Brush: Aesop Silvertip Fibre
Soap/Cream: Tabac
Razor: Muhle R41
Blade: IP Red
After-shave: Speick lotion
I have to say right from the get-go that I had very, very low expectations of this shave. So what follows is written in that context. I was using a brush for the first time - and a synthetic at that - and the dreaded pass-around Muhle R41. Hence, I decided I'd try this on the weekend - and a long weekend so the scars might heal a little before work.
So I was almost numb with the prospect before even turning on the tap. What blade to use? I narrowed it down to a field of 15 or so. However, in the end I went with the IP Reds. Firstly because they have been good to me thus far …and the Israeli edge might balance out the all German affair (note I believe the Aesop is loaded with Muhle STF2 fibre). Anyway so with hands a shaking I loaded up the IP Red. Thoughts on the best soap to use were not so hard, I've gotten to know the Tabac over the last month (during my Single in September fidelity challenge), so at least one thing should be OK…or so I thought!
First up the brush…
Just to make sure everything was right I loaded up and lathered using
the Drubbing Way* - economical the whole way especially mindful in the prudent expenditure in water. So face lathering for the first time with a synthetic. Gave it a decent 20 second load up on the Tabac puck and then added water and built the lather up on my face. In a word this brush is "AMAZING". So soft on the face - it is oddly a tiny bit less soft wet than dry - it felt weird not feeling that Simpsons Best scratch. The knot let go the lather impeccably and most surprisingly was the amount of control the brush gave me. For a brush that soft - far softer than my EJ Super - the brush maintained both backbone and a tight tip. Both the Duke and Classic (2s) splay more than this. This brush was an absolute pleasure to use and I feel it will serve me beyond its intended role as a travel brush.
Second up the razor…
I'm not going to pretend like I wasn't scared. I mean I knew this piece of metal would want blood. As I loaded the blade I found my hand shaking, I thought it was merely in response to some subconscious fear but no it was not just me, it was the razor that caused the movement, it sat there in my hand laughing at me. Cackling like a demented old hag. Anyway I need only successfully complete a single stroke, pay my blood dues, and pass it back knowing I tried it. Creative visualisation is a powerful psychological tool and I could not help but visualise that generous lather of Tabac yoghurt turning pink at the crest….oh GOD why am I doing this….I don't have to do this…I don't have to do anything! But no, after my experiences with the Feathers I thought it is something I just got to do and chalk up to experience. Hands shaking I settled the metal to my skin, took a deep breathe, eyes closed and let gravity do the work down the right sideburn. Eyes open, and how much blood? Well none…next stroke, uneventful too. Hmmm…OK well my new objective was to complete a full pass. That would show them on P&C. Show them I am a man. Well I finished the first pass with success. Not a single bleeder. Fuck it, let's go a second. Long story short, three passes done - WTG, 2x XTG, with some clean-up ATG, and I got to say this was in my shaving experiences top five. The shave (90% XTG) left me with something as close, if not closer, than a full ATG pass with another razor. Incredible….how does it do it? And the blade, oh how it sang!!!! Will I buy an R41 - how I feel right now as I pass my fingers across my face is Hell Yes!
Third up the lotion…
I'm not going to bang on about this stuff here. This Speick stuff smells good and feels good. Get it, use it, love it!
I am utterly gobsmacked. A lot of first time stuff being used here - and a damned liberal amount of adrenaline into the mix - and I absolutely loved it. A top five shave!
