gcgallant
@gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social
- Comment on Tuesday SOTD Thread, June 3rd, 2025 (#721) 10 hours ago:
I used to love bay rum scents starting out … Now I find it mildly nauseating
I love bay rum, but I use it sparingly. I can see how it could become nauseating.
- Comment on Tuesday SOTD Thread, June 3rd, 2025 (#721) 10 hours ago:
June 3, 2025
- Brush: Elite Razor Honduran Rosewood Burl 24mm HMW Fan $WOODEN
- Razor: Geneva Cutlery Co. 6/8" Hollow Ground Round Point
- Lather: Captain’s Choice - Bay Rum - Soap
- Post Shave: Captain’s Choice - Cat O’ Nine Tails - Aftershave
- Post Shave: West Coast Shaving - Alum
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
I purchased Captain’s Choice Bay Rum because I like Bay Rum and the owner (Scott) told me that it was his biggest seller. Of the few bay rum scents I have tried, this is still my favorite. The Cat O’ Nine Tails aftershave has a strong, dark bay rum scent. The alcohol content on full send. Love it!
I purchased this alum when I decided to get into wet shaving. I thought I would need it, but other than a few first attempts, have found I never use it. I think that if you want an alum that you never use, but want to keep on a shelf somewhere, that alum should be Osma.
- Comment on Monday SOTD Thread, June 2nd, 2025 (#720) 1 day ago:
Murray Carter is a legend. Very well known in the knife community. Next you need to shave with a spoon.
- Comment on Monday SOTD Thread, June 2nd, 2025 (#720) 1 day ago:
It happens. Eventually those fine motor skills become controlled by muscle memory.
- Comment on Monday SOTD Thread, June 2nd, 2025 (#720) 1 day ago:
June 2, 2025
- Brush: Wild West Brushworks Blue Space 26mm Cashmere
- Razor: River Razors 6/8 3/4 Hollow
- Lather: Hendrix Classics & Co - Badass - Soap
- Post Shave: Unilever - Brut - Aftershave
- Post Shave: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
I have not used any product by Hendrix Classics & Co before. I found this soap sample in my box o’ samples while wondering if I would need to skip today’s challenge.
IMO, Badass is not. Here’s how HC&C describes it:
Badass is an awesome, masculine scent. Citrus notes provide an excellent contrast to the depth of oakmoss and white cedarwood.
That’s the scent description that I could find. I found the scent strength to be mild and definitely masculine, in that, I’m a man and could smell no scent other than my own. Since I shaved after I took a shower, the lather smelled like me after a shower. From the sample jar, I could pick up hints of the oakmoss with the tiniest bit of citrus, but only because the description says it is there. I found the lather to be nice; a little more high volume that I prefer for straight razor shaving, but definitely a workable lather.
So Badass is a pass for me.
I have used every razor on the challenge list for today and I have shaved with a couple of knives in the past also. So, the best I can offer in the “New All Things” category is, admittedly, pretty lame. I have been trying to find an edge that works well with this razor’s particular geometry. Saturday, I put a coticule/Black Arkansas edge on it and used that yesterday. Last night I took the razor back to the Black Arkansas stone to add more refinement on that stone; essentially creating an edge texture that is more Arkansas and less Belgium.
So, it is a razor edge that I have never used before. Yeah, I know, tenuous at best, but more importantly (for me), I think I have found a great match in comfort and keenness for this razor. Today’s shave was closer than yesterday’s and as comfortable as yesterday’s.
- Comment on Sunday SOTD Thread, June 1st, 2025 (#719) 2 days ago:
June 1, 2025
- Brush: Chisel & Hound Gulf Short 26mm V22 Fanchurian
- Razor: River Razors 6/8 3/4 Hollow
- Lather: Wholly Kaw - Hiatus - Soap
- Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - Hiatus - Aftershave
- Post Shave: Thayers - Coconut - Toner
2 passes. Face lather. Good shave.
Hiatus has the scent of a Piña Colada mellowed slightly by some vanilla. It is, by far, the sweetest scent that I own, and perfect for a beautiful, relaxed Sunday.
This was a test shave of a new edge on this razor. The shave was very comfortable but I am still aware of thickness at the edge, so I will look into thinning it a little.
- Comment on Saturday SOTD Thread, May 31st, 2025 (#718) 3 days ago:
May 31, 2025
- Brush: Elite Razor Neo-resinate 26mm Mother Lode
- Razor: River Razors 6/8 3/4 Hollow
- Lather: Wholly Kaw - Cedrati - Soap
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
2 passes. Face lather. Good shave.
Nice shave today. I really enjoyed Cedrati which I have not used in a long time. This razor needs honing, though.
$discord
- Comment on Friday SOTD Thread, May 30th, 2025 (#717) 4 days ago:
I’m nearing 50 on this blade.
