DaveWave94
@DaveWave94@wetshav.ing
31 M | he/him | wetshaving hobbyist from Germany | GER & EN speaking
- Comment on Tuesday SOTD Thread, January 6th, 2026 (#938) 3 days ago:
6. January 2026
- Brush: AP Shave Co. Snakeskin w/ 26 mm Silksmoke Flattop/Fan hybrid knot
- Razor: Razorine Flatboy 73
- Blade: Personna (Unknown)
- Lather: OAM - Oli del Benessere soap
- Post Shave: OAM - Oli del Benessere Sensitive Skin toner
just one pass + cleanup on the face. Not too rough, but not very smooth either. Middle of the road shave.
I only had time to shave my face. I thought the Flatboy should be great for getting sharp angles at first try for the goatee. Unfortunately, wrong. There were a few stubborn hairs I had to get with an XTG clean-up and even then, a few escaped and I used my zero gap trimmer. This might also be due to the blade, it was labeled as “Personna” but has zero identifying markings on itself nor the wrapper. Who knows if these even are for general shaving use and not just for surgery preparation?! (Our razors on station are very mild, almost dull, for that exact purpose).
My new work has me fried, as in: absolutely exhausted. Will post updates on FTF. Have a good time, everyone ✌🏻
- Comment on Sunday SOTD Thread, January 4th, 2026 (#936) 5 days ago:
Eucalyptus & Menthol, the Second - 4. Januar 2026
- Brush: AP Shave Co. Snakeskin handle w/ 26 mm Silksmoke Flattop/Fan hybrid knot
- Razor: Leaf Thorn
- Blade: Derby Premium half-DE
- Lather: Jean & Len - Fresh Menthol Rasierpaste
- Post Shave: OAM - Oli del Benessere Sensitive Skin Toner
- Post Shave: Benecos - Men 2in1 ASB
a single pass on both head and face, same software as yesterday. A bit of an improvement in terms of overall comfort.
My throat is almost back to normal, yet the stuffed nose remains. So I almost exactly repeated the shave of yesterday to improve my breathing. Minus the brush, I really wanted to use my snake fang again.
Funnily, Jean & Len advertise this shaving cream as “2 in 1”. According to them, it’d also work as a facial cleanser… “thanks to the coconut oil"- haha, yeah right. Probably enough menthol to freeze your face off and FWIW, coconut oil is a bit drying. Castor, Jojoba or Argan oil are good for moisture. Nevertheless, the cream provides a solid shave in a fast time with my usual method of spreading it with wet hands before lathering with a brush.
Tomorrow it’s back to my new workplace for the early shift. I’m kinda eager to learn something new. For now, I’ll go to bed. Hope everyone had a nice weekend, have a good time! ✌️
- Comment on Saturday SOTD Thread, January 3rd, 2026 (#935) 6 days ago:
Eucalyptus & Menthol Galore - 3. January 2026
- Brush: Omega Roma Colossea 31 mm
- Razor: Leaf Thorn
- Blade: Derby Premium half-DE
- Lather: Jean & Len - Fresh Menthol Rasierpaste
- Post Shave: OAM - Oli del Benessere Sensitive Skin toner
- Post Shave: Benecos - Men 2in1 ASB
1 pass on the dome, 2 on the face. Rather solid shave for a cream.
My sore throat has developed into a bit of a head cold, as now my nose is also kinda affected. I’m fighting it like crazy and actually see a bit of an improvement. Unfortunately, this contains consuming lots of tea with eucalyptus and/or peppermint.
Even though it’s madness using mentholated software in my current weather conditions (still stormy and snowy), it felt like a fitting choice given my current condition. Fresh Menthol smells like a famous german balm you rub on your chest and back when you’re sick, allegedly it helps to breathe easier.
The “paste” is more of a fluffy cream, easy to scoop out with my thumb and apply on the skin before lathering it up with a wet brush. I must say, I enjoyed that process more than I thought. I might’ve liked it even better if not for the cooling sensation of the menthol. Cause it contains a lot of menthol…
The shave itself was rather nice, especially with a fresh blade in the Leaf. I struggle a bit with lining up the henriquatre since I gave it a very short trim today, but I still managed somehow.
