... 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.
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