April 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix&Discussion Thread

Feb 10 Fool's Pass

Since I had to pass on the Fool's Pass yesterday I was determined to go for it today. Today's weapon was a Jerry Stark 5/8 round point. Fresh off a touch up I expected a smooth and sharp edge and it was very smooth and sharp. 4 passes and I was feeling good, just a small nick and no idea how it happened. Did the Fool's Pass and no blood no irritation on my upper lip.

I thought I nailed this shave but the alum gave just a little feedback but caught the baby.

Irritation A- Closeness A Smoothness A Keenness A

No pic today, I have to pack for Macau

 

Well yeah, I agree....ham in any month is a good idea. As is bacon, hog jowls, fatback, well you get the idea. Nothing better than dead pig!

 

Ok here you go. The 10 worst blades (so far) based on my personal shaves, in no particular order.

1. Tiger - Ok, so this is really the worst. The rest are in no particular order.
2. Flying Eagle
3. Gillette Rubie
4. Patrix
5. Baili Blue
6. Sharp (Bangladesh)
7. Trajan
8. Blendax
9. MEM Super Silver
10. Dorco Prime

Six of those are Chinese blades, if that tells you anything. Good luck! And I can't wait to be on the non-shaving end of this one!

 

Words can't describe my disappointment that the Flying Eagels didn't win the title. I bow to the cartel's experience in these matters.

 

Arko April in Russia!

April 9

Razor - 1959 Gillette Super Speed
Blade - (3)
Brush - Wolf Whiskers Custom Silvertip
Soap - Arko
Post - Cold water rinse, Alum, The Veg

Late post today due to a very early start this morning. Meeting at 8am today for new product rollout and a full ten hours after that. Home to dinner and a bit of time with SWMBO and now it's finally over. So, this morning I again found a smoother face than I expected, though it was a couple of hours earlier than normal. Still, it seems like the Rapira SS is doing a fantastic and long lasting job. The Wolf was amazing as always with the face lather and the first pass was still smooth with no hint of the blade slowing down. Very impressive. Second pass XTG and I was rushed a bit on time so I did just a few touch up spots and........I think it's a first for me.......three babies in a row on a blade. I'm almost stunned by that. And, I'm not sure whether to credit the blade or my technique.

I can answer that question, though. I think both. And, I also credit the time I spent on pain stick and traditional straight in helping me map my beard better as well as making my overall technique that much stronger. It's really fun to shave at this level. A great classic vintage razor, an obviously fantastic blade and a steady hand that knows what it's doing, all on a layer of a fine lather from a great soap and brush, well, it doesn't get much better.

On to the Rapira Swedish Supersteel tomorrow. I've used this blade a bit more so am more familiar with it. But, as for the Blue/Black/Pink Rapira....I see an order of 100 or more in my future to put alongside the Voskhod.

Good news from all the boys today.....the thaw is really getting things moving again as they try to get back her for MAYhem. They even got a great spring day to do some sunning in today. Makes me wish I was there.

​

 

Well, to be honest, it's so close it's nearly impossible to call one the absolute worst. They are both huge wastes of what I assume started out as perfectly fine steel. However, upon further review, I will reverse my decision and grant the Flying Eagle the title of worst blade ever......based on this one additional fact. The Tiger is a three hole blade, meaning it is unable to be used in most razors, except for the older styles and a few others. Therefore, since it's less likely to find itself in a razor and therefore less likely to be used, I'll demote it to second place.......by a razor's edge. A REAL razor though, not one of these two woofers!

 

+1!! But you forgot pigs trotters...

 

And snout, can't forget snout! Oh, and Chitterlings!!

 

@clint64

Congrats on your daughter's success! And as always...Roll Tide Roll!

 

Arko April!!!
30 Day Rule Edition
Day 9 of 30





Derby(9)
Fatip Grande
L'Occitane Plisson Synthetic
Arko!!!
Alum
Pinaud Lilac Vegetal
​

Have a Super Sunday!
​

 

How aggressive is the Fatip? I've been thinking about buying one but I have heard some negative things about them (Blade alignment issues, threads breaking, stuff like that) so I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

In terms of geometry, it's like a Slim nine, but with more gap. I've never tried an r41, but I feel like injectors are the best of the aggressive razor class.

 

Shave tonight was with my Case Brothers restored by Glenn. Still very sharp and smooth, but I needed one more pass for a BBS, and I am limiting myself to two passes only this month. B&M Seville soap, badger brush, Draagon Noir aftershave. Got all dolled up for a date with the wife. We went to see John Mellencamp. Good show.

 

I finally chased away the gremlin that was sneaking in while I was sleeping to refill my container of TOBS. I have about two shaves left in the tub. Once this is finished I am going to move on to a tub of Cella. I am looking forward to Cella...such a civilized way to shave. A definite contender for a desert island soap.

 

Hello TSD - I had a nice, relaxed Sunday shave - #5 of my April Straight Razor Focus



- Jeeves of Hudson Street "Turkish Bath"
- Jayaruh #58
- Eduard Wirz 5/8 wedge
- Tüff sensitiv Rasierwasser

Decided on a little change in scent today, so I switched from JoHS "Conservatory" to "Turkish Bath". Very nice Barbershop smell, similar to Stirling's, but a little less sweet and with a chocolaty touch. Performance is top notch as usual with Jeeve's soaps.

One pass with the straight doesn't do much for me in terms of reduction, so I dropped that plan and performed another two-pass-shave, both passes a mix between WTG and XTG. Nice and smooth, no injuries. Feels BBS with the grain, not so much against the grain - especially around the jawline. But I recognize some improvement regarding the irritation level: I did not feel the aftershave at all today.

Have a great Sunday

 

Thank you Chris.

 

Good picture. Looks like the Derby is holding up well.

 

Good picture of a nice setup. I very much enjoy Jeeves Soap especially the Turkish Bath. Whips up an excellent lather.

 

Very nice lineup @Boojum1. Brush looks amazing.

 

Good stuff!!!