I had some exciting stuff arrive this morning and over the weekend!

First up, a nice Stirling haul:
Stirling Haul

This is the 31mm Zenith boar brush, the same that was used for the subreddit’s prior “Moar Boar” group buy. The handle feels great in hand, and the knot seems just as nice as my other Zenith boar. My only complaint is that the Zenith and Stirling logos are pretty far off-level with the base of the handle. Not the end of the world, but it’s unfortunate.

Christmas Eve in a bath soap is a great scent. I’m looking forward to trying it and Frankincense & Myrrh in shave soap format.

Deep Blue Sea aftershave is a re-stock. I love it with a bit of menthol.

The bonus was a sample of Haverford bath soap. I’ve previously used the shave soap/splash/frag, so this sample is most welcome. It’s such a winning scent, especially for this time of year.

Next, some new hardware:
New Razors

From left to right:

  • 1940’s GEM Clog-Pruf Single Edge Razor
  • Chiseled Face Titanium Legacy Razor
  • RazoRock Game Changer with .68 and .76 plates and the “Bulldog” handle

The Clog-Pruf seems in quite good condition for its age and price (~$15 shipped). I’m still waiting on some GEM blades and want to clean it up just a bit before trying it out.

The CF TI Legacy razor is a real indulgence, but it’s a belated birthday gift from my wife, and we got a good deal from a kind soul on Discord. I’ve shaved with this razor a few times since I got it this weekend and it’s quickly vaulted to the top of my list. If I had to pick a desert island razor right now, this is very likely the one I would pick. Likely, I’m still deep in the honeymoon phase, but this is truly an outstanding razor.

I got a good deal on the Game Changer on the zaar before I ordered the CF Legacy. It’s a great shaver, I like how low profile the head is (very easy to shave under the nose), and the stainless steel construction is most definitely a step up from my Rockwell 6C. This will probably take the 6C’s place in my collection.

And finally, a Barrister and Mann score:
Paganini's Violin soap and aftershave splash

I’ve wanted to try this scent since I first read about it, so when I saw the set for a decent deal on the zaar I snatched it up.

Clean, mild, and strangely complex. I’m very much looking forward to getting to know this fragrance.

  • gcgallant
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    16 days ago

    Very nice haul! I would contact Rod for a replacement brush. That alignment error will probably always bother you.

    • snootingOP
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      16 days ago

      Yeah you’re right, after sleeping on it I’m pretty sure the misalignment would continue to bother me. I emailed them this morning.

      It’s such a silly and minor thing to care about, but damnit I do! :)

      • gcgallant
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        16 days ago

        Oh I would too. It’s a sign of poor quality control. Why pay for that?

  • waldenMA
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    16 days ago

    Great stuff. That’s odd about the brush logos. Surely Stirling didn’t check all of their inventory (that would be crazy), but I would think Zenith has better quality control than that.

    Have you emailed Stirling? I have no doubt they’d send you another one.

    • snootingOP
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      16 days ago

      Yep I sent them an email with images of the brush. I tried to make it clear that I assume the issue is with Zenith QA, we’ll see what they say.

  • djundjilaMA
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    16 days ago

    Very nice haul, and pity about the logo. I hope you can get it replaced quickly.

    This is the 31mm Zenith boar brush, the same that was used for the subreddit’s prior “Moar Boar” group buy.

    That’s not exactly right. Rod love the knot of the Moar Boar, but not the handle (508 XL) and what you got is a new big handle model (510) created for this brush. They are similar, but yours is bigger. Here, you can see then next to one another.. Either way, you got a great brush there IMO.

    • snootingOP
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      16 days ago

      Ah, thanks for the info. I’m 100% alright with a larger handle, I might even prefer it.

      Rod already got a replacement brush in the mail for me, and told me to keep this one as well! I’m looking forward to shaving with it tonight. :)