07-08 - Revelation
- Brush: Yaqi 'Heavy Metal' 24mm silvertip badger
- Razor: Marianna #310
- Blade: Fromm Shaper
- Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap
- Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave Balm
Today, everything clicked. I know that sounds unbelievable after those first few shaves I documented even just earlier this week, but it's true.
I thought to try a different way to grip the Weck today (think a 'reverse grip' with the tip of the blade pointing outwards, toward my ear) and it allowed me to see clearly, get the blade really close to the skin, and keep it there without chattering or skipping.
Starting on the right side of my face, using that grip I was able to remove most of my stubble in just two or three strokes. It was like the scales fell from my eyes (hah, razor pun). Is this why people swear by straight razors? I wondered. It certainly felt like one of the reasons.
Anyway, I absolutely blazed through my cheek and jaw area like this. Soon it came time for the neck again, which has been a consistent problem area for me, being a flabby sack of shit and all.
I'd be lying if I said it went completely without issue, but it sure was a hell of a lot less problematic than it has been for the past few shaves before this one.
My second pass also went well, and my cheeks feel smooth like glass.
The alum definitely gave me some feedback on the neck again so I'll have to keep workshopping that area. However, there's little to no lingering irritation after the balm has seeped in and done its thing, so I'm definitely feeling better today than after my first few shaves during AA (after which my neck looked like a turkey's wattle). No blood either, which is a great win. Looking to keep the counter in the single digits this month; with any luck I'll get there.
u/merikus and u/Zimora, I tried the vinegar/dish soap wash on my brush and am happy to report it definitely did something. The tips feel a bit less rigid now and some of the funk is for sure gone, so that's great. Remains to be seen if it lathers any better now, but even if the difference isn't that noticeable I'm still happy I got to give it a good clean.
Blood counter: 3
$headless $MammothMafia24