Reactivating... and shaving with a double-edge razor

It's been a few years since I regularly posted here.  Mostly 'cuz I've been posting elsewhere and have been a bit too lazy to post in both locations.

So:

I'm going to start posting brief thoughts here.  Various subjects.  Some political, others not.  Some personal.

Shaving with a double edge razor.

I gave up on electric shavers many years ago.  Replacing the blade units got expensive, and it wasn't a totally satisfying experience.

After a bit of thought, I decided to try a double-edge razor.  Spent some time on the 'net.  Read reviews on shaving razor handles and blades.  Read reviews on shaving soap.  Read some articles discussing the differences between double-edge razors and those plastic/vinyl multi-edge razors sold everywhere.

Ordered Harry's.  Wasn't happy with the experience.  The razor seemed... floppy.  The blade cartridge was difficult to rinse.

Decided to try a double-edge razor.  Bought one on Amazon along with some razor blades.  Bought some Barbasol foam at CVS.  Brought it all home and tried it.

Um, about halfway happy.

So, bought some shaving soap, a brush, and a mug online.  Tried it - and decided I liked it.

Experimented with a bunch of razor handles and blades.  Experimented with different shaving soaps.

Then read a review online for Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving cream.  Ordered it.  Tried it - and was immediately sold.

Ended up in England a couple of years ago for my daughter's wedding.  Decided to spend a couple of days in London to satisfy a couple of bucket list items.

Went to Taylor of Old Bond Street - yeah, the actual store in London.  Bought a brush and razor handle.  Somehow, this seemed to "fit" perfectly.

Still using it.

There's something about using shaving soap and a brush to apply the lather, and then using a double-edge blade in a razor handle... traditional yet very satisfying... in a "guy" way...