Shaving brushes

  • All other things equal, there's a world of difference between a 22mm knot and a 24mm knot. A 24mm knot is worth the extra money.
  • A good synthetic brush can give a top of the line silvertip badger a run for the money (HERESEY!).

I have a Whipped Dog 24mm High Mountain and a Whipped Dog 24mm Synthetic, both in W Dog Handles. They will both lather any shaving soap you put in front of it exceptionally well.
  • A Maggard 24mm synthetic knot equals the W Dog synthetic.
  • A horse hair brush is interesting and underappreciated, and I could care less if it's "cruelty free"- give me a break!

Razors

  • A Parker 22R Long Handle, Gunmetal color, is a thing of beauty, a work of art. So far I have only shaved with the Parker with a Wilkinson Sword blade. Great shave. I can only compare it to several Weishi models, both regular and long handle, a few others and several vintage Gillettes.
  • The handle is too slick, but I'm getting used to it.

Shaving soaps and creams

  • I guess I don't understand "shaving creams" such as Omega and "Shea Moisture Shave, African Black Soap, Shave Butter Cream" ( the worst!). I guess I like lather.
  • I like Proraso green, Razo-Rock Oil of Lime, and Col. Conk Glycerine Soap. Got some lather! I could use them the rest of my life and die happy (but I'll try more).

Post Shave Balm

  • I got turned off to "after shave" a long time ago (Brut, English Leather (never used Aqua Velva)).
  • My current is Nivea Post Shave Balm.
  • My big tip of the night is "NIVEA Men Maximum Hydration 3 in 1 Nourishing Lotion 16.9 oz." (bottle says "3 in 1, Face, Body, and Hands"). 16.9 oz costs the same as a 3.3 oz bottle of post shave balm. I use it on my lower arms and hands and wipe my face with what's left. Works for me!

So far it's been quite an adventure! (Don't get me started on blades, too many choices!)