The Aristocrat, the Diplomat, and the Whipped Dog

Sounds like the beginning of a joke, eh? Especially if the next phrase is “walked into a bar.” But it is today’s shave.

First, I have to admit that I forgot the pre-shave balm today. So now I’m putting the little tub of it in the sink before I go to bed so I’ll remember.

The Whipped Dog silvertip badger brush with the ceramic handle is a fine brush, and I got a very good lather from the Figaro shaving cream. I did a soap-like loading since the cream is quite firm, and I did enjoy taking my time lathering my beard.

In the foreground are the two Gillettes from the late ’40s: on the left, the very Aristocrat pictured on the cover of the book, and on the right the Gillette Diplomat—the same razor plated in nickel instead of gold is called the President. (My own President has been replated in rhodium. Click photo twice to fully magnify the image to inspect the details of the razors.) Both razors gave a superbly smooth shave, and both hold a Swedish Gillette blade. It may well be that Gillette blades work especially well in Gillette razors, but the smoothness of the shave was noticeable.

A final rinse, dry, and good splash of Saint Charles Shave Bulgarian Rose, and all is well.