Fido's Shaving Blog

Dorco

2012-02-02T06:14:00.000Z

Sometimes I receive a press release. Some might find this of interest:

Asia's Shaving Giant, Dorco, Partners With Pace Shave® To Introduce Its Premier Shaving Products Direct To U.S. Consumers

Armed With Exceptional Technology And Rock Bottom Prices, Pace Shave® Is Poised For Consumer Market Success Via Its U.S. Based Ecommerce Web Site.

SAN DIEGO, California (2/1/2012) – Pace Shave®, a leading distributor of shaving products, announced today the successful launch of the company’s ecommerce web site to exclusively market Dorco's premier line of disposable razors, systems and cartridges direct to U.S. consumers. The partnership brings one of the biggest names in the shaving industry to U.S. shores. Although relatively unknown to U.S. consumers, Dorco is widely recognized around the world for its cutting-edge shaving technology and superior quality razors and systems. Currently, Dorco's shaving products are sold in over 97 countries.

The company enters the highly competitive shaving marketplace in the U.S. certain and with a high level of confidence that current economic conditions call for a technologically superior product that costs less. "When you check the prices of disposable razors, systems and cartridges from leading brands, the prices amount to what I would call the great shaving rip-off. Their astronomical prices leave open a very wide door for our Dorco Pace® and Dorco Shai® products. It's time for consumers in the U.S. to demand more for less. Dorco's products feature patented technology and have been tested to be equal or better in quality when compared to the big brands. Best of all, the products cost at least 30% less. Why would you pay more? That's our message." stated Ken Hill, CEO of Pace Shave®.

The ecommerce web site, www.DorcoUSA.com, features Dorco's top consumer products including disposable razors, shaving systems and cartridges. The company's showcase products for 2012 include: Dorco Pace® 6 Plus, the world’s first 6 blade shaving system with a built in trimmer for men and Dorco Shai® Soft Touch®, the world’s first 6 blade flexible shaving system for women. Other notable technological innovations include the following.

World's First Six Blade:

• Tests prove higher blade counts deliver a closer, less irritating shave
• Higher blade counts increase the life of the cartridge, providing more quality shaves

Open Flow Blade Cartridge:

• 100% “rinse-ability” of hair follicles and shaving cream or soap
• Blades stay perfectly clean, eliminating corrosion for a longer blade life

Lubrication Strip:

• Special lubricants and ingredients combined in the Dorco Pace® and Dorco Shai® comfort strips make shaving easy and comfortable
• Ingredients include: Lavender, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Olive Oil, Chamomile and Allantoin

Rubber Fin & Tilt:

• Large, soft rubber fin for skin preparation and protection
• Decreases nicks, cuts and other uncomfortable types of skin irritation
• Cartridge tilt increases shaving precision along every angle of the face or body

Patented Common Docking System:

• Only major manufacturer to offer common docking across three or more systems
• Razor cartridge and handle interchangeability
• Allows for choice of shaving customization among Dorco Pace® and Dorco Shai® product systems

Through constant innovation, proprietary technology and exceptional value, the company’s mission is to deliver an unparalleled experience to its new customers in the U.S. For a comprehensive look at the premier line of Dorco's disposable razors, systems and cartridges, consumers are invited to visit www.DorcoUSA.com. And for a limited time, consumers are also invited to visit the company's Facebook pages for a free 6 blade disposable razor sample. For further details, visit www.Facebook.com/DorcoShai for women's products and www.Facebook.com/DorcoPace for men's products.

About Pace Shave®

Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Pace Shave® is a leading private label distributor of technologically advanced and superior quality disposable razors, shaving systems and shaving cartridges for men and women. Its product origins date back to 1955 when a small company named Dorco was founded in South Korea. Today, Dorco is Asia’s market leader for disposable shaving products and is a household recognized brand in numerous countries around the world. By strategically aligning with Dorco, Pace Shave® has been able to introduce the pinnacle of shaving innovation to the U.S. marketplace, including the world’s first 6 blade shaving systems, as well as the innovative and patented common docking feature.

In addition to offering Dorco’s cutting-edge shaving products direct to consumers, Pace Shave® also offers a full array of private label services to retailers in the U.S. and in Canada. With strategically located distribution centers and state-of-the-art automated logistics, the company can readily meet the demands of its consumer and business customers. Today, the company is a leader in the U.S. wet shave marketplace and is a major supplier to such key retailers as Dollar General, Family Dollar, CVS, Walgreens and Kmart.

Sink issues?

2012-01-31T19:07:00.001Z

My wife complains that since I started using traditional creams and soaps. the sink is getting clogged up and water is running away slowly. It gets sorted by "Mr Muscle" a product for clearing blockages in showers, baths and sinks. Is this a common problem I wonder?

Someone else has concerns:

Clogging the sink?

Enchante online

2012-01-30T11:38:00.000Z

Someone asked me recently if I had tried any of the products available at Enchante online. I confess I haven't. The UK has very low limits on the value of items that can be imported from outside the European Union without the addition of customs and other charges. Combine that with the cost of shipping and you can understand why Brits are reluctant to stray far in their buying habits.

With a daughter in Texas who I visit regularly, I will look closely at what Charles Roberts has to offer at Enchante. She's always on the look out for gifts to send me!

Mad but funny!

2012-01-26T13:44:00.000Z

One of the more amusing threads on a shaving forum:

Slick adventures?

Not sure about the lather!

2012-01-21T16:44:00.000Z

The full monty.

2012-01-20T16:39:00.000Z

The full daily routine on display. All my "stuff" is kept in a bedroom drawer. The team selected goes on my IKEA tray for transfer to the shower room. That's MWF soap for the final wash and rinse before applying lather. Used the Kent BK4 today. Surely the floppiest of the popular brushes. Best for lathering creams in a bowl then painting on in sweeping to and fro motions with the tips - a delightfully luxurious experience. And I'm giving my old Gillette slim twist an extended run. It could become my go to razor, it's so good.

Pre shave

2012-01-19T12:03:00.004Z

This is all I do now. And neither is me!