I really hope to get better until Monday so I’m not going gentle against this cold. Yeah, I’m throwing everything I can against it. I just can’t be sick, not right now… - Comment on Free Talk Friday - January 2nd, 2026 6 days ago:
I had my first day of work at the hospital and my head is full of new information, many new impressions and paths I need to memorize.
Had quite a difficult time to get there, since the winter storm picked up in speed and snow intensity (probably laughable by those of you who’re used to blizzards, yet still difficult to drive). But I made it in time! However, it definetely requires me to organise lots of things on the night before my shift so I can actually make it work. The biggest challenge is successful time management with my ADHD, yet I am determined to make it work out for me!
As for the colleagues, today mostly the “old guard” was present and they’re a bit skeptic of newcomers. I had a friendly welcome though, just not the warmest one. A bit more reserved. However, I am sure I’ll somehow get along with everyone, as I also managed to do that with folks at the nursing home most couldn’t stand.
My onboarding process is thoroughly planned with lots of checklists and appointments. I’m really impressed, yet it will also require me to put in my due dilligence to get everything done as good as I imagine. Now I have a weekend to recover ahead of my which is nice, since I woke up with a sore throat. I’ll need to sort that out before returning to work on Monday…
2026 already starts with lots of changes for me. - Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, January 1st, 2026 (#933) 1 week ago:
Happy New Year! - 1. January 2026
- Brush: Omega Roma Colossea 31 mm
- Razor: Leaf Thorn
- Razor: RazoRock Hawk V2 Superknurl
- Blade: Derby Premium (Thorn)
- Blade: KAI Captain Protouch MG (Hawk)
- Lather: Zingari Man - The Navigator
- Post Shave: Zingari Man - The Master
- Post Shave: Benecos 2in1 Aftershave & Face balm
1 pass on the dome with the Leaf; 2 passes on the face around a stubble henriquatre. Generally rough shave due to dry skin from harsh weather conditions.
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you all had a smooth start into 2026.
Since I have my first day at my new workplace in the hospital tomorrow, I wanted to get a nice shave in this evening. Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t been kind to my skin - we’ve got a winter storm with a stiff breeze and alternating freezing rain and snow. Getting to work will be a challenge tomorrow, so I need to get up at 4:00 AM - no time left for shaves.
I figured it’d be time to ditch the patchy stubble beard for something neater, more well-groomed looking. The henriquatre/full goatee won’t be for long, as I plan to go back to a Van Dyke/Anchor beard soon. However, those don’t look good with stubble so I need to grow everything out thicker and evenly. Since they plan to take photos of me tomorrow, I opted for a neat partial beard that I wouldn’t hate to see on my ID photo.
I thought I could justify todays’ software combo methaporically as in “navigating new seas towards mastery”, but it still doesn’t really fit together well. Despite the great quality of the ZM soap, the shave was rather rough since my skin was dried out. Oh well, nothing too serious in terms of irritation except minor redness and tiny blood spots. At least I did my first shave in 2026 and will look as good as I can for tomorrow. Have a good time! ✌️
- Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, December 31st, 2025 (#932) 1 week ago:
Great movie choice 🤘
- Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, December 31st, 2025 (#932) 1 week ago:
Happy 2026 to you too! 🥳
- Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, December 31st, 2025 (#932) 1 week ago:
The same to you, walden! Thanks for taking such great care of our small but fine community here!
- Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, December 31st, 2025 (#932) 1 week ago:
So a combination of nacho chips, cigarettes and whisky. Sounds like one of my old Saturday nights 😆
A wonderful New Year to you too! Really enjoyed those write-ups 👍 - Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, December 31st, 2025 (#932) 1 week ago:
Sounds like a wonderfully relaxed way to get into the new year. Happy New Year’s Eve!
- Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, December 31st, 2025 (#932) 1 week ago:
Last Shave of 2025! - 31. December 2025
- Brush: AP Shave Co. Black & Clear handle w/ 30 mm Tuxedo Fan knot
- Razor: Wilkinson Hydro cartridge razor
- Blade: Wilkinson Hydro 3
- Lather: Chiseled Face - Ghost Town Barber
- Post Shave: OAM - Oli del Benessere Sensitive Skin toner
- Fragrance: Tom Ford - Tuscan Leather EdP
almost forgot to post: single pass head shave, grabbed the cartridge because I was running late for my final late shift at the old place. No irritation whatsoever!
