SOTD: January 2026

[nodaktim]

SOTD - - Friday 16 Jan 2026


Brush: ...... Rooney Heritage Emillion
Bowl: ....... WCS Scuttle black
Lather: ..... D. R. Harris Lavender shaving soap
Razor: ...... Gillette "TV Special" Superspeed 1958 (D2)
Blade: ...... Wizamet Super Iridium (day 5)
A/S: ......... Proraso Crema Balsamo Dopobarba Rinfrescante **
Cologne: ... Geo F. Trumper Spanish Leather

** ("Green" with Eucalyptus and Menthol)

It has been quite a while since I have used my Rooney Heritage Emillion, so I decided to give my trusty Kent BK4 a break. This Emillion is a densely filled brush, and soft to the touch. Yet, it was a bit stingy releasing the lather. It made the lather quickly and everything, but it wanted to keep it all to itself. At first I thought I did not load it enough and make enough lather. But, after the 2nd pass, I easily squeezed out lots of nice lather to use for the 3rd pass and touch ups. It just took a little coaxing to get it to let go, I guess. Maybe it missed lathering.

Since it has a 24mm knot, I went straight to face lathering as the scuttle was awkward even with the BK4 yesterday.

The Wizamet Super Iridium blade is on shave 5. It continues to perform decently. It was a close shave, but needed more touch ups than before and my neck area is a little warm. All in all it is still a better blade than the Gillette Nacets. It last for more shaves and the quality does not just drop off drastically like some other blades after a few uses.
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(Loading the Rooney Heritage Emillion)
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(Rooney Heritage Emillion in the WCS Scuttle waiting for the 2nd pass)
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(...see I did change something today.)
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[CMur12]

That's a very nice example of a Rooney brush, Tim. You bought some good stuff while you were at it!

- Murray

[nodaktim]

SOTD - - Saturday 17 Jan 2026


Brush: ...... Rooney 'Super' (style 3 size 1 faux horn)
Bowl: ....... WCS Scuttle black
Lather: ..... D. R. Harris Lavender shaving soap
Razor: ...... Gillette "TV Special" Superspeed 1958 (D2)
Blade: ...... Wizamet Super Iridium (day 6)
A/S: ......... Proraso Crema Liquida Dopobarba (old formula)
Cologne: ... Geo F. Trumper GFT

SWMBO prefers the Geo F. Trumper GFT to the Spanish Leather and seeing as I don't work today and will be around her more today, she gets her way.

It has been some time since I have used my Rooney 'Super' (style 3 size 1 faux horn) either, so today is the day. This Rooney 'Super' is soft to the touch. The size 1 has a 22mm knot and 50mm loft (IIRC) (If I Recall Correctly). I wish I could still get more of these brushes. What a loss to have Rooney gone.

Shave 6 with the Wizamet Super Iridium did not go as gently as before. I probably should have switched after yesterday's shave, but pushed forward anyway. It tugged a bit and did not make as clean of cuts as before. It got the job done, but with less comfort. Close enough shave with more effort and touch ups though.
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The Proraso Crema Liquida Dopobarba (old formula) was in that box too. Seeing as I preferred the old formula to the newer versions, I decided to use it even if it has decidedly darkened with age.
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(Proraso new and old)
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(Loading the Rooney 'Super')
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(Rooney 'Super' in the WCS Scuttle waiting for the 2nd pass)
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(I think I will switch razors and use a new Wizamet Super Iridium tomorrow)
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[drmoss_ca]

I improved the other Loup et Bellier this morning (on the coticule) and now it's as good as the first.

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[nodaktim]

SOTD - - Sunday 18 Jan 2026



Brush: ...... Edwin Jagger 'Best' (medium faux tortoise shell)
Bowl: ....... WCS Scuttle black
Lather: ..... D. R. Harris Lavender shaving soap
Razor: ...... Gillette "Fatboy" Adjustable 1959 (E4) (setting 3)
Blade: ...... Wizamet Super Iridium (day 1)
A/S: ......... Proraso Crema Balsamo Dopobarba Rinfrescante **
Cologne: ... Geo F. Trumper Spanish Leather

** ("Green" with Eucalyptus and Menthol)


The Edwin Jagger 'Best' (medium faux tortoise shell) was my first badger brush and second brush ever. My first brush was the Proraso/Omega Professional boar. (EJ discontinued the faux tortoise shell handles shortly after I ordered this brush in Dec 2006) This medium brush has a 21mm knot, 53mm loft and a 46mm handle (IIRC). It is essentially the same brush as those C & E brushes that used to be suggested for newbies.

This was shave 1 with a new Wizamet Super Iridium blade. I decided to use my "Fatboy", again something I have not used in awhile.

