gcgallant

Everything is improved when you wear the Staaaaag :)

My father was a member of something called the Appalachian Trail Club. He would take me on hikes and to trail maintenance events when I was Djunior's age. I wasn't thrilled to come along at the time, but something stuck. By the time he reached the age I am now, I found ways to accompany him on a lot of short trail hikes.

November 17, 2024

• Brush: Wald Stratos Goldvein 29mm A1 Fan

• Blade Holder: Blackland Razors Blackbird Ti

• Blade: Personna Lab Blue (13)

• Lather: Saponificio Varesino - Opuntia - Soap

• Aftershave: Saponificio Varesino - Opuntia - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Creed - Aventus

2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.

The SV scents are so sophisticated I feel like an imposter using them. Very nice second luxury shave this evening.

It’s difficult to make a GEM + den portmanteau

"Discretion is the better part of valor"

November 17, 2024

• Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar

• Blade Holder: GEM Damaskeene CC (1912-1920)

• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (8)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Aftershave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.

I'm takin' a ride with my Staaaag … There's really nothing like the Midnight Stag trifecta to start your day. I was getting some odd glances in the store while shopping for junk food for the Sunday afternoon games, but I felt more accepted by the forest wildlife on my morning hike.

@[email protected] is doing a run through all 14 generations of GEM razors. I only have 3 of them. This Damaskeene happens to be one that he doesn't have. I have the MMOC Gen2 and Flying Wing also. The EldrormR Industries MM24 that I own is still in production and doesn't factor into the 14 generations.

If I weren't so deep into the straight razor side of this hobby, I would collect more examples of these GEM razors. The design and execution of them is very well done, and the ones I have tried have been great shavers.

I'm the only one in the family who likes Stag. Using it is a great way to get some alone time :)

Yeah, I completely forgot that I volunteered to do this for @[email protected]. Thank you for the kind words on my SOTD photos. I get out of the habit of doing them when my schedule is packed. I'll try to get back into it in December.

I've just run through all of the GEMs I have (3) except for the Damaskeene. I can join you with that one.

November 16, 2024

• Brush: Elite Razor Neo-resinate 26mm Mother Lode

• Blade Holder: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2

• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (7)

• Lather: Ariana & Evans - Vanille de Tabac - Soap

• Aftershave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Spiced - Aftershave

2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.

The MMOC is my favorite GEM razor. It just feels right to me.

November 16, 2024

• Brush: AP Shave Co Lemondrop 28mm SynBad

• Blade Holder: GEM Micromatic Flying Wing

• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (6)

• Lather: Ariana & Evans - Peach & Cognac - Soap

• Aftershave: Ariana & Evans - Peach & Cognac - Aftershave

2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.

Like the Gillette NEW short comb, the Flying Wing is another example of a design that never needed changing. The mechanism that opens and closes the cap, and that clamps the blade is a thing of beauty.

November 15, 2024

• Brush: Brad Sears Scotsman XL 28mm Super Badger

• Razor: Hart Steel 6/8 Quarter Hollow

• Lather: Noble Otter - Monarch - Soap

• Aftershave: Noble Otter - Monarch - Aftershave

2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.

This was a test shave of the Crown & Sword razor. The edge, which I honed earlier today, performed beautifully. I'm quite happy with the result.

I enjoyed using Monarch again. I love the vibe that I get from this fragrance.

I'm still working through my safety razor collection, but am almost done and looking forward to revisiting my straights. The 14er with a (now) muted tip will be the first up. I admit that I'm surprised by how much I like that razor. And it's all your fault that I have it! :)

SBS buddies :)