Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Tabak Oridjinal, now with 28 mm Gelousy knot
Razor: F. Rolli Rolli’s Hollow Ground 5/8" (carbon steel, barber’s notcho)
Lather: Mäurer & Wirtz – Tabac Original
Post Shave: Mäurer & Wirtz – Tabac Original
Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz – Tabac Original
This little Rolli was produced right here in the old town of Lausanne, 5 minutes on foot from my apartment sometime before 1937. It’s in surprisingly great condition and I enjoy the mix of modern and old styles: The barber’s notch and the prominent etching on the face are clearly inspired by Sheffield razors of the second half of the 19th century while the fully chamfered spine and the transition from the chamfer to the square cross section of the tang can often be seen on modern (i.e., first half of the 20th century and later) German straight razors. I’m also amused by the mismatch between the small size (5/8") and these design cues from much larger razors. The mirror finish is also neat.
I prefer larger blades, but great shaves like today’s make me think I might not have right reasons for this preference.
Yes, I stuck a Gelousy in there. It’s a nice knot, but definitely a lot floppier than I’d like. I keep postponing pulling it back out and drilling a deeper bore hole to set it at a lower loft 😅
I’m still very interested in trying one of the extra soft Zenith horse brushes, but since all my experiences with horse hair were a tangled up mess that had to be tossed out soon, I’m kinda worried…
Thanks but I have to politely decline. Currently it’s not a good time to possibly add another brush to the mix; maybe someday in the future. I highly appreciate your kind offer though ✌🏻
Thu Oct 10 2024
This little Rolli was produced right here in the old town of Lausanne, 5 minutes on foot from my apartment sometime before 1937. It’s in surprisingly great condition and I enjoy the mix of modern and old styles: The barber’s notch and the prominent etching on the face are clearly inspired by Sheffield razors of the second half of the 19th century while the fully chamfered spine and the transition from the chamfer to the square cross section of the tang can often be seen on modern (i.e., first half of the 20th century and later) German straight razors. I’m also amused by the mismatch between the small size (5/8") and these design cues from much larger razors. The mirror finish is also neat.
I prefer larger blades, but great shaves like today’s make me think I might not have right reasons for this preference.
We always tend to prefer larger things despite it actually being a matter of how well you can handle what you’ve got 👀
Btw, nice time see you’ve been able to fit a new knot to your Dogwood brush!
Yes, I stuck a Gelousy in there. It’s a nice knot, but definitely a lot floppier than I’d like. I keep postponing pulling it back out and drilling a deeper bore hole to set it at a lower loft 😅
You prefer a firmer brush I reckon. I like mine a bit floppier, but that’s due to the nature of head shaving.
I can appreciate a softer brush (eg, my extra soft Zenith horse) but I do prefer a bit of backbone, yeah.
I’m still very interested in trying one of the extra soft Zenith horse brushes, but since all my experiences with horse hair were a tangled up mess that had to be tossed out soon, I’m kinda worried…
Do you want to try mine? I’d be happy to send you mine
Thanks but I have to politely decline. Currently it’s not a good time to possibly add another brush to the mix; maybe someday in the future. I highly appreciate your kind offer though ✌🏻
If you change your mind I’m the future, don’t hesitate to let me know