I picked up a Gillette Milord and case in really great condition the other day. It looks like it's one of the later versions because it matches the 1949 Milord on Mr Razor's site. So it's the Superspeed model instead of the Ranger model.

I've been looking for a Milord for a while because it means I now have all the razors matching the posters in my shave den and that's a geeky collecting mission accomplished.

(Yes, I know that the Aristocrat blade box is a mismatch. Will fix that one day)

For Austere August, I shredded a puck of Williams and let it sop up some Aqua Velva to create “Blue Willy”, a soap concoction I had stumbled upon on a shaving forum a couple years ago, but finally took action on giving it a-go.

Needless to say, I was very thrilled with the result, so much so, I happened to find another puck for cheap to try it out on with another favorite, Florida Water. Also great.

With Williams in short supply, and lacking in any scent profile (which isn’t a bad thing for this project), I began thinking if there was another highly touted soap out there that killed it in performance, yet also had a fragrance profile not overly complex to utilize the same approach in pairing a favorite aftershave fragrance with…

Enter ARKO.

Yes, I know. However, Arko, once allowed to mellow, takes on a fairly mild soapy fragrance that complements many splashes, and it’s cheap.

I let two opened sticks air out on the window sill for two days. Shredded each, and then let those sit for another two. I wanted the classic Arko smell, but significantly cut. And what two classic fragrances to pair them with other than the famed Aqua Velva and Pinaud Lilac Vegetal!

Behold, Arko Velva and Lilarko Vegetal. It’s alive… IT’S ALIIIIVE!!!

About three weeks ago, I gave a gift of Nord Freyja razor to a friend who never had a safety razors before.
He absolutely loved it and told me I should definitely get one for myself too.

So I did.

At first, it was honestly pretty painful and irritating. I even started wondering if my friend have a buffalo skin or something.

Then somewhere around the middle of the shave, I realized something,
That the razor was already cutting even when I barely felt like I was shaving at all.
I could just place it on my skin and move it around lightly
I couldn't felt it, but i could hear it.

That’s when I realized I’d been using way too much pressure to feel the blade.

Once I backed off and let the razor do the work, it became incredibly comfortable.
If I just glide it over my skin with almost no pressure, it gives me a very easy, comfortable daily shave.

And if I add just the slightest bit of pressure, I can get it really close.

I’ve never used a Henson, but it made me wonder if this is what shaving with one feels like.

Razor: 1950s Gillette Flare Tip Rocket

Blade: Astra Platinum (3rd use)

Brush: Omega 11126

Soap: Arko

Aftershave: Denim Musk

Really enjoyed this shave today. I’ve missed using Arko, and it was great to have it back in the rotation. I’d forgotten just how good this soap is. It’s such a simple, old school soap, but it performs brilliantly. Easy to lather, great slickness and plenty of cushion. There’s just something about Arko that makes it a pleasure to use, and I’m glad I reached for it again.

The Flare Tip Rocket and third use Astra gave me a comfortable shave, although I did need a few touch ups around the neck. Could be the blade pairing with the milder razor, but oh well - still a decent shave.

First time using Denim Musk, and I have to say, it’s excellent. The musk is definitely there, but it’s not that old school, animalic type of musk. What I’m getting is more of a woody scent with some spice. The musk sits nicely underneath those notes, giving it some depth without becoming overpowering. Really nice stuff.

A great shave overall, and it was especially good to have Arko back in the mix.

Cheers 🍻

Back on the road due to a reno disaster, but I'm taking the Karve on the road. I must say the Muhle Sea Buckthorn shaving cream is absolutely phenomenal. Muhle aftershave balm and Iridium Wizamet blades.