This shave went much better than yesterday. I am proving to myself that I can use any of my brushes with this DRH and it works out. Though the EJ does not hold as.much water as the others and as a consequence it did not make as much lather.
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The Proraso Crema Liquida Dopobarba (old formula) smelled off soon after applying it.
So, I am back to the newer formula Proraso Crema Balsamo Dopobarba Rinfrescante . What a waste.
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(Loading the EJ 'Best')
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(EJ 'Best' in the WCS Scuttle waiting for the 2nd pass)
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(The "Fatboy" has nice heft and made it seem effortless. I should use it more often)
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[drmoss_ca]

The first limited edition straightrazorplace razor, a TI 6/8 full hollow. Honed on coticule and finished with oil on the black surgical Arkansas. It's scary sharp, shaves effortlessly, but gives a little sting with the aftershave. It will calm down after a few shaves.

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[nodaktim]

SOTD - - Monday 19 Jan 2026



Brush: ...... Proraso / Omega Professional boar
Bowl: ....... WCS Scuttle black
Lather: ..... D. R. Harris Lavender shaving soap
Razor: ...... Gillette "Fatboy" Adjustable 1959 (E4) (setting 3 & 5)
Blade: ...... Wizamet Super Iridium (day 2)
A/S: ......... Proraso Crema Balsamo Dopobarba Rinfrescante **
Cologne: ... Geo F. Trumper Spanish Leather

** ("Green" with Eucalyptus and Menthol)


The Proraso / Omega Professional boar a.k.a. 'The Paintbrush' is my largest brush and it was my first brush ever. I bought it at a Target store in late 2006 when they briefly carried Proraso products. I had already ordered my EJ from the UK, but it wasn't due to arrive for a couple of weeks. It took a bit more time and effort to get enough good lather this morning. But, the shave went well.

Shave 2 with a Wizamet Super Iridium blade paired with my "Fatboy". I did a 3-pass shave on setting 3 with some touch ups on setting 5.
BBS and no irritation.

I have now tried all 5 of my brushes with the DRH soap. I have proven to myself that I can use any of my brushes with this DRH and it works quite well. Each brush has its differences, but I think the Kent BK4 made the lather the quickest and easiest with this soap.
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loading the Proraso-Omega Professional.jpg (68.7 KiB) Viewed 315 times

(Loading the 'The Paintbrush')
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(Proraso/Omega in the WCS Scuttle waiting for the 2nd pass)
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SOTD 2026-01-19.jpg (661.37 KiB) Viewed 315 times

(The "Fatboy" worked quite well today.)
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[brothers]

This week's shaving soap is Strop Shoppe Alpine Frost. They stopped operations several years ago. Too bad. They proudly advertised on the lid that this excellent soap contains Tallow and Menthol. That's why I bought it. Over the years this one has always provided shaves as good as any others, bar none. Obviously, this one has just a few more luxurious shaves left.
The SynBad synthetic brush performed beautifully.

[nodaktim]

SOTD - - Tuesday 20 Jan 2026

Brush: ...... Kent BK4 (imitation ivory)
Bowl: ....... WCS Scuttle black
Lather: ..... D. R. Harris Lavender shaving soap
Razor: ...... Gillette "Fatboy" Adjustable 1959 (E4) (setting 5)
Blade: ...... Wizamet Super Iridium (day 3)
A/S: ......... Proraso Crema Balsamo Dopobarba Rinfrescante **
Cologne: ... Geo F. Trumper Spanish Leather

** ("Green" with Eucalyptus and Menthol)

Today, I went back to my trusty Kent BK4 (thanks again Dr. Chris Moss). This seems to be the best brush I have for the DRH soap. After loading the brush, I went straight to face lathering. I decided to leave my "Fat Boy" on setting 5 from yesterday's touch ups and do a 3-pass shave on that setting.



I am not sure if it was the setting, over doing it yesterday with touch ups, face/neck need a break for a day or what. But, today I have more irritation and even a couple of weepers. It is not the best start of the morning.

Oh well. As they say...
Q: "What is the difference between a good haircut and a bad one?
A: "A few weeks"

I guess in this case for shaves, a day or two.

[drmoss_ca]

First of the seven day set of TI Eagle 6/8. Touched up on the Arkansas with oil. Very satisfactory!

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[nodaktim]

SOTD - - Wednesday 21 Jan 2026

Brush: ...... Kent BK4 (imitation ivory)
Bowl: ....... lather bowl (local potter) & cheap bowl for hot water
Lather: ..... D. R. Harris Lavender shaving soap
Razor: ...... Gillette "Fatboy" Adjustable 1959 (E4) (setting 3)
Blade: ...... Wizamet Super Iridium (day 4)
A/S: ......... Proraso Crema Balsamo Dopobarba Rinfrescante **
Cologne: ... Geo F. Trumper Spanish Leather

** ("Green" with Eucalyptus and Menthol)

I told myself to skip today, but I couldn't stop myself.

I decided to forego the scuttle and use my 2 bowl system and make the lather in the bowl to avoid face lathering just in case it contributed to yesterday's outcome.

I also lowered the setting back to 3 and only did a 2-pass (WTG and XTG) just to limit over doing it. Obviously not as close, but got the job done.