The last shave of 2025. I planned something nice for it, but life had other plans. Had to fall back on GTB, my personal “Ol’ Reliable”. The cartridge razor wasn’t the worst thing ever, but it’s a safe and - unfortunately - soulless choice.
What a year. I finished my retraining, got my nursing degree, found a new job just this month… it was really stressful, but oh so worth it. Wetshaving wise, I transitioned from Lemmy to PieFed, post with the WSDB SOTD generator, got a new safety razor and some nice new soaps after my degree and was able to explore quite a few interesting soaps thanks to Buena Vista Wetshaving Social Club. Thanks for being here and having me around, folks! I wish every single one of you & your families a smooth transition into the new year. In Germany, it’s tradition to say "Guten Rutsch!" meaning as much as “Have a nice slide into the new year”. So, have a nice & slick slide and a successful start into 2026, folks. 🍀🥳
- Comment on Monday SOTD Thread, December 29th, 2025 (#930) 1 week ago:
Thanks! 🙏
I’d really like to, but as you said it’d be extremely expensive. Not only in shipping, but also in duty fees.
Regardless, I’m also highly impressed by the great quality of the soap. Thanks for the opportunity to try it!
- Comment on Monday SOTD Thread, December 29th, 2025 (#930) 1 week ago:
Celebration SOTN - 29. Dezember 2025
- Brush: Omega Roma Colossea 31 mm
- Razor: Leaf Thorn
- Blade: Derby Premium half-DE
- Lather: Woolly Wash Soapery - A Night At The Pub (sample)
- Post Shave: Lavera - Men Sensitive ASB
2-pass head shave, only WTG. Sample kill of a really good soap! Trying to ease back into head shaving due to some bumps, so minor irritation present - but nothing serious or long lasting.
I’m posting rather infrequently and it’s not only because of private or work-related things, I also deal with some skin issues on my scalp again atm. However, today I felt like a nice shave was in order to reward myself. I finally received my new contract for the hospital today, had to read, sign and PDF-scan it to mail the files to all the higher-ups and post one batch of the signed contracts and documents as an express mail letter so it has the faint chance of arriving by the 31st. Stressful, but worth it! Earlier today, I had a brunch with my parents for my dad’s (quiet) birthday party and lamented that the letter hadn’t reached me yet. What a nice surprise!
I used the remaining bit of Night at the Pub today, and was seriously impressed. I really pushed the residual slickness to a maximum and what was supposed to be just some clean-up after a single WTG pass turned into another slow and steady WTG pass. This is top notch, I only know such superior slickness from some american artisan soaps. Since I didn’t want to let the sample rot in the glass jar, I used everything up nicely (no hard task given that I have a quite big surface to shave on my scalp). The only irritation I got was that I cut one of the bumps at the back of my head open, but nothing that the aftershave balm couldn’t take care of.
This was a really lovely shave for the last Monday of 2025. Tomorrow, my last two late shifts at the nursing home are coming up. It’s not as hard as I imagined - most colleagues there are congratulating me to my new job and have no hard feelings towards my decision to leave. It also helps that both of those will be short late shifts, meaning I start earlier but can already leave at 20:00/8 PM. Hope everyone around here has a good time too!
- Comment on Free Talk Friday - December 26th, 2025 1 week ago:
That’s right! It makes you appreciate your brush way more.
- Comment on Free Talk Friday - December 26th, 2025 1 week ago:
No worries, I frequently go down different weird rabbit holes 😅
Yes, and their cooperation with TFS as well as their importing business has in turn made a lot of their products available in Europe. Especially valuable: business relations with “Rasoi Goodfellas”, a big Italian online store for wetshaving & grooming products who also have their own soaps made by TFS and are the main EU agent/importer of american artisan soap (thanks to them B+M, WK and Noble Otter are available over here). Rasoi Goodfellas also has their own razors that are CNC machined, from aluminium to brass to stainless steel. Could also be that the main razor parts are made for RR in the EU, then shipped to them in Canada and only polished/assembled there to get the “Made in Canada”. But I guess that’d be even more expensive thanks to exorbitant shipping costs and therefore less likely.
