Brush: Wolf Whiskers - "Gianmaria" w/Maggard 26mm Synthetic
Razor: Koraat 15/16 Full Hollow - Sub Exclusive 'Moarteen' (9)
Lather: Barrister and Mann - Promises - Soap
Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Petrichor - Aftershave
Post Shave: Declaration Grooming, House of Mammoth - Cerberus - Liniment
Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Lavender, Interrupted - EdP
Incredible shave from this sharp and gentle edge. Promises evokes a bit of being outside in the snow, maybe running a snowblower or other small engine (or a snowmobile like the scent describes).
I'm continuing my den tour. Bon Monsieur is a very fresh and likeable scent, in a top base. This was a close and comfortable shave, ending the weekend.
Brush: Unbranded; synthetic (I think) kinda not a great brush but so far I SUCK at lathering with my boar brush, one moment my lather seems perfect the next moment it disappears completely...
Razor: Stirling de3p6s standard head
Blade: Astra SP green (3)
Lather: Stirling Sharp Dressed Man Shave Soap
Alum: Stirling Travel Size Alum
Aftershave: Stirling Sharp Dressed Man Aftershave Splash
Balm: Taconic Aftershave Balm
Taking down 8.5 days of growth, one pass WTG. I would say it was a socially acceptable shave, a bit more irritation than I was going for, not terribly close on the upper lip and parts of the neck. My lather was maybe (?) not dialed in well, or perhaps it was that this is the 3rd use of the blade. Not too bad anyway, and the alum combined with aftershave and balm helps a lot. Sharp Dressed Man is fine I guess, the shave soap smells like ivory soap to me but the aftershave is nice imo... Gf says it is OUT however. Deton-8 is the favorite so far.
Sadly this shave is probably not close enough to guarantee I will not have to use a beard net at work tomorrow. I must do better...
I appreciate your offer very much and have been giving it some thought. I think I want to move away from synthetic materials generally since I am trying to minimize sources of microplastics in my life... But I am very interested to hear your perspective on synthetic vs. natural brushes. Maybe I should try to set my growing fear of plastics aside?
I wouldn’t recommend you set it aside just for the sake of shave brushes.
Synthetics are very easy to lather, they dry quickly, and nice ones can feel great on the face. They also tend to use slightly less soap, but that’s not really a big deal in my experience. Soap is cheap.
I tend to use synthetics when I’m traveling or in a hurry. There’s nothing wrong with using a badger or boar brush instead though! They just take a little more work.
That said, my favorite brushes are boar brushes. Once they break in, they’re a pleasure to use.
Thanks for your perspective. I think I will keep trying to make it work with the boar brush that I already have. I really want to try a badger brush - do you have a recommendation for a quality choice? (Budget of $100 maximum? Is that reasonable? I know badger gets expensive...)
The Maggard SHD knots are well regarded, as are the AP Shave Co. Gelousy SHD knots. In either case you're ordering a handle and knot separately, but they're easy to set with some silicone glue or epoxy. I'd recommend using silicone as it's easier to pull the knot if you need to in the future.
You could also look at a badger brush from Yaqi or DSCosmetics on aliexpress. In my experience their badger hair doesn't tend to be as nice, though that's probably the cheapest option.
I think it is mostly a combination of steel and technique. While beard hair diameter may vary greatly, I bet shear resistance has a very narrow distribution.
You can typically get about 30 - 40 shaves on a good edge on good steel, but you do have to adapt to the edge as it gets less keen. Stropping can work against you if you are using heavier pressure. It will round the edge. All that said, except for AA challenges, I find myself refreshing edges after 10 to 15 shaves. This is definitely excessive, but here at Hones-R-Us, I need to keep busy.
Interesting. I think I've been using light pressure -- what would a rounded edge feel like while shaving?
I think I need to start by picking up a finishing stone so that I can try to touch up my own edges. I'd hate to have to send my razors out every 20-40 shaves for a full rehone... Though I guess that could help keep you busy! 😄
what would a rounded edge feel like while shaving?
It is a very gradual change. It is an edge that feels smooth but is looses its ability to cut well. If the edge feels harsh, and it was not originally that way, then you likely have a breakdown of the edge at the apex. This would look very toothy on one of my microscope photos.
I think I need to start by picking up a finishing stone so that I can try to touch up my own edges.
Another thing you can do is to take some worn, clean denim (cut from an old pair of jeans), stretch it over a 2x4 and apply a light amount of green chromium oxide paste. Then, about every 10 shaves, or so, do 20-30 stropping laps on this "loaded" strop. This will significantly extend the time between honings on your razors.
January 25th, 2026
Incredible shave from this sharp and gentle edge. Promises evokes a bit of being outside in the snow, maybe running a snowblower or other small engine (or a snowmobile like the scent describes).
Preparing for the incoming storm?
