Several Related Thoughts....

Chasing Baby Smooth

Ever since I discovered old-time shaving with a double edge, I've been striving for the perfect shave: baby smooth and no skin insult of any kind. The reality is, however, that's just not going to happen. The combination of my wiry beard, angle of growth, and skin sensitivity and texture makes this theoretical ideal exactly that: theoretical.

I can get baby smooth all over, but I will have wounds; it's unavoidable. I can have happy skin, but I will feel stubble if I rub against the grain.

The solution is obvious: stop chasing baby smooth!

I will still pursue a good shave. I did so this morning. I took one of my adjustable razors, set it on its mildest setting, and made a first pass largely against the grain. Then I adjusted my razor to a middling setting, re-lathered (deviating from my oft-used single-lather shave) and again shaved largely against the grain.

Then I used some extra water and lather remaining on my face and the underside of the razor, and did touch-up strokes with the razor set to about two-thirds of full bore.

Using a light touch throughout, I got a very good shave -- not quite perfect, but close enough to satisfy.

Alternating Aspirations

I'm also planning on alternating the focus of my daily shaves. I'm thinking that every other day instead of going for a very close shave as described above, I'll simply do a single-pass, with-grain shave using one of my adjustables set on its mildest setting. 

The point of this regular ultra-light shave is to still keep the beard growth down while giving my skin time to rest and recuperate from my close-shave obsession. I'll let you know how this works out.

A Soothing Balm

When at the Maggard Meet in May, I acquired enough soap samples to keep me testing for quite a long time. I also received several after-shave-product samples including a Black Bot balm from Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements.* 

I gave this a try and found that it's a very moisturizing, soothing after-shave product. I also really like the bouquet.

The company, Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements, is the same organization that has brought several unique razor designs to market, often taking arcane vintage ideas and resurrecting them with modern design tweaks. 

Their double-open-comb razor is one such example. Although I was rather dismissive of this design intially -- thinking it innovative and interesting but not essential (what is?) -- I have been reading more review and discussion of this razor, and was sorely tempted to give it a try.

I will revisit this impulse within the next few weeks, when I place my order for the Black Bot balm.

A Few Garage-Sale Razors Remaining

If you're open to trying what may be a great value, take a look at my remaining garage-sale inventory.

Happy shaving!

*affiliate organization