June 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Sounds like a Test Posting Area visit is in order. I'll run some up the flag pole, see what sticks.


Tapatalk Via Kyocera

 

This ^^^^^.

 

I hear what you're sayin', but there is a lotta "beard type, how many times you wanna rinse, and how much time you got" that needs to be factored in. Personally, if any of those were factors, I'd get a different razor.

That said, I can understand why a guy would shim one. Sentimental or collectible reasons type of thing.

 

Yup. But shimming does not change the shave in my opinion. It is at most a very very very very small angle change. That can be done simply by moving the handle. If you like to shim do so. It's your razor. I just don't want someone thinking about getting into SE shaving to think you have to, or need to, shim a blade to get great shaves. You don't. You can adjust the angle with the handle, and putting an extra piece under the back of the blade does not stiffen the edge of the blade. Again if you like it do it. It's your shave do it your way...right @swarden43 !!

 

June 2017!!!

Trials and Tribulations

June 15

Razor - 1959 (E4) Gillette Fatboy (3)
Blade - (1)
Soap - Arko
Brush - Jayaruh #46
Post - Alum

Moving back to the Super-Max blade trial and it's back to the Fatboy and the Super Platinum blade. What, one may ask, is the difference between a regular Platinum blade and the Super Platinum? (Or in the case of Astras the "superior platinum") ((or some blades who talk about double platinum)) Well, one is clearly SUPER!!!! Honestly, research into this will leave you with the distinct feeling that it's all a marketing ploy, or at least partly that. Typically the difference is an extra coating of platinum on the "super" blade, but that isn't a guarantee. If there's one thing I've learned about blade manufacturers - they are hard to get information from, especially when asking about manufacturing specs and distribution strategies. I can say this for sure. The Super-Max Platinum gave me three great shaves. Not the sharpest blade, definitely on the sharper side of the coin but not overly so, and smooth. So that's the comparison for the Super Platinum.

JR46 and Arko for that classic lather and off we go to two passes and a little touch up. Smooth as silk on the 3 setting with no issues on either pass. Reduction seemed a bit above average for the mild setting and the finish is a near-BBS. Excellent shave from the blade and alum was just there to say I used it. No burns or stings. Pretty much the same as the Platinum on all counts, though I think the smoothness of this blade may have been just a touch better. I expect the 6 shave to hit gold and the 9 shave should be excellent as well, with a potential for some added irritation if the blade is as sharp as this shave indicates it may be. Should be another great run of shaves from the Super Platinum as I've been getting from all of the Super-Max line.

My Sharp Stars are sitting in the post office waiting for me to release them from custody. This batch shipped through St. Petersburg, which is unusual. The seller is from Ufa, which is about an hour and a half west of Moscow, and over two hours southwest of St. Pete's. Not sure how the package went that direction but it's here now. Probably Monday before I'll have time to go sign for it.

Friday is upon us! Hope you have some plans for a fun weekend.

 

Sticking to It!
Arko Challenge Edition
15 June 2017


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Let's talk about this brush. First up, @jtspartan - the handle is the right size and shape to maintain a balanced feel, and was very comfortable in a face lathering application. @Fly2High - took care of the knot, and the Tuxedo was selected. The ability of the fiber in this brush to hold water compares favorably with my Plisson. The major difference is that the individual fibers are marginally thicker, giving the brush a bit more backbone than the Plisson. That detail is neither good nor bad, but simply an observation. As far as performance, after two shaves, I would rate it as exceptional. I am a dedicated and confirmed face lather shaver, and this brush will suit nicely. In fact, because of what this brush represents, I will relegate the Plisson to backup duty. So get ready to see this brush for the next few years or longer. Other than that...all is quiet in Colorado.

Have a fantastic Friday!
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Keith the Koraat is just stunning. Wow.

 

Just make sure you remember the Proraso White is a pre-shave, post shave thing. You can shave with it (I know this from experience), but it will not give you the performance you were expecting if you thought it was a soap (I also know this from experience)! Enjoy!

 

Gee. Kinda sounds like you tried it before....

 

Razor: Type G Schick Injector
Brush: JR 180
Soap: Shavee Award, Dirty Deeds Tobacco

So I received my Shavee yesterday from @Drygulch. Thank you Adam. I tried it out this morning. The scent was not what I thought it was going to be but I liked it. It lathered quite easily and lasted for my two pass shave. I will definitely look in to some more. As for the shave its self, I am liking the Injector. I am getting a DFS off it.

