Stubble Daddy’s Shave Journal of Awesomeness and Honesty ...

Don’t get me wrong gents, the Winning Razor is still worth buying… it’s machined stainless, made in the USA and you can get it for $43 shipped.

But yes, the Henson shaves better, but is aluminum and $70 now

As I am still in denial mode regarding my shave brush handle acquisition disorder, I need to practice restraint with razors! I recently added the Parker V2 adjustable, so now I a V1 gathering dust, and I added some vintage Schicks lately, as well as 2 different AC-style razor heads and some handles for them.

I believe and appreciate that the Winning is an excellent razor, and I do not want to discourage anyone from supporting Yates. I already have the Merica and the 921. I am glad I got my Hensons when they were still $50.

By the way, what is this coupon you speak of? I missed the discount earlier this month by a few hours.

I believe and appreciate that the Winning is an excellent razor, and I do not want to discourage anyone from supporting Yates. I already have the Merica and the 921. I am glad I got my Hensons when they were still $50.

By the way, what is this coupon you speak of? I missed the discount earlier this month by a few hours.

If you sign up for their newsletter, they give you a 10% off code.

Razor: Rex - Envoy
Brush: Trotter Handcrafts - Seaglass No.2
Soap: Southern Witchcrafts - Fougere Nemeta
Aftershave: Southern Witchcrafts - Fougere Nemeta
Blade: Astra SP

Razor: Winning Razor (polished)
Brush: Trotter Handcrafts - “Amalfi”
Soap: Macduff’s - Birch & Root
Aftershave: Cella - Aloe Vera
Blade: Personna Med Prep

I decided to polish my Winning razor a bit to see if it would glide smoother/faster. I think the polishing helped a small amount, but it’s really the design of the razor which is responsible for the drag/suction feel. I got a smooth, comfortable shave from the Winning Razor, and I think it looks a little better now too after the polishing.

My friend Paul (aka Mr.Doug) was kind enough to send me some soap samples and the Birch and Root smelled incredible. Just like Root beer!

The soap took a crazy amount of water to get dialed in but worked well. The scent also opened up a bit more once lathered and it seemed to become a little more spicy/earthy/sappy tree. The soap was crazy slick and post shave was excellent. One of those soaps where you feel an aftershave isn't needed. Really cool stuff. Thanks again Paul!

That Paul is a good guy !!! Nice shave !!

Razor: WSC Winning Razor (polished)
Brush: Brad Sears - Arley 28mm
Soap: Murphy & McNeil - Old Sport
Aftershave: Fine - Fresh Vetiver
Blade: Feather

Another round with the Winning Razor this morning. I went with a new Feather blade and that seemed to be a good match-up. I also notice that a very light touch is needed with this razor. The more pressure you apply, the more it wants to stick/drag on the face. And finally I swapped out the Winning handle with something a bit beefier, better balanced and with a more secure grip. This definitely made me enjoy the razor more. In the end I got a perfect shave, even though I feel like I've jumped through a lot of hoops with the "Winning" Razor.

My friend Paul ( mrdoug ) was kind enough to share some Murphy & McNeil samples. M&M has always been a great performing soap for me. The "Old Sport" is a warm scent... I get the spice, almond and vanilla up front with an almost tobacco-like note in the mix. Performance was very good as expected, but scent was not exactly my thing. I do think many others would enjoy it. Thanks again Paul!

Hope everyone is having a great week so far. I'm dragging a bit this morning as I stayed up way too late making a handle in the shop last night. It was worth it though... I'm very happy with how this matte black one turned out. I'll post some pics over in the 'Hot off the Lathe' thread in my Merchant section... but here's a teaser:

Razor: Yates 921 (H-plate)
Brush: Viking 26mm
Soap: Chiseled Face - Loyal (sample)
Aftershave: Trotter Handcrafts - Post Shave Toner
Blade: Personna Med Prep

I’m still dorking around with my post shave toner recipe, although it’s not a priority compared to the handles. Based on some feedback, I’m in the process of removing the Rose water (some folks have a reaction to this) and making it dry down without any tackiness. I like a tacky post shave feel, but as I’ve learned, others do not! I should just be able to cut down on the Jojoba oil, etc.

Tried the new Chiseled Face “Silk” soap base and didn’t bond with it at all. I like the original base, but I just couldn’t get this one to lather well. Scent is very similar to original “Sherlock”, but more leathery. It’s really strong and kinda irritated my skin.

A “new to me” Viking Brush landed in my mailbox just in time for me to take it for a spin. I love Andrew’s ( Viking ) stuff and really give him a lot of credit and thanks for his guidance when I started making resin handles.

Hey tomorrow’s Friday! I’ll drink a cheap beer to that!

Razor: Yates 921 (H-plate)
Brush: Viking 26mm
Soap: Chiseled Face - Loyal (sample)
Aftershave: Trotter Handcrafts - Post Shave Toner
Blade: Personna Med Prep

I’m still dorking around with my post shave toner recipe, although it’s not a priority compared to the handles. Based on some feedback, I’m in the process of removing the Rose water (some folks have a reaction to this) and making it dry down without any tackiness. I like a tacky post shave feel, but as I’ve leaned, others do not! I should just be able to cut down on the Jojoba oil, etc.

Tried the new Chiseled Face “Silk” soap base and didn’t bond with it at all. I like the original base, but I just couldn’t get this one to lather well. Scent is very similar to original “Sherlock”, but more leathery. It’s really strong and kinda irritated my skin.

A “new to me” Viking Brush landed in my mailbox just in time for me to take it for a spin. I love Andrew’s ( Viking ) stuff and really give him a lot of credit and thanks for his guidance when I started making resin handles.

Hey tomorrow’s Friday! I’ll drink a cheap beer to that!

You'll not please everyone as we all have different skin types as well as preferences for the feel. Just a thought to calm the perfectionist in ya. 

One more job and then the drive home so my Natty Ice will have to wait till 8:30........