New ideas, this and that.

Being new to the shaving forums gives me a freedom from most others particular habits and judgments. While I toil away at finding my "favorite" blade or "best" smelling aftershave, I get to look in more common areas of the shaving world. Namely, this weekend I picked up a "Clean up your act" kit from Trader Joe's. It comes with the typical shampoo, body wash and lotion. But it did come with a tube of shave cream and I will have to test that one out later.
Also, while perusing the internet for items and such, I came across a little company out my way. In Yuma as a matter of fact. ....
https://www.barenakedsoapco.com/
Now this little company has a "man" section to it as well. Albeit small to say the least, it is always fun to find things locally. I like the history of this area. I find the people even more interesting. The ideas on shaving and grooming in general is why I am drawn to this forum in the first place.
Well, there you have it. Just some thoughts on where I am at currently and many thanks to all of you for piquing my interest. What are some of your lastest local finds, and what say you on products found " out of the way"?


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I've found ethnic nieghborhoods often hold unknown soaps and scents. Gentrification is an urban blight destroying many and a sad loss. In L.A. I've discovered cuban aftershaves, persian toilet waters, syrian oud soap and turkish lemon water. It is always wise to consult with the staff on appropriateness of product. I patronised a rare book dealer in San Francisco circa 1970s collecting Jack London titles. I was stationed within walking distance of where he tied up Razzle Dazzle during his fish patrol days. When you have chance to walk a writer's haunts the books come alive. Said dealer had a marvelous cologne and I inquired about buying it locally. He was polite but always demurred any information. I kept
persisting until he quietly explained it was THE cologne for men in the then vibrant gay community. 'Oh'

What a great story. Thanks. Jack London is still one of my favorite American Lit authors. Brings it in real. Funny, here on the border, shaving is hit and miss. As I keep looking, I will inquire when I visit the barbers down south.


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If you can find a local barber supply store that is not part of a large chain of beauty supply stores like Sally's you will find some unique stuff.

I wish I could find one in Portland,OR.

Here at work, I have a growing amount of workers from India. Great peeps. Now they love to tell me about their cottage industries like shave soaps and nasal snuff. I think they also mentioned they have resorts that specialize in shaving and haircuts and such....interesting


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So here I am trying new blades and using new techniques for the "greatest shave". I just finished a prime blade from Dorco. It was a definite 3 timer blade. By the end, it was getting real hot and I ended up irritating by left cheek. I was kinda hurrying up getting ready for dinner. I may have pushed a little too hard. I have decided to move onto a shark blade. As for the prime....It's a good serviceable blade but I think it goes bad and goes real bad. Not as forgiving as the regular Dorco. But I'm learning as I go on.


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I've found ethnic nieghborhoods often hold unknown soaps and scents. Gentrification is an urban blight destroying many and a sad loss. In L.A. I've discovered cuban aftershaves, persian toilet waters, syrian  oud soap and turkish lemon water. It is always wise to consult with the staff on appropriateness of product. I patronised a rare book dealer in San Francisco circa 1970s  collecting Jack London titles. I was stationed within walking distance of where he tied up Razzle Dazzle during his fish patrol days. When you have chance to walk a writer's haunts the books come alive. Said dealer had a marvelous cologne and I inquired about buying it locally. He was polite but always  demurred any information. I kept
persisting until he quietly explained it was THE cologne for  men in the then vibrant   gay community. 'Oh'

Oops...

haha that post cracked me up. I was no sure for years if 4711 was for he or she...

I have used a brush and mug for over 45 years, till very recently, every brush I owned I picked up from various barber supply houses I would discover on my business travels.
I never did pay much for any given brush for the most part was never sure what the knot was but then I never had the sticker shock I get when I look at the prices of some of the brushes offered today.