 

So I check to see if the blade was exposed evenly across the front of the razor. Lo and behold it was not, or as far as I can make out.


It looks to me as though there is more blade exposed on the left side then the right.



As compared to my Damaskeene.


So the question is then, "How do I correct this issue?" I don't want to get to forceful with it and break or mess up the razor. Nor do I want to just leave it and never use it again. I would like to fix or have it fixed to usable condition.

 

June 16, 2017
OneBlade Core
Feather
“Amgios” Simpson CH2 Synthetic
MdC Fougere
Myrsol Agua Balsamica

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I got a new toy in mail yesterday, so I wanted I picked a soap and brush that guaranteed a perfect setup for the shave. The MdC Fougere and CH2 Synthetic certainly delivered in spades. For the maiden shave I went with the Feather blades included with the Core. I honestly threw out all my techniques for SE and DE shaving and approached the razor as I would a cartridge razor. Ignoring the instruction sheet, I did apply pressure during the shave. For the shave I went XTG, ATG followed by touch ups along my jawline and mouth. I do have trouble spots on the bottom of my neck in the collar area that are almost impossible to get BBS without irritation. As such I do not try for perfection in those areas but do expect and achieve a near perfect shave over the remainder of my face. The Core easily meet my expectations of a near perfect BBS shave. Better yet it was done without any drama or irritation of any kind.

Is the Core the perfect razor. I would say no because many want to test their skills and hone their technique. I do think it will appeal to those coming from a cartridge background. They don't have the high expectations of fit and finish but do want a good easy shave. I plan to use this over the Core over the next couple of weeks and see if my initial impressions remain unchanged. At this point I am starting to think of what I sell to get a OneBlade Genesis

 

16 June 2017 TGIF Blade Focus Shave

Pre: A lot of hot water, soap off the puck and a hot towel
Razor: 1966 Schick Krona
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
Brush: Omega 10098
Soap: Route 66 "Rum Runner"
Post: Hot/Cold rinse, alum block, Dominello Vitali Calming Post Shave Moisturizer
After Shave: Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum

So, another shave week/blade audition comes to an end. We bid a fond adieu to the Gillette Silver Blue. As usual it turned in just as good a performance on its last day as it did on its first. 2.5 passes of shaving excellence, ably assisted by "Rum Runner" from Route 66. If you're new to questa nostra cosa you owe it to yourself to give the Mother Road a try.
The big Omega boar whipped up a fantastic lather that smelled great, was slick and left a great face feel.
Splashed on some VIBR and the day was underway!
Have a great Friday people!

 

Friday, June 16, 2017

Romera Buffalo Horn Manchurian
Savonniere du Moulin Donkey Milk
OneBlade CORE
Feather FHS-10
Folsom Shambala
ADP Blu Mediterraneo Ginepro




My new travel razor!​

 

June 16th
Gillette Aristocrat Jr. w Polsilver (2)
Stirling Gentleman SS & Balm
TGN Finest Fan
Thayers

Day 2 of the Aristocrat Jr focus, day 2 with a Polsilver. SWMBO is away for a day, so out comes the Gentleman. Nice lather and a smooth 3 pass shave. No blood, no irritation. The Jr. performs very much like a 40s SS. The razor feels like it is a little heavier than a regular SuperSpeed. Haven't put it on a scale, though. Nothing but good times to report.
Have a great day all!

 

That is one beautiful brush my brother!

 

Thanks. Made it about 6 months ago. It is the same board of maple that many of the 30DC brushes have come from.

 

I really enjoy shaving with a razor that is over 200 years old. It's fun to think of the history behind it.
I did manage to get some razor burn on a cheekbone which is what I am focusing on not doing this month. I'm not sure what I did wrong.
Lisa's Natural Wet Shave Soap
Wolf Whiskers Brush
Millikin Stub Tail Razor
Lucky Tiger
Ogallala Bay Rum, Sage, and Cedar
Happy Friday!

 

Very comfortable shave with the Rte 66 soap. It was cool enough to give it a go. Followed that up with the Avon 4 Men Maxwell 23 Tribute. Nice combo. The Avon will be an asset for me as I work my way through NB18, an event which we know will be a great success for me.

 

Planned SOTD.

Razor: Gillette President (Y1)(1953)
Blade: Voskhod Teflon Coated (7)
Brush: Shavemac ATG LE The Rowl Silvertip
Soap: Nuavia Rossa
Lucky Tiger Disappearing Cream
Aftershave: Floid Vigoroso
Bowl: The Distinctive Goat Sinker Cypress Wood