June 4, 2024 – LG 24: K.I.S.S.
- Brush: Bristle Brushworks B9B #FRAKENBRUSH
- Razor: Blackland Blackbird Lite #CNC
- Blade: Astra Green (11)
- Lather: Eleven Shaving – Sweet Orange
- Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Nordost
- Fragrance: Flower City Fragrance – Orange Blossom
Keep it simple stupid. Orange bucket, orange door, orange brush, orange soap, orange AS, orange frag. No, today is not for color coordination, today is #PHOTOCONTEST Bucket.
As for our #FOF, let’s break down these oranges. First time with eleven shave soap (though I have killed a balm and it is great), I dig the simplicity is presentation and in scent options. Thanks u/bmac92 for the smoosh. Despite being called sweet orange, I actually found it to be a bit moretart and bitter. It smelled more like a fresh orange rind than the fruit itself to me. Nordost actually smelled sweeter to me, and much more like an actual juicy orange. The smoke in my AS feels near non-existent, but just adds a hint of depth that makes you realize something else is happening there. As for orange blossom from Flower City Fragrance, its nothing too special IMO. Don’t get me wrong, I love a lot of unique scents from Dr Jons and am bummed they closed up shop, but the 3 from FCF did not hugely impress. Its a slightly grassy and floral, or blossomy, orange that seems pretty one dimensional without much change throughout the wear. Thanks to the kind Redditor who I don’t remember who sent me the little trifecta samples (their price points on bottles were bonkers!). #FOF
As for today’s sponsor and challenge. I’ve never heard anyone knock a blackland razor. I’ve only used the BB Lite, formally owned by SMS, and I like it enough. I am intrigued by the vector even though SEs are not my go to. Base wars. Well, if I’m picking a discontinued base from a current artisan, I’d go with spearhead 20.1. It’s just so easy to use, and is really forgiving no matter the water content. I remember trying experimental stuff back in the 13s, so it has been fun watching it develop. If choosing a discontinued base from a closed up shop, I have less experience but would probably give the nod to MLS. It’s not spectacular by today’s standards, but holds a special place. As for my current favorite base, it’s really splitting hairs at the top but I will tip the cap to spearhead again with Highland even though I prefer 20.1 (honorable mention to omnibus, tusk, and milksteak).
soap brands 4/30, post shave 4/30, frag 4/30, post/frag linked 4/30, software sponsors 3/16, hardware sponsors 5/2, razor hashtags 3/15, brush hashtags 3/15, photo contest 4/30, daily challenges 3/26, special challenges 1/4