• Pre-Shave : Shower, PAA Cube
• Brush : Oumo 24mm ACE SHD Dual Band Manchurian Badger
• Soap : The Village Soapsmith Bay Rum
• Razor : Rockwell Model T -R3.5 w/Rockwell Blade
• Post Shave : Lucky Tiger Bay Rum (Modified — 10% Additional Dark Rum)

Still on the Budget / Obscure soaps and shaves.
For the next few days, it’s The Village Soapsmith’s handcrafted soaps. At about $8 for a 4oz puck, (soft puck) it’s one of the cheapest artisanal soaps out there.
Though they don’t ship outside of CONUS, Canada and Puerto Rico, with a little re-shipping voodoo, I got it sent to Singapore.

Scent is a classic Bay Rum scent. It’s mild on the soap and lather but I remember when I first got it, I could smell the scent the moment I opened the box and went “Mmmmmnnnsss!” but was later disappointed that it wasn’t as strong as I thought it would be on the soap or when lathered.
YMMV of course.

Performance is actually quite good, as you can see from the SOTD pic, it lathers up to a thick, creamy yogurty lather. It performs better with a little more water than not, and holds water well, so don’t be afraid of getting that lather a little runny.

Slickness is great, with good residual and while the post shave is not as good as top end artisan soaps, given its price point, I am not complaining.
To be clear, Post Shave is actually very decent.

As to how slick is slick to me, it is good enough to do a one pass WTG, XTG and ATG, with a reapplication of lather for a cleanup pass. So yeah, its good.

Of course I had to use a Bay Rum for the post shave and chose to go with Lucky Tiger’s.
Personally I’d prefer Gabbels or Clubman Pinaud’s (ran out of Clubman’s had one of those sample sizes, waiting on a mail drop) as Lucky Tiger’s scent is more Bay than Rum.

Which lead to me modifying mine by adding about a tenth (what I used up) more Dark Rum. Smells much better now though I think a little more rum is called for.

The Model T is performing well.
After several runs with it, I feel that it is just a little tad more aggressive and might be a tad blade forward than the 6S/6C, especially when you go up from R4 to R6.
The Aggression / Blade geometry ramps up and you do get that much more blade feel along with the larger gap.
I dropped back down to R3.5 from 4.5 as I was feeling way more blade than I liked.
R3.5 on the Model T feels more like the R4 or just a tad less than R5 on the 6S.

Still, it was an easy, clean, no irritation BBS shave.

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• Pre-shave : Shower
• Brush : Oumo 24mm ACE SHD Dual Band Manchurian Badger
• Soap : Col Conk Amber
• Razor : Rockwell Model T-R4 w/Rockwell Blade
• Post Shave : Marks and Spencer Amber Woodspice

Just a simple work day shave. Still on my budget / obscure rotation.
One thing I really like with Col Conk’s soaps is that because it’s glycerin based, they are easily heated up (10-20 secs) in a microwave to melt them down and form fit into whatever container you want to put them in. In my case a resuseable, sealing tub.

Probably going to play with the Model T for a few days, I’ll most likely be storing the rest of my adjustables, pulling them out only when I feel the urge to use any of them.
The Rockwell blade though, not my favorite. Does the job, is relatively smooth, though it would have been much smoother if it was a notch or two sharper, as while it does shear off growth, resistance is almost at the point of tugging.
It’s a little better then Derby Extras, but not by much. Reminds me why I relegated these blades as a One day / shave blade

Still, it was a good, clean BBS shave.

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• 

• 

• Pre-Shave : Shower
• Bowl : Stainless Steel mixing bowl
• Brush : PAA Peregrino
• Soap : Van Yulay Recovery Sample
• Razor : Rockwell Model T (Replacement) -R4 w/Feather Blade
• Post Shave : Nivea Men Deep Comforting Aftershave Lotion

So, a while back after months trying to get the razor to work, and finally giving up after taking measurements and finding that it was really an equipment issue, I contacted Rockwell to see if I could ship my faulty Model T back, and get a replacement.

