (which he did, but the KB formula really is a first-rate shaving soap).
- I get a much more noticeable fragrance hit from loading the brush from a tub than from rubbing a shaving stick on my face and then brushing the lather into existence. This may be due to the vigor with which I brush the soap in the tub, using a brush that’s merely damp.
My observations of course continued, apace with the experience, but those two stood out. I also noticed how much I liked the Honeysuckle fragrance (but enjoyment of fragrances is the epitome of YMMV), and also just how great the Omega Pro 48 is. I hope that readers who have yet to try it will at some point splurge on one — not a great splurge since they sell for around $17.
(Wet the knot well before you shower and when your shower’s done, but brush will be ready — though for the first week, just load the brush, work up a lather in your cupped palm, and rinse the brush — hot water until clear, then cold water — and shake it dry. After a week, you can start actually using it, and the brush will continue to improve over the coming months.)
The lather was really superb — partly because of the brush, partly because of the soap, partly because I’m now practiced in making lather — and using my iKon stainless slant (with its coated head) was pure pleasure. The handle I’m using is from Above the Tie, and it goes well with this head. I love this razor.
Three easy passes to a perfect finish, and then a splash of Honeysuckle aftershave with a couple of squirts of Grooming Dept Hydrating Gel.
The tea this morning is Murchie’s No. 10 Blend: “sweet green and black tea blend is lightly aromatic with a mild and soft, smooth flavour.”