9/8/24
- Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ V19 Fanchurian
- Razor: Iberia 14 Doble Temple 8/8, Extra Hollow Square Point
- Lather: Noble Otter - BarrBarr
- Post Shave: Noble Otter - BarrBarr Aftershave Splash
- Fragrance: Noble Otter - BarrBarr EdP
Day 6 of my journey through barbershops.
Today, my wife and I celebrate our 14th Anniversary. So for today, I went with my wife's (and possibly my) favorite barbershop. Along with the Iberia 14.
I just recently made and installed these new Weru scales and topped it off with a brass wedge. I'm loving the look and feel.
The Frameback saga has been pushed back 1 day.
9/7/24
- Brush: Stirling x Zenith 510 SE
- Razor: Eskilstuna 5/8 Frameback (in loan)
- Lather: Pinuad - Clubman
- Post Shave: Pinuad - Clubman Aftershave Lotion
- Fragrance: Brut EdT
Day 5 of my journey through barbershops.
The Barbershop.
This little Frameback belongs to u/souleater7173. He sent it to me for honing and this was one I didn't want to miss out on trying.
It's a cool little razor. A 1st Gen Frameback from Sweden. Framebacks were originally made in Sweden starting in the 1870s as a way to compete with Carl Friedrich Ern's Hexe machine, which allowed for the mass production of full hollow grinds.
A thin blank of high carbon steel was forged and given a small wedge taper so that the edge could have a thin, full hollow feel. An additional piece of steel was then added to the spine to increase its width in order to maintain geometry from spine to bevel for a shaving edge.
Eventually, a 2nd generation would be born from this original idea. Stay tuned tomorrow for the continuation of this saga.
Vote is in! Thanks for the nudge
That sounds like a great setup for a month! I'd like to grab some Jicky at some point.
7/28/24
- Brush: Farvour Turn Crafts w/ C&H v12 Fanchurian
- Razor: Raido Star 10/8, Full Hollow French Point
- Lather: Chicago Grooming Co. - Caoba
- Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. - Caoba Aftershave Splash
This set showed up yesterday, alongside Armonia.
First time whiffing the scent and I thoroughly enjoy it. Dark and spicy, there's a lot in here I enjoy. I need to grab the EdP. u/gcgallant you will probably really enjoy this one, if you haven't checked it out already.
This 10/8 made by Roman Kamlash is probably the 2nd best shaver in my den. To some, the size seems intimidating, but really it's super comfortable to handle and very easy to index. Some may struggle with keeping no pressure, as it is as heavy as an 8/8 near wedge. If you're comfortable with that facet of technique, however, it shaves like a dream. Roman's steel is top notch and rivals just about any out there, new or old.
Close and comfortable shave, no nicks or irritation.
7/27/24
- Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ C&H V19 Fanchurian
- Razor: Iberia 14 Doble Temple 8/8, Extra Hollow Square Point
- Lather: Chicago Grooming Co. - Armonia
- Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. - Armonia Aftershave Splash
I just had this Armonia set land today, courtesy of u/chicagogroomingco, for my LG prize. Thank you again, Vida!
The scent is very nice, with a lot of tobacco leading the way, which I was hoping it would. Darkwing is super slick and pairing it with the Iberia is always a treat.
Close and comfortable shave, no nicks or irritation.
7/24/24
- Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ C&H V19 Fanchurian
- Razor: J.A. Henckels Friodur 472 6/8, Full Hollow Square Point
- Lather: Abbate y La Mantia - Don Josè
- Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Splash
I ended up being super busy and didn't have a chance for a shave until late. Even now I'm pressing it. I'll be brief.
This was my first time with AYLM. I had a little trouble building my lather on my first pass. I think I under loaded. The chill was strong, but not too strong. The scent was better than I was anticpating. Not overpowering or, in a way, synthetic(?) smelling, like candies. It was pleasant and fits summer well. This could be a good scent for hitting a summer BBQ.