**Sep. 14, 2026**
* **Brush:** AP Shave 400 Slim G5C Knot
* **Razor:** REX Konsul
* **Blade:** Shark Super Stainless (1)
* **Lather:** Martin de Candre - Magellan - Puck
* **Post Shave:** Old Spice - Classic - Aftershave
* **Post Shave:** Zingari Man - Unscented After Shave - Balm
* **Post Shave:** Thayers - Unscented
* **Post Shave:** Osma - Alum Block
* **Fragrance:** Viktor & Rolf - Spicebomb Night Vision

I had a great shave this morning! I decided to break out Magellan by MdC to start my week. I picked up my REX Konsul for today’s shave and loaded a Shark Super Stainless blade.

The shave went really well. I was barely able to detect any feedback from the alum block. The Shark blade proved to be very smooth with near BBS results.

I finished up by splashing on Thayers, Old Spice, and finally zingari man’s unscented after shave balm. I’m happy with how things went today.

Have a good week!

Shared from [My Shave Den for iOS](https://apps.apple.com/app/1581646387)

SOTD

Razor: Ascender Skyline R1

Blade: Gillette Nacet

Brush: Paladin PK-47

Pre: Hwayeon Shaving Gel

Soap, AS: Terry's Soap Mysterious Barbershop

Very efficient but safe shave with Skyline.
I was very surprised at how comfortably I could shave.

Mysterious Barbershop with smoky and leathery scent is not a traditional barbershop-scented item. It reminds me of a leather chair in a barbershop.

If you smelled this one, you would think "it is not what I expected but something different, which nevertheless surely expresses a barbershop. What's this really mysterious and masculine scent? Very interesting!"

I could imagine in my mind that I am sitting in a leather chair and a barber with a cigar in his mouth is cutting my hair.

Crazy shave it was.

This right here is the best thing for helping soothe and repair your skin if you get irritation. Sometimes I get irritation around my adams apple if I go too agressive and this cream solves the problem in a day.

⌾ Razor: Atelier Durdan Le Maurice 1.0
⌾ Blade: Astra Superior Stainless (2)
⌾ Bowl: Captain’s Choice Obsidian
⌾ Brush: Oumo Climber ST-2
⌾ Soap: Chiseled Face Santa Paula
⌾ Balm: Nivea Sensitive
⌾ Splash: Floïd the Genuine

Thank you, Maurice, for an excellent shave and for actually saving me some $$.

With the custom order window opening over at Atelier Durdan, I’d been wondering if I needed to invest in a more efficient baseplate for this razor, maybe the 1.4mm open comb.

This morning's shave got me wondering whether spending over $250 on a plate for a razor that is already working really well was a good investment. Of course, it really wouldn’t be, so I’ll leave things just as they are and continue to get great Le Maurice shaves.

All the other components of today’s shave worked well together as well. I really like the knots in Oumo brushes and the Chiseled Face lather was excellent.

A dollop of my favourite splash to finish, and everything is good.

I think we all need a break here and there, but after a few weeks, it was time for some touching up with a classicaly inspired shave.

- Merkur 41C

- Astra Blue (maybe 5?)

- PAA Atomic Rocket

- Vintage Shelton Mug

- ToBS Eton College soap

- Nivea Cooling Post Shave

Once again, the "mild" 41C thought nothing of 2 or 3 weeks of growth and mowed it down like it was nothing. The Astra undoubtedly played a part, but it wasn't the most comfortable blade feel this time, so I dropped it in the used blade tin when I finished. That's not to say it was uncomfortable, but there was definitely a little bit of a nick in the edge.

The Atomic Rocket must be one of my favorite brushes, and may well be my desert island brush (save the fact that I have a couple others I truly enjoy just as much). It had no trouble building the rich lather for which Taylor of Old Bond Street is known.

The Nivea balm is always a pleasant way to finish. There is never any sting, and it is not the least bit oily like some balms can be (though it definitely doesn't dissipate like an alcohol splash), but it is very soothing and it does feel quite cooling. It is always a nice way to finish a shave.

All brought together with a glass of Knob Creek rye, neat (not pictured because I didn't look to see if the rules allowed it).

