13.10.2025
- Brush: AP Shave Co. Snakeskin w/ 26 mm Silksmoke Flattop/Fan hybrid knot
- Razor: Leaf Thorn
- Blade: Derby Premium half DE
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Autumn Glory
- Post-Shave: OAM - Oli del benessere sensitive skin toner
- Passes & Info: 2-pass head shave, really good and smooth.
T'was my shave before my late shift. It seemed like a fine day to use Autumn Glory and it really was great - Stirling is something I can dial in perfectly for my head shaves on autopilot. I know most of you prefer a wet lather, even slurry on the face. I can't do that on the dome since it would run down into my eyes and I actually need some more cushion for some parts, like the back of my head. The typical "runny Yoghurt" recommendation works best for me. Bonus is that Autumn Glory also has a high enough fragrance level to be quite noticeable even when the lather is far away from my face. I really like it, reminds me of a Yankee Candle of the same name. Rob does nice things.
The shift wasn't so bad. I actually prefer the late shift, it allows me to get to work well-rested. Hope everyone else also had a good Monday!
15.10.2025
Today's BVWSC sample is Susurro by CGC courtesy of @snooting@sub.wetshaving.social . Thanks for the generous sample!
Initial scent impression, dry: something sweet with something woody and a dark/spicy undertone. Like some delicious pralines on a wooden table. Lathered up: I agree with walden that Chicago Grooming is more on the lighter side in terms of scent. Unfortunately for me as a head shaver, that means I don't really get much of the scent while shaving. I had to sniff the lather a few times - the sweet notes fade more into the background and the woody, resinous scent takes center stage. While not unpleasant in the slightest, I had hoped for something with a bit more 'punch'.
Usually it's quite hard to translate fragrances into soap format, but I don't get the feeling of a library from this. It definitely misses some leather bound books, ink and dusty notes. I get that those notes aren't people pleasers, but I personally felt more reminded of an old desk with some sweets on it. It's definitely a cozy scent, but I only got a few notes mentioned in the reference sheet that snooting thankfully provided. Basically patchouli, resin, cedarwood and vetiver. It has tonka bean, which I usually like, but it's not very noticeable to me in the blend.
The shave itself went well, the Darkwing base is a good performer. Safe for one nick due to carelessness I got a pretty good shave. While I am thankful to be able to try this soap, it's not something I'd like to have a full tub of.
Which brings me to a final request: as much as I like doing this group effort, I honestly think it shouldn't be obligatory to include me in the BVWSC. Since my transition to PieFed, I basically lost the access to vote in the BVWSC sub and I usually forget to nominate a soap in time, plus I barely find the time to shave on the day it's supposed to happen. I feel it'd simply be unfair if I continuously leech off other members' soap, postage and effort. Especially with the current international climate and the tariff situation enforced by the US. If you insist on sending me something, then sure, I'll partake and give it my best effort. But don't feel obliged to include me, ok? Thank you. And a huge thanks to snooting for the generous sample, providing the scent notes and being a very positive and helpful member of this community in general!