December 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Razor: Gillette Executive Gold Adjustable Fat Boy (F 1) 1960.
Blade: Kai Stainless Steel (4)
Brush: Rubberset 400 #3 Boar (original)
Soap: Route 66 Lumberjack
Aftershave: Route 66 Lumberjack

 

You might try using it as a pre-shave. I use VDH Shave Butter that way. I wet my face rub the shave butter in and apply a hot towel for about 2-3 minutes. Then I wet my face again with hot water and lather up. Something to think about.

 

Beautiful photo Doug. The AS balm should be well chilled now.

 

-IBC Shavette
-Manhandled Woods Ubersoft II
-Stirling Scots Pine Sheep
-British Sterling

It wasn't an especially good shave today. The Kai blade was getting a little dull, and I should have taken the hint during the first pass. It was a little tuggy, and I have learned the hard way that tugging with a shavette is dangerous to one's face. I nicked myself pretty good doing an ATG on my jaw line, bad enough to get the styptic out. I left well enough alone on the other side, and just have somewhere between a socially acceptable and close comfortable shave below my jawline. I wasn't shaving in my den today, or I would have changed blades or razors or something.

Oh well, tomorrow is another shave.

 

Beautiful Brush.

 

Hmmm. Or maybe as a base layer with something else brushed on top... Since I didn't really like it today, I plan to try it again tomorrow as a shave cream anyway to give it a fair shot, only this time I 'm going to slather it on and see if that makes a difference.

 

Guys, I'll be in for a mini-focus for the next little while. Adam (@Drygulch) graciously loaned me a Dark Side starter kit. My first attempt was today:

SOTD December 18, 2016

Blade: Chinese Schick
Straight Razor: Genco (sorry, I don't know the specifics)
Rescue Razor: Schick I1 injector
Brush: JR #60 synthetic
Lather: TSD Barber Shoppe
Post: Witch hazel splash, TSD Barber Shoppe aftershave, Nivea sensitive balm
WTG, touch-up (basically, but really couldn't keep it on track due to using the straight)

First attempt with a straight razor today. Very interesting. I only did my cheeks and tried to get near the corners of my mouth. I was TERRIFIED to try my neck at all. I did WTG on my cheeks twice. I was tempted to continue and try my chin or neck, but decided that baby steps are better and put it down in favor of the Schick I1. Finished off everything with the I1 for a decent shave.

I had one tiny cut (more like a scrape, really) just below my jawline. But other than that no blood letting. Don't think I'll have much or any irritation. It was a different experience for sure.

I posted questions and other observations HERE.
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I won't base my entire opinion on straight shaving after just one attempt. That would be unfair. Hopefully the shaves improve! My chin and neck would be disaster zones if I tried them today. I need more experience!

Looking forward to hearing your opinions and bits of advice.

 

Miles Davis playing in the background and a Gillette Super Adjustable loaded with a Feather blade. Way to shave!

 

Nice set up today, Doug. I hope you are feeling better.

 

Perry, congrats on your first straight shave! I think you're wise to tackle your chin and neck in step wise fashion. You're off to a great start!

 

Thank you. Usually during the week a local news/talk station(101.5) is playing so I can catch up on the overnight news

 

December 18

Muhle R41 head (2013) & Weber Bulldog handle
Perma-Sharp Super (5)
Edwin Jagger XL Synthetic
Tabac
Alum, Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and CC Bay Rum

This was my first-ever fifth shave on the same DE blade. I could barely tell that the blade edge was starting to degrade. I could get another shave or two out of it, but I will replace it with a new Astra SP tomorrow morning. Overall, I'm very impressed with the Perma-Sharp Supers. Two passes and a few touch-ups this morning, and I'm crazy smooth. Or maybe just crazy, but it was a great shave nonetheless. Since it was a cold morning, I finished up with CC Bay Rum.

Stay warm, check your sleds, and have a great week!

 

I am waiting for you to snap off a DE blade! Light pressure and you'll love it. NB16 is almost over...your shavette writings have definitely caught my eye!

 

I'll put one in the next time I use it. Need to change the blade anyway.

 

Congrats! Welcome to....

My two main thoughts on SR learning:

Straights punish tentative moves.

Angle is everything!

I read both accounts, and that went pretty well! Ease into it. Commit to doing one full pass and then finish with a Schick for a while. There is no shame in that game! Honestly, it takes 50-70 shaves to really get it (ask @twhite !), and if you'd commit to three solid months, you'd have a great idea of whether this is a shaving style you'd like to pursue. Straight shaving brings a sense of skill and accomplishment that I think you'll find appealing.

 

Just be super conscious and deliberate when you place the blade on the skin to begin a stroke. This has been the most perilous thing about DE/shavette. The blade is so sharp and thin it can make a painless shallow cut before you get any warning. Other than that...just rock it!

 

A full 2-1/2 months into straights now.

I think there is no turning from the Dark Side for me. Mind you my shaves are not as great as my injector or SE shaves. They are gradually getting there. The control I am developing on straights is VERY exciting.

I am feeling pretty comfortable with them now. I am not even thinking of my off hand. I have work to do on getting a better neck finish. All in good time.

I am convinced that straights are the easiest on my skin. I do not have sensitive skin. That being said there is never feedback from my Aluminum block. Even my VIBR does not scream at me in the least.

I think it is worth the effort to try to familiarize yourself with straights. I plan on exclusively using them thru January. That will give me 4 months on them. Then I will bring my injectors and SE's back into rotation.

Sold all of my DE's.

Tom


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got a little messed up but thanx for liking it .

 

I always enjoy your photos, today looks extra chilly.