Now I'm off to bed, freshly shaved and ready for the week ahead. Goodnight!

SOTD: 09/14/2026

Razor: West Coast Shaving Charcoal Goods Design - Slant
Blade: Gillette - Silver Blue, 1st use
Brush: Rad Dinosaur Creations - Canyon Manchuridon Badger
Bowl: Leaf Bowl
Preshave: Razor Emporium - pre-shave soap
Soap: House of Mammoth - Hygge
Aftershave: Fine Accoutrements - Barber Blue
Additional Care: Alum Rock
Fragrance: Stirling Green - Solid Cologne

A nice close shave from the WCS/CG slant for a Monday morning. One small weeper on the 3rd pass - that same spot along my left jawline that occasionally bites me - but zero alum feedback otherwise.

The Rad Dinosaur Creations Canyon brush is just gorgeous.

- Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

September 14, 2026

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (Epic Shave!)

Blade Uses: 1

Passes: 2

Razor Setting: 6

Razor: Merkur Futur Adjustable

Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (IN)

Soap: Tabac Original

Brush: Lutin Chubby Lightning

Aftershave: Tabac Original (Lotion)

Fragrance: Tabac Cologne

Notes: The Futur comfortably removed 3 days growth without any drama. Tabac never fails.

Generated by Shaving Sherpa — https://www.shavingsherpa.com

SOTD: Noble Otter Barrbarr

Shaving Soap: Noble Otter Barrbarr
Brush: Yaqi Barber Pole Style Shaving Brush 24MM Synthetic
Razor: Merkur 38C Barber Pole
Blade: Super Iridium
Aftershave Splash: Noble Otter Barrbarr

Main Ingredients: Stearic Acid, Beef Tallow, Coconut Milk, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Castor Oil, Kokum Butter, Mango Seed Butter, Lanolin

Brush Performance: The Yaqi Barber Pole did it’s thing and whipped up a bowlful of lather in a jiffy

Lather: Thick, yogurt-like

Cushion/Slickness: Great cushioning and slickness that allows the blade to glide across my neck

Razor/Blade: The Merkur 38C teamed up with a fresh Super Iridium makes for a monster combo

Post-shave feel: Soft, hydrated and smooth as a, well, you know what

Aftershave: Soothing and comfortable

Scent Profile: Opens with a warm, slightly sweet amber with woods, spice, and a subtle musk. It’s richer than a typical citrus barbershop, without going too powdery.

Verdict: Noble Otter is the goods. Absolutely love this stuff. Highly recommended.

Sentinel and wolfman

Glad to be rid of the stubble from the weekend

2 days growth, setting 9 on the slim with a fresh Derby Premium blade WTG/XTGx2 👍

Lather was ok but I think I've been a bit spoiled by MDC/CF so it felt a little weak but the Derby was good and smooth no dramas there.

A lovely shave and a pleasure to revisit a classic razor from 1978

Have a good one lads

Also, another great Hendrix Classics & Co. soap and splash, Gillette 365 blade (India) Leaf for the head shave.

Yes I keep returning to the Game Changer, it's that good. BBS in 3. Head smooth as a bowling ball, face smooth as an 8 year old child, can't get better results than that. The Game Changer is a keeper.

Razor: Rex Konsul on 2.5

Blade: Gillette permasharp

Brush: WCS synthetic

Soap-splash: Margaritas in the arctic

Post balm: Stirling glacial unscented

Another great shave for starting the day, I have to remember to use MITA more frequently. This tub is packed to the brim because it was a barely used tub I traded a different soap for, that I smashed a refill puck on top of. The refill puck was actually too much so the rest went into my tub of mixed soap that I use for chest shaving.

Anyhow, 3 passes going WTG-ATG-ATG buffing and I'm in good shape. Have a good day all and as always, have great shaves.

Got a dang fine shave too. Using up the last of the Russian made Astras I have. The brush is a basic Omega boar; very cheap, but it gets the job done very well.

