(09-17-2020, 03:41 PM)SRZ65LE#31 Wrote: SOTD 9.17.20
Pre: Hot Water Splash
Bowl: Captain’s Choice ceramic (the workhorse)
Brush: Morris & Forndran, “chubby 2” style handle w/dense 26 mm bulb
Soap: Ethos, Lisse Collection, “Lavender Supreme” from Grooming Essentials (Thanks Frank)
Razor: Haircut & Shave N075
Blade: Personna Red (1)
Three passes, plus misc. fussing (See below)
Post: Ethos, Lisse Collection, “Lavender Supreme” skin food splash, from Grooming Essentials
Result/Commentary: Today’s focus is on the Ethos products. Frank and I had a heck of a time getting this order fullfilled. The good news is (1) I wasn’t in any hurry, since I have sufficient soap supplies; and (2) the delay was largely due to the fact that Frank is so darn busy; his business is going great guns, and that’ great news for everyone because he offers primo products at very competitive prices for the high-end market segment. Plus, I got to have a great conversation with him. He took the time to explain the delay in person, and I found him to be friendly and generous, with long experience, deep expertise and no big ego. He clearly loves what he’s doing and is committed to seriously enhancing the shaving experience of the WS community.
As for today’s shave, I used a new blade, a fairly mild razor, and multiple passes, plus touch up. I did this not because I recommend it, but because my technique is still developing and I wanted to see how the soap and splash would serve someone who likes luxury but isn’t very experienced or expert yet. I was wondering whether a relative newbie could still appreciate and enjoy such high end shaving soap/skin products. The answer is a definite yes. Despite the multiple passes, my touch was light enough, the blade was sharp enough, razor was mild enough and the soap was cushy and slick enough. (In fact the cushion/slick ratio is off-the-charts incredible. Plus, the lather was really plentiful; what you see in the picture was from an almond-sized scoop, with a 26mm bulb, and after three full passes plus touch up). The combination resulted in an incredibly close and smooth shave with no irritation. Moreover, the skin food splash completely addressed any skin disturbance. As a result, my face felt so good the rest of me felt strangely inadequate. Aside from the areas I’d shaved, the rest of me felt like a total slob. The first thing I noticed, emphatically, was that black T-shirt was a total joke! TOTALLY inadequate. This shave deserved “black tie.” Also, I desperately need a decent haircut! Also, and for the first time ever, I found myself mindlessly contemplating whether cosmetic surgery might actually be a good idea. I can see room for improvement now! Quite strange. This soap and splash actually induced a kind of euphoria that put me right into a Monte Carlo mindset. Yet the ETHOS products are definitely very reasonably priced and are within reach of many WS enthusiasts. But, holy crap, I didn’t foresee the attendant “lifestyle” costs. For example, after this shave, I desperately need a yacht! Right frickin’ now! Sheesh! Thanks a lot Frank!!!
P.S., Kidding aside, for a relatively modest outlay, the Ethos products raised my shaving experience to a different level. This stuff is actually that good.
Happy shaves to all....
Franks creations are pure luxury boutique products! Because of scent, the Self-Named “Dragonsbeard” line is my fav above all. Your commentary is a fun read, and I couldn’t agree more, a proper haircut is essential grooming for a Gent at all times; I have a standing 9am at my Barber every other Saturday