April 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix&Discussion Thread

Arko April in Russia!

April 2

Razor - 1959 Gillette Super Speed
Blade - (2)
Brush - Omega 10066 - BoS
Soap - Arko
Post - Cold water rinse, Alum, The Veg

I think I'm getting this new shaving routine down. Shaving at the sink instead of in the shower takes a bit of getting used to, but using the Arko stick helps. Wet my face, rub the stick all over, use a wet brush and WHAMMO! Lather that is rich, slick, cushiony and ready to go.

Second day on the Rapira Platinum Lux and I'm remembering why I should use this blade more often. Yesterday was a two pass BBS. I caught the baby again today on three passes. Fine, fine shave. I really didn't need a full third pass to finish but I just wasn't finished shaving so I went the full pass anyway. Alum was again quiet, and the Veg, well, what more needs to be said?

Mostochlegmash really does make fine blades and this kind of start to a month of Russians is very satisfying as well as just plain fun. What I like most is the fact that my technique is SO far advanced from a year ago when I was still figuring these blades out the first time. Using the pain stick and straight were definitely good for my DE technique. Much more familiar with my face, angles, and I find using the DE again much faster than I remember. All in all, a good two days and I can't wait to shave tomorrow! One more day on the PL and I expect it to be a great one.

Some things in Russia may not be perfect, or even close, but they definitely get their blades right! Now if they could just spring for a new delivery truck!

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I know we've discussed it a bit before but the Flare Tip really is a better razor than it sometimes gets credit for. While I consider the Aristocrat to be the better razor I can't complain about the performance of the humble Super Speed at all! And, the '47 and '49 models provide just as good a shave as the Flare Tip, perhaps just a bit more aggressively. I don't think I've ever had a bad shave with any Super Speed I've used. Kind of explains why it was such a workhorse for Gillette.

 

Ваше внимание заслужила вам полное уважение и восхищение российского лезвия картеля . И слезы на глазах царя лезвия ! Feel free to run that through Google Translate! (It doesn't quite translate back the way I wrote it but you'll get the gist.) Short version.....a bunch of happy cartel goons along with the blade czar.

 

First of all, great style to your writing. Love it. Second, fantastic first effort! Yeah, those ear things can get in the way when you're so focused on your face. I've been there, done that. And what you said....I think the psych up is the worst part of it. I was surprised how nervous I was about a traditional straight even after working with pain sticks. But, truth be told, straights are easy compared to the sticks. Like you I took a couple of strokes and realized it wasn't bad at all. Great start!

 

I think I see a possible imperfection in that toggle. If you'd send it to me I'd be happy to inspect it for you and make sure it's really in great shape! Great pic! And I'm jealous of that razor!

 

Astras are Russian, yes. Also Gillette Platinum. Both from Gillette, St. Petersburg.

 

April 3 Fool's Pass #2

Today's razor was a Genco Easy Aces. I was worried about using this razor for the fools pass because it is light compared to my other straights. Coming to the end of my fourth pass I thought, 'What is the worst that can happen?' I did the Fool's Pass and no blood and no plastic surgery needed.

Irritation A Closeness A- Smoothness A Keenness A-

 

Two fool's passes, still one intact upper lip and nose. This is getting impressive!

 

Thanks for the compliment on my style of writing. I like to add a little humor when I can but I know it is not everyone's cup of tea. I did psych myself up for the first shave however I think I may have gotten too comfortable with my fluke of a first shave as I just finished my second shave and boy did I get served some humble pie....pic and write up coming soon or later on. When ever I can type with both hands as my styptic pen is enjoying my lower cheek/jawline at the moment.

 

Thank you for your kind offer but I couldn't live with myself if I sent a defective razor to one of my TSD brothers.

 

G1 is a gateway drug. You've been warned.

 

Yes. Yes. Yes. And yes.

Cookie!

 

I just read your earlier shave, and sorry to hear of your bad shave. Hope it's not too bad. You're official now. You can relax and just start doing it.

It happened to all of us too.

 

Oh how well I remember those second and even later shaves. "Yeah, not so bad, I've got this.....slice.........dice..........cut.........bleed"

 

Hi. I am Chris, with National Flawed Razor Disposal Service. Leaving an imperfect loaded razor anywhere in the home could be hazardous to children and small animals alike. If you find yourself in this situation, stop and make the right call. Think of the kids, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem... Don't live with that guilt. We can help.

 

I shaved with a Soviet straight! Defective is right up my alley!

 

A toast to the comrades on the western front!

 

Is fool's pass going to be a regular thing, or is this just some next-level Sith Lord stunt shaving?

 

Pick your vodka!

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I'm driving the Cartel Conversion Van tonight, so you'll have to make yours a double neat. I'll crack the beluga in honor of our comrades.