Two new razors: the Above the Tie R2 baseplate and the Shavecraft #101. I thought I had a Personna Lab Blue blade in each, but that turned out to be true only for the iKon; the ATT razor had an Astra Superior Platinum.

But to start at the beginning. As I mentioned, I’ve switched back to MR GLO as my pre-shave beard wash—just craved some variety. The Omega brush shown is quite surprisingly good. The more I use it, the more I like it, and it now has ample capacity. I easily got a marvelous lather from Strop Shoppe’s Vivace with Tallow & Lanolin—one reason I like Strop Shoppe soaps so much: marvelous lather easily achieved.

Then I set to work with the razors. To my surprise, the Shavecraft #102 ($75) was unmistakably better. Part of that might be due to the blade, but when I inspected the razor afterwards, I noticed it had the same sort of profile as the Standard, with the curvature of the cap and the placement and shape of the guard clearly defining an envelope that just enclosed the blade’s edge. If you get/have one, take a look at the profile and you’ll see what I mean. The Shavecraft clearly belongs in the first rank of razors, and the ATT is not too shabby itself. I want to try it again, this time with a new Personna Lab Blue blade, and see whether some of the difference I experienced this morning is due to the different brands of blades.

Shavecraft #101 is highly recommended. I have not seen much discussion, so it’s a dark horse right now.

A small dab of Kyovu aftershave—I learned my lesson yesterday: a splash is too much—and the week rolls on.

UPDATE: As someone pointed out, the Shavecraft #101 is asymmetrical, although in looking at the razor from the top, it looks like a regular open comb (on both sides). In looking at the bottom of the baseplate, you can readily see that one side has a underlying straight bar. However—and this is important—the two sides feel and perform much the same. Indeed, on this first shave I noticed no difference at all. Do not fear the asymmetry, for it is kind and loving.