February 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Thank You Doug. Wasn't trying to be artistic, there was just bright sunlight (for once...) coming through the window when I took the picture.

 

Good timing.

 

Nice mug!

 

You have me wondering now...What is the March focus? A guy has to prep...

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Be nice to think so, but IMO it has more to do with a lot more competition in the cart marketplace. If Gillette started a nostalgia line(DE blades, brushes, creams and or soaps), then yeah, I'd say we may be having an impact, otherwise, not so much.

 

There have been rumors of a new version of the Tech out at AOS stores. But that wouldn't really be a major reentry into the market in my opinion. It may be best that Gillette stay out of the traditional market and let the innovators continue to push it. I'm sure Gillette would soon be trying to corner the market again to once again drive prices up.

 

March Madness!! Think tournament, comparisons, trying new product you've wanted to to see if it can knock off a favorite....something like that. We're not talking MAYhem here, gents.

Or, Spring Cleaning for those who prefer. Time to clear out the den of stuff we're not using. Think PIF time boys and girls!!! Have a bottle of the Veg you've only used once and hate it? (heretic). Give it away! Soaps you don't want? Same thing. Whatever you have that needs to go away, this is the month to make it happen.

So, two potential themes for those who want to play along. And, of course, you're always welcome to do your own thing or try a new Rule or Focus of your own. You know how we operate around here.

 

Shave bracket? Challenge accepted.

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You are 100% correct on the idea that they dumbed it down to make the razor do everything and remove technique. As far as the multiple blade carts they were forced to change the advertising at one point because there really isn't any definitive proof that 5 blades shaves any closer than two. And the fact that two blades might be better than one - highly suspicious in my book. With the right blade/razor combo most of us could pull a one pass shave with a DE or SE and match a two blade cart disposable. At least I believe we can.

Gillette in the past year or so has introduced a new single blade cart design into the Indian market to try and start taking business from DE there. It's a cheap razor with replaceable heads, or can be tossed. Of course India has long been a major location for the manufacture of DE blades (Vidyut, Malhotra) and the poverty level there has persistently been high. So, if you're going to enter the cart market it needs to be something simple and cheap. Not sure if they have gained traction there but I'm cheering for their failure.

Other DE manufacturers aren't immune to the cart market, though, as SuperMax has an entire line of cartridge razors. Mainly disposables, you can find them on eBay. Rapira also has one or two but I have had no luck finding them for sale anywhere I've looked. I would buy some of the Rapiras, just to say I had them. One trend to watch from SuperMax especially is if they start cutting out DE blades from their portfolio in a move toward carts. That could produce some pressure on the DE blade market as they own both Vidyut and Malhotra as well.

 

I always thought Neal was sorta' handsome too.

 

I'll keep that in mind should this marriage not work out. I wouldn't worry, though, this one seems like it's a keeper.

 

That ten pound box 'o soap pass around hit me just in time! I'll be securing small samples, making a swap or two, and sending it on it's way. For the price of shipping, under twenty bucks, it's a wonderful opportunity to see products up close and shave with them.
Besides a plethora of member supplied product, Perry @PLAla secured donations from Vendor/Members. There are samples of Jeeves of Hudson Street, Crowne & Crane. Stirling, Ginger's Garden, and Route 66. I do believe there is some TSD soap, too!

 

Get it just for the centerfold

 

A fine shave today. I'm smoooooth
Route 66 Twisted Tweed
Doug Korn Brush
Jacob Ray El Diablo Razor
Alum
Thayers WH
WSP Gaelic Tweed AS
Happy Friday!

 

Great looking picture Brian.

 

Thank you Doug!

 

I know that boar bristles can dry out and break off, when sitting for too long, but I have zero idea what constitutes "too long".