Once in a while a shave stands out. Everything just sort of lines up the right way, even using products that work well by themselves and I use often. Like taking a walk on an unexpectedly beautiful, sunny day where all seems right with the world. My “shave of the week” included a Bakelite Slant, Crabtree & Evelyn brush, Taconic shave cream, Ursa Major toner, and Taconic aftershave balm. I’ve previously talked about the Bakelite Slant; let me concentrate on Taconic for a moment.

Taconic

The Taconic Eucalyptus & Mint Shaving Cream is aiming for the face-cooling crowd but doesn’t shove your face in a bucket of ice water like some other creams and soaps. It goes more for a lingering cooling sensation. The cream itself is “runnier” or “looser” than many other creams, and it’s easy to over-load your brush. And–for me and my hard water anyway–it takes a little longer than normal to properly hydrate and build lather. But after it gets going the lather is nicely lubricating and cushioning. In fact I think it “cooks” well in the center of the shaving brush so the lather in successive passes is even better.

But the real gem is the Taconic After Shave Balm . I was lucky enough to be part of the testing group when it was under development. I wanted to publicly “sing its praises” but I had to keep my big mouth shut until it finally became available, which was only very recently. I think this is good stuff: nicely calming and moisturizing without being greasy, lays down a pleasant matte finish, and it lasts the day. It’s unscented so it doesn’t get in the way of anything else I might be wearing.