May 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix and Discussion

Most likely it caused Neal to revert to this.

 

A visit from the ambulance and fire department, followed by an arrest warrant for calling in a false alarm. Haven't run them yet.

 

Actually the results are in now, and yeah, that's pretty accurate.

 

Well I usually don't announce until morning but this is a special case. You hit the Baili Blue blade, which, as I mentioned earlier, I discovered I didn't have. So, I substituted the horrible Chinese Blendax. The razor you chose is the 1918 AGAIN. Sheesh. Marvy for the soap, VDH for the brush. Yeah, I said Marvy. Somehow you guys have all figured out how to find that one it seems.

Here's my offer to you, since you have bled the most and earned the respect of the Cartel for doing so in MAYhem. I'll use the Blendax.....OR.....I received the Super Max Tiger in the mail today. It's your choice.....Blendax or SM Tiger. I await my fate.

 

Well there is the off chance you may like the super max tiger...we know for sure the Blendax will not go over well... Blendax it is!!!!

 

Yeah, well, I tried to escape it. No mercy is clearly the theme of the night.

 

I was going to show mercy and say go with the SM Tiger seeing as you are doing a full pain stick head shave the day after but where is the fun in that?

 

Another subtle reminder about the pain stick head shave. Something tells me you might hyperventilate if I don't post that one soon enough. LOL Now, my only question for that shave is.....the Feather SS or the new CJB Greager? I haven't tried the Greager yet, but it's identical as far as the blade holder goes to the original CJB that I learned on. I'm thinking angle may be easier to hit with it as well since it lacks the lip of the Feather. On the other hand I've used the Feather most recently so it's a bit more comfortable in my hand.

Then blade selection. I have Feather Pro, Dorco and Kai Mild. Maybe a Kai Original. Decisions, decisions.

 

Alum is an strong astringent, moderate antibacterial, and mild toner. It also has moderate coagulant effects.

Witch Hazel is a mild astringent, mild antibacterial, and moderate toner. It doesn't really help clotting like Alum.

People with dryer skin may achieve better results with Witch Hazel. I feel like aftercare is much more necessarily individual than shaving. In shaving there are certain technique derived truths (for ex, ride the cap) that are based in Physics, and really don't change person to person.

However, products are a different game, and there is truly a wider range of variables and outcomes.

This is where insight and differentiating between types of irritation is essential. For example, high blade angle scrape feels different than EO sensitivity to a product. If one cannot isolate the issue, randomly switching products and gear is just gambling on a good outcome. You can't solve a technique issue with products and vice versa.

(yeah, yeah, I know... Ymmv blah blah blah... )

 

CJB Greager with a Dorco. 3 passes. Only one WTG pass allowed.

 

I get good results from Big Ben. Like Derby, it needs aggressive geometry and low angles for optimal cutting. It's not super sharp, but I found it very smooth. Is it possible that on day one you applied pressure at higher angles trying to make it cut like a Voskhod?

 

Ride the cap. I bet dfs on two.

 

Very possible. I will have to go back and try the Lords again to see if this technique makes them better blades. Wouldn't be the first time a blade was saved by proper technique.

 

Two passes with a Blendax is on the United Nation list of prohibited torture and interrogation methods.

 

How long ago was that?

 

I generally only do one pass on my head with the Merkur 23c with Astra SP. And it's almost all ATG. I'm sure I'll be adjusting that practice with a stick in my hand. I'm leaning toward the Greager. I have had good luck with the Dorco AC blade so that's not out of the question.

 

My SOTD

None

Lazy

Maybe tomorrow. Other than that... All is quiet in Colorado.

Have a great Saturday!
☺