Nanny's Shaving Soaps

2012-01-18T11:29:00.003Z

The lather from Nanny's Yushu soft shaving soap is truly stunning - it is among the finest of the many, many creams and soaps I have tried. The old Gillette Slim Twist still gives a very smooth close shave. Another illustration of the way I like to vary the combination of products I use each day

Simply the best

2012-01-12T13:42:00.000Z

The soap I mean. Bought over two years ago, Martin de Candre is without doubt the best of many soaps I've tried. It lathers so easily, produces a fine creamy texture, smells delightful and leaves your skin feeling extra soft. I face lathered today with a 24mm New Forest Two Band. My little old Shavex and 1805 balm completed the team.

Back to the past - almost.

2012-01-11T14:04:00.001Z

This is an old Shavex razor - look very cheap but very effective in providing a close comfortable shave. I'm still working my way through some pots of the old Coates Shaving cream - it's lovely stuff. And that's a New Forest 2213 Finest Silvertip - I do enjoy my own brushes!

Back to the future

2012-01-10T13:29:00.000Z

An interesting shave today. I soon relearnt that you don't need a thick creamy lather with a 5 blade cartridge. So a quick swirl over the Cade and a thin coating of lather was quite enough for the Wilkinson Hydro to do its job. Three really quick passes without feeling anything was coming off gave me a very close smooth and comfortable shave rounded off with a low cost Wilkinson Balm. Shave over in half the usual time and off out for an early breakfast. I still prefer my more leisurely DE shave with a thick creamy lather but if time is a bit short the Hydro is an excellent alternative. The brush is a real buffalo horn silvertip from Trumpers.

Open comb razors.

2012-01-09T11:32:00.001Z

The razor is a 1918 Gillette Single Ring originally bought by the father of an old friend. Used with a feather light touch it gives a superb shave still. In the Le Creuset dish I have stuffed palmolive soap sticks and it works well as a soap lathered up with a New Forest 24mm 2 Band. Treated with respect, open comb razors are fine. Apply too much pressure and you are in trouble!

Lathering

2012-01-07T16:35:00.002Z

Face lathering seems to be the preferred method among wet shaving enthusiasts. I quite enjoy it from time to time. But for a relaxed luxurious shave it doesn't beat lathering in a bowl and then painting the lather on in long sweeping motions with the tips of a soft tipped silvertip or two band brush with a medium to high loft. Today it was with a 20mm Plisson High Mountain White with a 51mm loft. Perfect!

The Soap Bar

2012-01-06T16:25:00.003Z

Another interesting blog I came across:

The Soap Bar

A guide to buying and caring for vintage razors

2012-01-03T15:59:00.000Z

This is an example of a great post on a shaving forum which will be of interest to anyone considering the purchase of a vintage razor. Well worth a look.

Buying and caring for vintage razors.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T11:42:00.002Z

Happy New Year to all my most welcome visitors. I've taken a break over the festive season. Three daughters and their families stayed with us for over a week - from Dallas, Guildford and Bournemouth. With laptops, mobile phones and other devices, my broadband usage rocketed!

I'm looking forward to this year. Particularly my visit to the London Olympics on the last night of the athletics for which I have a great seat.

My shaving stash continues quite large so I don't have any need to add to it - but like many others I'm still tempted to try new things.

New Forest Brushes continues to thrive despite my attempts to keep it low key by declining offers to expand through selling through on line retailers and manufacturing for other brands. I will be introducing more brushes - some smaller, some larger. My next new brush will be a little Super Badger Two Band for just £25 delivered worldwide - I'm taking no advance orders and will post details here and on my New Forest Brushes Blog when they are ready. I also plan to make a Tubby 3 with a 28mm fan shaped knot, perhaps in the spring.

Meanwhile, I'm now off to my local Apple Store to attend workshops on iCloud and OSX Lion. So much happening in the world of technology!

Floppy bliss.

2011-12-23T12:25:00.002Z

To be described as floppy is not a term of endearment among brush aficionados- or is it? This is a very floppy Vie Long silvertip and it was bliss using it today. Lather whipped up in a bowl then gently painted on in long sweeping to and fro motions. Arlington cream produced a thick creamy lather and has a delightful scent. The Merkur 38C had a rare run out - used with minimal pressure with a red personna, a comfortable close shave.

I love my daily ritual of choosing different things and varying my technique from face to bowl lathering and back again. Variety is truly the spice of life for some of us.

The first New Forest brush

2011-12-17T12:35:00.001Z

This was my first New Forest brush. A limited edition of one! Made for me in England using a 24mm extra hair knot from The Golden Nib. The logo was added later. I learn something from all my one off brushes. The loft of 51mm is really too low. The extra hair meant that it probably should have been set at a higher loft. It would still have retained sufficient backbone but then released the lather better. This does hog lather although it is still an excellent brush for use with hard soaps as well as creams. It was after this that I began to think about the feasibility of making small batches of brushes to my specification and creating my own brand. Then I decided that if Kent Brushes could adopt an English County name for a brand then perhaps "New Forest" might be a good choice for a new shaving brush brand name.

Good value balms

2011-12-16T10:33:00.002Z

My wife used to buy my after shave - usually Floris balm at about £35. These days I buy my own and spend a lot less. This Proraso balm is about £11 delivered, in the UK. A nice touch of menthol, not too greasy.

Beard styling

2011-12-15T21:49:00.000Z

I had a beard like this once. I shaved it off years ago. I think often about growing another. If I do, I might find this site useful:

ShaveMy Style.com

SOTD

2011-12-15T10:17:00.000Z

Among the "artisan" soap makers Nanny's Silly Soap Company is one of the best I've come across. A delightful thick cushioning lather and this one has a very distinctive scent I love - Yushu.

Simpsons Chubby 2 and Trumpers CB2

2011-12-10T14:20:00.001Z

There was much discussion on shaving forums a few months back about a new range of Trumpers brushes, so I thought I'd take a look at one. The Trumpers CB2, which appeared to be a replica of the Simpsons Chubby 2. To kick things off, here are some photos of the two brushes - both now used. Click on the photo for a closer view.

