SOTD 23-29 April 2017

Catie's Bubbles / Carnavis & Richardson "Porch Drinks"
Ever-Ready 100T | Elite Razor Manchurian
Ever-Ready SE | Gem PTFE (1)
Chatillon Lux / Carnavis & Richardson "Les Boissons sur le Porche"

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So, the story is that some very talented artisans got together over drinks, and "Porch Drinks" is what distilled out of that encounter.  Haphazard as that may sound, the result is anything but.  As I understand it, the scent profile as proposed by Eighchops was left to the independent interpretation of the separate artisans.  As one might expect, their respective interpretations hit all the notes, but are fairly different, complementing each other instead of matching.  This is not a bad thing, by any means, but rather a direction I've wanted to see the wet shaving artisan world take for some time.  

Off the puck, Catie's Bubbles' soap releases a bold sweet pipe tobacco fragrance, but when the damp knot hits it, orange and spicy cardamom steps up front.  I can't explain it, but despite the orange notes, it never attains citrus status to my nose.  Instead, as the shave progressed, it mellowed and almost smoldered without being smoky and then gently introduced an understated coffee note.  Bourbon was late to the scene, and intermittent until the end of the shave.  I've lauded the performance of Catie's Bubbles at length in the past, so I'll just stipulate here that I can't find a mark against it.

The complementary alcohol splash courtesy of Chatillon Lux uses the same paint, but creates a different picture.  Blood orange is the dominant initial scent but it almost relents to the bourbon for a good 20 minutes or so.  At this point, the fragrance stabilizes to a very pleasant pipe tobacco. Again, the performance of Chatillon Lux's alcohol splash is beyond reproach providing a bracing sear and silky smooth finish.

Needless to say, I'm quite pleased with this set.  In fact I may be enamored with it, which is why I'm compelled speak my mind about its 3 glaring detractions.  First off, I don't like the fact that the soap is only 2 oz.  It's in the usual Catie's Bubbles 4 oz. jars, but only half full.  There was no deception, mind you, because it is clearly labeled as having 2 oz.  I still think it should be 4 oz.  Secondly, the splash needs to have the upgraded Chatillon Lux jars and labels.  This presentation is akin to drinking a single-malt scotch from a Dixie cup.  And finally, if the aforementioned changes are implemented, this set deserves a permanent offering.  I really don't see the point in limiting this release.  I know, I have no idea what's involved, but frankly, I don't care.  It's Carnavis & Richardson, Catie's Bubbles, and Chatillon Lux doing a tobacco/bourbon/coffee offering---in what world does that not sell?

I'm feeling a little punchy tonight.  It's probably the rye.  G'nite, gentlemen.

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28th of April, 2017

Razorock Stealth Slant
Polsilver SI
Paladin
Australian Private Reserve "Fougere Bourbon Rose" Combo

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Pre-Shave: @khun_diddy Olive Oil Soap, cold water
Razor: BBS-1
Blade: Ladas (1)
Brush: Paladin Chief Strawberry Amber
Lather: Phoenix & Beau Baskerville from P&C travelling box 4b
Post-shave: Alum, Stirling Bay Laurel Witch Hazel, South Australian Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

PAA Alpha Ecliptic Slant
Shark Super Stainless (4)
Proraso Eucalyptus Menthol Shave Cream
RR Chrome 26 mm Synthetic Knot
Nivea Creme Balm
Clubman After Shave

Classic Friday
I won a PIF recently for this excellent Reef Point set. I like the scent - it reminds me of a cross between Clubman and B-M Reserve Classic. The lather was typical from top notch RP. The aftershave provides a nice menthol cool and the classy scent. I added a splash of the B-M, too, after I noticed the family resemblance.
Prep: Chattilon Lux Butter
Soap: Reef Point Classic Barbershop
Brush: Slugger 159
Razor: Futur (6)
Blade: voskhod
AS: Reef Point Classic Barbershop, B-M Reserve Classic

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Date: 28 April 2017

Brush: - Semogue 1250 22/55mm
Cream/Soap: - Sunhill Skin Essentials Goat's Milk made in Australia
Razor: - Colonial Razors "The General" SE with iKon Bulldog Handle
Blade: - Kai Captain Titan Mild (Pink) #10
Post: - Lucky Tiger Aftershave Lotion / Bulldog Original Aftershave Balm

My review on the Sunhill Skin Essentials Goat's Milk shaving soap click here

Simpson Chubby 2 in Super
SV Stella Alpina
Mach 3

Friday, April 28, 2017 Shave of the Day:

Razor  |  Timeless OC (0.95mm) / Astra SP
Brush  |  DFS-LE Envy White
Soap  |  RazoRock Essential Oil of Lime
A/S  |  Stirling Lime Splash

April 28, 2017
Wolfman Ti WR1 (.74) OC with Hempel Ti
Feather  (1)
“Amigos” Elite Ironwood Beehive with Envy White
Route 66 Bay Lime Twist
Folsom & Co. Shambala