Rockwell, in goodwill, just replaced my razor sans shipping cost without too much fuss.

And about a month and a half of waiting due shipping / customs delays, my Rockwell Model T replacement finally got here.

The first thing that I immediately noticed on picking the razor up is how the knurling felt. I can confidently tell you that even blindfolded, I can pick up the replacement just by touching it.
While it’s still not as deeply knurled as I liked, it is a huge improvement from the one I had, which when holding with soapy or wet hands had a tendency to slip.
Ridges and valleys are just more defined with the replacement.

More importantly, the replacement sets the blade correctly without issue. Pic of the side by side comparison makes it even more obvious how imbalanced my original Razor is.

While there are slight marring on the finish of the replacement, to be honest, I don’t really care at this point.
I just wanted a razor, that I paid a rather hefty chunk of change for, that worked.
Besides, I’d probably scratch it like I did with the first anyways.

Thankfully, the blade looks perfectly set with equal exposure on both sides and without slant.

And lastly, it also seems that the blade has a little more curvature compared to the older razor, though this is more of an eyeball look and feel since I don’t have the tools to take precise measurements.
I am not sure how well one can see that curvature from a picture taken but I have included one.

Yeah, the silos don’t quite close perfectly, but again, at this point I just want a razor that doesn’t shave like its taking a jagged machete to the face.

Paired the razor with a Feather Blade and yes, that was done with the purpose that if there was an issue with the razor, I’d know immediately.
So, how did it shaved?

FANFRACKINGTASTIC!

Had I got this razor the first time, I would be singing it’s praises like a choir boy high on Spiritual Ecstasy.

Started with a tentative setting of R2.5 based on experienced of the first razor and immediately could tell that the razor felt very different. Far less blade exposure, far less blade chatter and definitely much much smoother!

It’s almost like they went slightly negative blade exposure (guestimate -0.05mm) or true neutral (0.00mm) from the positive blade exposure (guestimate +0.18mm) I had with my first razor.

Went immediately to R4 and it felt more akin to the 6S-R4 than what I originally experienced with the first razor.

Shave was very smooth, very much less of the blade trying to flex and more of that very familiar guillotine feel of my 6S.

All in all I am very happy with Rockwell and the replacement.
While I do still think that there are cosmetic issues, what really counts is that this razor felt good in the hand, I wasn’t fighting to keep a grip, and it replicated the 6C/6S feel which is what I believe most wanted when they bought the Model T.

Two thumbs up to Rockwell’s Customer Service.

Oh yeah, it was a perfect, true glass and, this time, a damn comfortable, zero irritation BBS shave.

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• Pre-Shave : Shower, PAA Cube
• Bowl : Van Yulay Resin
• Brush : Oumo 24mm ACE SHD Dual Band Manchurian Badger
• Soap : Heath Shaving Cream
• Razor : Tatara Nodachi Base + Masamune Cap w/Feather Blade
• Post Shave : Heath Post Shave Repair Balm, Clubman Pinaud Cognac Neat

Continuing with my budget and or obscure shave soaps, this time something from the UK.
Scented with Tasmanian Peppers and Tea Tree it’s mild and pleasant.
Quality and lather is pretty much mid-upper tier.
Good slickness, some residual and fairly good post shave.
Didn’t think I needed the balm in all honesty but used it anyways.

Actually, I may have to stop using most balms totally.
Save for a few lighter balm / lotions, most balms I have are a little too rich for the heat here in the tropics causing my skin to break out.

The Tatara Nodachi Base + Masamune Cap combo again made it a very easy, extremely comfortable true glass BBS shave.

Finished up with Clubman’s Cognac Neat and much like yesterday, on application, it reminds me of one of their older offerings, Brandy Spice.
A little toned down, without that sharp orange peel scent, instead there’s a hint of tobacco I think.

Cognac Neat in this case takes 3rd place of 3 simply because if I didn’t know better, I’d sworn it was one of the older Clubman aftershaves, it just doesn’t have that something that differentiate it from the rest.

