April 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

It was right around 45 to 50 for me that it seemed like it really clicked. I sure wasn't pulling off BBS shaves as soon as you were. I just never seemed to hit all the places/angles at once.

Another thing I was thinking about yesterday: I think the SS straights like your Henckels are a little less forgiving than their carbon steel counterparts. The carbon steel just seems to have more flex.

Maybe someone with more experience can tell me if I'm dreaming or not.

 

Day 14 of 30 days of Henckel straights

I grabbed the 4/8 Henckel today after using the 7/8 for the last few days. I wanted to see how a large change in razor width would affect my shave. It really didn't affect my ability to find the angle. However, it still seems like I prefer the heavier weight of a large razor. Bigger razors just seem more aggressive and willing to cut through the heavy stuff.

2 passes and a CCS/DFS shave.



DIY Pre-shave Oil
MDC and TOBS Rose Face Lathered
24mm High silvertip set an extra 10mm deep
2 passes, WTG, WTG
Sampsons All Natural Aftershave Balm
Round Toe 4/8 Henckel 89 1/2

Well, I never said that I pulled off a BBS without slicing myself. I did once. The other 2, maybe 3, times I sliced myself up pretty well.

By "less forgiving" could you be referring to the flexibility of the blade? I am asking because during my first 30 day focus I used a frameback razor. The razor seemed like it just wanted to follow the contours of my face. I am planning on trying that razor again as soon as I am done on my current 30 day.

 

Awesome pairing.

 

I really love Stirling Sandalwood. It reminds me on sanding or carving on Balsa wood models when I was a kid.

 

Thank you Jared. I am going to enjoy this week. I might get 2 more shaves out of the Reef Point Dragon's Blood so I will sub in another Reef Point soap.

 

Hello, after advice, i am partecipating here, about my April pseudofocus tour. I say pseudofocus, because i expect new blades, razor and brush in the week, so i will have to try them.
So far, after my first 2 DE shaves:

- Weishi 9306FL: I like it. I think you have to really try to cut yourself with this. Dropped it and didn't get any damage.
- Proraso blu cream: Ermm, i am still learning to make lather. But...the scent is too neutral, too mild. To the point that i have been wondering, does it really smell so neutral or did i get a too old tube, forgotten in the supermarket for ages and it has deteriorated? Once i finish it, i don't think i will buy it again, just because it's so neutral.
- Derby extra blades: The only blades i 've used. The good thing: I can't cut myself WTG and i only had a small cut XTG because i was very careless. Noticeable degradation at the end of the 2nd shave. Good for probably 1 more shave. The shave was pretty much resembling the one i get from dual blade cartridge. I think it needs to either be a bit sharper or to deteriorate slower. I don't think it will be my favourite blade, but i do appreciate how difficult it is to cut myself with it. Ordered 200 more, plus 100 "Bluebird", which are also made by Derby. Good blades for the Weishi for quick shaves without worrying too much about being cut. Not very sharp. Strangely, the Derby blades are "most liked by our staff" blades in the website where i bought from, which belongs to a barber assosiation. Also get very good reviews in Amazon. My feeling is that they are very "neutral" blades. I mean, i 've only used them and nothing else, but there is nothing in them that struck me, other than i can't cut myself easily. Which isn't bad at all, but they don't seem to have a "character". Kind of "jack of all trades, master of none".
- Omega 10048 brush: I think i like boar, i like the stiffness, but for my current coffee mug that i use to make lather, it's too big. It's too big in general...Also, takes time to dry thoroughly. I have a smaller synthetic Omega S-brush S10005 coming next week, i think i will be using it most of the time, like 5 days synthetic, 2 days boar.

I will insist on Weishi + Proraso blu + Derby for the most of the month, although i can see the Omega 48 stepping aside for the 10005. I will also try the EJ DE89 and Astra SP that i have coming next week, cause i am too curious.

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Nice strop. I haven't seen that Drygulch model before.

 

I agree totally. My straight shaves were slow to progress when I was just dabbling. Jump in with both feet and do a couple of 30 day focus threads. I never looked back and am getting great shaves.

 

Thank you, Clint!

To me, the most aggressive SE is the MMOC, and this is a fairly large margin. The least aggressive is the 1914 and Damaskeene. I would need to use the Featherweight a bit more, as this is probably down that scale a bit as well. The 1924 is closer to the MMOC than the other razors, but much less prone to biting. It can provide a very close and comfortable shave, just like today, but it will get you if you get careless.

 

Jared, I agree. It is actually getting to be one of my favorite scents. I definitely look forward to using it. My wife likes it too, so that is a bonus.

 

If you would like to try out a featherweight I can loan you one to run around the block a few times.

 

Thank you, I realize I mis-typed my response. I have a Featherweight, I just need to play with it a bit more to directly compare it to the Damaskeene and 1914. I appreciate the offer, though! It was extremely kind of you.

 

Your welcome. I think you will find it is less aggressive feeling then the 1912 but still very smooth.

 

Thank you Jim.

I agree the Featherweight is less aggressive than the 1912 but still gives a smooth close shave.

 

It feels good to be home. A touchup with some CrOx on one of my favorite razors, followed by a nice three pass shave is a great way to start my day
The Body Shop Maca Root Cream
Jayaruh #155 Brush
Otto Deutsch Hans Razor
Lucky Tiger
Ogallala Bay Rum After Shave
Have a blessed Sunday!

 

I could not get into the new Body Shop cream. I still have a few tubs of the old though.

 

Beautiful razor, Brian. Otto Deutsch Hans have always been one of the best looking razors out there, IMO. Your razor is a great example.

 

Brian, that is a REALLY nice razor.

 

Razor: Supply Provision Custom 3 dot head/ Clauss
Blade: Chick
Brush: That Darn Rob silvertip
Soap: Chiseled Face Sherlock
Post Care: Thayers Witch Hazel
Alum
Osage Rub
Aftershave: Chiseled Face Sherlock

Wonderful three pass shave this morning. My first try of any Chiseled Face soap and I like it. I attempted to do the first pass with the Clauss but the razor was just jumping around on 3 days growth. I know it's sharp, fresh off a hone, so I'm chalking it up to technique. I did the first pass with the Supply and then 2 partial passes with the Clauss and a final pass with the Supply. Ended up with some irritation but zero blood so I'm counting this as a win. Have a great day folks!