August 2018 30 Day Rule/focus Pix & Discussion

Great photo, Brian!

Wonderful, Douglas!
I'm a bay rum junkie!

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Before my technique was dialed in, I used to have different opinions about different blades. I think when my angle and pressure wasn't dialed in, what blade I used could have a significant impact on my shave. Now, with proper technique, the differences in blades are very minimal to me; with the right angle and pressure they almost all perform well. They will also last a lot longer with proper technique too. Three and out was a good rule at first, but at this point I can easily get a week (and often much more) out of almost any blade if I want to, so blades end up costing like $10 for 2 years worth. At a certain point, the "cost" really becomes immaterial and performance differences really become negligible. I know that's not a fun, exciting view on things, but it has been my experience, and from what I understand, the experience of many others of the 30DC.

 

Step 1) Develop technique with a razor until you can get consistent results. (Rule)
Step 2) Try different blades to evaluate their comfort and efficiency. (Focus)

You are doing it right. As a newbie if there are too many variables in your set up or technique it's difficult to tell what you did right or wrong. So The Rule takes out the hardware & software issues and makes the variables all in your technique.

Learning "no pressure, skin stretching, ride the cap" type techniques that help un-learn cartridge razor habits. Once those are your new habit, experimenting to try other products makes more sense. Along the way doing your Rule you'll have figured out how hydrated you like your lather, if you like hot or cool water, if the coating on blade of choice is acceptable - your base line shave.

Doing a Focus introduces variables in a controlled manner. Different blades (that means much less once you've developed razor handling technique), or pushing blades until you know what a dull one feels like (the reason for three and out) can be better understood when you don't blame the razor for irritation.



So why do all these Veteran Shavers keep trying new stuff? Chasing the baby, variation, the next big thing, etc. The Minimalist Shavers have gotten past all the experimenting, found an acceptable combo, and hit their comfort plateau.

 

Nailed it, Rick!

 

Along those lines, today marks the 80th soap reviewed in my thread. Do soaps have different qualities that affect the shave? Absolutely. Do I enjoy some significantly more than others for very specific reasons? Absolutely. Can I get a clean, drama free shave out of the crappiest soap you can throw at me? Absolutely. For that reason, I'm starting to wind down the soap reviews. It's still a lot of fun checking out new soaps and trying them, but I totally understand @Bama Samurai's perspective of being content with Arko and a straight razor forever... you really don't need anything more than that to accomplish the mission. I just enjoy the variety of scents, textures, and experiences the soaps provide.

 

Thank you Perry.


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Thank you Jim.


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Love the photo Jim.


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Thank you Jim.


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Another excellent report and photo Jason. Sad to hear that the forest fires continue.


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Gorgeous setting and picture Amigo.


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It appears that the Soapy Bathman website has been down for several months now, John. There was a stock message on there about 'taking a break' for awhile, but you could still shop and look at product. Now, it doesn't appear to even go to products or a 'home'. I hope he hasn't pulled the plug.

 

Thank you, Gentlemen.
Some fires aren't even really being actively fought if they are in remote areas. They are 'monitored' or 'contained'. We have one about 40 kilometers (25 miles or so) away that is now over 6000 Hectares.

 

Excellent 'Menthol Monday' shot, Perry!

Yes, weekends are definitely too short! Compared to your mornings I'm lucky though, my commute to work is only about 5-7 minutes...

Another great 'Menthol Monday' shot and effect, Jim!

Is that finally a home shave, Brian? If so, congrats!

We've missed those excellent outdoor shots, Doug!

 

Thank you, Jason!

 

Thanks so much Jason.

 

Thanks very much Amigo.

 

Thanks, I really like Bay Rum myself.

 

My attitude on soap is wide open. Either a soap is adequate or it isn't. In fact, if we recount what we read in this thread, almost all reviews are pointless, because shaving is all about technique. My current advice to any new converts is "Buy whatever strikes your fancy, but stick with a setup until you can shave in the dark." Newbies buying new soaps and razors because of forum reviews is actually one of the greatest disservices that forums provide. The problem with forum reviews is that anyone can write them, and they're usually written by newbies who can't control themselves enough to master anything, and when they accidentally get a perfect shave, they have no idea why or how to repeat the results. As a newbie, had I sought out experts rather than collectors, I'd have had less bad shaves and saved a ton of cash. Honestly, I don't even read reviews of anything by people who constantly rotate with less than a year experience, because there really isn't anything to be gained.


For me, I don't review anything anymore. I just teach newbies how to master everything. The full package. Then, and only then, does even contemplating more soap or razors make actual sense. It would be like suggesting a golf newbie switch clubs and balls constantly while learning. This would easily be recognized as bad advice in golf, yet this is what we generally do to newbies when they seek help. Most razor collectors get a lot of mediocre shaves, read the reviews. Collecting razors or obtaining new scents is shaving, and it isn't learning shaving, but rather a reasonable hobby for people who've mastered the tools. We should probably spend more time making sure newbies know that results and gear are not the same, and shaving and collecting are completely different activities.

Truth. Gear is a rabbit hole that does not insure results. Solid technique guarantees performance.

 

To the newbies...


When you read a review that lists post shave balm, run.