Quote Originally Posted by Joegags View Post
Obie-
I wondered if you would be so kind as to elaborate on a few of your choices...

-Why do you prefer the Truefitt & Hill Spanish Leather to the Geo Trumper's (I believe I remember you commenting on both in the past)

-What is it about the Aristocrat Razor that puts it on this list? Which model (adjustable or not, etc.)

thanks a lot!
Hello Joe. Excellent questions, my friend.

It's a hard choice between the two versions of Spanish Leather, Truefitt & Hill's and Trumper's, since I love both and have used them for years.

Trumper's version has a clean fragrance that warms the spirit like a smile from a beautiful woman. It's an inviting fragrance that always reminds me of British apothecary shops. It goes on a wee bit sweet, but quickly settles down to a luscious garden of delightful soaps.

Truefitt & Hill's version, however, takes the edge slightly, because I find it more complex, with hidden and mysterious notes that blossom as the day progresses. It's like listening to Brahms. You may have heard his, say, Symphony No. 4, or Piano Concerto No. 1, 50 times. On the fifty-first hearing, suddenly you'll hear something you have not heard before, a phrase that seems to come out of nowhere, or a little flute that floats in the air from a place unknown.

Both versions work well for day and night. Truefitt & Hill's version leans a bit toward evenings, for me, anyway. Either way, I plan to have these two Spanish Leather delights with me into the next century.

I have two Gillette Aristocrats, from 1948, both in superb condition. (They will go to my grandsons Maxwell and Henry "Blue eyes." I also have for them each a Fatboy and Super Speed Red Tip. These three are my preferred of the Gillette models.) The Gillette Aristocrat is like a glittering gem in a treasure of great razors that celebrate true American workmanship. The Aristocrat is a beautifully made razor. Its petite size, solid grip and TTO shave head, plated in sparkling gold, make me feel as if shaving with a jewel. No, the Aristocrat is not my best DE shaver, especially with my heavy beard — the Weber is — but it is my most comfortable and enjoyable shaver, not only functionally, but also esthetically.

Stay well.