I wanted to compare the feel and performance of the two RazoRock brushes shown, and also show the difference between two quite similar Gillette razors: the 1940’s Aristocrat (on the left) and the Diplomat (n the right), the Diploma being the gold-plated version of the President, which I’ll use next week.
I actually used both brushes (but only one razor: the Diplomat). They are both RazoRock synthetics, a “Plissoft” angel-hair synthetic on the left (currently out of stock) and the “synthetic badger” on the right. The Plissoft I got at the introductory price of $10, though it looks as though it may cost $15 when restocked, and the artificial badger is $17.
Both brushes are quite pleasantly soft, and both generate a fine lather, though they do require a good shake since synthetics seem to hold some water in reserve which can dilute the loading. The Plissoft brush is larger, and at first it seemed also softer, but as I used the brushes the artificial badger softened. On the whole, I prefer the size of the artificial badger, but I’m not sure I would have noticed had I not been using them side by side.
Meißner Tremonia’s Exotic Elemi (pronounced “ELL-em-ee”: like L-M-E) shaving soap has a wonderful fragrance unfamiliar to me. From the link: “A whiff of the exotic Java elemi, from Asian elemi resin and Javanese canaga blossom oil. Woody, peppery, citrusy.” (You can also buy just the puck.) And, like my other Meißner Tremonia soaps, it lathers like a champ.
Three passes with the Diplomat produced a BBS result. I’m a little surprised at the consistency of achieving BBS shaves these days. I certainly don’t try for me—always a mistake, IMO—but I suppose good prep, lots of practice, and good razors and blades that work will in time make BBS results more common. And this particular model of razor (and its variations, all apparently using the Super Speed head) is quite good.
A splash of Stetson Classic, a fragrance I much enjoy, and the weekend begins. My spatchcocked chicken is already in the brining solution:
Put in a large pot (I use my 7-qt pot):
2 qt water
1 c kosher salt (because it’s pure salt)
1/2 c sugar (helps with browning)
2 lemons, cut into slabs (cut the ends off a lemon, then cut across to make 3-4 slices)
2 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp uncracked peppercorns
1 bunch fresh tarragon (I used rosemary last time, but the store had none this time)
1 bunch fresh thyme
I boil that for 15 minutes, let it cool, add 2 qt more of water (for 4 qt total), then refrigerate overnight so it’s perfectly cold when I put the chicken into it. Chicken remains for 6-8 hours, then I’m going to spatchcock it and roast it (350ºF for an hour and then check the temp.).
I use 2 qt of water initially because it’s faster and easier to boil 2 qts rather than 4.
Filed under: Recipes, Shaving
