Thread: Sun April 10th - Sat April 16th

Originally Posted by PaulCam

My shave of the day April 15, 2011
Here goes...

Pre: Hot shower with Nivea For Men Pre-Shave Revitalizing Face Scrub, rinse.
Followed by Musgo Real Glyce Lime Oil Soap.
Shave: Musgo Real cream.
Brush: Omega "Scarlatti" boar with my make shift lather bowl, a ramekin from Target.
Razor: 1966 Gillette Super Speed DE loaded with Gillette 7 O'Clock blade.
Two passes and a third light pass.
After: Cold water rinse with RazorRock alum block/stick (felt slight sting, but very subtle).
Edwin Jagger Moisturizing Aftershave Lotion "Sea Buckhorn" (I like it. It was a sample Phil from BullGoose included in my order. Thanks Phil!).
Cologne: Giorgio Armani "Acqua Di Gio" (not in photo)

I had trouble getting a good lather from the Musgo Real cream. I warmed up the brush and ceramic bowl. I let the brush sit in the warm water while I showered. I flicked the excess water from the brush and added an almond sized dab of cream on the brush and went to work swirling that sucker for a bit. It built up a very light lather.

I quickly passed the brush under warm water to pick up some moisture/water and added to the lather which made it too watery. I added more cream and it brought back to the initial consistency I had started with. I hope I can get a better lather with this cream. I like the way it smells and feels but I like a nice thick lather. The bowl was warm throughout the shave since I let it sit in the sink with hot water.

The Gillette 7 O'Clock razor I used had been used twice before and it did a good job. Not sure how many shaves you can get with a single razor but the average seems to be between 2 and 4 shaves/uses according to SRP forum member's posts.

Any tips for this novice would be greatly appreciated.

I enjoyed the overall experience though.

Sounds like a nice shave setup Paul. You shouldn't have any trouble with the Musgo Real SC. It's really some nice stuff! I think you got started off with too much water. (Shake the water out of the Boar as it will absorb a lot of water in the bristles.) If it's a new boar it may take some breaking in (with the Omega about a week of everyday use) to soften (split) the ends of the bristles to whip up the lather better. You also said you added more water to the brush, I'm not sure but, it sounds like you really had enough and didn't need more. At any rate, start off slow with the water to the SC mixture and add just a tiny bit of water at a time. It will take a couple of times to get the lathering down to a science but it will come; hang in there. LOL Hope that helps!

Originally Posted by Stroker

Sounds like a nice shave setup Paul. You shouldn't have any trouble with the Musgo Real SC. It's really some nice stuff! I think you got started off with too much water. (Shake the water out of the Boar as it will absorb a lot of water in the bristles.) If it's a new boar it may take some breaking in (with the Omega about a week of everyday use) to soften (split) the ends of the bristles to whip up the lather better. You also said you added more water to the brush, I'm not sure but, it sounds like you really had enough and didn't need more. At any rate, start off slow with the water to the SC mixture and add just a tiny bit of water at a time. It will take a couple of times to get the lathering down to a science but it will come; hang in there. LOL Hope that helps!

Hey Bruce,

Thanks for the advice. It is a new boar brush. I figured I would have some challenges and getting used to with this new setup. I will try what you suggested. I'll try again tomorrow. I'll try to whip up some lather and see how that goes. I'll keep you posted.

Cella | EJ DE89L | The Veg

My First Time With Cella! Very Nice Soap!!

Originally Posted by Stroker

Sounds like a nice shave setup Paul. You shouldn't have any trouble with the Musgo Real SC. It's really some nice stuff! I think you got started off with too much water. (Shake the water out of the Boar as it will absorb a lot of water in the bristles.) If it's a new boar it may take some breaking in (with the Omega about a week of everyday use) to soften (split) the ends of the bristles to whip up the lather better. You also said you added more water to the brush, I'm not sure but, it sounds like you really had enough and didn't need more. At any rate, start off slow with the water to the SC mixture and add just a tiny bit of water at a time. It will take a couple of times to get the lathering down to a science but it will come; hang in there. LOL Hope that helps!

I gave it a go this morning and got a better lather but still not satisfied. I had to put more of the cream for my second pass. Maybe I am not putting enough cream to start with? I know I will figure it out eventually, it's all part of the fun.

Shave of the Day 4-16-11

No pic today...feelin' lazy.

Pre: Hot shower, Nivea For Men Moisturizing Face Wash followed by Musgo Real Glyce Lime Oil Soap
Shave: Musgo Real SC
Brush: Omega Scarlatti boar
Razor: 1966 Gillette Super Speed loaded with a Personna Platinum (two passes)
After: Cold water rinse followed by a RazorRock alum block
After shave lotion: Nivea For Men Replenshing After Shave Balm

I rarely shave two days in a row because I would get razor rash halfway down my neck. Sensitive skin coupled with Gillette Mach III razor and poor pre shave prep would always lead to that. So I always gave it a day in between for my skin to rest and recover.

What I have learned here on SRP in the past couple of weeks is nothing short of amazing. To get back on track, my shave today was to touch up on where I didn't get a good pass along my jawline towards my chin. I still felt stubble and it was buggin' me. So today, with some hesitation and concern, I decided to shave using the proper pre and post shave routine I have learned here.

I used a brand new Personna Platinum razor blade (first time using this brand) and it gave me a nice, close, comfortable shave. Impressed.

Although I am struggling with getting a good thick lather with the Musgo Real SC, I did do a little better today. I may have to use more cream? I am experimenting as I go along.

Nonetheless, one of my best shaves to date, really, really smooth. Wow! I am really surprised. I used to think it was exaggeration around here about smoothness but I am now a true believer. And what has really surprised more than that, is that I got no irritation. None. Zip. Nada. Using my old routine and equipment I would have redness and bumps halfway down my chin. I keep running my hand along my jawline to my chin, the smoothness is amazing.

From what I read around here, straight razor shaving is even smoother? Man, what will that feel like? I can't wait to try it.

To all of you gentlemen that have helped me along the way: thank you !