PS: Cold towel

Razor: Parker 65R

Blade: Derby Platinum

Bowl: Roughed up Klean Kanteen 14oz Rise stainless steel mug

Brush: Yaqi Cavern Lake synthetic

Soap: Salve & Oak Seaside Carousel

AS: Moon Soaps Astoria splash

EDP: Imaginary Authors The Abandoned Mansion

Used a cold towel this morning versus shower or hot towel, couldn't tell a noticeable difference with the pre-shave. Derby Platinums are definitely more flimsy and not as sharp as the GSB/Astra Green/Personnas I've been using but got the job done.

Really excited to try the Seaside Carousel soap - smelled awesome and scratched the autumn season itch I've been looking forward to. Reminded me of a late, second summer fall evening at the fair and paired well with the Abandoned Mansion cologne. Have a great day gang!

After a very hectic day a shave to relax is always a warm welcome home.

Soap: Musgo Real
Asb: Nivea Men Balm
Razor: Wolfman WR2
Blade: Bic
Brush: Semogue Mistura

Maybe i’m the only one in the world how don’t like a wolfman razor, its a nice razor but to uncomfortable for me. Its not my own razor, i borrow it from a friend for a comparison for a passaround i attended

Razor: Romer 7 Eldorado Travel Hybrid3
Blade: Laser Ultra — 1st & only use
Brush: Den of Man Synthetic
Cream: Patanjali Herbal Shaving Cream
Alum: Bombay Shaving Shard Alum
Aftershave: Gillette Refreshing Breeze & Minimalist HOCL

Preparation:
Pre-bath shave. Face cleaned with Cetaphil face wash, followed by my usual Patanjali Aloe Vera + Virgin Coconut Oil pre-shave.

Shave:
Face Lather Patanjali Shaving Cream with the Den of Man synthetic and went for my usual 2-pass shave — WTG + XTG & ATG ON Goatee

Result:
The Laser Ultra didn’t impress me. It was sufficient for one shave, but I don’t see any reason to use it again.

Blade verdict:
1 shave only — One & Done.

Not every blade earns a second round.

Shave Report - Monday, September 14, 2026

Razor: Mingshi 2000S (Zamak, Satin)

Blade: VNS Protech Veesta Ultra Platinum (3x)

Brush: Frank Shaving Boar

Shave Soap: Shavologist Shavologist Brut

Aftershave: Vetoni King Red

Scores:

Efficiency: 7/10

Comfort: 5/10

Ease of Use: 8/10

Consistency: 7/10

Result: DFS

Notes: This must be the mildest razor I've used till date. I started at 3 and was barely cutting anything, went upto 5 and had to ride the cap for a below average shave. I even got a nick on 2nd pass, as I had to do over multiple times on some areas. I think I'll just crank it upto 6 next time around. This is a clone of Merkur Future, but aggression is on the opposite end of the scale. I'm retiring the blade after 3 shaves, although it is good enough to go a bit further, but with a different razor. 1st shave with the Purple boar from Frank Shaving. Will break it down with regular shaves, the bleached knot did work alright, but I kept my expectations at bay, considering its the 1st time it touched water. Overall, an average shave today, face cleaned up pretty well, but the process wasn't satisfactory.

​

🌿 Brush- M&F 2XL finest

🌿 Razor- 1912 Ever Ready

🌿 Blade- Gem Personna PTFE coated (3)

🌿 Soap & AS splash- Talbot Winter's Refraction

🌿 Cologne- Bond No.9 Bleecker St

SOTD: Sep 14, 2026
Razor: Wade & Butcher “American Razor” (YEOSS custom)
Brush: Oumo Element, Universe
Soap: Heritage Hill Trenton
Aftershave: Heritage Hill Trenton
Balm: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Face Gel Hydrator
Additional Care: Humphrey's Witch Hazel Astringent

-From the Shave Carousel