Several shaves ago, when I was using this very soap, I commented about the absence of the soap’s name on the side label. Not having a name on the side is not an issue for a man who owns but a few shaving soaps, but it’s somewhat frustrating for us who have stacks of them: once stacked, only the sides are seen, and if there’s no name, the only way to find the soap you want is by unstacking the tubs until the desired soap surfaces.
Following that post, I received a very nice email from Douglas Smythe, the proprietor of Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements. He explained that for his operation the problem is the very large number of soaps offered. If the same side label can serve for all CK-6 soaps, rather than a separate side label for each soap, that results in a lower cost to produce, which in turn means the price can also be lower.
His answer satisfies me, particularly since the side label leaves a blank spot on the side where I can place my own homemade label, as shown above. I get the benefit of the lower price while still being able to identify stacked tubs.
My Rustler’s Ridge is the CK-6 formula, but the Kokum Butter version is also excellent, and they both have the same fragrance:
Top Notes Madagascar Vanilla Bean, Ozone, Prickly Pear
Heart Notes Sage, Animalic Musk
Base Notes Spruce, Cedar
Three passes with my Gillette Heritage did the job — the Edwin Jagger head design that Gillette copied is a truly excellent design. The handle of this razor is also a copy, from Gillette’s own NEW model that debuted in 1930. I don’t much like the handle here. It seems too short and too slippery, the main problem being the lack of a knobbed base to provide a good grip for shaving against the grain.
A splash of Rustler’s Ridge cologne/aftershave, augmented with a couple of squirts of Grooming Dept Hydrating Gel, and I’m ready for the day.
Today’s weather brings a cold rain from a dark sky, so today’s tea is (naturally enough) Murchie’s Storm Watcher: “Yunnan and Ceylon — Full-bodied with low astringency, a selection of tea terroirs blended for a brisk, satisfying mug. Slightly smoky with toasted malty notes.”