April 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix&Discussion Thread

All right this left handed DE thing isn't working so the only logical thing to do is.... I am breaking out my 208 tomorrow and will update you all from the hospital if I can get the wifi password.

 

Warriors. Just got done watching them defeat MEM for the record.

 

Welcome aboard! In traditional shaving, especially with an 89, technique is everything. Just keep it at, it will all come together after sufficient practice. Glad you found us, and thanks for joining in!

 

We were considering renaming this thread "the R66 Fan Club", but didn't wanna confuse newbies.

 

Another day where I don't post a focus shave...

Arko!!!


Have a terrific Thursday!
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I'm thinking about buying some Route 66 soaps... Not sure if I should get a sampler or just go all out and get a soap and balm...any recommended scents?

 

I've tried only Lumberjack. But in general, it's as good of a soap base as I've ever encountered. I don't think you can go wrong with R66.

 

I'll cancel some pending orders I have going out and see what I have to spare...I don't really "need" more veg, arko, and another brush. Will probably get a sample pack but R66 keeps coming up so much I need to see what I am missing.

 

04/14/2016
Cobra Classic
Feather Pro (4)
Brothers Bristles with Sunrise Synthetic
Tiki Cabernet Neroli
Witch Hazel
Folsom & Co Shambala
Whipped Shea Butter

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A very good shave this morning. I have become much more comfortable with the handle on the Cobra allowing me to just enjoy the shaves. The CC is a very efficient razor and made short work of mowing down the stubble. With 2 passes and a couple of small touch ups, I ended up with a near BBS. If not for the one spot on my lower right neck, this shave would have passed a Drill Sergeant's inspection. Finished up with a splash of F&C Shambala. I hope everyone has a great Thursday.

 

Just get samples. Scent is such a subjective thing. Try all of them and find out whats best for yourself that way. I enjoyed Black Pearl and Sweeny Todd. I have Ghost town up next in line for a trial. It smells great too.

 

I have 4 pucks. 2 soaked and 2 new. the soaked ones are about half gone and I used them for a year solid.

 

Straights Focus April 14:

Simpsons Commodore X3 Best Badger
St. James Black Pepper and Lime
Ralf Aust 5/8
Stirling Unscented PSB
TOBS Sandalwood AS

I had a very enjoyable shave this morning. The Black Pepper and Lime scent is fantastic, and the performance is top notch as well. I am really enjoying the Aust, too. I have found a new appreciation for this razor; it is just nice and smooth. I am left with a DFS as a perfect wake up for my Thursday. I hope everyone has a great day.

 

Good morning 30DC! I hope everyone has a great morning!

 

Arko April in Russia!

April 14



Razor - Edwin Jagger DE89l
Blade - (3)
Brush - Vie Long 12705 The Horse
Soap - Arko
Post - Cold water rinse, Alum, The Veg

The Dorco 301 has surprised me this week, though with the recommendation it had I can't say I'm shocked. Still, to produce the two shaves it has, including the baby yesterday with no real irritation is pretty impressive for a blade that many write off. Last day today and I'm just looking for a decent two pass shave. In one of those morning moods where I just want to enjoy a nice shave, not work at it, but get it where I need on the strength of the gear and technique. That's the goal.

Still figuring out how to lather the bigger horse without covering the place in lather. I went with a dryer brush today, and still flung lather all over the place. Just not water with it. It's like Arko is afraid of this brush and lathers up quick to make it stop. I love the feel, though, but clean up kind of sucks. Seriously, had to clean the mirror, a couple spots on the wall and the back of the sink. Sheesh. Can't complain about the quality of the lather at all though.

The blade feels about the same as it has the whole time. Not smooth smooth but not bad either. Still great audible feedback. First pass effective, second pass was a bit of a combo pass. XTG with G slide and bit of ATG touchup and I have the DFS I'm looking for. No problem. Alum was quiet, the Veg its usual delightful and manly self.