There are some strong similarities. The brush dimensions in handle height, diameter, knot width and loft are virtually identical. The shape is very close but there are differences in detail that make it obvious that that the CB2 is not an exact replica. Design is very much a matter of personal taste - I think the CB2 is spoilt by the indented line below the logo. The Trumpers handle is lighter in colour and has the look of a handle made by an automated lathe - but then no claim is made about how the handle is made.

The biggest difference is in the knot - the hair quality, shape and density. No one familiar with Simpsons Best Badger Chubby brushes will think this is a clone. The CB 2 hair is good quality, but has slightly prickly tips and nowhere near the density of the Chubby.

There is too a significant difference in price. The Chubby 2 in Best retails at £120, the CB2 is £100. Probably a fair reflection of relative value?

Finally, performance. I expressed my opinion about the Chubby 2 here. While less dense, the CB2 produces an abundance of lather and the flow through is excellent. The brush is softer and will be more appealing to cream users who prefer to lather in a bowl and paint on the lather. But it will also make an excellent brush for use with soaps and face lathering for those not so keen on stiff backboned short lofted brushes.

Value? Premium prices for premium brand names. If you want this type of brush - these are the sort of prices you have to pay.

Another visit to Geo F Trumpers

2011-12-10T05:47:00.001Z

No, not Trumpers - but a nice place to have morning coffee. Then off to Trumpers shop in Curzon Street, London. I decided to take a close look at the new Trumper brushes that were said to be virtually the same as some brushes that used to be made for them by Progress Vulfix - rebranded Simpsons Chubby brushes.

I bought a CB2 in Best to compare with my Simpsons Chubby 2 in Best.

This is the Trumpers CB2. I'll post more soon.

Brush re knottting

2011-12-09T06:25:00.001Z

This is a very old brush. I call it my Barny badger. It has very a short loft - 38mm, and it's not comfortable to use. One of the New Forest brushes I'm planning to make next year is a short lofted fan shape two band with a 20mm knot. I thought one of these knots would look good in this little brush handle and enable me to test how good it would be with a loft of 45mm. I'm not a natural handyman but I thought I'd give it a go. With a pair of scissors, a penknife and a drill, I managed to remove the old knot. The diameter of the hole was 22mm - just right to set the 20mm knot comfortably in it to a depth allowing the loft to be set at 45mm.

I'm delighted with the result.

I didn't try to repolish or restore the handle. The colour difference is due to different lighting! I plan to use the brush this weekend.

Face or bowl lathering.

2011-12-08T20:21:00.001Z

No - not me, just a free stock photo. I've been doing a bit of scrubby style face lathering these past few days. So very different to gently painting on lather made in a bowl. I must say that after a good facial scrub with the brush my skin feels exceptionally soft. While painting on the lather is a more luxurious experience it doesn't seem to leave the skin feeling quite so good. It got me thinking about which method is likely to be more beneficial to my skin. Anyone got any thoughts about this?

Red personna

2011-12-05T11:04:00.001Z

I tried a lot of different blades when I returned to a DE razor. These are the blades I now use every day in my Jagger Chatsworth razor. Not too sharp - just right for me. We all have different skin so one blade will not suit everyone but if you do find some blades a bit too sharp these are worth a try. Mine cost £15 for 200 from The Gentleman's Shop in Hungerford. At 7.5p each they are a lot less than the Mach 3 blades I was using. And they last me from 4 to 7 days.

After the cull

2011-12-03T11:11:00.001Z

I assembled a lot of brushes to include in Fido's Shaving Brush Blog. I have twice sold off many of the brushes, the last lot quite recently on The Shaving Room forum. I had intended to part with more. But it's not easy to part with some things is it? Here are the survivors. Some people ask me which are my favourites. I don't have any. I love 'em all!

A bookcase is a handy place to store your brushes. But make sure they are completely dry before putting them in one like mine which has glass doors.

Blade of the day.

2011-12-01T10:39:00.001Z

Most pics that appear on the shaving forums don't show the blade used. After trying many sample blades I finally settled on red personna as my regular blade. And nearly every day I use it in my Jagger Chatsworth razor. Practice makes perfect so I really feel I have mastered the razor technique I need for a satisfying shave. I still change brushes, soaps and creams and switch between bowl and face lathering so not all my shaves are as good as some. But variety is what I enjoy - apart from blade and razor!

Heresy?

2011-11-30T11:50:00.001Z

As a DE devotee, it might be regarded as a heresy to return to a cartridge blade. I decided today in another rush, to grab a Wilkinson Hydro 5 razor. Learning from previous experience I painted on a thin layer of Mr Taylor cream lather and very lightly ran the blade over my face for a very quick three pass shave. I really didn't feel I was taking anything off. But after applying my balm I discovered I had given myself a very close comfortable shave. I'm not returning to cartridge razors any time soon, but it's not difficult to understand their continuing popularity among general shavers.

It made a change.

Lather - how much?

2011-11-26T15:46:00.001Z

I rushed my shave a bit this morning. I face lathered but didn't spend as much time on it as usual. I settled for a relatively thin layer of lather for each pass. The result? A very good shave - nice and smooth. A nice thick layer of lather is pleasing to make but it's not essential - certainly not for me with my DE razor.

Back soon

2011-11-22T20:42:00.001Z

Coming back shortly!

Update:

http://newforestbrushes.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-forest-tubby-2.html

The mighty Polo 14

2011-11-15T12:20:00.001Z

Getting used to actually using the giant Polo 14. Shown here alongside the Duke 3, the Polo did a fine job today with Castle Forbes Lavender cream. Lathered in a bowl and painted on. Lovely shave!

In praise of floppy

2011-11-13T11:30:00.001Z

The brush is a Vie-Long 16510 silvertip, my floppiest brush with a 23mm knot set to a loft of 60mm. Lathered in a bowl and painted on with a gentle swirl before smoothing over it is a truly sensual experience. It's great to have a variety of brushes in a collection. So don't neglect floppies!

A razor snippet

2011-11-12T11:51:00.001Z

An interesting thread here.

Sharpologist

2011-11-11T06:19:00.001Z

Take a look at Mantic's new website - this is a useful post: the shaving tips are worth reading - you could have a go too!

