May 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Now I REALLY want to try some Hai Karate.

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Thank you on both counts. I kind of jumped the gun and posted it in the wrong thread......

 

May 6 - Time for a Cold Drink!

Merkur 34C
Gillette Rubie (day 3)
23 mm AOS Pure Badger
DIY PSO
Stirling Gin & Tonic on the Rocks
Alum/Thayers/Nivea

I have never tried gin & tonic, the drink nor Stirling's regular soap. Being a lover of most berries and lime and lemon, I figured I could not go wrong. Add to this the rare opportunity of a menthol version, I grabbed Gin & Tonic On The Rocks as my first introduction into this scent. Stirling soap base is always fantastic. This soap was only offered in a full tub so I figured go big or go home. I went big.

Stirling soap always creates the best lathering all aspects: slick, thick, creamy and cushiony.

The scent was a bit different that I expected. I think it is good but it is not one I consider my best. Sorry. Not sure if it is the Juniper berry or what. At the same time, I do feel it can grow on me. It most definitely is not offensive. I like it but do not love it. Having Castle Forbes Lime, it will be hard to displace it as I find it the best lime scent so far.

Menthol I thought was on the lighter side but I noticed that I had the lather a little under hydrated and upon adding water, the lather felt colder. It turned out to be the perfect amount of scent and cold.

I might go so far as to say if you use a Stirling menthol soap that doesn't feel cold, you also could use more hydration. Stop adding water when the cold is maxed out.

The Rubie seemed to still feel smooth but it was instead missing hair instead of cutting them. I did 4 passes to get a BBS. This blade is done. I feel it is another good blade but it is not a great blade. I find it like other would find a blade a day before the blade is put in the blade bank when new. Good enough to shave with if you are Frugal but not expecting perfection. It will though get the job done.

Up next is the Ladas Super Stainless blade

 

May 6, 2017
Gem Damaskeene with PTFE Coated Blades
Shavemac ATG LE D01 2 Band
Mystic Water Raspberry & Lemon
Folsom & Co. Capri

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I decided to mix things up for the weekend and enjoy some razors that don't get used a much. Per the plan I am still sticking with the same brush and soap for today before starting a new week tomorrow. With the recent announcements of modern SS razors designed to use the Gem blade, I decided to pull some vintage Gems out and give them a go. The razor for the day is a Gem Damaskeene. I decided to use the shimming method per @Billyfergie recommendation. The vintage Gem blades were thicker at the spine than modern Gem blades. Shiming brings the modern blade into the correct alignment. I have always had smooth shaves with the Damaskeene but the shim improved upon my previous results.

Here are two threads that discuss the specifics and methods to shim. I went with the alternative method of using 2 injector blades.

http://theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php?threads/the-fergiebilly-shim.32513/

http://www.atgshaving.com/threads/the-alternative-se-shim.3215/

Enough of the background and moving to the shave. With a nice slick lather I went with a traditional 3 pass shave. I have always found the Gem razors angle to be very intuitive and that was the case this morning. The shim does require a little shallower angle but that was a very easy adjustments. I also found the shim to make the razor a little quieter. At the end of 3 pass I was so close to the baby that I had to chase the little guy. Minor touch ups easily ended in a BBS shave. Today's shave was easily an A+. I finished off the shave with some Thayers Witch Hazel and a splash of Folsom & Co Capri. I hope everyone has a great Saturday.

 

Definitely, the quote of the day.

 

A couple of days ago I walked into a public restroom at a bookstore. As soon as the door opened, my immediate thought was, "Someone is shaving with Arko in here." Nope. I was alone. I checked for urinal pucks. There were none. It was a wall mounted air freshener. And it was the exact scent. I will always keep Arko around ( I have a few years' worth), but scent manipulation may become a thing with me too.

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Great pics. Especially the top one. The colors pop. How do you get your lighting so even?

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Damaskeenes are a favorite of mine. They do deliver.

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I agree. They are great razors. I will be trying a Damaskeene Open Comb for the first time tomorrow. I am excited about giving it a go.

 

Other than citrus, I don't generally care for fruity or sweet soaps all that much. I bought a sample of the soap, and instantly wished I had bought a tub. Then I pretty much did the same thing with the aftershave. I love it.

 

Do you leave the spine on and then use the two injector blades? Or do you still remove the spine? And do you place the injector at the top of the blade under the spine? I have a 1912 and am interested in this!

 

I took 2 injector blades and ran them across a file to dull the sharp edge. If you have any twin injector blades, you only need one of them. I then glued them together. Leave the spine on the blade and shim under the spine.

 

Just saw this, and I'm for sure on it. Glad I started to catch up before I shaved. Thanks, Brian!

 

Thank you! I got lucky with the light.

 

Excellent picture Clint. The razor and case look great. Thanks for the shim information.

 

Thank you Doug. The razor and case are near mint. It even has a full complement of NOS Damaskeene blades.

 

I thought it looked in great condition. A blade bank also, bonus. Hard to tell from pictures sometimes. Thanks for letting me know.

 

Wow, that is a sweet looking razor and complete set, Clint! Have a great Saturday and hop on the bike as it looks like you'll have good weather today.

 

Thank you Charlie. The rain is stopped so I think tomorrow will be a great day for a ride.