Thread: Dobson Razors and Northbound Coffee Roasters- American Beauties

So now I'm both obsessed with both fine espresso coffee and custom straight razors.

Recently, I switched up my daily go-to espresso from a local blend -- shout out to Bumper Crop Microcosm -- to an seasonal offering by Northbound Coffee Roasters, "American Beauty." Webpage describes the blend thusly:

A seasonal espresso blend created from the most stellar of the Central American coffees we purchased this year. Hints of Dutch cocoa, licorice root and dried figs highlight the shots which produce a lingering sweetness that pleases. Also wonderful made as drip. If your cup is full, may it be again. Organically grown.

However, the day after Christmas, Phillip Dobson arranged to drop through Spokane on his way to climb ice in southern Alberta to sell me the two razors pictured here on his "Available" page. The kamisori is a bit intimidating for this beginner, so I have been primarily using the Mother of Pearl razor. It's approximately 6/8 at tip and 8/8 at shoulder and offers a lovely shave when not damaged by a noob. Seems I may have defected the edge due to poor stropping technique which I have since corrected by reading up on various articles here, primarily Lynn's intro to straight shaving.

While that marketing descriptions of "American Beauty" is good, I like Phil's better:

I had a good time during my visit. It's still bugging me how tasty that coffee was. It reminded me of the flavor of my favorite chocolate (Michel Cluizel's Hacienda Concepcion). Glad you're liking the razors.

All in all, not a bad day after Christmas. I'm still enjoying American Beauty as my go-to and can't wait for that silver foil 5-lb bag to arrive. Meanwhile, on the razor front, I recently added a folder to the mix: Dovo Flowing 6/8 from SRD.

If any of you are looking for great espresso or fine custom razors, seek out Northbound and/or Phillip Dobson. You won't be disappointed.

Phil makes some darn fine blades,scales and stand made by me.

Love your stand and your Dobson kamisori. What is the handle material?

thx,Ivory,stand is ivory,ebony and damascus steel.