ATM, I plan to visit my son in France in late spring or early summer. I have not been to your exact corner of the planet, so I would enjoy the chance to travel there and to meet.
Well, the appalachian mountains aren't as dramatic as the alps, but they have their own charm ... bears, reptiles, insects, etc. I hope to do a little hiking in Europe. My son has hiked the El Camino de Santiago and the GR10.
Everything is improved when you wear the Staaaaag :)
My father was a member of something called the Appalachian Trail Club. He would take me on hikes and to trail maintenance events when I was Djunior's age. I wasn't thrilled to come along at the time, but something stuck. By the time he reached the age I am now, I found ways to accompany him on a lot of short trail hikes.
November 17, 2024
Brush: Wald Stratos Goldvein 29mm A1 Fan
Blade Holder: Blackland Razors Blackbird Ti
Blade: Personna Lab Blue (13)
Lather: Saponificio Varesino - Opuntia - Soap
Aftershave: Saponificio Varesino - Opuntia - Aftershave
Fragrance: Creed - Aventus
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
The SV scents are so sophisticated I feel like an imposter using them. Very nice second luxury shave this evening.
It’s difficult to make a GEM + den portmanteau
"Discretion is the better part of valor"
November 17, 2024
Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
Blade Holder: GEM Damaskeene CC (1912-1920)
Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (8)
Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
Aftershave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
I'm takin' a ride with my Staaaag … There's really nothing like the Midnight Stag trifecta to start your day. I was getting some odd glances in the store while shopping for junk food for the Sunday afternoon games, but I felt more accepted by the forest wildlife on my morning hike.
@[email protected] is doing a run through all 14 generations of GEM razors. I only have 3 of them. This Damaskeene happens to be one that he doesn't have. I have the MMOC Gen2 and Flying Wing also. The EldrormR Industries MM24 that I own is still in production and doesn't factor into the 14 generations.
If I weren't so deep into the straight razor side of this hobby, I would collect more examples of these GEM razors. The design and execution of them is very well done, and the ones I have tried have been great shavers.
I'm the only one in the family who likes Stag. Using it is a great way to get some alone time :)
Yeah, I completely forgot that I volunteered to do this for @[email protected]. Thank you for the kind words on my SOTD photos. I get out of the habit of doing them when my schedule is packed. I'll try to get back into it in December.
I've just run through all of the GEMs I have (3) except for the Damaskeene. I can join you with that one.
November 16, 2024
Brush: Elite Razor Neo-resinate 26mm Mother Lode
Blade Holder: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (7)
Lather: Ariana & Evans - Vanille de Tabac - Soap
Aftershave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Spiced - Aftershave
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
The MMOC is my favorite GEM razor. It just feels right to me.
November 16, 2024
Brush: AP Shave Co Lemondrop 28mm SynBad
Blade Holder: GEM Micromatic Flying Wing
Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (6)
Lather: Ariana & Evans - Peach & Cognac - Soap
Aftershave: Ariana & Evans - Peach & Cognac - Aftershave
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Like the Gillette NEW short comb, the Flying Wing is another example of a design that never needed changing. The mechanism that opens and closes the cap, and that clamps the blade is a thing of beauty.
November 18, 2024
Brush: Brad Sears Arley 26mm Super Badger
Blade Holder: Gillette Super Adjustable 109 (Black Beauty) Gold O-4
Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (1)
Lather: Saponificio Varesino - Desert Vetiver - Soap
Aftershave: Saponificio Varesino - Desert Vetiver - Aftershave
Fragrance: Hermès - Terre D'Hermès Eau Intense Vetiver - Eau de Parfum
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
The earthy and woody nature of vetiver is another scent that I thoroughly enjoy. Like all SV scents (IMO), Desert Vetiver is extremely well done. A beautiful blend.