Shaving notes of the MaineYooper

Way to go Eric! 

Going Hog Wild this week!



The boars had been feeling neglected, so this week will see them used exclusively. And I couldn't make up my mind as to which razor to use, prior to taking this photo, that I put both into the shot. I am really enjoying the Masamune, so much so that I have ordered options! Have a great week folks.

Going Hog Wild this week!



The boars had been feeling neglected, so this week will see them used exclusively. And I couldn't make up my mind as to which razor to use, prior to taking this photo, that I put both into the shot. I am really enjoying the Masamune, so much so that I have ordered options! Have a great week folks.

Choices are a good thing

One thing I have struggled with when using some boar brushes is how they eat the lather, as the forum-talk goes. Sunday night I palm lathered the Maggard knot in mild face soap and then with our hand soap. Yesterday, the lather held almost through the 2nd pass before I had to return to the puck. So after shaving, I broke out the PAA brush cleaner that I had and followed the instructions precisely. The bristles went from a yellow tint to a white tint. Today, after a standard boar loading time for me, the lather was great for 2 passes, but the 3rd was too thin for my liking. Ah well, that's why the tub is there, so I can reload if necessary. Just a few swirls brought back a good lather.

I bring this up as I don't recall having such an issue back 2 years when we did that DecemBoar 2021 thread. Maybe I need to read my journal entries, but whatever. I love the feel of the broken-in boar (thanks again to mrdoug for gifting me this brush!).

One simple explanation is  that your technique, situational awareness, and ability to rapidly and effectively adapt are all improving.   

Well, today was better than yesterday, right? Maybe tomorrow you'd reach 3 passes? It could be the brush... In Decemboar, didn't the brush get a lot more than 2 days usage? Use and reuse probably helps water retention.

How long was the brush sitting since it's last use, up until yesterday?

Just a thought..

(I say 'probably' because I could never really reach that 3+ pass experience. Lol)

Well, today was better than yesterday, right? Maybe tomorrow you'd reach 3 passes? It could be the brush... In Decemboar, didn't the brush get a lot more than 2 days usage? Use and reuse probably helps water retention.

How long was the brush sitting since it's last use, up until yesterday?

Just a thought..

(I say 'probably' because I could never really reach that 3+ pass experience. Lol)

Paul, you bring up some good points. The brush sat for months, as I have lately been badgering and synthing for the shaves. So it could be quite dry. I may try it again tomorrow, but I was leaning towards a synthetic, as I want to see how the soap, Stirling Sheep, feels with a synthetic knot, like a SynBad.

I had a wonderful mail call yesterday: an unexpected (tracking said still in Lisbon!) delivery of the Nodachi cap and SB plate, Dark edition, arrived!

This morning, I played around during the first pass by using the Masamune plate and Nodachi cap on one cheek and the Nodachi plate with the Masamune cap on the other. Both were used only for the WTG pass, and I liked how both felt. I would not have tried the Nodachi plate if not for reading some comments regarding how the Nodachi plate paired with the Masamune cap is very comfortable even with that big gap. I feared that gap and exposure of the Nodachi. But I am so glad I got both caps and SB plates, as for sure, 3 of the 4 combos are good for me. Some day when I am brave enough, I'll go Full Nodachi, but not soon.

The kit this week:



Tatara Masamune in various configurations.
Personna Platinum Chrome blade 
Mike's unscented soap 
Nacar Oscuro with a SynBad knot 

#cluboscuro
#scentsless

SCIENCE