April 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix&Discussion Thread

Gentlemen, I am going to bow out from this month's focus thread. This will be a busy month for me! I'll join you all again down the road when it's not so busy and I can take some time to really focus on a favorite topic. I wish you all good luck!

 

Cant wait till Monday when my straight arrives so I can start my focus... :mail:

 

Sounds good! Safe travels, jump in anytime you feel like!

 

Just finished my daily shave. Glad to see everyone made it to 1 April 2016. I'll be back later with my plan and first report... Until then, have a nice evening!

 

Good luck Perry.

 

Thanks guys!

 

Friday Shower/Shave


In Shower Prep- Noxzema for face, Old Spice Classic shower gel
Pso-Homemade mint oil
Brush- RazoRock Plissoft
Razor-Gillette Slim on 8
Blade- Gillette Silver Blue (2)
Soap- Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Gondolier
Thayers Witch Hazel
AS- Old Spice Classic

Tonight was my first shave with a scuttle...It was ok. First, this is not the type with a bowl for lathering, it has a small indentation at the top for a soap puck with little holes and a small opening for the brush to go into. I used very hot water, soaked the brush and lathered in a separate bowl. I tried to lather on the scuttle but it is just too small. I did get insane amounts of lather so maybe there is something to lathering with hot water, I'll have to try it again and compare. Everything else worked great and it all came together for a DFS, a baby was within reach but I didn't chase it.

Everything worked great for day 1 of my rule. I'm getting much better at face stretching. I shaved my neck today with my left hand, before I had only done my cheeks. I'm still getting sting from the AS but it wasn't too bad on my neck which is my usual bad spot. All in all a very enjoyable shave. Have a great day folks!

 

I like it!
It was PIFed to me from our Grand Poobah last summer.
It has a bit of a cult following like the Veg or Old Spice, which by the way, I think it is reminiscent of Old Spice with a bit more of a floral scent.

As for its properties, I've only used it a few times so I can't speak to that. Here's the list of ingredients:

 

April 2 Fool's Pass #1

Today I used my Rasurpur Western grind Kami for the Fools Pass. I do the Fool's Pass by holding the razor with both hands so I have a hold on the tang and the tip. I hold the razor still and move my face. The kamisori design makes this easier.

I did four passes and the final pass included the Fool's Pass went without blood or any other issue. Low irritation and BBS.

Irritation A Closeness A Smoothness A Keenness A-

 

Arko April in Russia!

April 1

Razor - 1959 Gillette Super Speed
Blade - (1)
Brush - Wolf Whiskers Custom Silvertip
Soap - Arko
Post - Cold water rinse, Alum, The Veg

I have to admit I feel invigorated. I think the move has done me a world of good, in spite of lots of work still to be done. And, there's no better way to get a restart on things than hitting a new month with the 30 day crew. I've been a bit absent the past couple of months but no more. I'm back and we're going to set a record for posts this month, I feel it.

Got up this morning, had coffee and hit the shower. Then I loaded up a Rapira Platinum Lux in my birth year Super Speed and grabbed the Arko stick. Wet my face down and rubbed that Turkish gold on pretty thick and grabbed the Silvertip from where it had soaked the entire time. About two good swirls of the brush and the lather was exploding. Covered my face and neck and loaded the brush in record time from the face lather. Grabbed the razor and started the first pass. Now THAT'S what I'm talking about. Smooth comfort and effectiveness from glorious motherland!

The Rapira PL is one platinum blade that has always been good to me. I don't always handle platinums without some irritation, but this blade has never been a problem. And, it's sharp and smooth as well. Two passes to a BBS. Minor touch ups only to get there. Cold rinse and grabbed the alum. Very quiet. Very. Nice. Finished with the Veg to start Arko April on a perfect note. Can't beat that.

To celebrate a month of Russian blades I ordered a new limo for the cartel. Not sure where the boys went to get it but I have a bad feeling.

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That is an incredible razor! I'm drawn to a kamisori like a moth to a flame

 

A FatTip and Derby. Nice choice for a rule. I'll be watching because I've considered the FatTip before. You might convince me to add that one.

 

I think Rasurpur has them in stock and a Damascus version too.

 

Thanks Clint! Look forward to watching you parse your SE razors!

 

My biggest tip - listen to that small inner voice. If you find yourself about to take a stroke with the straight and it just doesn't feel right don't be afraid to put it down and come back to it tomorrow. Most of my cuts were when I tried to push through that feeling, or if I was having a problem getting the grip or angle right and tried to force it. There's plenty of time to perfect the skill. My next biggest tip? 911 on speed dial is preferred, or voice dial is even better.

 

Welcome back!

 

Great plan! I hope you enjoy your April.

 

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Welcome back and good luck with those vintage DE razors!

 

Welcome back! Take your time, you don't want an unscheduled rhinoplasty to harsh your April! Good luck!