[nodaktim]

SOTD - - Friday 23 Jan 2026

Brush: ...... Kent BK4 (imitation ivory)
Bowl: ....... lather bowl (local potter) & WCS scuttle
Lather: ..... D. R. Harris Lavender shaving soap
Razor: ...... Gillette Tech 1958 (D2) 3-piece ball end
Razor: ...... Gillette "Fatboy" Adjustable 1959 (E4) (setting 3)
Blade: ...... Wizamet Super Iridium (day 1)
A/S: ......... Proraso Crema Balsamo Dopobarba Rinfrescante **
Cologne: ... Geo F. Trumper Spanish Leather

** ("Green" with Eucalyptus and Menthol)

I skipped shaving yesterday to allow my face and neck to have a day of rest. I was looking forward to shaving this morning and decided to reset my gear too and go with an optimal setup. So, I loaded up my, most dependable and possibly favorite razor, the (Gillette Tech 1958 (D2) 3-piece ball end) with a new Wizamet Super Iridium blade. I was going to use the WCS scuttle, but then decided to use the lathering bowl instead. I wanted the tried and true items for today. But, then I realized the bowl sits nicely on the scuttle and so I filled the sink with very hot water and let them warm up with the bowl on top of the scuttle without risking getting water into the bowl. Things were going quite well, excellent lather, gentle razor, new blade, everything was going...quite well indeed. But, then it happened. My hands must have been slippery from a little lather and I dropped my most beloved razor. It hit the countertop, but I wasn't too worried as these 3-piece techs seem unbreakable, right? Well when I went to pick it up to finish my ATG pass, the head was no longer attached. The threading was snapped off and still in the handle. Finished shaving with the "Fatboy".

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[brothers]

This morning's shave was the last shave from the Alpine Frost soap. It lasted several years and I will miss it.

[nodaktim]

SOTD - - Sunday 25 Jan 2026

Brush: ...... Edwin Jagger 'Best' (med 21mm knot, faux tortoise)
Bowl: ....... lather bowl (local potter) & WCS scuttle
Lather: ..... D. R. Harris Lavender shaving soap
Razor: ...... Edwin Jagger DE89BA11BL (barley chrome)
Blade: ...... Wizamet Super Iridium (day 2)
A/S: ......... Proraso Crema Balsamo Dopobarba Rinfrescante **
Cologne: ... Geo F. Trumper Spanish Leather

** ("Green" with Eucalyptus and Menthol)

I skipped shaving yesterday after working 16+ hours on Friday, I overslept Saturday morning.

The Edwin Jagger 'Best' badger brush does not perform up to the high standard set by the Kent BK4, but it gets the job done with a bit more effort, time and care. It is also not as soft or holds as much water in the bristles as the Kent BK4. That brush is in a class all it's own.

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(EJ Best in the lather bowl on top of the WCS scuttle in a sink of water)


The Edwin Jagger DE89BA11BL (barley chrome) has quite a bit of heft, but is quite gentle. The head does not have the same lower profile of the Tech, but with some extra care can get the job done.

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[drmoss_ca]

Saturday's much needed shave. Spent a couple of nights in a grubby hotel while Pippa had a hip replacement (as day surgery!) Came home to -23ºC and snow (windchill -40º) but managed to get her into the house. So I'm on 24/7 nursing duty and grabbing a shave whenever she's drugged and asleep.

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[brothers]

Chris and Pippa - best wishes and blessings to both of you.

[CMur12]

Chris, I wish Pippa a smooth and rapid recovery, and I wish you a smooth and rapid return to your normal shaving routine.

- Murray

[nodaktim]

Saturday's much needed shave. Spent a couple of nights in a grubby hotel while Pippa had a hip replacement (as day surgery!) Came home to -23ºC and snow (windchill -40º) but managed to get her into the house. So I'm on 24/7 nursing duty and grabbing a shave whenever she's drugged and asleep.

I pray for Pippa's complete and rapid recovery and to give you strength during this time of trial as you are on 24/7 nursing duty. May you stay warm during these cold days and that shaves be most enjoyable and smooth.

[nodaktim]

SOTD - - Monday 26 Jan 2026

Brush: ...... Rooney 'Super' (style 3 size 1 faux horn)
Bowl: ....... lather bowl (local potter) & WCS scuttle
Lather: ..... D. R. Harris Lavender shaving soap
Razor: ...... Edwin Jagger DE89BA11BL (barley chrome)
Blade: ...... Wizamet Super Iridium (day 3)
A/S: ......... Proraso Crema Balsamo Dopobarba Rinfrescante **
Cologne: ... Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet (sample)

** ("Green" with Eucalyptus and Menthol)

Inspired by Dr. Moss' choice of Penhaligon's Opus 1870 yesterday, I dug out my Penhaligon's scent library samples from years ago. I intended on trying the Opus 1870, but alas it was not to be. The sample has precious little remaining and I don't recall my thoughts about the scent. So, I decided to use the Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet instead. It is pleasant, but does not seem to last long on me. I don't know if it is the nature of this EDT or what. Maybe I would need to use more per application?
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[drmoss_ca]

Today's shave was like the last, except for using the Monday razor and a different aftershave:

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Another lovely fragrance we have lost.