April 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix&Discussion Thread

Bama Samurai · Apr 1, 2016

J.R. said: ↑

April 1 - Straight Shave 31
Friedr Schlemper Focus Spez
PSO, hot shower, Nivia face wash
Jayaruh #40 Synthetic
Route 66 Sea & Citrus soap
Alum, Nivia Balm,Pinuad Clubmas AS and talc

What a way to start the month, BBS! It's as much luck as skill, but I will take it. Alum only had some minor complaints.

April I will continue a straight focus, still need to develop my technique. I have four usable razors and one that I need to develop some advanced honing skills to work with the slight warp in the blade. Stick with my Jayarah and Omega brushes, Rt66, Chiseled Face and Reef Point soaps.

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Welcome back JR!

Bama Samurai · Apr 1, 2016

DDuckyMark said: ↑

I'll just be continuing my blade trials in the painstick. I've made it though the Kai series of blades and I know I don't like the guard blade. The mild was very nice and the original required a bit more care and was bitey. Next up is the Feather series starting with the Micro Guard. I already know I dislike this blade from the 1 pass I made with it a few days ago. I'll stick with it a day or few and move on after I have decided that it is dull or simply can not work for my face.

I'll also be continuing my soap usage plan to use up one soap sample at a time without switching around. I would like some more full sized containers of some of them but I feel like I need to use up the samples I have that are taking up all my cabinet space. Aftershaves will be about the same as soaps and I will continue using samples until they are gone. The only exception to this will be a soothing balm if the shave is rough.

At some time I should have a different painstick and the Dorco Barber blades. I'll save the razor for after the CJB trials and use the dorco blade after the Canadian one.

I'll also be watching carefully to see the blood efforts of our newest dark side recruits.
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Bringing the pain in April! Love it!

NCoxSTL · Apr 1, 2016

Norcalnewb said: ↑

View attachment 98457

Straights Focus April 1:

Stirling Synthetic Brush
Stirling Ben Franklin SS
Joseph Rodgers & Son
Stirling Unscented PSB
Stirling Ben Franklin AS

Day 1 of April, and I am starting off on a good note. It was a very pleasing and relaxing, yet somehow very quick, shave. I managed a CCS on one pass. I hope this Friday starts everyone's month off right.
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Nice job! That's two of us who had great first days. A trend for the month?

Bama Samurai · Apr 1, 2016

Rusty blade said: ↑

For my April 30-Day Focus I will use one shaving cream until the container is empty! The product is TOBS Natural…a fine cream. The rest of my shaving gear is quite straightforward: I only use one razor (Gillette Heavy Tech paired with either an Astra SP or Gillette Silver Blue blade), and my brushes seem to be either a Semogue or Omega Boar, or a Simpson Special.
View attachment 98478
This move away from a regular rotation of soaps and creams is a new phase in my wet-shaving journey. I have thoroughly enjoyed the acquisition phase of building my shaving soap/cream collection. I have a sock drawer full of various pucks and creams (37 to be precise) and now it is time to cull the herd and work towards a more limited collection. I am curious to see what the bottom of a soap container look like! I may post the occasional photo this month, but variation may be limited. I will certainly post a photo when the container is empty!
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Looking forward to those empties! Good luck!

Bama Samurai · Apr 1, 2016

RaZorBurn123 said: ↑

Thank you Chris @Bama Samurai for everything! Arko smashed in a bowl.
My April focus is using gear I haven't used yet that I have.
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Kerry-
You should really try Arko S'mores! Thanks for your words, and good luck with your old new toys!

NCoxSTL · Apr 1, 2016

Bill_F said: ↑

April Focus

Thanks a lot to Chris @Bama Samurai for continuing his tradition. These focus / rule threads are really helpful and a lot of fun. Last month I tried new blades in 3 different razors. This month I'm going to revisit my best performing blades in the razors where they shined, and toss in a couple of razors where they were never tried.

