An Old-Time Shaving Kit With a Modern Twist

So one of my all-time favorite memories as a child was sitting on the vanity in our bathroom upstairs as my dad got ready for work in the morning.  

Being one of ten children, it wasn't very often that I'd get any one-on-one time with my dad.  I'd have to get up pretty early to get it.  My favorite part of his morning ritual was when he shaved.  He had this old porcelain mug that had years and years or residue from soap, and an old, horsehair shaving brush. 

He'd water down his brush then dip it into the mug and swirl and swirl the hairs of the brush until the mug was filled with suds from the soap.  If I was really good, he'd hand me the brush and let me dip it into the mug and lather his face up, painting the bubbles all over the stubble on his face until he look looked like he'd fallen into a pile of snow. 

When I was done being more than thorough with his soap, dad would rinse off the horsehair brush, tap it a couple times on the sink, then place it behind the vanity mirror for safe keeping and proceed to shave, followed by a few drops of Old Spice.  

To this day, the smell brings back fond memories. 

A few days ago, I was given the opportunity to test out a new, more modern version of the shaving kit.  I have a 15-year-old son who is now at that age where the perpetual peach fuzz is sprouting all over his face, so I thought this would be an excellent way to pass down the tradition of a shaving kit, rather than foam and a razor.  What's the fun in that?

When I got the package in the mail, I was impressed.  The stainless steel bowl was sturdy, designed to last a long time.  There was also a holder for the boar hair brush,which was pretty cool to look at because the bristles were several tones, so it looked like there was a stripe through the bristles. 

At first, I thought the bristles would be too coarse for shaving, but one it was wet, they softened and wasn't an issue at all.  

In all, the consensus was that the shaving kit was pretty cool, and really quite sturdy.  It's something that would make a great gift for the man in your life.  Father's Day is coming up...just sayin'.