I had an outstanding shave today and I wanted to share!
Tools:
Dovo Best Quality 5/8 Carbon Steel
Illinios #827 Strop
Truefitt & Hill Luxury Shaving Soap
Captain Smith's Bayrum Spiced Aftershave
$4 Walmart Brush
Method:
30 Strokes on the linen and hopped into the shower.
I hopped out of the shower, put some pants on (for protection
), and lathered up.
30 Strokes on leather while lather does its work.
Apply a steam towel and reapply lather.
WTG pass.
Reapply lather.
30 Strokes on leather.
Reapply a steam towel and reapply lather.
ATG Pass and I checked for and corrected any small spots I missed.
Apply steam towel one more time and then clean up remaining lather on face.
Rub in aftershave, then once dried reapply because I like how it feels!
Thoughts:
I don't know exactly how everyone else does it, but I really enjoy the way the T&F lather feels with a steam towel over it. The step by step method I described above takes me roughly a half hour to complete. That may be a little long, but I really feel like I'm pampering myself and when I'm done I really do feel like a million bucks! During my work week I skip the ATG pass and the extra towel and stropping that goes with it.
Today's shave went wonderfully though, just one small nick to take care of, but otherwise the bay rum went on smooth as silk.
The only thing that I feel silly about is using my Walmart brush. I could buy 7 of those brushes for what I spent on the soap and aftershave! So I think I'm going to get my butt in gear and get a real badger hair brush. However, I wanted to show beginners that a good kit doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg. I think I spent less than $110 (almost a year ago!) for the main items that get the job done (razor, strop, and brush). I feel I've definetly gotten my money's worth! What would a years worth of Mach 13 cartridges cost?
Thanks for letting me share, and I wish you all happy shaves!
Good Times
on the 
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