Sharpologist

Tigris Perla

2011-11-09T06:05:00.004Z

This is a New Forest brush made from a cast polyester resin named Tigris Perla. The Tigris is a famous river but I have no idea of what "Perla" is intended to denote. I'd be delighted to hear from anyone with ideas about the significance of the name of this material.

Another go?

2011-11-05T18:33:00.000Z

My three straight razors have been in the drawer unused for too long. Now do I want to give it another go? If not, should I simply sell off all the gear to someone who might like to try this most traditional method of shaving?

Must give it more thought...........

A rare shave

2011-10-29T12:05:00.002+01:00

Had a real change today. Rubbed the stick over my face, lathered up, shaved off the lather rather haphazardly, reapplied lather left in the brush and did the same again. A big difference to my usual slow, systematic four pass shave. I was in and out of the bathroom in a few minutes and off to market for breakfast. My wife was pleasantly surprised. This could be my regular Saturday morning routine as I seem to try to be out much earlier than usual - it gets busy quickly at Lymington market!

The line up today was Palmolive, Vulfix Pure shaving brush ( not the most comfortable brush in my collection ) Jagger Chatsworth/red personna and Proraso balm.

Changing tastes

2011-10-24T11:58:00.001+01:00

I've noted several discussions on shaving forums about people starting to prefer higher lofted brushes. I've never been keen on very short lofted brushes in the mid to lower 40mms range. I prefer brushes from around 48mm to the mid 50s depending on knot size. This is a two band I had made which has a 22mm knot set to a loft of 58mm. I've been using it recently and it really is a delightful brush to use. The two band hair ensures a reasonable backbone and it has excellent flow through. I don't have any plans to produce any more of these but I'll certainly be considering setting 22mm knots at around 52mm to 54mm lofts to assess demand. Tastes do change!

Royal Enfiel Bullet Classic EFI 500

2011-10-20T05:17:00.001+01:00

Shaving's not my only interest!

Replating a razor

2011-10-13T12:34:00.000+01:00

This might be of interest to anyone wishing to restore an old razor:

Replating a razor

Favourite things

2011-10-09T13:11:00.000+01:00

A few of my favourites. Jagger Chatsworth with red personna has been my daily choice for a long time now. The mini casserole dish makes a very practical container for palmolive soap sticks - amazing value for money soap that produces lather as good as anything costing several times the price. The brush is unique, for now. A fan shape two band with a 22mm knot with a loft of 50mm - just perfect for face lathering. A New Forest brush not yet in production. Truefitt and Hill 1805 balm - finishes things off perfectly.

Guide to Gourmet Shaving

2011-10-03T12:51:00.000+01:00

There is a mass of information about shaving on the internet. But there are very few books about it. For those who take an interest in shaving using more traditional products like double edge blade razors, brushes, creams and soaps here is a book to study and enjoy. And an ideal gift for someone you might wish to encourage to share your passion for treating shaving as a pleasure rather than a chore.

Here you will find suggestions about all the things you need to do to master traditional shaving methods. Techniques for improving your daily shave and many ideas for all sorts of different products to try. Michael Ham, self styled "Leisure Guy" is an enthusiastic blogger on several subjects, including shaving, and he contributes regularly to a number of shaving forums. This is the 5th Edition of the book - well timed to include among those early Christmas gifts to others or an early one to yourself. Now available on Amazon as a book or, soon, kindle.

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Plisson

2011-09-29T07:06:00.000+01:00

I used this little brush today. It's a Plisson High Mountain White. I revisited my Fido's Shaving Brush Blog to check my earlier impressions. This is an expensive brush and I still think that at nearly £200 it is overpriced. Yet I have to admit - it's a delightful shaving experience to use it and I'm still glad I've got it!

Plisson High Mountain White

Martin de Candre

2011-09-21T19:00:00.001+01:00

Martin de Candre make one of my favourite shaving soaps. You can find details here:

Savon a raser

For a 170g jar, at 34 euros it's still an expensive soap. But at long last, they now make a more reasonable shipping charge of 6 euros to the UK. So when my jar is finally used up - it's lasted over 2 years so far in my rotation - I'll be reordering.

This is the main online shop - you may select language by clicking on the relevant flag in the top left of the page:

Martin de Candre - online shop

Brushes

2011-09-16T07:13:00.001+01:00

If you use one of these:

Like one of these:

You shouldn't notice the prickliness you often get with lower priced brushes. Ironic really since most manufacturers of high priced brushes tell you this is the correct way to use a shaving brush!

Super Badger 2 Band brushes

2011-09-11T12:50:00.000+01:00

Spotted this thread on Badger & Blade:

2 banded super.....

I'm surprised that there is said to be a shortage of 2 band hair or brushes. I have a variety of New Forest Super Badger 2 bands and haven't experienced any problems with securing stocks of badger hair knots in 2 band. Perhaps a benefit of being a smaller brush maker?

Badger & Blade

2011-08-29T15:56:00.000+01:00

My troubles with Badger & Blade are well documented and I have no wish to add more about my personal case. It's past, and I have no wish to be involved there any more. But as a member of several shaving forums I still like to know what's going on around the internet shaving community.

I knew about this thread, but I only recently took a look at it in detail. It's quite remarkable. Joel, the man behind B&B, registered as a member of this forum and submitted some most interesting posts making offers to disaffected former members of his site and giving his take on the issues raised by the thread.

Take a look here:

Pogonotomy Shaving forum - thread about B&B.

If not a member you will need to register to access the link. To do that, you go to:

Pogonotomy Forum

Sorry about this, I hadn't realised when I first published this post that the thread can only be accessed by forum members. But it does make interesting reading! The thread is in the General off topic area and titled "Who else here was banned for life by B&B"

The power of the internet

2011-08-23T10:31:00.001+01:00

My little New Forest Brushes venture has only been made possible through the power of the internet. The research and study of information readily available through use of the internet, the ability to create and use a simple website plus sites like Paypal and Ebay make it possible for anyone to start up a small international business these days. And they need not stay small - many big name businesses have started and thrived since the internet was first established. New Forest Brushes now has customers in many countries - including some surprising ones! This is the latest list of countries to which brushes have been shipped:

Argentina

Australia

Belgium

Brazil

Canada

China

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Egypt

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Latvia

Netherlands

Norway

Portugal

Russia

Singapore

Slovenia

South Africa

Spain

Sweden

Thailand

United Kingdom

United States

Rotating too often?

