Razor: Soviet ZTV Extra 1960 5/8
Brush: Copper Hat Synthetic
Soap: Wild West Shaving Co. Black Gold
Other: Thirsty Badger lather bowl
Today felt like a good day to do a live shave. I have been getting a bit more comfortable with straight razor shaving so I decided it was a good time to hop on camera and let the straight shaving veterans give me some pointers to improve . I’m getting quite comfortable on pass 1 and 2, but still have some issues getting a 3rd pass and getting a DFS shave. My growth pattern gives me a bit of challenge on the neck. I figured getting out of my comfort zone and leaning on the hive mind would help me get to the next step in straight razor shaving.
I lathered up my soap choice today, Black Gold from Wild West Shaving in my Thirsty Badger lather bowl. I find the soap quite thirsty but lathers quite easily. Scent notes on this are Black Cardamom, Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, Cashmere, Amber, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Green Apple and Geranium. There is a lot going on with this scent, it is blended quite well. It does make it tough to pick individual notes out. There is some sweetness up front, a bit of spice, some patchouli earthiness and just the slightest hit of floral. Scent strength on this is around medium, jumping up a touch once lathered. I really dug this scent, although I wished it was amped up just a touch. The soap itself, I found today it to be about average on slickness, both lathered and residual, although cushion was quite good. Post shave was a touch on the drying side as well. With a DE I think it would have been fine but with the straight I was pushing it a bit. I’ll probably save this soap for DE days.
I’m sure glad I did the live today. This Russian straight is nice and smooth. I was able to shave with pretty much no irritation or issues, other than one minor ding from lack of attention (the only downside of a live). I did get some great pointers on how to make that third pass go much easier and how to get to that DFS/BBS shave I’m looking for. The CWS Facebook group is full of some outstanding folks. Everyone is always willing to share and help out. Today was no exception.
There was a bit of a cheat today as I reached for the DE to clean up pass. No complaints, All in all, I was able to get a really enjoyable shave today. I look forward to doing a few more lives. Thanks for following along.