Glutton for punishment 😅
- Comment on Friday SOTD Thread, May 30th, 2025 (#717) 4 days ago:
May 30, 2025
- Brush: Wild West Brushworks Blue Space 26mm Cashmere
- Razor: F.W. Engels Leader 6/8 Full Hollow Square Point
- Lather: Catie’s Bubbles - Blugère - Soap
- Aftershave: Catie’s Bubbles - Blugère - Aftershave
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Great fougère Friday shave. Love the Blugère scent.
$discord
- Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, May 29th, 2025 (#716) 4 days ago:
Well put!
- Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, May 29th, 2025 (#716) 4 days ago:
Manifesto Shmanifesto! 😁
- Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, May 29th, 2025 (#716) 5 days ago:
May 29, 2025
- Brush: Simpsons Chubby 2 Jade 27mm HMW
- Razor: F.W. Engels Leader 6/8 Full Hollow Square Point
- Lather: WestMan Shaving - Nirvana - Soap
- Aftershave: WestMan Shaving - Nirvana - Aftershave Balm
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
This was a very successful test shave of a new Escher edge on this Engels Leader razor. Very close and very comfortable.
Nirvana’s lead note is fig which places me on theme with today’s Theme Thursday on r/Wetshaving.
shave - Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, May 28th, 2025 (#715) 6 days ago:
May 28, 2025 – Black WatchDay
- Brush: Wald Stratos Goldvein 29mm A1 Fan
- Razor: Geneva Cutlery Co. 11/16 Hollow Ground Round Point
- Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Black Watch - Soap
- Aftershave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Black Watch - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Black Watch - Eau de Toilette
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Great shave today. The scent of Black Watch filled the room and the feel of the razor was safe, yet efficient. Can’t ask for more!
- Comment on Tuesday SOTD Thread, May 27th, 2025 (#714) 1 week ago:
May 27, 2025 – Tea for Twosday
- Brush: Oumo Compass Bonfire 27mm Emperor-2
- Razor: Dovo Art of Shaving 5/8 Hollow Ground Round Point
- Lather: Barrister and Mann - Cheshire - Soap
- Aftershave: Barrister and Mann - Cheshire - Aftershave
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Wonderful tea-themed shave for the day. I really liked the way the scent filled the room this morning, enjoyed th omnibus lather, and really enjoyed this new Art of Shaving Dovo razor.
$discord
- Comment on Monday SOTD Thread, May 26th, 2025 (#713) 1 week ago:
May 26, 2025
- Brush: Wald Stratos Haunter 29mm A1
- Razor: Geneva Cutlery Co. 6/8" Hollow Ground Round Point
- Razor: Geneva Cutlery Co. 11/8" Hollow Ground Round Point
- Lather: House of Mammoth - Beloved - Soap
- Aftershave: House of Mammoth - Beloved - Splash
- Talc: Yardley Classic
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
This shave was comparison between an edge created on an African du Hindi(?) stone and an edge created on a Black Arkansas stone. When I was using the African stone I was reminded of a Black Arkansas, so I felt as if it would be good to compare the edges. Performance between them was almost identical. Close, comfortable, and with a slightly crisp feel.
I always enjoy Beloved. It is a scent that promotes quiet contemplation.
- Comment on Saturday SOTD Thread, May 24th, 2025 (#711) 1 week ago:
Well, thank you! I have the discipline but prefer not to use it. I’ll put my money on about 50 shaves.
- Comment on Sunday SOTD Thread, May 25th, 2025 (#712) 1 week ago:
May 25, 2025
- Brush: Chisel & Hound Gulf Short 26mm V22 Fanchurian
- Razor: Dovo Art of Shaving 5/8 Hollow Ground Round Point
- Razor: Geneva Cutlery 11/16 Hollow Ground Round Point
- Lather: 345 Soaps - Undercut - Soap
- Aftershave: 345 Soaps - Undercut - Aftershave
- Talc: Yardley Classic
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
This shave was a test of two edges. The Geneva Cutlery razor has an edge created from a natural African whetstone (de Endi?, du Hindi?). The Dovo Art of Shaving razor has an edge that was created with a La Petite Blanche coticule.
Because it is a Formula 1 race day (Monaco Gran Prix), I followed my habit of using Undercut for soap and splash.
The edges felt great and produced a great shave!
video - Comment on Saturday SOTD Thread, May 24th, 2025 (#711) 1 week ago:
What’s the state of the Moarteen? Thinking about a fresh edge yet?
