Thread: If Only One . . .

Gentlemen, it has been a busy day, but I need a break . . .

If circumstances limited me to only one each of the essential elements in my traditional shaving shaving world, this is the selection I would choose — from what I have in my humble shave den. Yes, of course, there is even a greater straight razor I would love to select instead of the Friodur, but, as I noted, I am limited to what I have in my humble shave den. Yes, it's a hard choice to make, since I have other favorites, but life is hard, so why not make it harder?

And you, gentlemen? What is your choice? Again, one each of the essential elements. Thanks.

Razor: Henckels Friodur 6/8 in stainless steel
Strop: Tony Miller 2.5" cowhide
Hone: A sweet barber hone with its brand name long wiped away
DE: 1948 Gillette Aristocrat
Blade: Super Iridium
Brush: Simpson Persian Jar 2 in super badger
Soap: Martin de Candre
Cream: Xpec original
Alum: Bloc Osma
Balm: Trumper's Coral Skin Food
Cologne: Truefitt & Hill Spanish Leather

I'd probably just grow a beard.

For me, in my limited collection, I would have to choose the following:

Razor: Geneva Cutlery Company 9 Pyramid 6/8 Round Point
Strop: SRD 3" Black Latigo W/ Handles
Hone: Genco Branded Barber's Hone
DE: 1964 Gillette Tech Travel Razor W/ Case
Blade: Whatever I can find (not picky nor experienced enough, yet)
Brush: Van der Hagen 100% Black Badger Brush
Soap: Van der Hagen Luxury Soap, Scented
Cream: C.O. Bigelow/Proraso
Alum: Bloc Osma
Splash: Master's Bay Rum
Balm: Nivea Sensitive W/ Active Comfort
Cologne: Aqua Di Gio

Originally Posted by ace

I'd probably just grow a beard.

Razor: Fredrick Reynolds
Strop: 3" Red Latigo W/ Handles I made + Illinois 6455 Shell
Hone: Droescher 12K
DE: Gillette Adjustable
Blade: Whatever I can find (rarely used)
Brush: Parker Silver Tip
Soap: Tabac
Cream: C.O. Bigelow/Proraso

Splash: Witch Hazel
Balm: Nivea Sensitive W/ Active Comfort
Cologne: Kenneth Cole black

Originally Posted by ace

I'd probably just grow a beard.

George Santayana said: "Fun is a good thing but only when it spoils nothing better."

Please stay with the thread's focus.

Thank you.

Originally Posted by Obie

If circumstances limited me to only one each of the essential elements ...

What is your choice?

11 essential elements sounds like a lot of elements for a shave, Obie. This sounds like a case of luxuries becoming necessities. I'll go "essential" as minimalist:

Razor: Dubl Duck Dwarf
Strop: 2.5" x 24" top grain home made + 3" nylon backstrap
Hone: Norton 4k/8k
Brush: Semogue 1305
Cream: Proraso
Cup: doubles for cappuccino after shaving
Astringent: Thayer's Witch Hazel
Towel: lint free white barber style, cotton

Ba da bing.

This be too hard it's makin my brain hurt something fierce.

Originally Posted by MisterMoo

Towel: lint free white barber style, cotton

reckon you could do without the towel

Originally Posted by edhewitt

reckon you could do without the towel

Yes! I went from cold rinse to witch hazel and an air dry this morning . Here - I thought it out; essentials in black and white.



1. Razor: a great razor, preferably square point and a bit short $50
2. Strop: 2.5" top grain home made $2
3. Brush: Semogue 1305 $20
4. Shaving cream or soap: something - anything $4
5. Cup: doubles for cappuccino after shaving; absent need of cappuccino I can lather in my palm
6. Astringent: Thayer's Witch Hazel $3
7. Styptic pencil - any brand $2
8. Mirror - something indoor/outdoor versatile $10

I thought Proraso preshave was essential but I'm going to scratch it. I could argue hones and a second razor are essential but they are not until I drop or dull the Duck, at which time I could stop shaving until I get the blade back from the honer guy. I did the drill at essential levels this morning and it's plenty. I concede the luxuries or non-essentials are what make the sport more enjoyable. I like Obies list way better than mine.

Still, I count eight items as shaving essentials. I suppose dropping the cup and the styptic pencil wouldn't be the end of the world; that'd be six. Warning to new guys - the slope is only as slippery as you decide to make it. I count a $91 bare bones buy-in to play at the essential level.