My take on the Dorco ST-301 Platinum? Well, for one the platinum didn't irritate me like some so I'm a happy camper. Two, the shaves were very nice shaves including the baby without too much extra work. I have no reason to complain about any of the shaves and am pretty impressed with the blade. I think it makes a very affordable choice for those looking for a value that also delivers in the end! Well done. Now, if we could only change the name to something I don't cringe at. How about, Studly. Yeah, much better than Dorco. I'll submit that to the Koreans.

The boys ran into a bit of trouble yesterday. Seems they were taken hostage by a local dissident faction as they approached the Russian border. I'm beginning to think I may need to work on toughening them up. And I also have to find a million carrots to pay the stupid ransom. Anybody who says running a blade cartel is easy, well, you get the idea.

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I have the sampler and a tub of Sweeney Todd. I'm going through the samples and so far the Sweeney Todd is still my favorite.

 

Soap Focus
Another Route 66 sample is starting today. Cavendish has a nice smell. It is still second to Sweeney Todd, but might be a keeper. I'll use up the sample before deciding.
SOTD
Route 66 Cavendish
Vie-Long horsehair brush
Schick Type F
Chick blade (3)
Alum
Thayers Witch Hazel
Florida Water
Have fun!

 

SOTD April 14, 2016
Russian blades focus

Prep: Warm shower
Blade: Rapira Platinum Lux
Razor: Maggard MR1 handle with V2 open comb
Brush: Trader Joe's synthetic
Lather: Country Club Cahaba Blues
Post: Witch hazel splash enhanced with Fine American Blend, Nivea sensitive balm
WTG, XTG, XTG



Back in focus today with a Russian blade after a little detour with the vintage Wilkinson Sword.

Nice shave this morning! I tried ICE WATER for the first time. It wasn't nearly as cold as I expected or wanted, in fact it was not as cold as some of the cold tap water I've used on cooler mornings. I needed a lot more ice. I'll rectify that next shave!

I had plenty of time so went with a full three pass approach. My first XTG went from the middle working toward the ears and the second XTG was the opposite. My neck passes weren't quite true XTG because of hair growth as well as irritation susceptibility.

My upper face is as close to BBS as I've gotten in the past four months!! My neck is probably DFS with a couple of areas that have a little more stubble. My lower neck is difficult to get really smooth.

The Rapira blade worked quite well! It's sharp and smooth for me. The Cahaba Blues soap was great as usual.

I will use this setup for the next couple of days as I'm on the road. Hopefully I can repeat today's success tomorrow. Have a great day!

 

What a game! MVP! MVP!

 

I have amended my rule to a focus. Wasn't feeling a great deal of love for the shave this morning. Third day on a Polsilver blade, cold water and the Edwin Jagger.

Felt a lot of tugging so swapped for a Gillette 7o'clock shadow. Same soap etc. Felt much better, true DFS with two passes.

I have just received my shipment of Arko so going back to that in the morning
Right, time for a newbie question. When everyone is quoting no. of days for blade life is that per side or in total? This question leads to question two, once the sharpness has gone, you do all turn the blade over in the head and carry on right? If not I may have realised the cause of the irritation

 

SOTD
April 14, 2016
Prep: Hot Shower. Noxzema
Razor: Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip TV Special 1958 D3
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
Lather: Soap Commander Integrity
Brush: Oscar11 28mm Silvertip
Post: Thayers Rose Petal WH.
Aftershave: Fine L'Orange Noir, Soap Commander Integrity
Really nice shave. I pulled out the TV special and the GSB blade was fantastic! That was my 3rd Shave with the blade and it still was going strong. I'm using a new keyboard on my iPhone and the thing capital letters on all different words. It has a mind of its own. Soap Commander Integrity is a super nice soap, I like using a scentless once in awhile. Oh! My Oscar11 is the bomb!!
I over slept this morning man it felt great!
What defines us is how well we rise after falling.