Dave's Shave Of The Day # 11

... with the Boker barbarette

Pre-shave: Proraso red

Razor: Boker Black-handled Shavette / Merkur 34c HD

Blade: Feather Hi-stainless

Soap: Taylor of Old Bond Street Peppermint Shaving Cream

Brush: The Guv'nor Pure Badger

Post-shave Gel: St James' of London Black Pepper & Lime The Shave:

I got the Taylor Of Old Bond Street Peppermint shaving cream from my son* for my birthday, after dropping bomb-like hints a week or so before**. He duly came up with the goods and my God, I'm glad he did.

The first thing I did was to take the lid off the pot and inhale deeply. The peppermint – at least when sniffed directly from the pot – is very strong indeed. So strong, in fact, that I started to worry it might be a bit overpowering when applied to the face in lather form. However, this wasn't the case at all. Refreshing? Yes, matron. Noticeable scent? Certainly, vicar***. But not to the extent where it's uncomfortable for either the wearer or those around them. Actually, I found that by the time I'd finished all three passes of the shave, the scent had worn off somewhat. Which is probably just as well because I brought the shave to a close with a splash of the St James' of London Black Pepper and Lime post-shave gel I got sent recently by Face & Co. Interestingly, it's not really a gel. More like an aftershave lotion. It didn't really matter as it did the required job without any stinging. I was a little disappointed about this as I quite like that burn after a shave. Also – black pepper and lime? Not really sure. I thought I could smell strawberries****.

I used the Boker for the first pass and then the remaining two passes and final polish with my Merkur 34c HD. Still a great little razor.

* Well, one of my sons, that is. My middle son bought me an overwhelmingly posh box of incredible chocolates that I daren't open because I have no self-control and my youngest bought me a box of Heroes and a candle holder that casts flickering shadows when you light a candle inside it. Amazing.

** I even WhatsApped him a link to the product. Just, you know, to make sure.

*** A friend of mine, years ago, when it was his turn to buy a round in the pub would stand up, point at my glass and ask, 'More tea, vicar?' I used to find this very, very funny. But not as funny as an incident that took place in the Gents in a pub in Camden Town. There was an exchange of words between him and a woman who poked her head round the door. The punchline of the story was very funny, but I can't repeat it here. If you really want to know, email me and I'll tell you.

**** I know. Strawberries. Mad, innit? Unless, of course, black pepper and lime are well known for producing a strawberry-like aroma.