View attachment 98463

I'll run the Rapira Super Stainless through my New LC and Birth Quarter Tech, and try it in my Super Speed Flair tip for the first time.
I’ll use the Gillette Silver Blue in the New LC, the Super Speed flair tip, and my Birth Quarter Super Speed.
The Astra SP will be loaded into the Super Speed Flair tip, my Birth Quarter Tech, and for the first time, in my Birth Quarter Super Speed.

I'll have some free days at the end of the month so I may end up extending my time in the Birth Quarter Super speed or trying something else. My goal this month is to reconnect with a comfortable shave. I'm not only going back to the razors that these blades worked well in, but also trying to use the shave soap or cream that produced the most enjoyable shaves. I'll still try for a BBS, but I hope to be a little quicker stepping away from the razor if things get uncomfortable.

Looking forward to a great month with you all.
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That's a great month ahead. All Russian blades and some really great classic Gillette razors. I love it.

Bama Samurai · Apr 1, 2016

mrchick said: ↑

I have been doing a monthly focus since last July which has limited my ability to use some of my acquisitions. For example, I have had this Toggle for over a month and hadn't used it. My April focus will be soaps as I have several soaps I haven't used. This will allow me to use all of the untried razors this month. Let's call it my unfocused focus
SOTD
Route 66 Lumberjack soap
Rubberset 400
Gillette Toggle
Feather blade (1)
Alum
Thayers Witch Hazel
Déjà Fougère AS
Happy Friday!

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First toggle on the 30DC? I bet this ends like the repeaters...

Welcome back!

NCoxSTL · Apr 1, 2016

Keithmax said: ↑

My April foci are:

1. Finish the den clearing. I will give some DEs and SEs a shot at keeping their place in my den.

2. The fools pass, I will add a south to north pass on my upper lip...... Yep that is right I will be shaving towards my nose with a straight razor. If this doesn't get the Russia. Mafia to accept I don't know what else will.

I'll take Arko in a stick or a puck.
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Yuri is impressed. He gave a grunt of approval in between shots of vodka.

Bama Samurai · Apr 1, 2016

Boojum1 said: ↑

I'm back in focus for April. Now that my life has settled down a bit, I'm ready for some fun and shananagans again with the 30 day crew. I will use SE razors during the week and DEs on the weekends. I will also be using some new gear. Let the fun begin.
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Nice to have you back, Mark! Hope the SE razors treat you right!

Bama Samurai · Apr 1, 2016

Douglas Carey said: ↑

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Glad you're back!

NCoxSTL · Apr 1, 2016

DDuckyMark said: ↑

I'll just be continuing my blade trials in the painstick. I've made it though the Kai series of blades and I know I don't like the guard blade. The mild was very nice and the original required a bit more care and was bitey. Next up is the Feather series starting with the Micro Guard. I already know I dislike this blade from the 1 pass I made with it a few days ago. I'll stick with it a day or few and move on after I have decided that it is dull or simply can not work for my face.

I'll also be continuing my soap usage plan to use up one soap sample at a time without switching around. I would like some more full sized containers of some of them but I feel like I need to use up the samples I have that are taking up all my cabinet space. Aftershaves will be about the same as soaps and I will continue using samples until they are gone. The only exception to this will be a soothing balm if the shave is rough.

At some time I should have a different painstick and the Dorco Barber blades. I'll save the razor for after the CJB trials and use the dorco blade after the Canadian one.

I'll also be watching carefully to see the blood efforts of our newest dark side recruits.
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I appreciate your fortitude. I didn't like the guards as much either. Seemed like they did protect against slices but didn't produce the best shaves. So far we agree on the Kai's. Now onto the Feathers! As far as the Canadian blade...good luck.

Bama Samurai · Apr 1, 2016

ob1page said: ↑

Great write up, how do you like the Florida Water? From what I've read it has medicinal properties similar to witch hazel
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Great stuff. Cheap. Kroger and Walgreens carry it in larger cities.

