Hi, all.
I saw this on another Forum, and thought it might be fun for us to jot down our favourite gear for the year just passed, with perhaps notes on why it grabbed you.
It may be a new discovery that impressed you, or an an old favourite that you find indispensible. I would certainly be interested in reading your thoughts.
I will kick things off with my list:
Prep: Valobra Glycerlanolina soap Soap, Myrsol Emulsion
Both products never fail to deliver. The Valobra soap is rich in tallow, glycerin and lanolin.
Myrsol emulsion is a wonder product. As well as working superbly both before and after a shave, if worse comes to worse, you can actually get a decent shave with this alone, thanks to the stearic acid, glycerin, and lanolin.
Brush: Zenith 3-band Manchurian Badger
I picked up this brush at a great price in a sale. A top quality brush in every facet - it has a very comfortable handle, enough backbone for triple-milled soaps, yet with decent splay for face lathering. The tips are very soft, and it has classic lines. I can imagine an Italian Barber using this brush at home for special occasions.
Soap: Bartigan & Stark Timberyard
Small Canadian Artisan - great soap. Lathers easily and very slick and protective; a base with both vegetable oils and tallow, plus glycerin, lanolin, and other skin-friendly goodies. The real kicker is the scent; the woods are warm and welcoming, with a refreshing herbaceous resinous quality. Very uplifting.
Razor: Blutt BR-1
I like this razor so much that I actually own two, one with the original deep-knurl handle, and another in the current configuration. I have both the 0.86mm and 1.20mm plates. The 0.86mm is perfect if shaving daily; the 1.20mm for heavier growth. However, I would be comfortable using the 1.20mm as a daily driver, with a light touch, as it is very tactile. Both plates are remarkably smooth and precise.
An understated but meticulous design that reflects its Swiss heritage.
Blade: Vintage NOS Schick Platinum Ultra (Made in Holland)
Everything that is great about the golden era of blades. Very sharp, very smooth, effortless in cutting efficiency, and lasts for at least 10 shaves.
Post: Crown Shaving Co. Aftershave Tonic
Wow - was this a surprise. A most unique product. Alcohol-based, but I totally get why they call it a tonic.
Very refreshing and great face feel, thanks to the witch hazel, glycerin, and neem oil.
Anise, tobacco, leather, Bay Rum, and barber’s talc are unlikely fragrance bedfellows, but it works brilliantly.
The scent performs closer to a cologne than an aftershave. I skip fragrance when I use this product, but no loss, as the scent is so good.
It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I love it.
Scent: Creed Original Vetiver EdP
A Creed scent that actually lives up to the hype. Clean, classy, soapy, versatile. Decent sillage and longevity.
The subtle Ambergris and Musk base notes are a perfect balance for the freshness of the citrus and warm woods.
You literally cannot go wrong with this fragrance.
I saw this on another Forum, and thought it might be fun for us to jot down our favourite gear for the year just passed, with perhaps notes on why it grabbed you.
It may be a new discovery that impressed you, or an an old favourite that you find indispensible. I would certainly be interested in reading your thoughts.
I will kick things off with my list:
Prep: Valobra Glycerlanolina soap Soap, Myrsol Emulsion
Both products never fail to deliver. The Valobra soap is rich in tallow, glycerin and lanolin.
Myrsol emulsion is a wonder product. As well as working superbly both before and after a shave, if worse comes to worse, you can actually get a decent shave with this alone, thanks to the stearic acid, glycerin, and lanolin.
Brush: Zenith 3-band Manchurian Badger
I picked up this brush at a great price in a sale. A top quality brush in every facet - it has a very comfortable handle, enough backbone for triple-milled soaps, yet with decent splay for face lathering. The tips are very soft, and it has classic lines. I can imagine an Italian Barber using this brush at home for special occasions.
Soap: Bartigan & Stark Timberyard
Small Canadian Artisan - great soap. Lathers easily and very slick and protective; a base with both vegetable oils and tallow, plus glycerin, lanolin, and other skin-friendly goodies. The real kicker is the scent; the woods are warm and welcoming, with a refreshing herbaceous resinous quality. Very uplifting.
Razor: Blutt BR-1
I like this razor so much that I actually own two, one with the original deep-knurl handle, and another in the current configuration. I have both the 0.86mm and 1.20mm plates. The 0.86mm is perfect if shaving daily; the 1.20mm for heavier growth. However, I would be comfortable using the 1.20mm as a daily driver, with a light touch, as it is very tactile. Both plates are remarkably smooth and precise.
An understated but meticulous design that reflects its Swiss heritage.
Blade: Vintage NOS Schick Platinum Ultra (Made in Holland)
Everything that is great about the golden era of blades. Very sharp, very smooth, effortless in cutting efficiency, and lasts for at least 10 shaves.
Post: Crown Shaving Co. Aftershave Tonic
Wow - was this a surprise. A most unique product. Alcohol-based, but I totally get why they call it a tonic.
Very refreshing and great face feel, thanks to the witch hazel, glycerin, and neem oil.
Anise, tobacco, leather, Bay Rum, and barber’s talc are unlikely fragrance bedfellows, but it works brilliantly.
The scent performs closer to a cologne than an aftershave. I skip fragrance when I use this product, but no loss, as the scent is so good.
It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I love it.
Scent: Creed Original Vetiver EdP
A Creed scent that actually lives up to the hype. Clean, classy, soapy, versatile. Decent sillage and longevity.
The subtle Ambergris and Musk base notes are a perfect balance for the freshness of the citrus and warm woods.
You literally cannot go wrong with this fragrance.