And to be fair, I actually washed off, and re-applied the aftershave again just to be sure that I am not imagining things.

That is not to say that they aren’t different or that they are not good.

Its just that both Sweet Rum and Cognac Neat are close enough to the old scents that if you weren’t using Clubman Reserve Aftershaves on rotation and given these blind, your initial reaction might be “Oh, Whiskey Woods.” or “Oh, this is Brandy Spice.” until you notice its lacking the really sharp scent for either and that these are a little toned down with the booze note a little more defined, along with a slight fruity note for Sweet Rum or a muted tobacco for Cognac Neat.

Of all the Clubman Reserve Aftershaves, I’d rank Tequila Tease and Gent’s Gin as the top 2 and the 3rd spot is really up for grabs.

And as always with all things shaving, YMMV.

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• Pre-Shave : Shower, PAA Cube
• Brush : Oumo 24mm ACE SHD Dual Band Manchurian Badger
• Soap : Siliski Soaps Internal Calamity
• Razor : Tatara Nodachi Base + Masamune Cap w/Feather Blade
• Post Shave : Clubman Pinaud Sweet Rum

Mail call insert from my “budget / obscure” shaves in the rotation. Just had to give it a try.

Now I know that the scent notes for Siliski Soaps Internal Calamity is very different from Appalachian Forest but my first use immediately brought Appalachian Forest to mind. While not as “woody” as the aforementioned soap, it does have that “Appalachian Forsest lite” vibe.

Chose to face lather and again, first impression is that this is a thirsty soap. Soap is easily picked up with a damp (I don’t put soaking wet brushes into tubs) brush and sort of dries on the bristles forming a stiff paste, added more water maybe a tablespoon or so, onto a wet face and it still wanted more water after which the lather formed is a little more “runny” but very slick.

One pass WTG, XTG and ATG.
The Nodachi Base + Masamune cap combo with the Feather is extremely smooth. I hardly felt any resistance even against my more “problematic” growth areas. Shaved mostly by Audio Feedback.
It was amazingly comfortable.
Though, I had to remind myself that while the razor felt amazingly comfortable. It does have a 0.90mm gap and can and has bitten if you forget that it does have a very sharp blade that would be all too happy to take a blood oath if you put too much pressure or not paying attention.

Finished with the new Sweet Rum and this one reminded me of Whiskey Woods, except with a dark rum note and something fruity in it. Black currant or green fig maybe. Scent fades off fast though. Leaving your face feeling settled and toned.

Of the 2 out of 3 new Clubman I have tried, Tequila Tease is still far up on the ladder of preference.
Sweet Rum smells very familiar, and you can’t help but think of either Whiskey Woods or Brandy Spice with just a tad less “in your face” fruitier scent

Perfect, true glass “I keep touching myself” BBS shave

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• Pre-Shave : Shower, PAA Cube
• Bowl : Van Yulay Resin
• Brush : Oumo 24mm ACE SHD Dual Band Manchurian Badger
• Soap : Body Shop Maca Root and Aloe Shaving Cream
• Razor : Tatara Masamune Base + Nodachi Cap w/Feather Blade
• Post Shave : Body Shop Maca Root and Aloe Post-Shave Gel
• Others : Menthol in Salt Grinder

Probably the most accessible wet shaving cream and post-shave as it is available world wide, as long as there is a Body Shop outlet, and there’s always one where there is a large enough shopping mall.

Body Shop’s Maca Root and Aloe’s lather is fairly good if a little on the lighter side, and the scent is kind of reminiscent of PAA’s Future Fiction, if a little more earthier.
Added in a little menthol to get that face cooling effect.

Going with the Zero Zero Masamune for that easy, comfortable BBS shave.
The post shave gel is essentially lightly scented aloe gel, that has been tweaked with a little cooling agent and not leave your skin feeling gummy.
I really like it.

