February 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Neal is a Salesman. He's trained to be nice to everyone. Can't help himself! He's also tested more DE blades than most of us will ever see & he's still in The Grand Blade Trial that may take another 6 or 8 months depending on how distracted he gets.
The advice given from anyone is their experience. Ultimately you will need to put steel to skin and decide for yourself. Keep notes if it helps. Don't disregard a blade because you don't like it today. As your technique changes and improves revisit those you don't like. They may get better later.

 

Thanks for this. Wasn't disregarding the Voshkods (which work just fine in my modern), just giving an honest assessment of where I was at with them after 2 days in this razor. I guess that is why it is my 'focus' for this (or 2 or 3) month. Acknowledging that I have tons to learn technique-wise, and appreciate any and all advice!

 

Clint:
I'm saving the Rum Runner I just got for my Sunday shave. Glad to hear how nice it is!

 

That razor is one of the few modern ones that activates my RAD. Looking away now and thinking of something else.

 

Traditional kamisori always pleases the Cartel. I have one but haven't had it honed yet. I was onto them early on but went a bit of a different direction. Given my love of the pain stick I feel like I would be able to use a kamisori like a boss! Maybe. However, there's that stropping and honing thing again that seems to keep me from slipping totally into the Dark Side. Is a kamisori a pain stick? Nope, can't give you that one. Still a hand honed and stropped blade. That's my vote anyway.

 

While I will always prefer Moscow over St. Pete I can't argue with anything there. Although I find the Voskhod to be a very sharp blade, I find the Astra to be equally sharp and perhaps (I'll deny saying this) even a tad smoother than the Voskhod. Now, if you'd suggested a German blade over the Voskhod.....them's fighting words!

 

Well, in spite of what the ex's say I think I'm a really nice guy.

 

Putting steel to skin is the only way to tell, and if you can keep blood off the steel you're doing well! I'd like to think I'll make it through the GBT during 2017. As you said, it's that distraction thing. Shiny objects and shenanigans tend to get in the way.

 

My two Absolute favorites are GSB's and Rapira PL's. I would have a hard time picking one over the other. Beyond that the only Russian steel that I didn't like was the Rubie. Of course I haven't been able to try a Sharp Star yet, I hear they are quite good.

 

I am sure you will enjoy it.

It shaves better than it looks if that says anything. The fit and finish 99% of a Wolfman with no wait as well. Enablers are us trying to help.

 

Congrats, Andrew!

 

Thanks, Charlie!

 

Nice looking kami, Adam. I like the stamping on the blade.

 

Yikes-I just poured a bit too much water into my TSD Russian Leather soap(ready to use it tomorrow, but I wanted to moisten it a bit, as I hadn't used it for a while). Guess I'll have to do a little stronger on the brush twirling tomorrow, right?

 

An XTG stroke is my nemesis when using the Pain Stick. I usually don't have a problem with ATG. It helps to have chiseled facial features.

 

You'll be fine. If there is more water on the puck tomorrow that what you like, just pour some off.

 

I agree that they are different animals. I have both and the Kamisori shaves more like a Western straight than a pain stick does.

 

Thanks .

 

The birth quarter FB is a beauty. It will be an excellent addition to your Den. I will enjoy following your focus this month. And, oh, pretty please, load it up with a Feather for a couple of shaves as well.

Thanks for leading the charge again this month!