March '16 - 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix and Discussion Thread

Injector Focus
I have now tried all three combs in the Bunny. Being an aggressive razor fan, I saved the mild for last. I did my usual two pass shave and was pleasantly surprised. I only had to do a little touch up for a very smooth shave and the alum was extremely quiet. I really like this razor a lot.
SOTD
Mitchell's Wool Fat
Rubberset 400
Bunny V3 with mild comb
Chick bade (4)
Alum
Thayer's Witch Hazel
Ogallala Bay Rum
Have fun!

 

I have resisted the Sam Seong if only because of the plastic lock mechanism that releases the blade. My understanding is they ship the razor with an extra one of those.......because they tend to break easily. The CJB is a much better value, especially if it's a buck cheaper.

 

I'm in.

 

Razor: Gillette Aristocrat 1947
Blade: Feather Hi Stainless Platinum (2)
Brush: WDC-6 TGN Silvertip Premium 24/50
Soap: Route 66 The Perfect Gent
A/S: Route 66 The Perfect Gent

 

Lovely photo Doug.

 

March into Artist Club Blades

March 22

Razor - Feather SS
Blade - (2)
Brush - BoS Omega 10066
Soap - Proraso
Post - Cold water, Alum, Nivea

I'm a bit stunned and humbled to see everyone who is suddenly jumping on board to buy the Dorco AC blades based on my review. Either you trust me or else I've been around long enough to begin to wear off on people and warp some minds. And, that bandwagon got started based on one shave. So, hopefully before you all race off and buy something you'll later blame me for, here's day two.

First of all, apologies to @Keithmax for another shave with no blood. Sorry, just didn't happen. However, I can't say that it was quite as smooth as yesterday's shave, though not significantly worse. The main thing I noticed was just a bit of tugging, especially on the left side. And, the irritation level on the neck was higher than yesterday. Not a lot higher, but it definitely had a bit more burn with the alum.

Two things come to mind. One, that the blade isn't going to have the life that the Kai and Feather blades do. Those blades are good for a solid week and more, depending on how far you like to push them. Based on two shaves I can't say what the actual life of a Dorco will be, but I have decided to find out. I'm going to stick with this blade until it's done, just to provide the data point. If it's a shorter life blade, I want to find out. Second, it is also possible that I am the cause of the lesser feel and greater irritation today. I did notice it was only the left side that seemed to have a problem and that is my weak hand. It's a bit tougher sometimes to get fine angle control on that side and to keep pressure right. So, user error is a possibility. That's why staying with it at least 7 days (or until it fails) makes sense to figure it out. Especially with the group buy and all that going on in the background. I don't want to be getting bomb threats (or worse, packages full of Flying Eagles and Tigers) sent to me in revenge!

I did finish with a DFS today, and again, maybe not quite as good as yesterday. The grand experiment continues another day.....as do the hopes of blood for those so inclined.

 

I

I wouldn't send you flying eagles or tigers. I would send you questionable cold war era soviet razors and good blades. More of a chance for bloodloss fun that way. If it shaves as well as the Kai mild but doesn't last as long thats good enough. Besides I don't know if I could handle not trying every blade in my painstick. What if this is my grail blade for it?

I think you're rubbing off on us. What's the worst that could happen?

 

Well cold war era Soviets are always welcome around here. Glorious hunks of nearly useless metal from glorious motherland always brings a smile to my face. Even if it is bleeding profusely from all of that fine Soviet engineering. As for what's the worst that can happen....well, I'll just leave this here.

​

 

Great picture, Doug!

 

March 21, 2016
The month of March has focused on two Schick E type razors: a Canadian E and a US E2, while also trying out different blades with each.

Hot Shower
Razor: Schick E2
Blade: NOS Schick Platinum (Holland) (2)
Soap: Nancy Boy Signature
Brush: Ever-Ready 1CS Badger Black/Lucite
TSD Witch Hazel
Myrsol Blue



Two-day growth. Two-pass shave - XTG, ATG
Getting more used to this very sharp blade - warning: don’t even think of day dreaming while using it! Got a much more enjoyable shave today. Technique? Shave cream? This particular cream has excellent glide that seemed to really help.

Cheers!
RT

 

We can't find our guy, but send your guys over to pick up the soju. Fortunately it is just $3 a bottle so well keep the 'fridge full.

 

If anyone else wants in please send me a PM so I can order these blades tomorrow. You can also ask for a CJB or Sam Seong razor.

 

Day 2 for the Merkur slant, 37C. Today the razor delivered a very nice shave. Much better than the first. Zero irritation and just barely caught the baby. This is a tough decision but I have two of these razors. One I keep in the office and the other at home. Given my move to the dark side one the slants will find a new home. Besides my rock breeding program has failed so I will need want another stone.

Irritation A+ Closeness A Smoothness A Keenness A-

Definitely staying:
Genco Easy Aces SR, hard to let go of cool looking, great shaving piece of vintage American steel just because it is smaller than I like. It is also my only vintage American SR.

Leaning toward staying:
Wade and Butcher will stay in the SR stable until a much nicer specimen can be sourced.

Leaning toward releasing:
Jerry Stark 5/8 SR. Looks great, shaves great just to small a blade. I would prefer to sell this and trade up for a larger blade

Will be released:
Sight unseen Whipped Dog SR. This shaves great but I want to PIF it to someone who wants to get started with SR.
Merkur Vision - despite major coolness she can't compete with an aggressive Futur.
BBS-1 - Give my move to the dark side it is just not aggressive enough to remain in my DE stable. (sold)
Mongoose
Merkur 37C slant

 

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Building up the Brotherhood of the Pain Stick. I like it!

 

They're on the way but had to take a detour to "talk" to someone who just suggested that Voskhod's are only as good as a Derby. Three bucks a bottle.....our kind of price!

​

 

An under stable and justified delay.

 

Shave 82 is in the books.

Ralf Aust 5/8
Route 66 Lumberjack

I am taking the night off.

Pray for Belgium.

God bless.

Thanks for reading.

 

Tuesday Shave

Cold water
In Shower Prep- Noxzema
Pso-Homemade mint oil
Brush- RazoRock Plissoft
Razor-Gillette Slim on 5
Blade- Astra SP (1)
Soap- RazoRock XXX
Thayers Witch Hazel
ASB- Pinaud "Veg"

I had my first shave with an adjustable today thanks to @gorgo2. The Slim worked beautifully on 5 with the Astra blade. I liked the comfort of this blade in my Super Speed but it didn't cut quite close enough, the Slim changed that. Very comfortable shave and for only getting 2 passes in I was almost BBS, a few areas under my chin kept me at a DFS. I can't wait until tomorrow to do a full 3 passes. As usual the Plissoft brush worked wonderfully and I think that the XXX is my go to soap; great scent, lather and protection. I also tried Noxzema for the first time today, I like the cool feeling it gives. A pretty good shave considering I was rushed.

As for my focus I had some company show up unexpectedly so I had to rush my shave. Only 2 passes today with face stretching but no hand switching. Hopefully tomorrow. Have a great day folks!

 

Cake!

 

@ob1page

You liked the cool?

All the "cool kids" keep a stash of this next to the cookies, right behind the caviar.