- Comment on Free Talk Friday - December 26th, 2025 1 week ago:
I hope everyone of you fine folks had wonderful Christmas holidays. As for me, I’ve worked on the 24th and 25th and only have two short late shifts on the 30. and 31. December left. Unfortunately, I had a relapse into cigarette smoking on Christmas Eve after over a full year of completely switching to vaping. The cause was that my vape malfunctioned right after my shift was over, yet I still wanted to visit my parents - and there was a Zigarettenautomat in their street. It honestly surprises people, but there are vending machines for cigarettes in Germany. You just need your bank card or ID to verify your age and beep, here are your cancer sticks! 24 h was enough to smoke a full pack of 22 cigs, but I vowed that I won’t get any more. I’m so done with my fingers, clothes and breath stinking of cold smoke and ash and certainly haven’t missed it. I really don’t want this to happen again next year, so I have to make some strategic plans and purchases to avoid such problems in the future.
As for more uplifting news: I had a notification on my phone about a new letter - my work contract is finally on the way to me! I’m really eager about the new work environment at the hospital and look forward to a huge step up in my career in 2026. Since this is the last FTF for 2025, here’s to a great start into the new year with slick shaves and everything going smooth. ✌🏻
- Comment on Free Talk Friday - December 26th, 2025 1 week ago:
Giving them the benefit of doubt, maybe that address is just where they’ve rented an office and not where the razors are made? And even if it’s small, CNC machines don’t require as much space as e.g. boiler manufacturing.
IBs/RazoRock’s brushes are definitely Made in China, though. - Comment on Free Talk Friday - December 26th, 2025 1 week ago:
Sounds like a great year in wetshaving for you!
IMHO, face lathering (or head lathering in my case) is vastly superior to using a bowl. I was always bowl lathering because I believed it was more traditional. A Reddit challenge made me try out face lathering and I was an instant convert: being able to adjust things on the fly much quicker, having the most direct feedback of the lather quality on my skin, finally enjoying the process of building the lather with my brush instead of using it just like a paintbrush and last but not least fewer things to store in the bathroom. - Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, December 24th, 2025 (#925) 2 weeks ago:
Baking Plätzchen (Christmas cookies in different tastes and shapes) is similar over here, I only do it with my parents - but their house is filled with this sweet, familiar smell.
The soap is indeed very enjoyable, slickness for days! Especially great for head shaving. Woolly Wash Soapery gets the (bald) seal of approval from me 👍🏻
- Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, December 24th, 2025 (#925) 2 weeks ago:
I highly approve of the fact that you’re making Pfeffernüsse with your wife. It’s a fitting description of this scent. Thanks for the sample, this is a really good soap!
- Comment on Sunday SOTD Thread, December 21st, 2025 (#922) 2 weeks ago:
Don’t worry. I’m sure it’s quite a lot to handle atm, and the side effects like diarrhea, stomach cramps and a puffy face aren’t very charming either. Still, it beats the slow and dreadful death by asphyxiation from severe pneumonia. I believe in you, and if you take it slowly (step by step), you’ll be back to your usual self soon! Wishing you a speedy & full recovery 🍀
- Comment on [BVWSC December Edition] Wednesday 24 is a go! 2 weeks ago:
Hooray 🥳
- Comment on Sunday SOTD Thread, December 21st, 2025 (#922) 2 weeks ago:
Pneumonia usually requires intense medication (antibiotics, glucocorticoids, inhalations, etc.), and breathing exercises once it’s getting better. I’m sure you’ll manage it together with your doctor(s). Downhill Skiing would be a great activity once you’ve recovered, since it’s outdoors with plenty oxygen around and not too strenuous on the body 👍🏻
- Comment on Sunday SOTD Thread, December 21st, 2025 (#922) 2 weeks ago:
Glad to hear you’re on the road to recovery! Pneumonia is a very serious condition, so it’s good that you’re able to breathe easier. Hope you’re able to make a full recovery by January!
