July 2, 2023 - Don't Have a Cow, Man / Shave with an SE
- Brush: Noble Otter 26mm Synthetic
- Razor: Valet AutoStrop Model VB1
- Blade: Feather FHS-10 (2)
- Lather: Col. Conk - Amaretto
- Post Shave: Proraso - Unscented - Balm
- Fragrance: Geo. F. Trumper - Paisley
Daily Write-Up
We're all on this planet to learn.
From day one until the eighth time I'm hit by a car as a pedestrian and the machines finally win, I intend to spend every day on this planet learning.
For example, this morning I've learned two things.
* I'm an idiot
* When faced with grievous bodily harm, I don't actually learn my lesson
On the first point, it seems that I loaded the blade in my Valet incorrectly yesterday, which caused the misalignment and blade slippage issues. Mine is not defective or broken, and u/cowzilla3 is not at fault (this time). So, I could have spared myself the #skindonor hashtag if… well… I wasn't stupid.
On the second point - not only have I been struck by a car seven times and continue to cross streets, I tried the Valet, found it wanting and dangerous, and yet here I am again because of imaginary internet shaving points.
I had three options for using an SE today, since I didn't pack one: go home early and use my beloved MM24, tape off the tech I brought, or… this monstrosity. Everyone voted for the third option and here I am.
Only yesterday, I had the benefit of a very good soap. Today it's the Conk. Little blood was shed this time, but my face is ANGRY. The blade stayed in place, but I got the second-worst shave of my adult life. It's not patchy today like yesterday, but it's not at all close. Warning - w_e-style photo ahead And did I mention that my face is angry?
So, though I've committed to learning every day, I'm actually pretty bad at it. Luckily the rest of you guys aren't so bad. There are a handful of wetshavers who make it their goal to educate the masses on wetshaving, to make it easy for the rest of us. Our own /u/cosmobarber, /u/VisceralWatch, and /u/Cadinsor are giants among them. But we all know and love them, so I'm not talking about them today. Instead, I'm reflecting on the role that GeoFatBoy has played in my wetshaving journey.
I'm sure most are familiar with his videos. They're ostensibly a way to get people to his site, ShaveNation, but are entertaining and informative nonetheless. Particularly on /r/wicked_edge I see his videos recommended for newbies.
Sure, I learned a lot from GFB's videos. But, the main impact he's made to me? Filling my den. You see, ShaveNation is my local shave shop. That's right, until about a month ago, I lived 2 miles from their location. Now I'm about 4 miles away. Bored with my den? Ok, I'll pick up a new tub of Stirling in 20 minutes. Want to try a new razor? I can be shaving with a Rockwell shavette or a Henson in less time than I spend on my morning poop.
Now, I'm not advocating that everyone shift their spend to SN. Granted, I find their prices reasonable (esp. because I don't pay shipping), and they've always been awesome to work with. No, if you're going to order online, go ahead and support the LG sponsors.
But, if you have a local shaving store- let's keep them in business. It's great to be able to try something without waiting- let's give vendors a reason to stock good products. If your barbershop sells B&M or Rockwell products, buy from them if you can. You'll save shipping, and make it so others might see the products, become interested in the hobby, and learn something along the way.
Soap Theme Justification
Col. Conk is vegan, and terrible. But vegan nonetheless.
Post-Shave and Fragrance Relevance Notes
Theme: All items from ShaveNation.com. Conk purchased for Almonday in 2022 Lather Games using my own money, hidden from my wife. Aftershave and cologne provided by SN as a sample gift with purchase.
The Razor balm is ok. Not as good as Nivea, and several steps worse than artisanal balms.
I like the Paisley way more than I expected. It's a Woody Aromatic with citrus notes. It's a bit strong, because I accidentally spilled most of the sample on my hands as I was opening it.