May 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

The video link isn't working for me

 

Praying for safe travels for you two.

 

This morning I decided to try out my new finger mounted Kamisori. I was actually fairly confident that I could pull this off, as I had muted the corners of the blade and they were firmly mounted. What could go wrong?
First pass went fairly well, even though it was kind of awkward because I usually backhand a straight razor. In keeping with tradition, I got overconfident and lathered up for a second pass. Overconfidence is never good in my den and led to blood in the sink. I dug in under a sideburn while trying to square it up and also opened up a pretty good weeper on my lower cheek. It's been a long time since I went to work looking like I just hugged a feral cat. Let the coworker abuse begin.
I finally understand why being a lemming might not be healthy. Oh well, this served as a reminder that overconfidence is a bad thing around sharp objects.
Mark this one down as a fail
SOTD
Route 66 Perfect Storm
B-400 Brush by Tom
MAYhem Finger Kamisori
Styptic Pencil
Tissue
Nick Relief Styptic Powder
Azzaro Chrome Legend Cologne
Have a great week!

 

Not sure why. i jusr checked and it worked for me. grrrrr. Dang tech stuffm

 

Not a fail. Just less then perfect shave. Just trying counts as a win.

 

Your Shavy award in a second catogory is forthcoming. I'm also anxiously awaiting @Bama Samurai and @NCoxSTL to jump in and lead the pack for a bit. (Do lemmings run in packs? I gotta get back to work, so I don't have time to Google this. On second thought, maybe it's better if we don't study too much about lemmings in this group. The end result may run some folks off.

 

Thank you for your encouragement

 

At least we have a few that are smart enough to just observe and comment

 

Neal, get well soon we miss you.

 

I have a tub of Stirling Barbershop and it's one of my "keepers". Since a Shavy award may be in your future (or even if not), I can send you out a small sample good for a couple of shaves to try if you like. Just remind me when the time comes after the awards ceremony.

 

May 8, 2017- GEM Mini-Focus

Razor: Gem 1912
Blade: Gem Blue Star (1)
Brush: Razorock Plissoft 22
Cream: KMF fragrance-free
Post: Alum, Listerine, WH

After Saturday's disappointing shave with the Annie 5107 hair shaper blade (I'm convinced they didn't even try to hone this blade. If anything, they polished the edge.), I'm back with the 1912 and a Blue Star blade.

Back in the 70's, I recall shaving a few times with a Gem (probably a Clog-Pruf) that I had gotten at a flea market. My big issue back then was with the blades rusting as I knew nothing about the various types of blades and just bought whatever was on the hook by the register at the Foodtown. I now know that those must have been carbon steel blades and that I was not taking proper post-shave steps with them. Part of this week is about seeing if I know better now.

I did my normal two passes against two-days' growth to a satisfying DFS. I *think* I noticed some additional smoothness compared to the SS Gem blade. I did get one weeper on my chin, but it was no big deal. All in all, I'm curious to see if I can get this blade to stay around for a few shaves.

Off topic... DW is now in full prep mode for next week's vacation which means I need to decide which razor I'm taking. Decisions, decisions...

 

May 8
Schick I1 w Chick (1)
Jeeves of Hudson St. Apothecary
TGN Synthetic
Thayers Unscented
Barrister's Reserve Spice


Finally on focus! Although I wish I wasn't... First day with an Injector. After reading about folks using these over the past 6 months or so, I thought I was well-versed in how to load these without dulling the blade. Apparently not. Lathered up a nice batch of Jeeves, raked the I1 down my face, and got a dull, tuggy feeling. Hmmm...thought I was careful loading...kept going, though.
Went through basically 4 passes with minor reduction each time. Took 4 passes to get to a socially acceptable shave. No real irritation afterwards, at least.

3 possibilities:
1. I dulled the blade loading it
2. Just a dull blade
3. This is what it is supposed to feel like and I'm an idiot (please don't make this a vote)
I'll be changing the blade tomorrow and try to be as careful as possible to eliminate Possibility #1. At least I smell decent with the Reserve Spice!
Have a great day all.

 

I think you will find that the Carbon Steel blades give a smoother shave. I use them almost exclusively in my SE stuff. Mostly PAL which are similar to the blue star. I am looking forward to seeing how they continue to work for you.

I do not use an I that much, but I know they give better shaves then that. I have had new blades be a dud with all kinds of blades. Sending good vibes in hope it improves. If you would like to try a G I would be very happy to send one your way.

 

Thanks for the offer. I will certainly check in with that.

 

Appreciate the offer, but I can't believe the razor is this bad, or no one would ever speak highly of it. Don't believe it is the 'I'. I'll try a different blade tomorrow. I also have a PAL Injectomatic I can use for comparison.

 

OHHHHH HECK YEA... the injecto-matic.... great shavers to. You have some good stuff there.

 

Since injectors are fairly intuitive to use, I would say equal odds 1 or 2. As you load the blade pay particular attention that the blade in not running across the blade stop as it is being inserted.

 

Great theme, Doug!

Great combo, Clint! The RV7 and the General make a great pair!

I'm glad you are continuing to have good results from the 1912, Perry!

Killer photo, Mark!

Jason, I vote 1. If that razor didn't have a blade in it before injecting one chances are you ran the blade against the stops. The I1 is a great shaver and I find Chick blades to be sharper then most DE blades.

 

Thank you Andrew.

Excellent point about the injector having no blade installed. Forgot about that.

 

I had a blade in there, as I'd read that it was easier to dull the blade being loaded if it was empty. I still might not have been careful enough this morning...