My second pass I loaded more and had better results. Primary and residual slickness were there. Nothing that wow'd me, necessarily, but nothing to complain about. If I wasn't in a rush, I'm sure I could have gotten more out of it. Luckily, I have enough to try again.
My Splash pairing was less about scent pairing and more about vibe. It was just great summer scents all around. The scents did pair nicely, but that's just coincidence!
Overall, good shave. I wish I hadn't been in a hurry.
I'm looking forward to my shave this evening after a hot day outside!
7/11/24
- Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ C&H V19 Fanchurian
- Razor: Wüsthof 220 "Barber's King" 7/8, Extra Hollow Square Point
- Lather: 345 Soap Co. - Fresh Cut Fade
- Post Shave: 345 Soap Co. - Fresh Cut Fade Aftershave Splash
- Fragrance: 345 Soap Co. - Fresh Cut Fade EdP
Barbershop day today! Went and got myself a Fresh Cut Fade. Dude I went to is solid and does clean work. Honestly, I should go to him on a regular basis. He's very consistent. He can't shave with an open blade
I also shaved off my full goatee today. Rocked that one for over a year. No trimming, 3 passes, no nicks. Still got it.
I'll probably keep clean shaven for another week or so, then start forming another one. I enjoy wearing a goatee. The Mrs also likes me with a little facial hair too.
That's a really nice shave! I almost went with RS and a 14 also, but I've been sitting on some Spanish soap all LG. My hand was forced.
Yeah, Shawn and Dennis just crush it when it comes modernizing those classic scents.
C.V. Heljestrand Latcher Catcher
Just had this Lather Catcher show up last night. I'm absolutely in love with it. Heljestrand's have such nice steel and I haven't met one yet I didn't love. I have no idea why, but Lather Catchers just drive me crazy. I think they're so neat.
I grabbed this from Maggards. Came with 3 Half Hollow wedge blades total. 2 should be usable, 1 is iffy but I'm going to see what I can do.
I don't think I'll polish it. I did scrub and wash it some, but I like the look it has now. I'm hoping to try and get one of the blades honed tonight. !
Ed Wüsthof 220 Barber's King
I just had this NOS Wüsthof razor land last night. 7/8 Extra Hollow Square Point.
Barbershop scents are my favorite genre (as faux and ill defined genre as it is), so when I laid eyes on this I knew it belonged in the collection.
I know Wüsthof is an old Cutlery company, and I'm having trouble dating this. I believe it's pre WWII, as it was still made in Solingen. Post WWII, Wüsthof moved production to both Canada and the US. I've reached out to Wüsthof to see if they could help me narrow down a date.
Update: I've already recipe a reply from Wüsthof. Their reply simply says they do not know, nor do they keep anyone on staff knowledgeable of their history. To the deepest depths of the internet I go.
Update II: Narrowed down a date, with some help, to between 1925 and 1932
Kobar 7 Day Set
Just had this 7 day set land today. Very minor rust on the tangs, otherwise in great shape. They all have yet to ever be honed.
KOBAR was a brand belonging to Friedrich Emde (as was the trademark Kiebitz). The company changed name to Gebrüder Emde and later EMDE. They produced razors between 1902 and 1939. ! !
Iberia 14 Doble Temple
I just had this land, but moments ago, in from Spain. Managed to snag this NOS Iberia 14 Doble Temple. I'm looking forward to giving this thing its first edge.
A great example of Japanese Natural Stone technique
This video demonstrates one of the best examples of technique I have seen to date. It is similar to my own technique.
A minor difference would be that this gentleman is using a Soft Suita and Hard Suita, where as I prefer a Soft Suita and Hard Kiita.
For those looking to start with jnats, or refine technique, I find this video a must watch. The techniques shown here are not just limited to Japanese naturals, and can be implemented on other naturals and synthetics, with minor changes in expectation.
Another key point touched on this, that is often overlooked and undervalued, is palm stropping. In my opinion and experience, palm stropping is a must when finishing.