May 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

So did I win?

 

May 7, 2017
Gem Damaskeene Open Comb with PTFE Coated Blades
Rudy Vey RV7 with Shavemac Finest
Mystic Water Lavender Lime
Fine Lavender

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A new week brings a new brush and soap into play. The brush for this week is a Rudy Vey RV7 handle with a Shavemac Finest knot. This handle in faux briar is Rudy's take on the classic M7 handle. The Shavemac Finest knot is not what one thinks off with the word finest. Most knot makers use thicker hair in their finest knots given the knot more backbone and scrub. However, Shavemac combines some pure bristles with silvertip to achieve the similar results. At one time they indicated up to 30% pure bristles but this example has very few. Overall the knot has medium backbone and density with a very soft feel with excellent flow through. This is by far my most luxurious feeling brush. The soap for the week is Mystic Water Lavender Lime with menthol. I pick up almost all lavender with just a hint of citrus in the background. The Lavender Lime did provide a pleasant chill but is not freezing cold by any means.

Now moving to the shave. The razor for the day is a Gem Damaskeene Open Comb. The OC variant is somewhat rarer than the normal Damaskeene. Since I love my Damaskeene, I jumped on the OC when it was posted on the BST of another forum. I did shim the blade just as yesterday to better compare the two razors. With a wonderful cool base of rich slick lather, I went with a traditional 3 pass shave. During the shave, I got more audible feedback from the OC. Some touch ups along the my jawline and lower right neck easily caught the baby. The shave was super smooth and close. Overall this is one of the my best shaves ever. I would grade it as an A++. I found the OC to be very similar to the regular Damaskeene. Certainly not more aggressive but perhaps a touch more efficient. I can say for certain the razor is a keeper. Now I will need to decide if I the razor refinished or not. I hope everyone has a great Sunday.

 

Thanks! It's 2", so basically sized right at a Feather.

 

Yes you did. A 30DC IQ of 30 is a goal that the rest of us can only hope to match.

 

I think that because you aren't trying to learn how to shave with it at the same time, you aren't going to find the learning curve all that daunting.

If you bought a finisher, and some paste or diamond spray, you are done with maintaining for a while. It is like a flurry of busy/learning/hobby fun for about two weeks, and then you are all caught up with a rotation of razors, and either blunting edges to re hone them or buying more to be able to work on them.

Deep end of the pool for you, Mister. Might as well go Nike with it.

 

Classy looking shave, Clint. I vote for a refinish. It would make a great set paired with the CC.

 

I think so too. I will likely send Nick at Sport Shaving an email next week.

 

I like it!

 

OK, quick morning shave report. Slim on 4, now loaded with a Rapira on its second shave (after one use in a slant). Razorock XXX soap. What a great smooth shave! If the results of this shave are an indicator, I like the Rapira even better than the Astra SP for closeness and smoothness. Best combination and best shave I've found yet. Produced a couple tiny weepers and a bit of sting from the alcohol AS, but I was in a hurry and shaved really, really fast today. Like maybe 5 minutes, tops including prep, lather, shave & post. The Razorock soap, like most all Razorock soaps, whipped up a great lather, but didn't produce as strong a scent as I like. I do like it (kind of citrusy with a je ne sais quois" about it), but don't know if its a keeper. Happy Sunday and good shaves, everyone!

 

7 May 2017 MAYhem Citrus Sunday GEM Blade/Soap Focus Shave

Pre: Hot water, VDH Shave Butter, hot towel
Razor: GEM Featherweight '50's vintage
Blade: Treet Super SE
Brush: JR #161 NY Mets Special Edition
Soap: Regiment Shaving "High Speed"
Post: Hot/Cold rinse, alum block, cold towelx2, Dominello Vitali Calming Post Shave Moisturizer
After Shave: Canoe by Dana

As it is a new shave week, we bid adieu to "High Speed" with this shave.
This morning with a brand new Treet blade loaded, I got one of my shortest Sunday shaves yet. 2.5 passes of shaving excellence with a near BBS. I couldn't go 3 if I wanted to. There was nothing left to shave.
The "High Speed" again delivered the goods with a lemon/limey slick lather. And as always JR #161 was the master of the small mouth container. Thank you @Jayaruh!
The GEM Featherweight has definitely worked it's way into my rotation. Once this month is over I'll go back to the Super Speed Black Tip and get its blade situation squared away and I'll have an all vintage rotation. My EJ DE89bl will be pinch hitting from time to time.
Looking forward to Menthol Monday

 

Great picture, Mark!

 

Beautiful razor, Clint! Sounds like a wonderful shave!

 

May 7 SOTD:

Stirling Synthetic Brush
Route 66 Sweeney Todd
Pain Stick
Stirling Unscented PSB
Two Girls Florida Water AS

One pass DFS shave today. It was super smooth and easy. The Sweeney Todd was slick and wonderful, and I got a compliment from my wife on the Florida Water. Not much else to say about this shave. I hope everyone has a great!

 

Thank you Jim.

 

Razor: Portland Razor Co Chimera / Supply Provision Custom 3 dot head
Blade: Chick
Strop: Drygulch 45
Brush Handle: B-400 The Brush by Tom
Knot: APShaveCo Tuxedo
Soap: L&L Grooming Marshland
Post Care: Thayers Witch Hazel
Alum
Osage Rub
Aftershave: Fine Green Vetiver

Wonderful Sunday morning shave today. I can't say enough good things about this soap, I love everything about it. The Fine AS compliments the soap; it's a brighter and fresher Vetiver scent and blends great with the marshy L&L. One pass with the Supply and one with the Chimera and I'm happy with the results. Have a great day folks!

 

Lovely photo Jim.

 

Thank you Clint! Thought I'd use it one last time before I put it up for sale.

 

Thank you, Clint! Have a great day!

 

I really think it was using the Weck. It has so much blade exposure and such a stiff blade that it really feels quite similar to me.

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Until I am able to hone and keep and edge, honing gear is first priority. Unless, you know, I find a REALLY sweet deal. Or something.

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