July 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

For the chopstick challenge, you have to use it like a Kamisori. One hand and one side of the blade only.

 

In the Good Old Shavertime!

July 1

Waiting for Mail Call!!

Razor - '46-'47 Gillette Aristocrat
Blade - (1)
Soap - Mitchell's Wool Fat
Brush - Wolf Whiskers Custom Silvertip
Post - Alum, The Veg

While I'm waiting for the mail from the Korean peninsula to show up I've decided just to really enjoy some shaves. With my penchant for trying new stuff and being willing to try anything once.........or twice........or, well you know, I sometimes forget how good a shave can be with the right gear and technique. So, to start of July, I grabbed my Aristocrat (only the finest razor Gillette ever made) and a Voskhod (the truly finest of the fine in blades) and whip up some Fat (exceptional quality for the discerning shaver, and everyone else too) with my Wolf Whiskers Custom Silvertip (my best brush and the one that convinced me badger is good).

This is, of course, my "detente" setup featuring Russian steel and American brass to prove that the cold war was really fought over stupid stuff when you consider how well these two go together. Clearly cooperation is the best course of action.

First pass was absolutely fantastic. The Fat was magnificent in cushion and slickness today. I took my time to let it soak a bit, let the brush soak extra long then shook it good. Loaded upside down on the puck and had enough lather after the first face lather to wash my car and probably half of yours too. Great smooth reduction on the first pass, and added more of that lather and the second pass got me to almost, right on the edge, I mean as close as a razor's edge (a freshly honed vintage razor, not a Russian straight) to BBS. A quick Gillette Slide on my neck and Voila!!! The baby showed up, and hung around just to say hello.

Great way to start the month and fill the time while getting things organized for the blade study. I'm still debating the soap issue for that project. I want to use something that is reliable and easy to lather so that it would be a fair representation for anyone trying to learn. Make sense? So, as much as I love my Fat and Tabac, they will be on the shelf except for my one day a week off.

I considered Arko for the project soap as we all know how instant and easy its lather is. But, I'm not sure I'm up to a year or more of Arko six days a week. I like it, and the scent isn't a problem, but, you know.....enough can be enough? I'm considering Proraso as it is another easy soap to lather and I could at least have a variety......menthol/eucalyptus, sandlewood and the oatmeal/tea white. I'm not sure they are all three similar enough in their lathering characteristics to be helpful, though. I've only used the green. So, I could use a bit of guidance. Do all of the Prorasos perform essentially the same? Should I just buck up and use Arko because of the absolute consistency? Or is there an option I haven't yet figured out?

Anyway, great start to the month! And where is that plane with my Slim?!?!?!

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One handed, while chugging Popov vodka with the other.....not gonna let the good vodka go to waste for this!

 

Nice touch.

 

Careful how you say that. Some people are really sensitive about "nuts" and menthol in the same sentence.

 

Glad to hear you're feeling better. I'll allow you to fitfully follow me around. I don't consider that stalking at all.

 

The insanity of this group is only exceeded by the level of enthusiasm for shaving. With anything. Just to say we did. Or could. Or might again just because we can. And did. Or could. See a pattern?

 

I'm a fan of post apocalyptic films. There is the possibility that this (popsicle stick) could be the only way to shave. Think of it as Survivalist Training.

 

Yes I do

 

Personally I'm looking forward to Tuesday nights posts.

 

I'm not sure we "can" though......until we try. Does that add some common sense to the equation? No?

 

Don't try to talk them out of it. I've already stocked up on popcorn and beer for Tuesday night.

 

It takes the issue of liability off of @BearCWY 's shoulders. No one will even consider doing anything on a dare understanding the nature of the toys we play with.
I'm still undecided, myself. Since I started wet shaving with a cheap off brand shavette, I understand the risks involved.

 

Thanks for the help @cmorris357 ! LOL Well send some over to my house I don't think I could stop it if I wanted to.

 

I see it as a very poorly designed pain stick. Depends on angle, pressure and if the blade flexes. Trust me, I'm going in very carefully until I see how the blade reacts. Anyone who hasn't used either a pain stick or a straight should probably avoid this. Now as to the quality of the shave? I'm doubting BBS.

 

I wonder if the guy in the video can be contacted for more info? He might be either flattered for the attention, or horrified that we collectively are considering duplicating his actions.

 

With a name like Slash surely he'd appreciate the company.

 

SOTD
7/1/16

Pre: shower
Razor: GEM Featherweight
Blade: (?2)
Brush: TGN synthetic in SS handle
Soap: How To Grow A Moustach - Lo Haiku Limited Edition
Post: Cold water, Maggard alum, witch hazel, The Veg

Well I tried something a little different tonight, just a 2 pass shave and got almost BBS. I decided to just do XTG and ARG tonight to see how I fared and did pretty good. I guess there is more to these SE razors than I expected. First pass was XTG to see how it would do and I got great beard reduction, I was thinking of going XTG the other way but decided not to. Second pass was ATG and got almost BBS which I was really pleased with so I decided to stop right there and see what it was like after post shave. I rinsed off with cold water and rubbed the alum on my face, got a little tingle one place on my neck. Rinsed that and grabbed for the witch hazel which gave me no reading. I patted my face dry and put on the Veg. and my face tightened up and there I was. I felt my face and sure enough I was almost BBS smooth, I think if I did a little clean up I would have been. So I'm pleased with this shave and although I'm not BBS I am close and learned from it. Next time me and flipper have a date in the shave den!

 

Sounds like you've hit that level with the CJB where it's getting automatic. All of that bleeding and frustration is paying off for you! I honestly think that the pain sticks get way too much criticism when it's really all about taking the time to really get the technique down. Once you start getting the process down to a matter of muscle memory you start getting really nice and comfortable shaves. I'm like you, I prefer Kai if only because it doesn't seem to have that "I'm ready to cut you anytime" feel that Feather seems to. But, the Feather Pros can handle any growth, no questions asked.

Have fun with the fishing!! Hope you have a great weekend.