In the foreground is another flat-bottom Tech I got recently, along with the handle of the same model I got earlier. Note the size difference between the handles: the handle without the head is noticeably smaller in diameter and doesn’t feel so good in the hand as the fatter handle on the razor, which is one reason I used a different handle when I shaved with the razor received earlier. The regular fat handle—the one holding the head in the photo—feels much better, and that’s the handle I used.
The Stirling brush performs extremely well, and for me the only drawback is that its size is larger than I prefer—but for those who like a big brush, this one is a bargain. I used Stirling Bonaparte soap, whose scent I like and whose lather I now love.
When I first started using Stirling soaps, I had lather problems, and it turns out they were due to my lather-making technique. It’s a very thirsty soap, and it requires a lot of water mixed in, but with the method of loading I was using—a dripping wet brush working briskly at the puck, held on its side over the sink—a lot of water was happening but not enough was worked into the lather.
Now I use a damp brush, add some water as I load, and this morning, with such a large brush, I did some palm lathering, mixing more water into the brush and lather. Even then, I twice added driblets of water to the brush and worked it in as I lathered my face prior to the first pass.
The result was an extremely good lather, a result I have consistently had with Stirling soaps once I learned the trick. I really rate his soaps quite highly (I’ve just ordered a couple more), and I need to move them up in my standard soap recommendations.
With a Rapira blade I got a full BBS result in three passes with absolutely no problem. The Tech is one of those extremely efficient and yet extremely comfortable razors, once you’ve found the right brand of blade. An altogether satisfying shave.
Once again I use Trade Winds aftershave from the sample Chiseled Face scent. The Wife also likes that fragrance.
And here we are, in the vestibule of the weekend.
Filed under: Shaving