2011-08-17T13:14:00.002+01:00

An essential aspect of treating shaving as a special interest or hobby is building up a collection of products to use. So most of us end up with perhaps too much of everything. So we tend to change things often - be it razors, blades, brushes, creams, soaps and so on. By doing so we may enjoy the variety but I sometimes think we end up not getting the best out of what we have. Each product takes time to understand how to best use it. If we change things frequently perhaps we run the risk of never quite getting what we are after - a smooth comfortable and enjoyable shave. I'm going to start extending the time I use each combination of products. Just for a change!

Today's shave

2011-08-13T17:43:00.001+01:00

Castle Forbes Lavender shaving cream is simply superb. Wonderful aroma and so little needed to create lather very easily. DR Harris Arlington aftershave milk is a recent addition I'm really enjoying. Jagger Chatsworth/ red personna and a New Forest Finest Silvertip 2213 completed the line up that produced a delightful shaving experience. But then it's like that most days for us shaving enthusiasts!

TSR meet

2011-08-07T17:01:00.000+01:00

Thousands of enthusiasts post on shaving forums. Few ever meet. Some will always have reservations about meeting people who post anonymously on the internet. The Shaving Room is a UK based shaving forums. One of the members, Mikael from Sweden, intended to visit London this August and suggested that members of the forum might like to join him and visit some of the famous london Barber/Gentleman's shops followed by a few drinks in a London Pub.

So on Saturday 6 August 2011 a small group of us met up with Mikael and visited Trumpers. Taylors of Bond Street, DR Harris and Truefitt &amp; Hill. We followed up with a few drinks at The Chequers Pub in Duke Street. We all had a great time. A few gifts were exchanged, we had a raffle that raised some money for charity, bought a few more things we didn't need and returned home having made a few more friends. If you are a member of a shaving forum and it's feasible to arrange a meet, go for it!

A few reminders of the day:

Blooming silvertips

2011-08-04T13:25:00.002+01:00

Shavers comment often on the bloom of a shaving brush. Some tend to bloom more than others. The silvertips most of all. Here's a New Forest Finest Silvertip - with a 22mm knot and 50mm loft. I'll compare in a future post with a two band brush.

New Forest Finest Silvertip

Badger pics

2011-07-28T12:45:00.003+01:00

I never know quite how I feel when I see a badger close up!

The Bluebeards Revenge

2011-07-24T22:00:00.001+01:00

Such an odd name! This cream is supposed to ensure your beard doesn't return too quickly. As someone with a lot of creams and soaps, I'm not likely ever to find out how effective this cream is at affecting beard growth. But it's a fine cream anyway. A little makes a lot of superb creamy lather that enables a pleasant smooth shave. A good quality cream - worth a try, if only to find out what all the fuss is about!

Read more about it on the innovative website:

The Bluebeards Revenge

Pic of the day!

2011-07-23T06:40:00.003+01:00

New Forest Brushes

2011-07-21T17:48:00.000+01:00

A new range of brushes has now beeen released. These have a new decal. This will avoid the need to build up large batches of brushes for a long trip to a specialist printer for pad printing. More handle materials are now available including alternative ivory, bone, tortoiseshell, horn and tigris perla. Full details can be seen here:

New Forest Brushes

Straight razor shaving

2011-07-10T07:18:00.002+01:00

I gave it my best, but it is not for me. I did a lot of research, bought all the gear, studied forums, books and videos and gave it a trial. I did eventually have some satisfactory shaves and I can fully understand the enthusiasm for this type of traditional shaving. For me, it was a step too far. I already take a lot longer over shaving doing my three pass plus a tidy up ritual with a DE razor. The additional preparation, cleaning and maintaining the straight razor, plus the messiness compared with DE shaving started to make it more of a chore than a pleasure.

So now my razors and strop and other bits and pieces lie dormant until I decide to pass them on. I'm really pleased I made the effort - it made me appreciate the pleasure it must give others but also confirmed my own preferred shaving method.

Muhle synthetic silvertip

2011-07-07T21:19:00.002+01:00

Another for the collection:

Muhle

At 42 euros delivered, an expensive 21mm knot synthetic brush. Very nicely made and presented, it lathers well and is comfortable to paint it on. Quite a stiff springy brush. It has some likeness to the appearance of silvertip but it doesn't perform like one. The tips are prickly when you attempt to lather with circular motions - more like pure badger than silvertip. If you have scruples about using animal hair this is a practical alternative but lacks the luxury shaving experience of the real thing.

I'll post a review in my Shaving Brush Blog soon.

The final squeeze!

2011-07-06T14:21:00.003+01:00

I had another perfect shave today. Just thought I'd describe my current ritual:

Select team of the day and leave brush soaking in warm water.

Shower.

Rinse face again and leave wet.

Lather in a bowl after allowing water to drip out of brush with the tiniest of flicks before making the lather adding more water as needed. I go for midway between thick and fluffy lather.

Paint on the lather with just the briefest of circular swirls before painting over to smooth.

Shave with light short strokes - down, up and across to centre.

Then, the final squeeze - I love this bit. The remaining lather in the brush into my hand for applying by hand for a final light tidy up. If I ever leave this step out I regret it. I always seem to leave something a bit rough.

Rinse with hot tap water, then cold.

And with face still damp, apply balm of the day.

No pre shave, no alum - they just do nothing for me.

And here I am, three hours later still gently stroking that baby smooth skin.

And to think of how many years I spent just scraping of the goo every which way with a cartridge razor.

My new brush

2011-06-30T15:01:00.002+01:00

These are my comments on my Vie Long Horse hair shaving brush:

See here!

Shaving pics

2011-06-30T12:25:00.000+01:00

Many shaving enthusiasts are also very good photographers. Reports on forums "Shave of the day" have many fine photos. I saw these today:

Vie Long Custom horse hair brush

2011-06-28T06:56:00.003+01:00

My first horse hair shaving brush. A small brush with a 20mm knot and loft of 52mm. I'll post my thoughts about it in a few days when I have given it a fair trial. A brush made for the Pogonotomy Shaving Forum in limited numbers. It cost 26 euros delivered to the UK.