Yes indeed. I've already cleared the driveway once and will probably have to go back out 2 or 3 more times by the time it's done.
Sextidi 6 Pluviôse an 234 de la Révolution, jour de Laurier-Thym
I'm continuing my den tour. Bon Monsieur is a very fresh and likeable scent, in a top base. This was a close and comfortable shave, ending the weekend.
Have a good evening!
Shared via emacs & sotd.elSOTD - 2026-01-25
Taking down 8.5 days of growth, one pass WTG. I would say it was a socially acceptable shave, a bit more irritation than I was going for, not terribly close on the upper lip and parts of the neck. My lather was maybe (?) not dialed in well, or perhaps it was that this is the 3rd use of the blade. Not too bad anyway, and the alum combined with aftershave and balm helps a lot. Sharp Dressed Man is fine I guess, the shave soap smells like ivory soap to me but the aftershave is nice imo... Gf says it is OUT however. Deton-8 is the favorite so far.
Sadly this shave is probably not close enough to guarantee I will not have to use a beard net at work tomorrow. I must do better...
I have an AP Shave Co Silksmoke synthetic brush that I’d be happy to give you if you’re CONUS. It’s nice, I just don’t really use it much.
Lmk if you’re interested.
I appreciate your offer very much and have been giving it some thought. I think I want to move away from synthetic materials generally since I am trying to minimize sources of microplastics in my life... But I am very interested to hear your perspective on synthetic vs. natural brushes. Maybe I should try to set my growing fear of plastics aside?
I wouldn’t recommend you set it aside just for the sake of shave brushes.
Synthetics are very easy to lather, they dry quickly, and nice ones can feel great on the face. They also tend to use slightly less soap, but that’s not really a big deal in my experience. Soap is cheap.
I tend to use synthetics when I’m traveling or in a hurry. There’s nothing wrong with using a badger or boar brush instead though! They just take a little more work.
That said, my favorite brushes are boar brushes. Once they break in, they’re a pleasure to use.
Thanks for your perspective. I think I will keep trying to make it work with the boar brush that I already have. I really want to try a badger brush - do you have a recommendation for a quality choice? (Budget of $100 maximum? Is that reasonable? I know badger gets expensive...)
$100 is certainly a reasonable budget.
I would take a look at https://apshaveco.com/ or the Maggard "Build a Brush" option.
The Maggard SHD knots are well regarded, as are the AP Shave Co. Gelousy SHD knots. In either case you're ordering a handle and knot separately, but they're easy to set with some silicone glue or epoxy. I'd recommend using silicone as it's easier to pull the knot if you need to in the future.
You could also look at a badger brush from Yaqi or DSCosmetics on aliexpress. In my experience their badger hair doesn't tend to be as nice, though that's probably the cheapest option.
With boar brushes, you need probably MOAR soap
SOTD - 2026-01-25
Have a good one.
January 25th, 2026
Comfortable shave, but not as close as I'd like. I think my technique ATG needs the most work.
After 19 shaves, the blade might also be not as sharp as it could be anymore 🤔
Yeah I was also wondering that.
How often do you typically touch up your edges? How often do you do a full rehone?
I was hoping that a straight edge would last for quite some time as long as I strop regularly. Is this wishful thinking?
So, I cannot really count, since my sotd.el has acquired straight usage tracking very recently, but...
In any case, if it feels rough, try maybe refreshing it just on your finishing stone. But @[email protected] gives certainly better advice than I.
I think it is mostly a combination of steel and technique. While beard hair diameter may vary greatly, I bet shear resistance has a very narrow distribution.
You can typically get about 30 - 40 shaves on a good edge on good steel, but you do have to adapt to the edge as it gets less keen. Stropping can work against you if you are using heavier pressure. It will round the edge. All that said, except for AA challenges, I find myself refreshing edges after 10 to 15 shaves. This is definitely excessive, but here at Hones-R-Us, I need to keep busy.
Interesting. I think I've been using light pressure -- what would a rounded edge feel like while shaving?
I think I need to start by picking up a finishing stone so that I can try to touch up my own edges. I'd hate to have to send my razors out every 20-40 shaves for a full rehone... Though I guess that could help keep you busy! 😄
Then you probably have been.
It is a very gradual change. It is an edge that feels smooth but is looses its ability to cut well. If the edge feels harsh, and it was not originally that way, then you likely have a breakdown of the edge at the apex. This would look very toothy on one of my microscope photos.
Another thing you can do is to take some worn, clean denim (cut from an old pair of jeans), stretch it over a 2x4 and apply a light amount of green chromium oxide paste. Then, about every 10 shaves, or so, do 20-30 stropping laps on this "loaded" strop. This will significantly extend the time between honings on your razors.
I have no idea what to do if I'm not busy 🤔
January 25th, 2026
Shave 2 of the brain bowl