February 2018 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

It turned out pretty well, but I don't chase babies ever. Bad move with open blades. But today, my technique was good, and the stroke pattern was right, and the results just happened.


Also @sdguero

Thank you, sir! Soap is at www.retroshaveshop.com

 

My favorite scent, and one of my top soaps.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

I dig the mass of the SRX. Makes it glide pretty well.

I really like this one and Lumberjack from R66. Great skinfeel, very nice lanolin soap.

 

My first round of Carbon Gem blades, as it turns out, are not shaving quality blades. Same goes for the Pal Blue Carbons. They are mass market blades most likely aimed at scrapers etc. Even though I got them from a shaving supplier they are not the "real deal" when it comes to SE shaving blades.

The Gem Blue Star blades you have are the same as I located in CVS, just with a different name on them. The 009 RD stamp is identical. I was told by @EzraCobb to look for the 009 stamp as that would be the correct blade. @wchnu was preparing to send me those very blades when I solved the puzzle. As for the stainless blades, as far as I have always been able to tell, a stainless blade is a stainless blade. I have used the PTFE coated Gem stainless before with no problems, as well as their basic stainless. I've also seen discussions that the stainless and PTFE are both actually the same blade. No difference at all.

I suppose the quick answer to your question - yes Gem makes more than one variety of carbon blade. And, they make a variety of qualities as well. Well, at least two. Some you can shave with, and some you can't. Or at least shouldn't.

 

Favorite February

February 6

Razor - Gem MMOC
Blade - ASR Carbon - CVS (3)
Soap - Stirling Ben Franklin
Brush - Stirling Two Banded Synthetic
Post - Alum

I'm happy to say the report on the shave is brief. I stayed on the end of the handle for my grip and got two passes and some touch ups with a very nice result. And, for the first time since getting the right blade, the alum wasn't as hot as the day before. All systems go. Now I just have to avoid getting over confident and stay focused to continue to improve the result. DFS tonight, not the highest but not bad at all. I'm very happy with the result.

The soap tonight was Stirling Ben Franklin. His description is quite humorous, but even more so because he had to do a disclaimer about it. It's an interesting blend that isn't bad, but won't make the top of my preferred list. My wife didn't gush over it either, so it probalby won't go from sample to tub in my den. That's ok. Plenty more have and will I'm sure.

Now to settle down and catch up around here. Busy day today. Just the way we like it in here!

​

 

So shaver beware the intended purpose of the SE blade you’re buying. Your face is not paint or carpet.

Thanks, Neal!

 

I still think the blade on a bolt was more of a challenge than the popsicle stick. And if memory serves, 4 of us survived that one and, again, alas - no blood.

 

Shaving wise I vote Dark Side. Personally - well, shady isn't always a bad thing, right?

 

I had the same reaction as you when I first tried a true shavette. Looks and seems scarier than the Feather or any other pain stick. In reality it's the easier of the two to master. By far. I wonder, though, whether or not the folding Feather AC's would be easier than the pain stick style? Same head and blade, just different form.

 

Always love your survey updates! Oh, and by the way - I believe I owe you some blades for January NB'18! Do you want them as you earn them, month by month, or are you waiting for the full year (or whenever you drop off the wagon)?

 

Lay off the booze before the shave. Your nose is already red enough.

 

I prefer the stainless blades also; they’re smoother and last longer.

 

Ok I know there's a backstory to that.

 

I would claim to have done it. Except I didn't really. I got down to a few pieces then grated them together with the remnants of a puck of the Fat to make Fatbac. And I haven't used all of that either.

 

Yeah, what’s the story for that rant? Give us some context Fuzzy.

 

Welcome to the 30DC, @P.L.Green!

What @RyX said! Except I would add #3 --. Skin stretching.

Use your free hand, the one not holding the razor, to pull your skin taut and tight in front of your razor. This helps the razor glide over the skin and also makes the whiskers stand up straighter to be cut.

So three things:
1. Light touch. - no pressure
2. Ride the cap - shallow blade angle
3. Skin stretch - tight or taut skin

 

I knew the Clash would fix it. They're rock stars.


"I say when it drops, oh you gonna, feel it
Know that you were doing wrong
I say when it drops, oh you gonna, feel it
Know that you were doing wrong..."

-Toots

 

Tabac is immortal. It just decides to leave like a thief in the night. No one ever actually finishes.

 

You ever parked behind an elephant?


It's a messed up situation.

 

Also @P.L.Green

Skin stretching is the tip that is not stressed enough. It's the main difference between DFS and burned from too many passes.