Bama Samurai · Apr 1, 2016

whiteboy_cannon said: ↑

Okay for my April focus I will try to focus again on SE razors. I attempted previously but only had aggressive SE razors. I have acquired a GEM pushbutton recently and will use it for the money. Primarily on weekdays and if I feel adventurous during the weekend I'll possibly use something else. My blade of choice will be a GEM stainless. Have a great day and a great month on your focuses.
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Welcome back and good luck with the new razors!

Bama Samurai · Apr 1, 2016

Keithmax said: ↑

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-
View attachment 98558
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That's Jedi stuff...

NCoxSTL · Apr 1, 2016

Rufus T. said: ↑

April 1st

…and now for something totally different.

On this most curiously wacky of days I’m summoning all the intestinal fortitude I can muster. Counter to my normal testosterone pumping, machismo strutting persona, I will be shaving with a razor commercially marketed as “The Deb Fashion Razor!”

Developed by (Schick) Eversharp in 1947 - 53, it was the second in line (model H2) to their first model (H1) known as the Ladies Fashion Razor.

View attachment 98503 View attachment 98503

Amazing shave!

It is an incredible combination of efficiency and handling. Not knowing too much of the history, I suppose the red cover could double as a handle extension but using the white base alone shortens up the grip and minimizes the leverage required on a long handle to adjust the blade angle. (I’m guessing that perhaps the short version was designed for the underarm and the extension to be used for legs?)

View attachment 98504 View attachment 98505
Two-pass shave (XTG, ATG) and my face is as smooth as it’s been in nearly a year of this new wetshave routine of mine.

I originally purchased this on a dare, thinking I’ll give it to my wife…but this will seriously compete for my primary ‘travel’ razor!

Cheers!
RT
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I've never seen that razor before. Way cool! And it works? Amazing stuff. Yeah, don't think SWMBO needs a razor that bad to give that up!

NCoxSTL · Apr 1, 2016

PLAla said: ↑

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!
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You'll be missed but certainly feel free to hang around and join in when/if you can.

NCoxSTL · Apr 1, 2016

Keithmax said: ↑

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-
View attachment 98558
Click to expand...

Very nice. I unpacked my gear and found my kamisori. Time to stop procrastinating and get it honed. It could come in handy during MAYhem. The cartel definitely appreciates the Fool's Pass. Now, use one hand, stand on your head and sing the Russian National Anthem while performing it and you're a lifetime member!

Norcalnewb · Apr 1, 2016

NCoxSTL said: ↑

Nice job! That's two of us who had great first days. A trend for the month?
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Bama Samurai · Apr 1, 2016

NCoxSTL said: ↑

Very nice. I unpacked my gear and found my kamisori. Time to stop procrastinating and get it honed. It could come in handy during MAYhem. The cartel definitely appreciates the Fool's Pass. Now, use one hand, stand on your head and sing the Russian National Anthem while performing it and you're a lifetime member!
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You left out "take four shots of vodka", right before "Now, use one hand".

Soju counts though.

Bama Samurai · Apr 1, 2016

ob1page said: ↑

That is an incredible razor! I'm drawn to a kamisori like a moth to a flame
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The force is strong within you.

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April 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix&Discussion Thread

Favorite way to use Arko?

Shave stick!!

Press into bowl

Mosquito repellent

S'mores

Only to be used with Veg and a Derby blade!

Arko? Seriously? Again? I am just here for the cookies...

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

NCoxSTL AAACK!

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

NCoxSTL AAACK!

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

NCoxSTL AAACK!

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

NCoxSTL AAACK!

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

NCoxSTL AAACK!

NCoxSTL AAACK!

NCoxSTL AAACK!

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

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April 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix&Discussion Thread

Favorite way to use Arko?

Shave stick!!

Press into bowl

Mosquito repellent

S'mores

Only to be used with Veg and a Derby blade!

Arko? Seriously? Again? I am just here for the cookies...

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

NCoxSTL AAACK!

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

NCoxSTL AAACK!

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

NCoxSTL AAACK!

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

NCoxSTL AAACK!

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

NCoxSTL AAACK!

NCoxSTL AAACK!

NCoxSTL AAACK!

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

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