December 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Simpson '58 Manchurian
Saponificio Varesino Stella Alpina
Supply Provision SE
Schick Twin Blade #1
Folsom & Co. Shambala
Aqua Di Parma Colonia EDT

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Another classic 30 Day crew post....."other than the heavily bleeding spot.....it was a good shave". Followed by a blood removal tip. Guys, it just doesn't get any better than that!

 

Decadent December!!

December 16


Razor - 1947 Gillette Super Speed
Blade - (1)
Soap - Arko
Brush - Omega Pro 48
Post - Alum

Decadent Day 16 of December. And, I decided to pick up a razor I rarely use and for no reason other than I just don't. The '47 Super Speed was the first vintage razor I ever bought and, not knowing what I was looking at, it was a bit rough. I wanted it because it was one of the first model SS's from Gillette. Thanks to Chris at Razorplate it is in better shape than ever. He did the plating and some other extra work on it to stop the brass from deteriorating further in some spots and it is a gorgeous and great handling piece of equipment. I have a couple of other razors to replate next year at some point so I hope his backlog is a bit better by then. The mark of a quality craftsman? He's so busy he can't see straight!

Went with Arko today. Havne't used it since I paused the blade trials, and with the big Omega it was a lather beast. The Ladas blade also doesn't get enough love from me. It's the Super Stainless from Moscow and is smooth and loud and just all around great. Two passes and touch up and another near-BBS is complete. To me, when you can get that kind of result with vintage gear and a classic soap you have the best in decadence! Oh, and the alum was quiet too!

Icy night in the Lou. We had freezing drizzle earlier in the day meaning we now have the wreckage of former cars all over the roads here. Supposed to warm up tonight, clear it all off, then do it again but colder tomorrow afternoon. Good times!

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December 16 - Brushless Decadence

Gillette Black Beauty (setting 3) / Schick Plus Platinum ( 15)
Portland General Store's Alpine Jelly (brushless)
Alum
Portland General Store's Willow Toner

Today I continued exploring brushless shave products by trying Portland General Store's Alpine Jelly. A nice scent of pine with some citrus overtones. A very little spread thinly over my wet face to give a good slippery surface for the razor. My usual diagonal passes went well, there was enough slip in the gel that I could just re-wet my face between passes without applying fresh gel, and I even tried going ATG on my neck and cheeks.

No nicks, no weepers, and no visible irritation. The alum stung slightly in a couple places on my neck, which was not surprising after I went ATG when I usually avoid that. It was mild though and had disappeared by the time I rinsed the alum off again with cold water.

I like this gel. It provided good protection with a pleasant scent, went on easily, washed off cleanly, and did not clog up my razor like some gels do. I don’t think I would care to use it every day, because I like the brush and lather. However, it will be good for days that are more rushed, and I expect I will use my small 2oz. jar of it in my air travel kit. BTW, based on today's shave, that 2oz. jar should be good for at least a couple months of shaves.

Instead of my usual Thayers Witch Hazel and/or aftershave or balm, I patted on some Portland General Store's Willow Toner. It's supposed to be a general post-wash astringent cleanser but seems to do a nice job after a shave too. A faint bitter scent that quickly disappeared and my skin feels clean and soft although a tiny bit dry.

 

Wow, great picture Adam. Very nice setup and blade.

 

Very nice setup of excellent shaving products. Chris at Razorplate does good work.

 

The razor looks fantastic Adam.



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That's a sweet looking razor, Adam. Congrats on the great shave!

 

Nearly Bankrupt?

 

Great looking brush and setup amigo.

 

Chris, I'm glad you enjoyed the show. Brian Setzer is a fantastic musician.

Well, My baby and me went out late Tuesday night
I had the Veg scent on and my baby just stayed upwind...

 

Fantastic picture, Mark!

 

According to my wife, that is exactly correct!

 

December 17, 2016
ATT Calypso R1
Feather
Zenith B02 Boar
Nuavia Blu
Witch Hazel

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An excellent start to the weekend with a great shave. The Zenith Boar whipped up a mountain of rich lather with the wonderful scent filling the room. I went with a traditional 3 pass shave, WTG, XTG & ATG, followed by minimal touch ups. This ended with a my usual near BBS. I didn't feel the need to chase the baby so I let that one trouble spot on my neck go free for the day. I hope everyone has a great Saturday.

 

One more gorgeous picture of a gorgeous brush. I do not normally covet......

 

Very nice setup and picture amigo.

 

Oh God, mine too lately.

 

Thank you Doug. I hope you have a great Saturday

 

So in the spirit of our some of our greatest explorers like Douglas and Clint, with brush and razor in one pocket, and camera in the other, I ventured out to brave the perilous wilds of territories just known as Mrs. Pickled's gardens.

At the summit of Mt Neopolitan:



After overcoming the arctic and completing my arduous eighth mile trek to the mailbox and back, my gear needed unloading, and a celebretory nip needed to be poured.



***Hope everybody understands that I took these pictures in advance, and am not drinking Makers Mark out of a jelly jar at 6:30 in the morning. At least not on this particular morning.