SEptember 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

That thing still looks great Clint. I think I will break out the SE today as well.

Cheers.

 

Smells like a Drug Store SEptember!!

5000th Post

September 3
Grand Blade Trial
Razor - 1962 (H1) Gillette Slim (9)
Blade - (3)
Soap - Arko
Brush - Wolf Whiskers Custom Silvertip
Post - Alum, Aqua Velva Ice Blue

Well, for the 5000th time I have something to say here whether or not anyone wants to hear it or not. (It will be post 5001 when I put this up on SOS). And, why shouldn't it be a blade review post for this particular landmark event? Seems like I do a lot of that around here but you all keep reading and following and trying them out too so there ya go. Seriously, it's been a fun ride through all of these posts and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I began on December 20, 2014 and loved the atmosphere, the knowledge and everything else about the place so, just never left. And I wouldn't go even if they forced me. You're stuck with me people.

A serious and heartfelt thanks to everyone who originally welcomed me and continues to hang out too. @Bama Samurai you were the first person I remember reaching out and offering a bit of assistance to a newbie and when you started the 30 Day Thread I signed right up and it has become my main home on the Den. I can think of many others who gave me time and encouragement and PIF's as well. To list all of their names would fill three pages and continues to grow every day.

A special thanks to everyone who keeps reading my posts.....yeah, they get long winded sometimes (like now) but you never complain (out loud) and I appreciate the conversations and shenanigans that come from our time on here together. And, finally, before we talk about the blade once again, I'm humbled every time someone "likes" something I've posted. I don't really care so much where my post count goes. It's your appreciation of what I write that really means everything. Thanks, everyone, and I'll spare you the sentimentality again until I hit 10,000.

And now, without further ado.....today's shave.

Wolf and Arko - always a great combination. The only question is how the Israeli Red will take the wide open Slim. And the only way to know is to get down to it. Yesterday, on 6, it definitely gave a great smooth result with near BBS. I can say from the first stroke that it was obviously going to be a good day. Very smooth but the extra gap created an aggressive feel that made me retreat to ride the cap. Still had that "on the edge" feel but I loved it and it gave a fantastic first pass. Same with XTG. Stay on the cap and let the razor and this blade do their job. Go ATG and Slide on the final pass and the baby walked right in the door. Excellent. Alum was just a tad warm but nothing to worry about. Probably created that when I'd get off the cap a bit. AV Blue for the Drug Store finish.

Now, for my opinion of the blade. Putting my natural avoidance of Israeli blades aside.....I can see why people like and use it. I'm not sure why it performed better as it got more gap given that I do think it's sharper than the average blade. The lousy day at 2 is especially puzzling. Sharp blades usually thrive in mild razors. Not this one, though, at least for me. If you want a very fine blade this one would be a good choice. Just don't put it in a Rimei, a Blue Tip or anything milder.

Day off tomorrow so I'll be grabbing one of my Single Edges to hit a SEptember shave with the gang! Monday brings up the generic Red, specifically the Walgreens blade. Hope your weekend is fantastic! Enjoy the holiday!!

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Congratulations on 5,000 posts, Neal! They are always entertaining to read as well as informative.

 

SOTD September 3, 2016

Blade: GEM Stainless
Razor: GEM Featherweight
Brush: Semogue 1520 boar
Lather: Williams Mug Soap
Post: Witch hazel splash, Florida Water, Nivea sensitive balm
WTG, touch-up

The Featherweight worked well again this morning (just now posting). I'm getting better with technique and am pleased with the shaves I've had so far this month. I'll use the Featherweight two or three more times and then switch to another SE option. I'd really like to work on technique with my GEM MMOC. It may be the next razor I use, or the G1. Hard choice.

Williams is an interesting soap. It's cheap, has a divisive smell, and generally vanishes when applied. One of those is good, the others not so much. I want to figure out the secrets to Williams and be able to use it. I had some decent lather today but it wanted to disappear on me. I mentioned in the SOTD post that I think you need a dry brush applied to a moist soap for the best results with Williams. It's interesting for sure.

Hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend!

 

September 3, 2016- The Post @NCoxSTL Should Skip

Razor: F2 Gillette FatBoy (5/4)
Blade: Astra SP (4)
Brush: VdH Boar
Soap: Marvy/Dove Hydrating Cream

Basically, the same setup as yesterday though I did take the FatBoy back to 5 for the WTG pass. I chickened out for the second pass, though, and dropped it to 4. Got a little closer shave due to the more aggressive first pass for an overall DFS.

 

Congrats Neal! You are the heart and soul of the 30DC! Thanks for all fun and information.

 

Happy 5000 Neal! I always enjoy reading your posts and look forward to the next 5000.

 

Congrats on the 5,000 post Neal. Looking forward to the next 5k.

 

Single Edge Shave

Gem Junior Bar with fresh PTFE blade
*Skunkworks Synthetic Brush (tuxedo knot)
*MdC Fougere
*Myrsol f/extra aftershave

* 30 day focus items

 

Razor: AlumiGoose in Black. V1. w/Hempel Ti
Blade: Feather Professional (3)
Brush: Shavemac Zebra, Honeycomb 2 Band Badger
Soap: Route 66 Lavender Woods
Aftershave: Afta Skin Conditioner

Another great near BBS shave tonight with this gear. The Route 66 Lavender Woods is very easy to churn into a thick rich lather. The Hempel Ti handle turns a very good razor into an excellent razor.

 

Congrats on 5000!

 

Keep them coming.

 

Congratulations!
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Nice set up amigo!

 

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Supply Provision Injector
Personna 74 #3
El Druida D-7 Manchurian
Nuavia Rossa
Folsom &Co. Shambala


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Today I used the first razor I did any hone work on. I think this one was in pretty good shape when I got it, somce it didn't need a lot. Ontario Cutlery 5/8. Didn't do anything with it before today's shave, as I was in a hurry this morning. Got an acceptable shave, with just a little pulling in the jaw. Sharpness B, Smoothness B, Closeness A-, Irritation B+. I am hoping I can dial it in a little more.

 

I dare you to make 5000 more! Please keep your ticker in shape, we need you around here. I don't think anyone else could keep Ivan, Yuri, and Vlad in line.

 

Dang it. You and your dares. You know I can't say no. As far as the ticker goes I think it will make it. I'm surprised they are concerned about it considering the number of ex's who have told me I don't have a heart to begin with. Hmmmmm...the doctors may be scamming me come to think of it.

As far as the boys.....just keep a bottle of vodka right at the end of their reach and few good looking Russian women around. That usually keeps them in line.

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SOTD SEptember 3rd


Henckels Rapide / Schick G1
Blades Grim Smolder
Satin Tip The Purest

Well I wish I could day that I had a good first shave with the Rapide but it wasn't. The blade was honed by a professional but was still very tuggy. I managed to complete the first pass with it despite the tugging but then went to rinse my face off and hardly had any reduction. Rather then continuing with the Rapide I decided to finish up with the G1, which performed wonderfully as always. I will have to see how the blade I honed performs, hopefully better. Have a great evening gents!

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Awesome Neal, congrats on 5k!

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