The brush store

2011-06-23T14:47:00.002+01:00

I leave my brush to dry for at least 24 hours by an open window. Then it goes back into store. In my case, a bookcase doubles up as brush store. It works well and saved buying extra storage.

Brush advice

2011-06-19T13:16:00.003+01:00

Spotted on a forum: advice from Thater, German brushmaker:

1) Face lathering will negatively impact the durability of the brush. the badger hair tips will wear faster as a result of rubbing against tough whiskers.Soap is traditionally lathered in a bowl.

2) Immerse the head in warm water, 104 degrees max. hotter water will curl the badger hair tips.

3) The brush should be soaked in water and then shake it lightly once, it should be dripping wet.Load the brush using circular motion, load only the tips of the brush with plenty of soap.

4) Once you are done building the lather, apply it onto your skin using little pressure and circular sweeping motions . Massage lather into your skin for 2 minutes.

5) Under no circumstances should you mash the brush head into the soap. this will only drive the lather deeper into the knot from where it is hard to transfer onto the skin. besides damaging the brush head you will neither produce more lather, nor will it have a better consistency.

6) Dried up lather is the most common source of badger hair breaking or shedding. you can verify whether your brush needs cleaning by bending the knot sideways and then letting it rebound. soap residue will become visible as a small cloud of white dust.

Perhaps the most interesting observation is the advice to use the tips lightly for the creation of lather - mashing will lead to the lather being embedded in the brush and critisisms of lather hogging.

This thread produced an interesting discussion:

Brush advice

Sportsday

2011-06-18T11:48:00.002+01:00

Anyone remember?

Old favourites

2011-06-17T15:39:00.002+01:00

Top - Arko, bottom - palmolive. Best value commercial soaps? Both are sticks which I stuffeasily into mini casserole dishes. They work really well as bowls.

Today's Shave

2011-06-15T15:02:00.018+01:00

I bought several pots of the old Coats creams. As good as ever. Body shop balm, great value. My spatula and indispensable bowl, Merkur 38c and red personna. The brush is a prototype - a 48mm loft, 22mm 2 band knot with fan shape. I love it. Will be on a future production line.

Like other enthusiasts, I rarely use the same team two days running. And this is a guy whose wife bought him razors, blades and goo without consultation for over 40 years!

SOTD

2011-06-11T20:37:00.003+01:00

It's a great thrill to see one of my New Forest brushes displayed on the Shaving Forums. Some shaving enthusiasts really are great photographers too! Here's a Tubby 1 set against an unusual background.

Hard shaving soaps

2011-05-31T08:30:00.000+01:00

I sometimes wonder why I bother with hard shaving soaps. They seem to require too much effort and take just too long to use compared with creams. When I face lather, perhaps I lack the patience to build a satisfactory lather. I sometimes lather hard soaps in a bowl with success but it is much simpler and more effective to put a decent portion of cream in the bowl instead. These days I prefer the softer soaps like Martin de Candre, Palmolive and Arko. Much easier to lather with. And the latter two are remarkable value.

Feedback!

2011-05-25T21:42:00.001+01:00

I get many messages from satisfied buyers of New Forest shaving brushes. But here's an original!

Peter, I would say I'm disappointed but it's stronger than that - I'm disgusted.

I wanted a gift for my brother-in-law who's had a tough time through no fault of his own. He's a nice guy and spends a lot of time in the New Forest.

You sent me a tortoiseshell chubby.

I used it. Twice.

IT IS THE BEST BLOODY BRUSH I HAVE EVER HANDLED.

Perfect in every way.

And now I have to give it away.

You bastard.

Bowl lathering with creams

2011-05-20T18:53:00.000+01:00

Much as I enjoy some of my soaps, I love the ease of bowl lathering with creams. A good size dollop scooped out with my little spatula smeared around the bowl followed by a brief swirl with a brush with a generous amount of water and the lather explodes with ease.
Today, an old favourite - Trumpers Coconut. Great stuff.

New Forest Super Badger Two Band "Seconds"

2011-05-17T18:22:00.004+01:00

SORRY! ALL MY SECONDS ARE NOW SOLD OUT

Super Badger Badger brushes at about half the normal price? New Forest Brushes have a few "Chunky" brushes like these with tiny imperfections on the handle surface which don't in any way affect the performance of the brush. Price £22 delivered in Europe and £24 rest of the world. Interested?

Email NFB@padh.co.uk for details.

New Forest Tubby 1 and 2

2011-05-15T21:43:00.000+01:00

Where can you get a great quality Two Band for less than £50? This 26 mm Tubby 2 with a 26 mm knot is still just £45 plus £3 for worldwide shipping. The Tubby 1 is £5 less.

A few comments at The Shaving Room.

Details here: New Forest Brushes.

Shaving Forums

2011-05-07T17:16:00.000+01:00

When actively participating in shaving forums it is often difficult to avoid giving the impression that you are there to promote your business, directly or indirectly. I was an enthusiastic member of shaving forums before I established New Forest Brushes and I have noted some negativity since. Perhaps based on the assumption that I had been pursuing a commercial interest all along. It's a shame and completely without foundation.
There are many small businesses that have started after the internet has made it possible for enthusiasts to discuss shaving as a hobby. There are soap makers, after shave producers and many custom brush makers, many of whom are active participants on the forums. I noted that most shaving brush brands have been around for a very long time and it seemed to me that there was scope for a new brand aimed at enthusiasts by a fellow enthusiast. I guess that to continue as an enthusiastic contributor will be seen by some as self promotion - a point of view I can understand.

I have seen many of the big names in shaving registering on the shaving forums and participating as vendors. Conflicts of interest seem often to be mentioned. Sometimes it seems inevitable that someone will interpret something in a way not intended. It's not something I want to expose myself to if I can now avoid it.

I was an early member of my "home" forum, the UK based "The Shaving Room" From now on, that's where I will spend most of my time browsing and contributing as best I can. I'll keep an eye on other forums but mainly as an observer. They are such interesting places!

Innovation!

