OCtober 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Thank you, Andrew, for the feedback on the Astras.

My first DE shave 4 years ago was with a Derby blade that came with my razor. I can still feel that blade pulling the hairs out of my chin. Since that time, I switched to Feather blades and have stayed with them in both my DE and SE razors. It's very kind of you to offer me some Astra's. It might be easier if I order a sleeve of them from Amazon. We have Amazon Prime, so we have free shipping, and we know the UPS driver by his first name.

I have somewhere around 1000 Feather DE and SE blades. I think @Bama Samurai calls that being a Murica's Favorite Blade Fanboy. I like to think of it as being prepared for the next couple of decades.

 

Top 5? Well I'll say......

1. Voskhod
2. Sharp Star
3. Rapira Super Stainless (pink/black/blue)
4. Ladas
5. Bic CP

Next 5 -

6. Astra SP
7. GSB
8. Kai
9. Super Max Super Platinum
10. Treet Double Edge (carbon)

Now, the exact order may not be perfect but it's close. Always subject to change as I discover new ones. I only chose blades, by the way, that I will actually buy and use so there are some really excellent blades I've discovered that won't be in my den in spite of the quality. However, none of them exceeds the top two or three.

 

...and I thought learning how to play chords on the guitar was tough.

 

Whenever someone describes a maneuver like that, I get lost in the details. I'm guessing you'd need assistance taking a photo of said procedure.

Fumble fingers post via Kyocera / Tapatalk (subject to later editing)

 

Shave 8

Tonight I tried a couple of suggestions from @Karl G and @Keithmax pertaining to my neck. All I can say is that hard trying to reach around my head while slinging a sharp object. It actually cleaned it up much better than any other shave. Thanks guys. I know what I will be concentrating on for a few weeks. I believe this was my best straight shave yet. CCS bordering on DFS all over.

Have a safe Friday.
Tom


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13 October 2016

Day 6 GSB, two pass DFS with the Fatip. Trying to watch football and play cards and post to TSD. Other than that...all is quiet in Colorado.

Have a fantastic Friday!
☺

 

In my defense...

I called no one a fanboy. I merely posited that Astra had few fanboys to call it's own.

'Murica y'all....

 

My bad, Dude.

 

Yo.

 

On the current state of my shaves:

I prefer open blade shaving. This means straights and shavettes, mostly shavette. The Fatip, wielded with care, yields shaves on par with SR. It's just lacking in the fun department.

 

I plan to use my Feather AC for the November focus. It's been awhile since I've had that kind of fun.

 

Not Fun? Yo! Dude!
Move on?!?


Fumble fingers post via Kyocera / Tapatalk (subject to later editing)

 

It's a meaningful month. Trying new DE grips and stroke patterns.

 

I'm jumping in very late but am trying to master an OC classic knurl with feather blade. Very, very sharp. I'm using a tiny batch green clay soap that has shea and tallow in it.

I will get this DE thing down before returning to straights though. Enjoyed reading the 30 day focus thus far.

I'm Dave. I'm fairly used to straights but still a bit rusty though giving cartridges the boot for good.

I have the Alum block, badger brush and using thayers witch hazel Cucumber after any styptic applications and a cold wash off.

Old souls need to keep the skills up. My technique thus far is horrible.


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Hi Dave! You can't start late...you can only start!

Welcome to the 30DC! It's the party that never stops.

 

Welcome aboard! Everyone's technique was horrible at first. We're all lucky to be only mildly mangled and scarred up! Glad you are along for the ride. Ask anything you need because somebody around here has the answer.

 

I'll use the Magic razor with Voskhod. Murica's best versus the Local Legend....if you shave in cool water, I already do...it'll be like the Cold War. Good times all over again!

 

Remember Rockwell Razor Blades? I do, and I promised some more info when I had it. The question about Rockwell blades really centered around its manufacture site and a few other questions about its manufacture. Thanks to Gareth I have a few answers. Before I tell you what I know here's a quick "commercial". Gareth is interested in gaining as much feedback as possible about the blades. Obviously, manufacturing blades isn't something everyone does, especially someone starting a new razor company. So, if you have used the Rockwell blade please feel free to comment on the experience, your thoughts, concerns, good, bad, etc. There is a thread HERE for you to post all of that in. If you want to post it here too that's fine, but I'd like to keep all of that discussion together as much as possible so I can compile everything for Gareth. Thanks for your help.

And now, without further ado.....the unveiling. The Rockwell blades are manufactured in China. The facility has traditionally manufactured lots of blades but never DE blades before now. The steel is Swedish, imported to China by Rockwell. Apparently there's been a lot of work and discussion between Rockwell and the Chinese plant in developing the blades. As Gareth pointed out to me in his email there really isn't anyone else entering the DE blade market now. The existing companies are all in place and have been, so a new blade is rather unique. The blades are platinum coated and "some extra steps" to help keep the blades sharp longer. Those steps he won't disclose as it's still part of the ongoing patent process.

So, now we know. Not sure how I feel about a Chinese source, to be honest. My experience, as some of you may remember...I'm looking at you @Heisenberg 93.....is generally negative when it comes to Chinese blades. They did give us the Flying Eagle, after all. The worst blade in the history of shaving. Now, it's obviously a different company making the Rockwell blades, but Chinese blade QC isn't exactly high on my list of things to trust. On the other hand......when someone like Gillette or Schick has gone in and used Chinese manufacturing the blades are quite good. So it seems to me the key to future success will be Rockwell's control of the process.

Again, if you have used them or decide to try them please go HERE to add your feedback. And just to be clear, I do not work for Rockwell or have any interest in the company beyond my usual curiosity about blades. Whatever feedback you give will be compiled and given to Gareth with no attempt to sway anything.

 

Careful what you ask for.....out in the real world the old powers are sparring a bit. Come to think of it, why not have a Cold War on here....just keeping up with the real world.