- Comment on Saturday SOTD Thread, May 24th, 2025 (#711) 1 week ago:
As do I! Sometimes the planets align :)
- Comment on Saturday SOTD Thread, May 24th, 2025 (#711) 1 week ago:
May 24, 2025
- Brush: Truefitt & Hill Wellington 24mm Silvertip
- Razor: Dovo Bismarck 6/8" Full Hollow Round Point
- Lather: Wholly Kaw - Entropy Man - Soap
- Aftershave: Wholly Kaw - Entropy Man - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Wholly Kaw - Entropy Man - Eau de Toilette
- Talc: Yardley Gold
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Everything came together in this shave. Pretty much perfect for me.
video - Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, May 22nd, 2025 (#709) 1 week ago:
May 22, 2025 – BVWSC Redux
- Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/AP Shave Co 24mm Titanium Synthetic
- Razor: River Razors 14 8/8" Full Hollow
- Lather: Australian Private Reserve - Raconteur - Soap
- Aftershave: Gentleman’s Nod - Tusitala - Aftershave
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
I forgot to post yesterday’s shave, but using the same setup again was an absolute pleasure.
This was a Buena Vista Wetshaving Social Club shave, and our soap was Australian Private Reserve Raconteur. I have wanted to try this soap ever since I read the scent notes:
Roast Arabica Coffee, Whisky, Tuberose, Cedarwood, Spice, Labdanum, Leather, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Guaiac Wood, Castoreum, Civet and Animal Musk.
I’m a huge fan of all the scent notes in there that I recognize. Unfortunately, I got into the hobby after APR went out of business so I have not had a chance to get my hands on this until now. Absolutely terrific! Thanks to @walden@sub.wetshaving.social for providing the smush for this shave!
- Comment on Monday SOTD Thread, May 19th, 2025 (#706) 2 weeks ago:
May 19, 2025
- Brush: Grizzly Bay Shire 26mm V18 Fanchurian
- Razor: Puma 89 Puma Special 11/16 Full Hollow Square Point
- Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap
- Aftershave: House of Mammoth - Alive - Splash
- Talc: Yardley Gold
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
This was a test shave of a Puma 89 Puma Special that I honed with a Karasu Jnat. My goal for the edge was to emphasize that soft feel that a Jnat can provide. The edge was comfortable but missed on the softness a bit. I think I got the edge a little too keen.
Alive by House of Mammoth set a wonderful tone for the shave and made for a very enjoyable sensory experience.
- Comment on Friday SOTD Thread, May 16th, 2025 (#703) 2 weeks ago:
Ulrik does a great job with heat treatment. I never have tried, but I’m certain I could easily get 50 great shaves from one of his razors. Impatience is what causes me to hone Koraats. Not edge deterioration.
- Comment on Friday SOTD Thread, May 16th, 2025 (#703) 2 weeks ago:
Need to try it if you haven’t.
I agree. I used the premium base today and was thinking what a great job Chris did in creating it.
- Comment on Friday SOTD Thread, May 16th, 2025 (#703) 2 weeks ago:
May 16, 2025
- Brush: Wild West Brushworks Blue Space 26mm Cashmere
- Razor: Tanifuji Spalding 0411 6/8" Full Hollow
- Lather: Catie’s Bubbles - Blugère - Soap
- Aftershave: Catie’s Bubbles - Blugère - Aftershave
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Very enjoyable fougère Friday.
$discord
- Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, May 15th, 2025 (#702) 2 weeks ago:
May 15, 2025
- Brush: AP Shave Co Lemondrop 28mm SynBad
- Razor: C.V. Heljestrand MK 10 13/16 Half Hollow Square Point
- Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap
- Aftershave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Every time I use the MK-10 I think it is an underappreciated model. The MK-31 and MK-32 seem to get the attention in the Heljestrand line, and they are excellent razors. The MK-10 handled very well, had terrific balance, and shaved effortlessly. And SSL completed the perfect setup for me today.
- Comment on Monday SOTD Thread, May 12th, 2025 (#699) 3 weeks ago:
May 12, 2025
- Brush: AP Shave Co Lemondrop 28mm SynBad
- Razor: Geneva Cutlery Co. 11/16 Hollow Ground Round Point
- Lather: Chicago Grooming - AG 1889 - Soap
- Aftershave: Chicago Grooming - AG 1889 - Aftershave
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Very quick and nice shave this morning. Just gettting around to posting it now.
$discord
- Comment on Sunday SOTD Thread, May 11th, 2025 (#698) 3 weeks ago:
May 11, 2025
- Brush: Wild West Brushworks Blue Space 26mm Cashmere
- Razor: Puma 89 11/16 Full Hollow
- Lather: The Cajun Blade - Bon Temps Barbershop - Soap
- Aftershave: Barrister and Mann - Seville - Aftershave
- Talc: Yardley Classic
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Sean Stapelfeld (a YouTuber) sent me a Puma 89 with an edge of his to try. The edge was excellent, and coupled with Bon Temps Barbershop, provided me with a wonderful shave.
- Comment on Saturday SOTD Thread, May 10th, 2025 (#697) 3 weeks ago:
As am I. Yet, when I use a wedge I really enjoy it.
- Comment on Saturday SOTD Thread, May 10th, 2025 (#697) 3 weeks ago:
No that was an editing error (now fixed). This razor belongs to u/Josiguuh; new to straights.
My collection of wedges is a bit thin, though.
