Heresy?

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?

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

Coming back shortly!

Update:

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

The mighty Polo 14

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

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

An interesting thread here.

Sharpologist

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

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?

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...........