Hey there.
I could use some advice. Here’s my basic SOTD. I got a basic Haggard kit a couple of years ago. I’m still working on the starter razor blades that came with it. I really like the Proraso soap that came with it. I still consider myself a bit of a newbie.
The alum block is a game changer for me. I wish I had known about that earlier in life!
But I’m thinking about branching out and trying new things. I’ve probably got about a month of soap left, and I’m looking for a good soap that’s good for sensitive skin, and maybe comes in “puck” form rather than being in a plastic tub.
Also, now that I’ve got the basics down, are there any “beyond basic” things that you’d recommend to up my game? Thanks in advance.
Welcome!
Most artisan soap comes in plastic tubs - though some sell refills (Stirling being among them), which you can store however you like.
I would recommend getting a few samples from Stirling (which are 1 ounce sized): they are good value, and you can test a bit what kind of scent you like. You can also look a bit around here what soaps people are using. I would just recommend avoiding Ariana & Evans, whose soaps have a tendency to provoke fragrance burns.
For beyond basics, I don’t know – maybe try witch hazel as an after shave?
I second giving Stirling a go. They have tons of scents to pick from which can be overwhelming, but that’s a good thing. Grab a few samples and see what you like.
Proraso is decent soap, but nothing special. The “sensitive skin” aspect is purely marketing.
If you think you have sensitive skin, our wiki has a section about it. https://wiki.wetshaving.social/en/sensitive_skin
For me, even once I started wetshaving it took me a couple of years to realize I should skip going against the grain on my neck. That stopped the irritation for me.
I still get frag burn sometimes – Stirling Barbershop for example. That’s another benefit of getting samples.
Blades are the other thing that makes a difference for me. A lot of people like Feather and Astra SP, but both of those blades bother me.
Hi, welcome to our little corner of the fediverse!
I’ll assume you’re located in North America given that you started with a Maggard set.
One great artisan soap maker that sells shave soap in pucks is Stirling Soap Co. They sell their soaps in the forms; tubs with 5.8oz, refill pucks of 4.5 oz, and (probably best for you, given you’re wanting to try new stuff), 1 oz sample pucks.
They have two soap bases, the regular beef tallow base, and the sheep tallow base. Soaps in sheep tallow are a little more expensive, but not much.
The are loads of other artists, too, and Maggard sells samples of many of them. I suggest you start with Stirling, if you find something you like. It’s great value and great quality.
But if you get bit by the soap bug and want to try more, check out the recent March Madness event on our parent sub. Those are the 16 most popular soap makers of 2024 in a community that prides itself on using only the best quality products.
When it comes to upping your game, that’s a broad question. You could get a higher quality razor, a fancy badger brush, a shiny straight razor, try a single edge safety razor? The options are endless. Do you have something in mind?
I’d suggest that the two “beyond basic” things to do are to learn to develop a wet, slick lather, and to learn how to get a very close shave with low pressure. These are two technique features that help minimize skin irritation while still creating great shaves. And these techniques give you access to using very aggressive razors comfortably; including straight razors.
I think that you are on the right track by thinking of branching out with a different soap. I will second what others have said about Stirling. However, there are artisans known for creating soaps that benefit the skin. Wholly Kaw, Zingari Man, and Barrister and Man immediately come to mind. All of these soaps compare favorably to Proraso. All come in a plastic tub, but you can buy samples at Maggard’s.
4/14/24
- Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive MOAR BOAR (31 mm × 57 mm bleached boar)
- Razor: Ralf Aust 6/8, Full Hollow Square Point
- Lather: House of Mammoth - Embrace
- Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Embrace Aftershave Splash
- Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z Aftershave Balm
- Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Embrace EdP
Close and comfortable shave, no nicks or irritation.
Cool razor, but looks dangerous!
This is my favorite razor in my den. The point can certainly humble a guy, tho.
My Böker abalone has a live point like that, and it tripped me up regularly in the beginning. Now it can still sometimes catch me when I return to it after a week or two with round points.
MOAR BOAR++; HoM++;
I’ve always liked that razor. I’ll be doing an edge refresh on my 5/8 French Point later today. I will say I’m surprised it is your favorite razor in the den. You have a pretty terrific collection. For me, it would have to be the Iwasaki, followed closely by my 14s.
I think the reasoning for it being my favorite is mostly sentimental. It was just love at first sight when I got it.
Is your Iwasaki tamahagane?
Yes. Western style, entirely tamahagane, made by Iwasaki himself. I made a video on honing it if you’re interested.
I’ll have to give it a watch!
Sunday, April 14, 2024: Sunny Sunday
- Preshave: Proraso Green Preshave
- Brush: Muninn Woodworks Gloire de France with Zenith 505BC Boar 🐗
- Razor: Parker Straight Razor
- Lather: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag
- Postshave: Naissance 702 Witch Hazel
- Postshave: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag Aftershave
- Postshave: Nivea After Shave Balm
I’m continuing (and finishing) my stagging weekend. It’s still sunny outside, but not as warm as yesterday. The pollen in the air is not impressed by the cold, as my allergies can tell you.
Have a good Sunday!
Yeah, that reminds me. I haven’t brought out the Stag in a long time.
Killing Varen: Operation Inferno
- Brush: Stirling Soap Co. Zenith Boar Brush 31mm × 50mm
- Razor: Böker Abalone
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. Varen
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. Varen
- Fragrance: Giorgio Armani Thé Yulong
The soap is dwindling. I think my predicted kill date of Wednesday remains realistic.
Thé Yulong is a nice tea scent and reminds me of Turtleship Te Java. It does get steamrolled by Varen though.
Great photo! Love that razor!
Thanks! It’s a nice razor, I agree 😊
It does get steamrolled by Varen though.
Varen++
It do be like that.
They don’t think it be like it is, but it do.
April 14, 2024
- Brush: Stirling 24mm Synthetic
- Blade: Dorco SD507 disposable (1)
- Lather: Speick - Cream
- Post Shave: Aqua Velva - Ice Blue - Aftershave
- Post Shave: Goodfellow & Co. - Face Lotion - Kelp & Sea Mineral
At first I thought maybe I left my travel brush at home, but nope - it has been in my suitcase, damp, in a travel tube, for 2 weeks.
Surprisingly there’s not really a smell to it. Yay synthetic!
This autopost bot is giving me grief. I fixed it yesterday, but it failed again today.
damp, in a travel tube, for 2 weeks.
Surprisingly there’s not really a smell
That’s really lucky break 😄
Speick ++;
Have you tried their aftershave splash? I like it a lot
No, but I agree. Speick++
April 14, 2024
- Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving 31mm x 57mm Moar Boar
- Razor: Blutt Rasur BR-1 (setting: 0.99 Plate)
- Blade: Gillette Nacet (4)
- Lather: House of Mammoth - Indigo - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Lavender - Toner
- Aftershave: House of Mammoth - Indigo - Splash
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
(Mood )?Indigo surprises me every time I open the tub. What a great scent this has when I disassociate my jazz/blues club experiences from the title.
And the Blutt razor has such an elegant design. I love the quality of workmanship, the weight and the blade clamping. And the minimalist handle design fits me perfectly.
Mindigo++;
Blutt++;
Moar Boar++;Terrific shave! And the .99mm is the best plate IMO