Decent shave. Probably would have been much better with better soap. This soap isn't horrible, but ehh. It smells nice. I got it during a nice vacation to Belgium, so it gets extra points -- otherwise I'd probably toss it.
I forgot to strop the razor, so I'll do a little extra next time.
I printed out a straight razor measuring chart, so I'll work on adding blade width info to my database to include in the SOTD. This one I've had labeled as 15/16" based on common knowledge, but now I can confirm it if I so choose!
I did a little research on this a while back and don’t recall if there is a precise definition. Most people seem to lay the razor down on a measuring tape and measure the distance from the apex to the top of the spine at the center of the razor. I measure the distance from the apex to the grind line on the spine because that is part of the bevel angle calculation.
Both seem pretty logical. I'll keep your method in mind if I ever want to calculate a bevel angle... it definitely makes more sense for that calculation.
Brush: Rad Dinosaur Creations "Stardust" - TurnNShave 26mm Shoat
Razor: Koraat Moarteen (15/16", full hollow, square point, r/wetshaving exclusive) (9)
Lather: Stirling - Seine Reserve - Soap
Post Shave: Stirling - Seine Reserve - Aftershave
Post Shave: Oleo & Co. - Facial Toner - Toner
Fragrance: Stirling - Seine Reserve - EdT
One of the best straight shaves I've had so far, and my 35th of all time. I took my time and really paid attention to my shave angle and where the blade was making contact with my face. Everything just clicked this morning. Hopefully I can do that again!
Seine Reserve is a great RG dupe (not that I've tried that many, or the original for that matter). I'd be surprised if this didn't make a return in Stirling's lineup.
The EdP is a must-have imo. You get all the complexity of the scent that is not present in the soap or splash. I’m always surprised by how good it is.
It's also the only fragrance I've purchased that was outright vetoed by my wife, so I had to let it go. She said it gave her a headache every time I used it. :/
The River Razor 6/8 has a slightly large bevel angle (19 degrees) and I have not had the type of shave that I hoped to have with it. Today, I tried preparing the razor with a Jnat edge (for softness), and using the same "soft touch" technique that I used yesterday with the 22 degree Thiers Issard razor. I'm thrilled to learn that this technique also worked with my River Razor. I may have just learned how to shave.
12 Comments
walden@wetshav.ing · 6 pts · 242d
January 10th, 2026
Decent shave. Probably would have been much better with better soap. This soap isn't horrible, but ehh. It smells nice. I got it during a nice vacation to Belgium, so it gets extra points -- otherwise I'd probably toss it.
I forgot to strop the razor, so I'll do a little extra next time.
I printed out a straight razor measuring chart, so I'll work on adding blade width info to my database to include in the SOTD. This one I've had labeled as 15/16" based on common knowledge, but now I can confirm it if I so choose!
gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social · 4 pts · 242d
I did a little research on this a while back and don’t recall if there is a precise definition. Most people seem to lay the razor down on a measuring tape and measure the distance from the apex to the top of the spine at the center of the razor. I measure the distance from the apex to the grind line on the spine because that is part of the bevel angle calculation.
walden@wetshav.ing · 2 pts · 241d
Both seem pretty logical. I'll keep your method in mind if I ever want to calculate a bevel angle... it definitely makes more sense for that calculation.
gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social · 3 pts · 241d
As of this evening's shave I've decided all this fuss about bevel angle (self-generated) is overrated 😂
BossHoggins10@sub.wetshaving.social · 6 pts · 242d
January 10th, 2026
snooting@wetshav.ing · 5 pts · 242d
January 10th, 2026
One of the best straight shaves I've had so far, and my 35th of all time. I took my time and really paid attention to my shave angle and where the blade was making contact with my face. Everything just clicked this morning. Hopefully I can do that again!
Seine Reserve is a great RG dupe (not that I've tried that many, or the original for that matter). I'd be surprised if this didn't make a return in Stirling's lineup.
gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social · 3 pts · 241d
I guarantee you that you can!
pi_dash_rho@wetshav.ing · 4 pts · 242d
SOTD - 2026-01-10
All hail The Stag!
I don't have the EdP (yet), so I took a shot with HoM Tobacconist. It's not a bad combo but it does throw a sweetness into the mix.
gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social · 5 pts · 242d
The EdP is a must-have imo. You get all the complexity of the scent that is not present in the soap or splash. I’m always surprised by how good it is.
snooting@wetshav.ing · 5 pts · 242d
I agree, the EdP is great.
It's also the only fragrance I've purchased that was outright vetoed by my wife, so I had to let it go. She said it gave her a headache every time I used it. :/
gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social · 4 pts · 241d
Ahhh the headache excuse ...
gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social · 4 pts · 241d
January 10, 2026
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
The River Razor 6/8 has a slightly large bevel angle (19 degrees) and I have not had the type of shave that I hoped to have with it. Today, I tried preparing the razor with a Jnat edge (for softness), and using the same "soft touch" technique that I used yesterday with the 22 degree Thiers Issard razor. I'm thrilled to learn that this technique also worked with my River Razor. I may have just learned how to shave.
Shave video