2011-05-01T07:13:00.000+01:00

The guy's knot fell out. So he popped it in to a rubber chair tip. He thinks he might glue it in, it works so well! An innovative travel brush?

Scrubby or scrubbing brushes

2011-04-24T12:59:00.002+01:00

Brush aficionados mention often the scrubbiness, backbone and density of a brush. Usually in a sense that more is better, less is inferior. Sometimes it is acknowledged that excessive density can lead to problems with the release of lather but otherwise little is mentioned about the disadvantages of stiff dense brushes.

There's irony here. There is no doubt that enthusiasts tend to favour more backbone and density because there is a preference for soaps and face lathering. They like to scrub their face and swirl around with an exfoliating lather. Yet the major shaving brush manufacturers emphasise that a brush should be used gently using long to and fro motions to apply lather with just the tips of the brush head. The very opposite of what enthusiasts like to do.

The other irony is that when you visit a shop which stocks good quality brushes for the general shaver or possible gifts, most brushes on offer are what enthusiasts would write off as soft and floppy. Even in Jermyn Street and St James there are virtually no two bands to be seen.

Personally, I don't like extremes yet I enjoy variety. So occasionally I paint and sometimes I scrub, some days I prefer soap, others, it's cream. So I'm pleased to have a variety of brushes. There's joy in each.

What't the point here? Don't be too swift to follow the herd. Try different things and find out for yourself what you prefer.

New Forest Brushes - The Movie

2011-04-24T05:26:00.000+01:00

It's not being nominated for an Oscar. No music or words - just a little bit of action down in the Forest:

NFB - The Movie

New Forest Brushes - In action!

2011-04-21T12:53:00.000+01:00

Deep in the Forest this is one of England's smallest "factories". This is Brian, who also produces amazing working models of aeroplanes and boats. I first met Brian when I was looking for someone to make plinths for my bell collection. Then I asked him if he liked the idea of making shaving brushes. He now makes all New Forest shaving brushes. Here's a few pics to give some idea of the old fashioned way the brushes are made and the tiny workshop in which they are made. This, plus Fido's little office, is New Forest Brushes in action.

Quality control

2011-04-18T06:53:00.000+01:00

A bit lacking here?

China and shaving brushes

2011-04-15T05:56:00.003+01:00

I started a thread on SMF about Chinese made knots. While I am an admirer of some English made shaving brushes, I don't accept that workers in other countries, particularly China, do not produce high quality knots or brushes.

Here is the thread:

Chinese made knots.

I decided to add no more to the thread, as I was already being criticised for my motives in starting it. But I did decide to discuss some of the issues with my manufacturer of brush heads in China. I'm not publishing this on a shaving forum because again, I'll be seen as promoting New Forest Brushes. I can do that here. Here's the reply:

Dear Peter,

The history of the shaving brush workshops in England is very long. Some workshops even have one hundred years history or more. The quality of their products has been recognised by most people. Chinese made brush heads or brushes are quite cheap, for the badger hair's origin is in China. Most workshops don't make the heads and the even the finished brushes at all. They buy the heads or the finished brushes from China and pack them with their own traditional packing. But most of them do not admit that the brushes are produced in China. They only say the badger hair was from China. So that they can sell the brushes at high prices.

I'll take some head processing photos for your reference. It can be proved that our products are handmade.

It will take 3 months to train a worker to make a low grade brush head, like bristle or pure badger. When the worker produces low grade heads about one year or more. We'll have a test. When he has passed it, he can make high grade badger heads like super badger, silvertip badger or long best badger.

We can make the 20 mm fan shape a little rounder, if you think it is too flat.

Ming Yao

It was interesting to observe the typical Chinese respect for age and tradition.

The last remark gives an insight into the specification process. I test samples, then seek modification if necessary. Note too, the standard of English used by a Chinese gentleman - also skilled in using the tools of modern technology. This is today's world.

Coates Shaving Cream - old type

2011-04-12T17:48:00.000+01:00

If you can find some of this. Get it. It's superb. I have used each in turn during the last three days. I bought this just before the old stock ran out. I've never regretted it.

Badger and Blade and New Forest Brushes

2011-04-11T16:48:00.000+01:00

I have been following this thread with interest:

New Forest - the brand

The positive comments outweigh the negative, but some extraordinary comments are made here. It just goes to show how different we all are. An issue which I still find quite strange is why it is thought that Chinese workers are incapable of matching the quality of shaving brush knots made by workers in England and the Isle of Man.

Take a look at the results achieved by China at the International Mathematics Olympiad. If there was a competition to produce brushes to a high standard, would the results be any different?

International Mathematics Olympiad

Travel Brushes

2011-04-07T06:35:00.001+01:00

I have never seen the point of a "Travel" brush. I just take out a couple of favourites and take them with me. Unlikely to include my Polo 14 but I have plenty that will do. But it seemed a good idea to add a couple more brushes to my Fido's Shaving Brush Blog. And here they are, the ones I bought on my visit to London.

This has a 43mm handle, 19mm knot, 43mm loft. It's a Super Badger, made for DRH by Edwin Jagger. Cost £50. The same brush with a higher loft can be bought direct with the Jagger logo for £32. A lot for a logo, but DRH is a fantastic shop in a world famous shopping location. As for the brush, typically soft Jagger hair makes it seem bigger than its size on your face. It performed really well and is comfortable to hold.

This is the TOBS version of a little Vulfix travel brush. A 20mm Super Badger knot, loft 43mm and a little handle 37mm high. A good performer although not so comfortable in hand as the DRH. At £39.95 including the case, not such a large premium fot the shop logo.

2011-04-05T16:15:00.000+01:00

I paid another visit to Jermyn Street yesterday. I had a browse in Taylors, Trumpers and DR Harris. Each has a huge variety of shaving temptations. I bought just two travel shaving brushes. Both bore the shop logo although one was made by Edwin Jagger and one by Vulfix. It would of course have been cheaper to buy the brushes as Jagger or Vulfix brands but I wanted the shop logo - and these shops are in prime locations!

I was struck by how many soft floppy brushes were on display. And the almost complete absence of two band brushes. There really are significant differences between the preferences of the shaving aficionados who dominate the internet forums and the general shaver and shopper looking for gifts.