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• Pre-Shave : Shower, PAA Cube
• Brush : Oumo 24mm ACE SHD Dual Band Manchurian Badger
• Soap : Col Conk Bay Rum
• Razor : Blackland Vector w/Feather Pro-Guard Blade
• Post Shave : Col Conk Bay Rum Aftershave

One of my favorite budget soaps is Col Conk’s Bay Rum.
It is lightly scented with that distinctive rose forward bay rum and to me, smells great and because its lightly scented, will fade off and not interfere with any scent or aftershave you choose to wear.

Lather is very slick, with good residual slickness, and a post shave, that while isn’t much to speak of, is far beyond what one would expect from any soap of the same price range.

Went with the Vector today.
Precision shaving exemplified.
Finishing off with Col Conk’s mild but beautifully scented rose bay rum aftershave was just icing on the BBS Cake.

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• Pre-Shave : Shower, PAA Cube
• Bowl : Van Yulay Resin
• Brush : Oumo 24mm ACE SHD Dual Band Manchurian Badger
• Soap : Proraso Wood and Spice
• Razor : Tatara Masamune Base + Nodachi Cap w/Feather Blade
• Post Shave : Proraso Wood and Spice Aftershave Balm

Proraso Wood and Spice, with notes of Cumin, Saffron, Cedar, Sandalwood, Vanilla and Rock Rose is possibly Proraso’s best smelling soap and one of my personal favorites. Of all the Proraso soaps, if I have to give them all up except for Green and one other, this would be the other Proraso scent I’d keep in the den as long as it’s available.

Went with the Zero Zero Masamune armed with a Feather today.
Perfect combo to get that perfect, true glass BBS shave.

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• Pre-Shave : Shower, PAA Cube
• Brush : PAA Peregrino
• Soap : Palmolive Shave Stick (grated)
• Razor : Rockwell R1 (or as most will recognize, Baili Classic TTO) w/Feather Blade
• Post Shave : Skin Bracer Original Aftershave
• Menthol in Salt Grinder

Today is “Budget Shave” day.
Soap, $3 if you can find it at non-price gouging prices. Brush, $19.90. Skin Bracer is about $4, and the Baili razor is about $12. (you should use a cheaper but as sharp blade like the Nacet or Bic) All in under $50.

Palmolive shave stick + Menthol is just so made for each other.

Unless of course, you don’t like menthol.
Heathen. 😁

Went with the Baili Classic TTO / Rockwell R1 which is a very mild razor, thus I decided to pair the razor with a very sharp blade, which makes for very comfortable, smooth and easy shaves. YMMV of course.
As expected, the combination rode the superb lather easily and growth was just mowed off with little to no resistance.
And because the razor as mild as it comes, it was as smooth, easy and comfortable.

A little skin stretching, buffing and a full three + cleanup pass, I got my true glass, perfect BBS shave.

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• Pre-Shave : PAA Cube
• Brush : Friendship Shaving Macy Dual Band Manchurian Badger
• Soap : Proraso Red
• Razor : Merkur 34C-HD w/Bic Chrome Platinum Blade
• Post Shave : Proraso Red Aftershave

Can’t do a “Back To Basics” shaves without Proraso Red or the Merkur 34C-HD
Both were staples for many a wet shaver and at one time (still so, I think) if its not the Edwin Jagger DE89 being recommended to new Wet-Shavers, it’s the Merkur 34C-HD.

And of course Proraso Red’s Sandalwood scent is pretty much iconic, one of the best sandalwood scented shaves out there, especially considering the price of $10 for a 5.2oz tub. (even less if you find this in the wild)

The Merkur 34C-HD is a good reliable mild razor (Think of the Rockwell R2 or R3) that when paired with a good sharp blade like the TSOA, just performs magnificently, taking growth off easily and with little fuss.

Using the old stand-bys, reminds me that you don’t need to spend several hundreds of dollars for a fantastic shave.
And finishing with that Proraso Red Afterhave.
Ummph! Damn near perfect!

Easy, comfortable, perfect, BBS shave.

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