August 1, 2024 – AA24 Day 1: A New Beginning
- Brush: Omega 50068 Bambino 18mm boar
- Razor: Hartford Cutlery #20 4/8
- Lather: Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
- Post Shave: Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
- Fragrance: Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
My first shave with the freshly-honed-by-u/gcgallant Hartford no. 20 was not bad, but far from the best. He did a fantastic job resetting the edge and I’m quite happy. But I’m pretty out of practice, and I was never really in. I’m also probably throwing in too many variables to start, not having used Chiseled Face in a while, changing up some techniques, and using that dear little Bambino brush.
The first pass was quite a challenge, but like I said, all the above variables are at play here. Notably, a positive comes from having watched a few different videos that I haven’t watched before, namely Dapper Shave. I have to say the technique he uses with regard to the angle at which he opens the blade—less than 180 degrees—makes much sense as it allowed me a better view of my shave. I also found I could use my dominant hand for most of the shave, only needing the non-dominant hand to edge along my mustache and goatee on that side. The most problematic area is still my neck, where the grain pattern in places is like a wheat field in a cyclone.
Pass number two was much better. I reloaded the brush from the tub and gave it some more water resulting in a better lather. My experience to date with smaller boar brushes is load them up then load them up some more and they will treat you nicely.
Today’s shave took a long time. I’m glad I have 10 more days to get things going before school begins for the year.
$SubstantialStag
$Headless u/whosgotthepudding
$Discord