No, no, no!

2011-03-31T14:09:00.000+01:00

A material I will NOT be using:

Here's why:

For a handle, too unpredictable. But interesting!

This unique brush stays with Fido.

High Mountain Badger

2011-03-30T05:26:00.000+01:00

Why do New Forest brushes have a brush named High Mountain Badger? Because the hair used in the making of the brush comes from the hair of a rare species of badger found only in some remote mountainous areas in China. Like Gansu Province shown here. Look closely and you will see the badgers in the shadows.

Shaving brush handle shapes

2011-03-28T06:25:00.006+01:00

There have been comments on Badger and Blade about the similarity between the shapes of shaving brush handles Take a look at a few:

Thiers - Issard

Rooney

Edwin Jagger

Simpson

Savile Row

shavemac

Plisson

Simpson

Rooney

New Forest

Anyone designing a brush handle likely to be popular will always end up with some shapes that are already familiar. That's the way it is. There seem to be a lot of Plisson lookalikes!

Wee Scot

2011-03-27T12:57:00.000+01:00

And I thought my Wee Scot was too small for comfort!

This thread tells the story:

Wee Scot - Shave my Face Forum

Martin de Candre

2011-03-25T16:41:00.000Z

May be of interest to M de C fans.

Martin de Candre videos

Todays' shave - another new soap!

2011-03-20T14:53:00.002Z

Nanny's come a long way. As an early tester and reviewer, I described a scent as reminding me of shoe polish and had to rush to shave before the lather dried out. Undeterred, and what a pain it must have been, Sharon persevered and now produces some very fine soaps. This is one described as a soap with a softer recipe, more like a cream. Well, I reckon it is a cream. It's certainly softer than Castle Forbes creams. An absolute delight to use, pleasing scent, creamy, stable lather and a real pleasure to shave off leaving the skin nice and soft. I'm looking forward to a lavender scent for this one. Then I won't need to spend £20 plus on more Castle Forbes. It's that good. On second thoughts, I'll get both.

The Body Shop sample was White Musk A/S Balm. Razor, Jagger Chatsworth with red personna.

YUSHU NEW SOFTER SOAP

Logo protection

2011-03-16T18:31:00.000Z

(From a forum - not my brushes!)

Many shaving brush logos rub off. Some quicker than others.

I think it's a good idea to avoid touching the logo while using the brush. And after rinsing the brush, to just dab dry the logo. This all helps to prolong the life of the logo.

Crabtree & Evelyn Sienna

2011-03-12T13:57:00.001Z

This doesn't often get a mention on the shaving forums. It has an intoxicating scent that I find impossible to describe. Next time you are in a C&T store have a sniff. It's often on special offer, so it can be a really great value hard soap. It lathers well and delivers all you can wish for a great shave.

New Forest brushes with logo!

2011-03-10T14:09:00.002Z

After much searching, I have found a small business that can print logos on my New Forest brushes made locally for me near my home in England.

I had a few New Forest Super Badger Two Band Tubby 1 and New Forest Finest Silvertip 2213 Chunky brushes ready for printing this week. I took the opportunity to create a slightly larger and bolder logo. This is the result:

More information about these brushes is available here:

New Forest Super Badger Two Band Tubby 1

New Forest Finest Silvertip 2213 Chunky

In the pipeline

2011-03-04T15:41:00.005Z

I have been testing some more sample brushes but have yet to decide on final specifications and the timing of production. These are all brushes with a 22mm knot set to a loft of 47mm.

On the left, a bulb shape High Mountain Badger, centre, a fan shape Super Badger Two Band and on the right another High Mountain Badger with a more rounded fan shape compared with the flatter top New Forest 2221. All these brushes have a firm backbone that will be popular with face latherers. If I do produce them, I think a 48mm loft will be the likely choice. I use these brushes regularly with a smile on my face. They are quite simply, superb. It's great fun, deciding on brushes you like , then getting them made and tested! I have several other ideas for brushes, one of them I might try soon. A New Forest "Tiny" A brush that will fit neatly into a vintage travel brush case. Dimensions of 19mm knot, 43mm loft and handle height of 31mm should be just fine. A more chunky handle than a Wee Scott. Watch this space!

Dorco

2011-02-27T11:46:00.000Z

I rarely try new blades these days. I have a large stock of red personna and Gillette Super Thins that are serving me well. But for a few days I've been using a sample pack of Dorco ST300 blades. Very comfortable, irritation free, no soreness. They don't seem to rate much of a mention on the forums and certainly haven't impressed some of my friends at The Shaving Room. They certainly work well enough for me to now consider adding some to my rotation.

They have to go somewhere!

2011-02-24T14:39:00.001Z

Tigris Perla reaches U Tube!

2011-02-24T06:05:00.000Z

Now sold out, but with more coming soon, the New Forest 2206 Tigris Perla has performed on U Tube!

Always happy to see New Forest brushes in action! See it here.

Bowl lathering creams

2011-02-22T15:58:00.001Z

A dollop of cream in a bowl. A pre soaked brush. A quick swirl. Loads of thick creamy lather. Paint it on. Swirl and scrub if you wish. Then smooth over, and off you go.

I sometimes wonder why I bother with soaps. Some say it saves washing up a bowl and that it's less effort, particularly if you face lather. But simply using a soap in it's bowl is a messy business and it needs cleaning up afterwards.

So it's bowl lathering with creams.

That's at least until I remember just how good some of the old favourites are.. Tabac, Palmolive, Proraso, Arko, oh - and Martin de Candre. Then out they come.

Then back to the creams.

We are a funny lot!

SOTD - Not me!

2011-02-18T04:55:00.000Z

It's always good to see this sort of thing!

Saturday, 1.29.11

Aura Glow and Hot Towel Prep... Because I'm worth it..
Tabac Shave Cream
New Forest #2221 High Mountain White
Hayashi Diamond #74 13/16ths
Tony Miller "New Standard" Strop .. 35 Linen/65 Latigo
Witch Hazel
Nivea AS Balm
Ogallala Bay Rum .. Limes & Peppercorns

Great shave today, and this concludes my "week with creams" and tests of the New Forest High Mountain White badger brush... These shaves were a total success...