February '16 - 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion Thread

Cool, a 'Hey y'all watch this' moment. Pass this test you will and Jedi knight become you will.

 

Well I started a little bit later than you guys but since Feb 14th I have been using the Van Der Hagen soap, butterfly DE razor, blades, and boar brush. It was all part of a kit and that is all that I have so I am kind of forced to only use that until I buy other items. I will also start next round with you guys.

 

We're glad to have you, whenever you decide to join! Please post your reactions and results of your shaves and we'll be glad to do what we can to help you along. I am neophyte myself - been DE shaving for two months - but I can say this Focus group is here to help. You'll enjoy the commentary and camaraderie too!

I would urge you to look at tryablade.com and order a variety of blades to try. The guys here can offer TONS of advice about blades. I read in one of your other posts that you were thinking of buying some Personna lab blues. Those are good blades! Lots of TSD members use them. But you'll need to try a good many to find a few that really work for you.

Again, welcome aboard!

 

Welcome to the thread!

 

Friday, February 26, 2016

Pre: Shower, Sterling Pre-Shave Soap, Noxema
Soap: Savonniere Du Bon Berger Cedar Mandarin
Brush: Elite Razor High Mountain White
Razor: The One Blade
Blade: FHS-10
Post: Witch Hazel, Whipped Shea Butter, Folsom & Co Capri

 

Wow thanks for that suggestion. I will go to that website and try out a bunch of different blades. I look forward to trying all aspects of wet shaving. Thanks again.

 

Blades I have had good luck with are Astra SP, Wilkinson Sword (German), Personna Blue, Kai, Gillette Silver Blue. I can make most blades work but those are the most comfortable for me. Stay away from Chinese blades and the Tiger 3 hole and you should be fine. Mostly.

 

I normally don't chase the baby but today I did.

Gillette Super Speed
Viking Sword(3)
Semogue boar
La Toja
Clubman original

I waited for this 3rd shave so I would have extra growth to throw at this blade. 2.5 days of beard began this battle and that beard lost.
I started out with La Toja and the Semogue. I have only used this soap once before so I made sure to load up very well. 30 sec later I hit my face with it and after a little extra water it was rich creamy and smelling better then I remembered it. I started with XTG and could have ended with a CCS at the end of it. I relathered and started on a S/N pass with G-slide on M neck and ended with nearly a BBS. I relathered again and buffed some trouble spots for a solid BBS. Now I noticed some redness on the right side of my neck but none elsewhere and no weepers. Most blades only last this long with slightly decreased performance for the 3rd shave. This one was as good today as it was on day one. I did a warm rinse, a cold rinse and liberally applied Clubman. No burn. I was impressed. The Viking Sword will get another day.

 

February Focus - German blades DONE! Best of the Best to the Finish!

February 25

Razor - '59 Gillette Super Speed
Blade - (1)
Brush - Vie Long 12601 The Pony
Soap - Tabac
Post - Cold rinse, Alum, Nivea, The Veg

Two day growth to start the day and the blade of choice is the Black Beauty from Treet. This Pakistani carbon blade is tops on my carbon list. Yes, the Treet New Steel is an awesome blade but something about this blade always brings me back. Paired with the SS it really gives a great shave. Or so I remember. The Pony and Tabac for the great lather today and time to rock and roll.

This blade always gives great audio feedback and with two days growth it's really something to hear. Very smooth, not as smooth as some stainless blades, but not tuggy or uncomfortable at all. Great result on the first pass as well. XTG on the second pass and a nice DFS was the result. I did some ATG touchup on the cheeks and a G-slide on the neck to finish with a near BBS. It's just fun to hear and feel this blade work.

Rinsed and used the alum and found it quiet. A few minor burns on my neck but I was a bit heavy handed in a couple of small areas. Overall a great shave and result. Same setup for tomorrow then moving on to the Feather. Hope you all have a great Friday, and may you enjoy your weekend ride!

​

 

I finally got around to my shave, it did not go as well as my first time. I was tired and rushed and had to pull out the alum stick for my jawline BUT I still enjoyed it.

Razor- Atomic Razor
Blade- Astra SP
Brush- Omega synthetic
Soap- Arko shave stick
ASB- Nivea men cooling

Thanks to a suggestion by Bama Samurai I'm starting tomorrow with daily shaving. The Arko made a ton of lather,I went after it like it owed me money. Ok first pass wtg, ok second pass xtg, bad third pass atg. I'm assuming there should be less hair left for the atg. I'm patient though and know it will come with time.

 

I would say hold my beer, it's definitely appropriate.

 

Glad you found us! Welcome aboard!

 

Instead of ATG try a 2nd XTG from the other direction. Remember a BBS everyday isn't feasible a high grade DFS is much easier and easier on your face.

 

I just found out about this contest! Congrats Ducky!

 

Thank you, Doug!

 

February 26

Weber PH
Feather (2)
Kent BK4 silvertip badger
Jabonman Oriental Breeze
Alum, Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Fine Platinum

Thanks to the February focus, I consistently get very good two-pass results with the Weber. I've essentially eliminated touch-ups by incorporating careful WTG face/ATG neck and ATG face/XTG neck passes. I have a light beard, so I could probably stop shaving after the first pass. However, I enjoy the experience so much that I always go for the second pass.

The Kent brush is a bit floppy, but it builds a great lather and just feels good to use. The Jabonman soap and the Fine Platinum aftershave are favorites as well. Get 'em if you don't have 'em!

I hope you all have a great weekend. I've enjoyed riding along with you all this month!

 

Straights Focus February 26:

Stirling Synthetic Brush
Razorock Don Donato SS
Frederick's Celebrated Razor
Stirling Unscented PSB
Barbasol Pacific Rush AS

A nice, easy one pass for a CCS this morning. Have a great Friday.

 

30 Day Focus Feb 26, 2016

Noxema pre shave
Gillette Heavy Tech / Gillette Silver Blue
Omega / Cella
WH / Proraso ASB

Wonderful shave this morning. The GSB continues to cruise at high speed and performs like a gem. Cella...well, what can I say...a classic. TGIF!

 

SOTD February 26, 2016
Focus day 26
Day 10 of open comb use and comparison

Prep: Warm shower
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (5)
Razor: Maggard MR1 with V2 open comb
Brush: Omega 10049 boar
Lather: Mitchell's Wool Fat
Post: Witch hazel splash, Nivea sensitive balm
WTG, touch-up

Wool Fat Friday for me! The lather didn't disappoint yet again - it's hard to top MWF. I whipped up tons and tons of lather in the Omega brush. There would have been enough for five more passes. I didn't mean to produce so much, but it happens. The open comb razor performed great again. A nice shave overall.

I'm interested to go back and see what I think of the Maggard V2 closed comb after really enjoying the open comb. I'll do that soon to get more comparison.

Have a great Friday everyone!

 

Nice picture, Perry!