July 2018 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Wisdom from the master. I felt a chill up my spine. Of course, that's an excuse for a shot of vodka so that's a positive too!

 

Impressive array of Superspeeds! Very nice and it's gonna be a great month with all of those at hand.

 

Ever the optimist. Thinking the soap stock will bottom out as soon as 2035.

 

July 2018

July 2

Razor - 1918 Gillette Old Style
Blade - (2)
Soap - Tabac
Brush - 30 DC LE
Post - Alum

Second night with the Old Style to keep it nice and aggressive. Changed to Tabac with the LE brush. And, of course, the lather didn't disappoint. My wife enjoys Tabac and even noticed it when she walked by. That smoky/leathery scent is very nice. A classic in my book and always nice to get back around to it.

Two passes with the Sharp Star blade for another BBS, though the alum was a bit spiky in a couple of spots. No blood, but with this razor and blade it doesn't take much to create a hot spot or two. Still, nothing to worry about and the second shave of July was a great one. Three days to Cinco de Julio!!

​

 

Thank you all! It has been a fun trip so far.

 

Awesome pic as usual, Clint. I love the look of top-end ‘euro bulb’ knots!

Looks like the SS focus is off to a great start, Jim!

Nice photo, Bruce. Yup, CL will definitely class up any shave!

That bowl looks to be holding up well, Andrew. I like a little menthol, but have yet to go for one of the Glacials yet!

Your pics the past bit have been phenomenal, Jim. Some stunning combos as well!

I’ve had the Arlington (soap version) in the cart a few times over the past few years, but didn’t seal the deal. Is it a rebuy for you, Keith?

She likes Tabac? She’s tough!

 

Thank you gentlemen.

 

As a shaving culture, why do we tell newbies, or encourage newbies, to start with mild razors and blade samplers?

I feel this advice is simply not the optimal path. And that's the bottom line...






Discuss.

 

3rd July
Shave was much better today. Feels pretty smooth. Still a little raspy around the jawline towards the ear, but much better than yesterdays shave. Alun bloc gave a mild response on the neck, but nothing else.

I find the neck more complex to shave as the grain is all over the shop. A simple up and down doesn't give a smooth result. ATG at the top of the neck under the chin requires an ear to chin direction whereas around the Adams apple the direction is opposite. I will need to give more consideration in how I approach the neck, especially as that is historically the most sensitive and doesn't take kindly to too many passes.

 

I concur, surely they would be better off starting with this:



hehe!

 

I also have to go ear to Adam’s apple, it was the hardest pass to learn. I tried many different grips, practicing with an empty shavette until I found a method that worked. It will come with time. I’m also a 4 passs shaver, I found beard reduction before ATG gives me the least irritation. I worked up to 4 passes over time.

Your doing well, it will come with time and practice.

 

Thank you Jason.

 

Congrats on the progress. The results will improve greatly over the next month. My neck is much the same way and took the longest to get sorted. I have one spot on my lower right neck that is very hard to get perfect and most days I just decide that it is good enough.

 

As some have already said, my neck is also a trouble spot. I shave daily, and my beard is fairly light. I can get away with skipping the WTG pass and perform two (mostly) ATG passes on my neck. I use short strokes, no pressure, and always plenty of skin stretching to make the shaved area as flat as possible. Even with that, the hollows in my lower neck are especially difficult. Sometimes, I'll perform blade buffing or J-hooking to to smooth everything out, but that has the potential to cause me some irritation. For that reason, I usually stop after the second pass, look at myself in the mirror, and exclaim loudly "yoooooou looooook maaaaaarvelous!" If my Bride hears me, she rolls her eyes. She is a very patient woman, according to all of our friends.

I found this video showing blade buffing and J-hooking to be helpful for me. Stick with it, and I'll know you'l find something that works for you.

 

July 3, 2018
Rocnel SE-G
Gem PTFE
Rudy Vey with Shavemac Finest
C&E West Indian Lime
Myrsol Limon

​

Today was my best shave with the Rocnnel SE-G this week since I didn't manage to nick myself. This is a razor that seems to test my skills. Three passes and touch ups left me with a near perfect shave. I have no intention on chasing the baby with this razor. A splash of Myrsol Limon and I think I am ready for the day. I hope everyone has a great Tuesday.

 

Just wait for Cinco de Julio and see what some of these goofballs...er...uh...gents use for razors.

 

The jawline can be tricky. One thing that works for me is stretching the skin (the part right on the jawline) upwards to get it on a flat spot. It'll keep you from "shaving around a corner", something that fixed blade razors aren't so hot at doing. The Adams apple is my main nemesis, particularly on my right side. I'm just now starting to figure it out a little. "J-hooking" seems to help with that. Hopefully someone else can chime in and describe that in better detail. The best I can describe it - sort of a sweeping motion, in a slight arc. But, yes...agreed...it's a sensitive area. Messing around too much draws blood.

 

Charlie to the rescue!

 

Great shave setup, Neal!