April 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Must be a mismatched set. The picture looks like a Gillette Red and Black set which would mean a New LC and those hardly mean MAYhem.

 

It's in 5/8 world.

Sensei @gssixgun recommends 6/8, round point, half hollow. It's the "midpoint" in common razor design.

 

Try going harder on skin stretches. That's what allowed me to gain closer shaves and still avoid irritation. Sounds like you need only a few more tries and you'll get it near BBS.

 

Awesome April
Day 22



Twenty second verse, same as the first. Other than that...all is quiet in Colorado.

Have a great weekend!
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Okay boys and girls - time for a little fun and games, that all tie into MAYhem for me. Not long ago there was a video shared of a guy using crunchy peanut butter in place of shave cream/soap. Got me to thinking (yeah, I know, shocking) about other products that I could try. I've considered things like yogurt, peanut butter, plain butter, margarine (to compare to butter), sour cream. So, put your thinking cap on and help me put together an official list of items that could replace shave cream/soap - whether it's a good idea or not perhaps. I'll work some of those items into my routines in MAYhem to have some fun. Part of that will be figuring out which razor to use with different stuff to match up the best. I've tried strange and deadly hardware. Time for some strange and stupid software.

That's part of my MAYhem this year. More to come!

 

Hair conditioner
Peanut oil
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing
Mustard

 

@NCoxSTL

You could always present us with an object lesson on why shaving cream doesn't come in formulations like horseradish or raw ginger.

You know, for science.

 

Hey, as long as it's for science that's all that matters.

 

I really want to see you try it with maple syrup, and being the good southern boy I am, lard.

 

Nothing makes me happier than quality time with my girls (6 and 8). At 50, I'm old enough to both appreciate it and realize how fast it's flying by. If you've got one old enough to be interested in boys, but choosing to spend time with you instead, I'd say you've got life "nailed". Wear that lip scar with pride.

We'll, that just put things in perspective. I had aspirations of one day being one of the lead lemmings around here, but clearly I am not worthy. I will gladly embrace my role as lead lemming enabler/instigator, as you guys take this thing to a whole nother level! Now that my future role in the pecking order is more clear to me, may I be so bold as to suggest bacon grease, axle grease, and Georgia clay. (We gotta have someone in rural GA who can hook you up). If you feel frisky and want to add international selections to the menu, wasabi and vegamite always elicit reactions from the gallery. And remember, "Without pictures, it didn't happen!"

Edit: Nutella or pudding would make fine dessert selections, as would pumpkin pie. You're welcome.

 

It is really two different departments. I'm in enabling, and do have positions open. You are welcome to sit here by me.

If you want instigating, you have to talk to Charlie or Brian, but they have a pretty full staff already, so it may be harder to get a slot.

 

I'm happy to sit here with you while I earn my reputation as a "dual threat". I have time.

 

Some things that have maybe not been mentioned:

-How about drilling mud (bentonite clay), (which is actually slicker than....) but would make a glorious mess?

-I was also thinking sheetrock mud or spackle...

-There have been several discussions about Lava Soap.

 

enjoying your alphabet soup, Charlie?

 

We always have room for more instigators, and @BaylorGator has already demonstrated his aptitude. Moreover, he deals ice cream and runs my fan club. In some administrations, that would immediately elevate him to Special Advisor to the Instigator-in-Chief.

 

Back to the daily shave update:
Day 2 of Slim set on 4 with Astra SP.
No sandlasting prep today.
Shimmed up the Elite Manchurian by about 2mm (wine cork method) for blissful application of TOBS coconut sample.
Alum and Thayers Followd by Harry's shave balm.

Long and short of it is the lack of sandblasting (my wife uses the word exfoliation, but let's call it what it is) made for a much lower irritation shave. Having said that, the price for the closer, more aggressive shave was mild irritation and two weepers, revealing an opportunity to further improve my technique with this setup before moving forward. Hopefully this realization gets me something more than a white belt in Bama Saurai's dojo. This patient, disciplined approach clashes significantly enough with my "hard driving, get it done" type A personality to provide a daily dose of personal growth. In the meantime, I'll be headed out west of town this afternoon to celebrate my wife's birth by eating ribs slow cooked by my father in law. If I shoot some guns with him in the sugar cane field, we'll get the full trifecta today! May God equally bless your Sunday, fellas. Shave on...

 

You are too kind, Charlie! I'll be submitting my resume pronto!

Edit: (At the foolish risk of tempting the gods to smite me, that's a snazzy CT opportunity.) Now having sufficiently tempted fate, I will sit idly by, whilst the moderators pore through scores of stupid stuff I have already said, in preparation to find something even more laced with buffoonery! ) Even as I type this, I am certain I have made a mistake, but that is what instigators do!

 

Razor: Portland Razor Co Chimera / Supply Provision Custom 3 dot head
Blade: Chick
Brush Handle: B-400 The Brush by Tom
Knot: APShaveCo Tuxedo
Soap: Chiseled Face Ghost Town Barber
Post Care: Thayers Witch Hazel
Alum
Osage Rub
Aftershave: Chiseled Face Ghost Town Barber

Excellent shave this fine Sunday morning. This was the first time I've ever done a full pass with a straight. I used the Supply to knock down 3 days of growth and then 2 full passes with the Chimera. Ended up with a DFS with no blood and almost zero feedback from the alum. I'm finding it easier to find the angle with the Chimera over a traditional straight and will use it going forward. Have a great day folks!

 

April 23, 2017
Wolfman Ti WR1 (.74) OC with Hempel Ti
Feather (2)
“Amigos” Elite Ironwood Beehive with Envy White
Route 66 Bay Lime Twist

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A new week and a new lineup. I will continue to use the Route 66 Bay Lime Twist that I substituted for the departed Lumberjack. The razor for the week will be a Wolfman Ti OC with the blade gap increased to .74. Since I bought the head only, I will pair it with a Hempel Ti anodized Ti handle. Being made of titanium the razor is very light. Since the increased blade gap has the blade feel of a Slim on 7 or 8, it requires the user to pay attention to technique. It is one of the two DE razors I own that is efficient enough for me to get a BBS shave in 2 passes with touch ups. The brush for the week is the "Amigos" Elite Razor Ironwood Beehive handle with an Envy White Knot. The handle is very ergonomic and a joy to use. In my opinion the Envy White knot is the best knot available in its price point. The Envy White has exceptional backbone and scrub with out any scritch. The knot's flow through is excellent as well. These attributes really hit all the high points that I look for in a knot.

On to the shave. After spending the week with the Chubby 2 Synthetic the Ironwood Beehive quickly reminded me that I am a badger guy at heart. Despite being an excellent brush the CH2 Synthetic does not provide the same feel or experience as an exceptional badger. After a quick load of the Bay Lime Twist, I went straight to face lathering. I always start in circular motions lathering and adding water slowly to the knot. I finish with paint strokes which left me with a wonderful slick lather. The scent of bay and citrus was impressive and lingered even beyond the shave. Given the efficiency of the razor, I went with a 2 pass shave, XTG & ATG paying attention to my trouble spots as I went. Skin stretching during the minimal touch ups allowed me to easily catch the baby. A really superb shave. Since I had some Route 66 Frozen Margarita Aftershave Balm remaining, I used it. The scent paired well and the menthol cooling was a very nice touch. Overall I would give this shave a solid A+. I hope everyone has a great Sunday.

 

Congrats on your straight razor progress! The Chimera is a beauty!