DECember 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

I pity you and our tropical brethren... so boring to live where the weather is consistently warm, pleasant, green and wonderful. No contrasts, no challenges, no wondering if the upcoming storm system will amount to anything. Enjoy your paradise Randy. I have to get the snow shovels ready.

 

Thank you, Bruce. You're too kind. Have a great day, my friend!

Perry, fantastic set up today, and it makes for a fine way to start the morning. I also used Jeeves of Hudson Street, and I agree that it is decadent indeed! Have fun with the Middle School kids today. I'm glad you have a chance to see them perform and get to know them a little better. Travel safely!

Thanks, Brian! I've enjoyed your photos and set ups this month as well. I hope all your preparations for the upcoming move are going smoothly. Happy Thursday!

 

DEcember 14th
Cooper MonoBilt w Sharp Star (3)
Omega Pro/ Walnut & Brass
TOBS Jermyn St. SS
Thayers
TFS Mastro Miche AS

After seeing so many nice Christmas themed photos the past few weeks, I made my wife’s Christmas Village display an unwitting accomplice on today’s SOTD.
12th day with the Cooper and the 3rd with a Sharp Star. I’ve used this TOBS soap twice now and have gotten nice lathers both times. I’ve got a tube of TOBS Sandalwood as well and am really enjoying the scent of the Jermyn ST. This is on the ‘potential’ list for a purchase. Thanks to @Screwtape for a generous package of soaps.

This will be the last day for the MonoBilt for a bit. After absolutely loving the shaves I’ve been getting, I’m sending it off to be replated and it won’t be seen for a few months. Thanks to @Linuxguile for a great trade. Tomorrow, I’ll break out my other DEcadent razor to focus on for the rest of the month- a minty #53/58 British Aristocrat Jr.
Have a great day all!

 

Thank you Charlie. I’m remembering why it’s been over 24 years since my last move. This is pretty stressful

 

I like my mugs...and well, I guess I'm a nerd on many different levels...shaving is just one of them.

 

Your very own Gillette Aristocrat, all those beautiful brushes with handmade handles, warm southern Florida winters, palm trees in your yard, ice cream at work....I'm so happy for you, Randy.

 

I'm sure you have it under control. I will be looking for some pointers next year, Brian.

 

Great set up and lovely Christmas SOTD photo, Jason. I look forward to seeing your MonoBilt come back to you in all its shining glory. Have a great Thursday, my friend!

 

Before you guys get any bright ideas and start quizzing me with questions about higher mathematics, please know that history was my favorite subject.

 

The TOBS Jermyn Street scent is one of my favorites!

 

You as well, Charlie.

 

I have a well earned BS in History with a minor in political science.

I can go hobby for hobby on geekdom...

 

Beautiful shot, Doug!

Fantastic photo, John! Congrats on catching the baby!

Kevin did a great job on that W&B, Adam! Congrats!

Did you tame the spronginess, Jared?

"Its like rain, arko falling from your blade"

Heavy handed, with a Feather, in a Toggle, on 7. I'm glad you lived to tell the tale, Neal!

Yes indeed Rick, doesn't get much more decadent then a Red Tip loaded with a Rapira!

You are doing a fantastic job keeping the photos interesting, Charlie!

Amazing photo, Clint! I hope my Soap Destroyer will eventually open up a little like yours has.

Great photo Perry! Have fun on the trip!

A jolly photo, Mark!

Very nice, Brian!

Thats too bad, Dale. I had a similar experience with "The Lounge".

Birds of Paradise are good too, if you happen to have any in your yard!

A great finale photo, Jason! Is the sent of the MM AS any stronger then the soap ?

 

Thanks Andrew. I hope you are doing well! Scrap booking has been very good to me. I'm also playing around with a free on-line photo editor called Fotor, and it has been fun.

 

I'll add an addendum to my SOTD, since most of mine have been brief lately.

My normal routine has been two passes and touch-ups. I've stepped it up a notch the last few weeks by using alum on my fingertips to stretch the skin like I was shaving with a straight razor. I'm also paying more attention to riding the cap, and that really pays off on my lower neck with closer shaves and less discomfort.

First pass is WTG on my cheeks and ATG on my neck. Second pass is mostly ATG except for my the bulb of my chin, jaw line, and my upper lip. Touch-ups usually then include light ATG strokes on my chin, jaw line, and upper lip. That usually gets me very smooth with little to no irritation, and it allows me to shave daily.

I'm not sure what happened regarding my expectations on blade life. I used to be a a '3 and out' shaver. Now, I'm using my Russian blades for 7 shaves each with no problems or discomfort. I wonder if my 'improved' technique does less damage to the blade edge and allows me to get more mileage out of blades? Or maybe I just never tried pushing my blades past 3 shaves? I'll be curious to see if I can replicate 7 shaves per blade with my beloved Feathers after my Russian blade trial is complete.

I've been shaving with a DE for about 5 years, and there's always something new to be learned. I benefit during each and every 30 day focus, and I appreciate the opportunity to follow along and learn from you all.

 

In the survey, Anti-Coal Lump looks pretty good right now. Too early to officially call, of course.

 

Nice soap destroyers, Gentlemen.

 

Enjoy your trip, Perry!

 

Thanks Jason!

 

Two classic handles, Gentlemen. Love them both.