May 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Thank you very much Andrew. One of these days I'm going to lose my shave kit or me in fast moving water.

 

Lets hope not!

 

Beautiful brush, Andrew, and great set up! I'm glad it's a top performer!

 

SWMBO: "You don't need another shaving brush, you have at least six already."

Me: "But, this is the last brush I will ever have to buy."

SWMBO: "That's what you said the first brush, then the second, and the third, and for every brush after that. You don't need another shaving brush."

At least this how the conversation goes in my head. Usually, the conversation doesn't work out quite as well as I think it will.

 

That is my all time favorite post war car. I got into British sports cars a few years ago, and those were easily my favorites. Of course, I had to settle for something a little more wallet friendly, a 62 Austin-Healey Sprite.

 

Wonderful photo, Doug!

 

I just got home safely from Chicago. It's been a long day already, so I stopped in Starbucks with my wife. I figure ten shots of espresso in ice should keep me going for the rest of the day.

Time to go home and make some MAYhem plans

 

Jim, I'd love to see a photo of your '62 Austin-Healey!

 

Thanks Charlie!

 

Thank you Charlie. This is what I used to darken the razor.

http://www.rockler.com/darkening-solution

 

I'll have to see if I can find one. When my first daughter was born, it didn't take long for my wife to inform me (of what I already realized) that the car hobby didn't fit too well with being a dad. I had to part ways with it. Luckily, she has lately decided I need to teach my son some skills, and working on cars is one of those. When he gets older, she wants me to get an older car to work on. I never thought I would see that happen!

 

I can appreciate that, which is why I agreed to go in on this - it may be an opportunity for personal growth. Plus it had the "Mikey" factor, which is always an enticement for me to break new ground (i.e. try stupid things that others won't). Having never shaved with any sort of open blade whatsoever (straight, shavette, SE, etc.) I'm not really sure how this shave is gonna go. If you have tips or recommendations as to how to increase my chances for success, I'm all ears.

 

As for the morning shave, I went with the usual gear, left the Astra SP in for longer than normal, just for giggles (5th or 6th shave, I kinda lost track), and used a new tub of Body Shop Maca Root, which I just bought. Now I'm a scent guy, and I never imagined keeping any soap or cream without much discernible scent. This is my first exception, as this stuff made the "keeper list". Not sure it will stay there forever, but the lather it created was so outstanding, rich and thick, it produced a fantastic shave. So good, in fact, that I made the mistake of trying to chase the baby after a very close shave, which produced some mild irritation. My fault, not the cream's.

 

Tip number 1. Keep the blade away from your ears. (Really.) Tip number 2. Rub your fingers on the alum stick, and stretch the skin away from the direction you are cutting. Tip #3 keep the blade angle at 20/30 degrees. Its easier to visualize this on a straight.

 

that's better that being negatory

 

Thanks very much Jim. Have a good weekend.

 

May 5

Gillette New SC
Feather (1)
JR # 160 Louisville Slugger brush handle with Omega 10098 boar knot
Jabonman Eufros Oriental Breeze soap
Alum, Thayers Lavender witch hazel, & unrefined shea butter
Captain's Choice Bay Rum aftershave



Have a great weekend!

 

+1

@BaylorGator
Tip # 4: Keep your fingers holding the razor and the razor handle dry to prevent slipping.
Tip # 5: Shut off the running water and listen to the blade cutting the whiskers. This will help you zero in on the correct blade angle.
Tip # 6: Let everyone in the house know you're using a shavette. This keeps you from being startled while you have a knife pressed against your neck.
Tip # 7: Plan on shaving slow and re-lathering areas of your face to keep the lather from drying out. When first using a shavette, don't be surprised if one pass takes more time than three passes with a DE.
Tip # 8: Your chin and upper lip will take extra focus. Go slow, take very small strokes, relather as necessary, and go at it until you're satisfied
Tip # 9: Don't worry about getting a close shave the first time out. After the first pass, put the razor down, declare victory, and try again on another day.
Tip #10: If you have "hollows" on your lower neck, it sometimes help to shave with only the first third or so of the blade edge. This gets me close in my trouble spots.
Tip # 11: Don't ride the cap. There ain't one.

Randy, I'm sure you'll do great. I look forward to your SOTD post tomorrow!

 

Beautiful razor Charlie.