- Comment on Free Talk Friday - December 19th, 2025 2 weeks ago:
Congrats! 🍀
Happy to hear you found something new too. I only occasionally hear about the economic situation in the US and it seems rather grim. - Comment on Free Talk Friday - December 19th, 2025 2 weeks ago:
Thanks a lot man! 🙏🏻
Yeah, I think it’s a great opportunity for growth. Not only in terms of medical knowledge or financially, but as a person too. There are a lot of trainees in the hospital who could benefit from my experience. Plus, it’s a good mix of both young, eager and mature, experienced colleagues. Ideally a Win-win situation for everyone.How’s your job situation atm? I remember you posted about searching for a new one some time ago. Any new developments? Hope you find/found a good fit for you too!
- Comment on Free Talk Friday - December 19th, 2025 2 weeks ago:
Ah, that clears everything up! I’ll try to partake this month then. Is it on Christmas Eve/the 24th?
Don’t worry, there’s no winning against the lack of care of postal services. They squeeze letters in really tight boxes without second thought. Maybe necessarily so, but this isn’t ideal for shaving soap samples. There’s still enough soap for at least 6 passes and I actually got a very nicely smelling letter from you this way 😉
- Comment on Friday SOTD Thread, December 19th, 2025 (#920) 2 weeks ago:
I really appreciate the standard CFG base too (I am totally unfamiliar with the Silk soaps and have heard mixed opinions). Especially GTB is great to use. I’d compare it to Stirling: artisan soap without fancy sounding ingredients, totally easy to whip up a slick lather. Or in short: solid performers who get the job done fast and good.
- Comment on Free Talk Friday - December 19th, 2025 2 weeks ago:
My five days off where filled with one job interview and two days of work trials. But it paid off - on Tuesday, the hospital in the Thuringian forest with the high reputation was quite eager to hire me, so they already gave me a verbal agreement followed up by an email. Yesterday I followed up with a phone call since I needed a written document by them to apply for an extended police clearance certificate ("erweitertes Führungszeugnis” in german - basically a background check if you have a criminal record that most reputable jobs need if you’re working with minors or disabled people, both could be possible in a hospital setting). The HR lady on the phone as well as the receptionist were so friendly and helpful that I felt - and still feel - like I’ve made the right decision. The written contracts will be sent to me and I will need to bring them on my first day, but now I at least have some security in this written document confirming their intent to hire me. It’s quite unusual, even for them as HR admitted - but nursing is a bit unusual in general.
I’m looking forward to a new challenge and leaving the nursing home behind me. It seems like my potential would be wasted there, since there are simply not many tasks to do that required a high skill level. The work trial day at the hospital was quite stressful, but it was different stress than what I am used to and dread. There’s less of a race against the clock to get things done. There are difficult patients too, but most only stay for 5 to 10 days. And some are really thankful for any kind of help, even if it’s just a short chat.
However, it’ll be a totally different setting to what I am used to and I need to expand my medical knowledge by a substantial amount. I already ordered a book, but theory alone won’t be enough. On the one hand, it’s kinda like my teenage dream job came true (I wanted to be a male nurse thanks to watching Scrubs - yeah, very original, I know). On the other, it’s a very demanding job with lots of responsibility. But since I come from my nursing home background (have worked in 3 different ones, 1 just as an OT, 2 in nursing) and a few other colleagues on my future station also have that background, why shouldn’t I be able to master that? I’m only 31. I was, together with a classmate, the best of our year in nursing school. And said classmate now works at a big hospital in Leipzig on the graft surgery station. I know I should be able to do this while even finally enjoying the work that my RN degree brings, but there’s still that voice of doubt in the background. But I’m determined to shut it up. Actually, it should be a time to celebrate - I found something new and possibly very fulfilling for my future career in very short time!
- Comment on Free Talk Friday - December 19th, 2025 2 weeks ago:
I got a sample by you for… January edition? A soap by Wooly Wash Soapery. I mean, December wouldn’t have worked out anyway for me, but I’d still partake in January. So thanks for the sample! Unfortunately the soap got squeezed out of the foil and has stained the letter considerably. But don’t worry, it’s still enough for one good use!