Grooming Dept Amber Rose is a West Coast Shaving Exclusive, and it has a lovely fragrance: “honey, rose, amber, orris, myrrh, oakmoss, vanilla, benzoin, musk, and patchouli.” It is made with Grooming Dept’s Donkeymilk formula, and the lather is superb. Today I used the fourth and final of my wasp-waist brushes, this one a $10 22mm synthetic from Maggard Razors, an excellent brush.
The razor arrived yesterday from Phoenix Shaving, aka Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements (and referred to by me as simply “Phoenix Artisan”). The website shows the name “Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements” but the URL is https://phoenixshaving.com so I’m using the name that matches the URL.
This is the Quantum razor, modeled on the Eclipse Red Ring, one of which I had for a while. It’s an interesting design: it uses a modified comb guard, with a reinforcing bar attached behind the tips of the tines. It works like a charm, and so far as I can recall the action is very like the original: extremely comfortable and highly efficient. The Quantum lacks, however, the small magnet that was embedded in the base of the Red Ring’s handle, very useful in picking up razor blades lying on a countertop.
The Quantum comes with two baseplates, the Alpha (more aggressive) and the Omega. (On the back of each baseplate the appropriate Greek letter, α (lower-case) or Ω (upper-case), is engraved.) This morning I used the Omega, and tomorrow the Alpha will get a go.
The razor has excellent heft, and the knurling, based on the design Gillette used for its flare-tip razors of yesteryear, is crisp and effective. The gold-colored base can be unscrewed, and bases in a variety of colors are available. The workmanship — fit and finish — is first-rate.
The shave was remarkably comfortable and effective: after three passes, no trace of roughness remains. I’m very glad I bought this razor. I’ve been missing the Red Ring, and this seems every bit as good in feel and performance, and the feel in the hand is even better: a thicker and heftier handle with a better grip.
A splash of D.R. Harris Pink After Shave with a couple of squirts of Grooming Dept’s Aion Hydrating Gel and the (cloudy) day begins.
The caffeine this morning is via Murchie’s Black Currant Tea: “A blend of rich, smooth black teas enhanced with the zesty essence of black currants. Dried blueberries and blue cornflower are added to the sweet-smelling tea blend.”