Colonel Conk Classic Shave Stand Model 775 Chrome

4 Month Review -After switching from Mach III razorsBelow is the listed product I am using as part of my "Shaving Arsenal." It took me a while to find each piece needed to bring it all together. My approach was finding all the pieces that had the best reviews vs. price. Just about everything listed below was the "highest price" but luckily these items don't cost much. Not CLOSE to as much as it costs to shave with Mach III Safety razors. If your ready to make the switch to a superior, and cheaper, alternative then check out the products below.Stand: Safety Razor stand Once I learned that a stand was needed for the "Tweezerman Men's Shaving Brush" I decided to go with this one. Its been 4 months and the chrome is still shining well. Its sturdy, and holds my double edged razor as well as the shaving brush as if this product was made just for them. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001XURHNY/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_42Handle: Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor.The first thing I noticed about this handle is the quality. You can tell its not your basic cheap piece of metal. Its got a comfortable weight to it, keeps its brilliant chrome finish, and clean up is quick and easy. I consider myself a man with normal size hands and don't know why this one is considered "long handled." Its just a tad longer than the Mach III razor I used to use. However, it’s a night and day difference compared to those "Safety razors." It cuts very close with minimal passes. I've never had a shave that was this close before.http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Model-180-Handled-Safety/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1355613524&sr=8-10&keywords=double+edge+razor+handleBlades: 7a.m. Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades I've heard there are better blades on the Market but since I started out with a 100-pack it will be 2-YEARS until I need to buy any more since I change them out once a week. I'm half Filipino so I don't have the thickest facial hair but definably pull off a goatee without a problem. Other than one "Dud" all other blades have been very predictable and easy to use. I have gotten the occasional razor burn but that appears to be normal with any Double-edged razor. I was worried I would be opening myself up to more "risk" with these but feel that I am at no more risk than any other safety blade now that I am used to it.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017ZECA6/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_32Brush: Not sure why its made of "Badger" hair but its working. Where this brush looses a star is because it lost some of its bristles during the first week. Since then there haven't been any more hair-loss and I've had no problems. 4 months going strong. It creates a nice lather and feels good against the skin. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G647Y8/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_47Shaving Soap: Prosaro Shaving SoapIt works but I with it had more lather. Based on previous reviews, it sounds like the amount of lather has significantly decreased. Does it work? Yes, but I like a good lather. Anyways, its been 3 months and I feel like I have maybe gone through half of this container which isn't bad. It also has a very fresh but subtle smell which I really like.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00837YY18/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_44?ie=UTF8&redirect=trueSoap Bowl: Guess I didn't need this since I am using the Proraso Shaving Soap which is self contained. For as simple as it is, it lost two stars. There is a rim that goes along the bottom that has (or had) a black rubber piece that ran around it to provide a good footing for the Bowl while on a counter. The very first day this part fell off, it didn’t seat on there, and it wasn't glued. In the garbage that piece went. The next star was lost due to finish. It was a pretty flat finish for chrome and you could see the several light scratches across it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00404RI70/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_35After Shave: Virgin Island Bay Rum by ClubmanI've tested several types of Aftershave in stores but never found anything I liked. Based on reviews I had a hunch I would really like this. Once it arrived I was right! It gives me a very fresh feeling after my morning shave, and has an amazing smell which isn't overpowering at all. My wife is very sensitive to smells but this is one she actually admires.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000053L6W/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_2

I've had this stand for years now and its not rusty or anything- kinda heavy and looks nice on my sink. The only odd thing was that it wouldn't fit my fatter handled Art of shaving brush- I had to tweak the arms open with a set of pliers for it to fit. It fit my other cheaper brush handles fine. Was reluctant to spend the money at first but I am glad I did- lets handle dry upside down which is suppose to be good but who knows!SHAVING- let me save you years of trial and error: take a warm shower & wash your face with billy jealousy exfoliating facial cleanser, shave afterwards with a $50 Merkur safety razor handle with good blades (save $100's on mach 3 refills!), use a $20 Tweezerman badger hair shaving brush to apply taylor of old street bond (or proraso) shaving cream (you can let it set in a minute), shave WITH the grain DOWN, SLOWLY, SOFTLY (don't press hard- let the weight of the handle and sharp blade do the cutting), lastly rub on a fingertip of proraso pre/post shave cream while your face is still wet and let it dry! Say goodbye to razor bumps and ingrown hairs FOREVER! Trust me- I've tried dozens of pricey face washes, shaving creams, and after shaves over the last 4 years. If you don't want to commit so much money yet- order the pre/post shave proraso cream online, buy proraso shave cream online or at bath and body works (under their C.O. Bigelow label) then get the cheap single blade disposables (mach 3's are too aggressive) at a grocery store and you'll notice a difference overnight.

Most of the men in my life own a Colonel Conk Evernice (model 775) razor stand due to conscientious gifting from Christmas and birthdays ever since I gave my brother one a few years ago. While there are more expensive duos out there, Colonel Conk's option combines affordability with durability and high quality.It serves its essential function of keeping a razor and a badger-hair brush upright without problems, despite being loaded with heavy steel razors or tucked into a corner. This stand's weight resists being knocked over by a gentle shove and passing cats -- a valuable feature when countertop space is at a premium or you need to trust putting your razor down won't end up with a loose cartridge on the floor or in the sink. The base is sufficiently wide for a good grip.The chrome finish is attractive and resists spotting or rusting. I still wipe down the fixtures between uses to keep them in good condition. Cleaning up is a snap.The primary drawback is the width of the razor holder, which will not fit all models of razor. While the brush holder has fit the different varieties my relatives have had through the years, some of their razors slipped through or would not balance sufficiently. A little jury-rigging sometimes solved the problem but it may be worth measuring the shaft and razor head to be sure they will have a good seat.