September 2018 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

PLAla · Sep 14, 2018

NCoxSTL said: ↑

SEptember is Stirling Month!

September 13 - DARE NIGHT!! The MAIN EVENT!!!

Razor - Hamamasa Kamisori style razor
Soap - Stirling Sheep
Brush - 30 DC LE
Post - Alum

Well, the main event was on! Time to pick up the Hamamasa from @Drygulch and give a kamisori a real try. This one was advertised as shave ready, it's a Hamamasa vintage razor in good shape and should be interesting to try. One challenge - no wrapping or other covering on the handle. That makes the grip area small and extra slippery. Gonna have to keep an eye on this one.

I did some updated research on this style of razor. Two sides to the blade. The Ura is the stamped side and the Omote is the flatter side. Traditionally, the Omote is the only side used on the face. And, traditionally, you don't switch hands. This is a right handed version so I will attempt to shave with only my right hand and keeping the Omote against the face on both sides. This requires some interesting grips, but I used to do this a lot with pain sticks to learn the technique. By the way, you can shave with both sides, it's just tradition to use only the one. But I'm nothing if not one who honors tradition with fine vintage gear.

The soap chosen was Stirling Sheep for the slick and cushy mutton. It's unscented so nothing to distract me there. I chose the 30 DC LE brush from @jtspartan because the limited edition brush seems to fit the challenge. And - off we go.

It should be said up front - that shave ready to some people means something else to others. I would have to disagree that this razor is fully shave ready. It's sharp but draggy. Clearly could use some more honing, in my opinion at least. So, the shave was not as smooth as I was hoping to achieve, nor was it as effective. However, I made it through two passes. WTG and XTG.

Once I found the angle, which took a couple of tries given the curve to the blade, I found the technique to be nearly identical to pain sticks. I used a very similar grip as well, and did adjust ok to the small handle. I'd like to wrap it in rattan or something, though, to make it a bit easier to grip. The razor is light and very maneuverable. No issues getting up close to ears, the goatee or other areas. Long strokes on the cheek and neck on the right side got the jitters settled down as I enjoyed the feel, in spite of the roughness of the blade. When I switched sides I had a little difficulty remembering exactly how to grip with the right hand on the left side. I used to diligently use only one hand on the pain sticks but finally gave that up as being unnecessary on a modern razor. I can say that the result on the left side was less impressive than the right, but with practice I'd smooth it out.

Checked the finish after two passes and it needed help. That "shave ready" thing again. So, I grabbed the CJB Greager from the head shave and did a pass to smooth it all out and finish DFS. I did use the one handed technique, though, to honor the kami.

But, you ask anxiously - what about blood? Cuts? Serious wounds? Stitches? ER visits? Sorry to disappoint but this was quite a bit easier than I thought it might be and no blood was shed. All in all it was quite a success story.

I plan to work on stropping it to see if I can smooth it out some. Stropping a kami is different than a western straight but I'll see if I can figure it out. Now. As to the future of kamisori style in my den........I now own two. My original one needs honed. This one needs work. So I'll probably send them both off in the near future for some professional help. Then we'll pick them up and run with them. I'm also thinking of breaking out the western straights I have just to play a bit with them and compare to the kami style and result. Suddenly, I feel as if perhaps Adam has a hidden agenda. Again. Or am I just being paranoid? Time will tell.

View attachment 174641
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Wonderful post, Neal! Congrats on a stitches-free shave!

Norcalnewb · Sep 14, 2018

clint64 said: ↑

September 14, 2018
Blackland Sabre L2
Gem PTFE
SOC Mistura Taj
C&S Oxford and Cambridge
Fine Lavender

Whew. I am so glad it is Friday. A very easy drama free two pass shave this morning. Everything just worked well together and the SOC Mistura continues to improve with each use. A splash of Fine Lavender and I am off on the morning commute. I hope everyone has a great Friday.
Click to expand...

Beautiful picture, Clint! Happy Friday!

Norcalnewb · Sep 14, 2018

PLAla said: ↑

SOTD September 14, 2018
Fat Friday detour of a Stirling SEptember

Prep: Cold water and Stirling mentholated pre-shave soap
Blade: Personna
Razor: Schick B1 injector
Brush: Omega 10049 boar
Soap: Mitchell's Wool Fat
Post: Witch hazel, Fine American Blend aftershave

Wonderful lather from The Fat and easy shaving with the B1. Can't ask for much else. This was the 55th shave on this puck of Mitchell's and it's still going strong. I must not be loading enough! The first puck lasted about 65 shaves and I see this one going far beyond that. But no worries as I'll eventually finish it off since it's used once a week.

Have a great day!

View attachment 174634
Click to expand...

Fantastic picture, Perry!

Norcalnewb · Sep 14, 2018

September 14 SOTD:

Razor: Gem Bullet Tip
Blade: Gem Stainless
Brush: Razorock Plissoft
Lather: Arko
Aftershave: PAA Boomtown Bay Rum
Additional Care:
Osage Rub
Stirling Unscented PSB

A nice, smooth shave this morning. Two passes and DFS. The more I use the AS, the more I like it. I can definitely detect the Bay Rum in the background, but the leather and other additions really shine. It is a nicely done scent, IMO. I hope everyone has a great day!

jluc · Sep 14, 2018

PLAla said: ↑

SOTD September 14, 2018
Fat Friday detour of a Stirling SEptember

Prep: Cold water and Stirling mentholated pre-shave soap
Blade: Personna
Razor: Schick B1 injector
Brush: Omega 10049 boar
Soap: Mitchell's Wool Fat
Post: Witch hazel, Fine American Blend aftershave

Wonderful lather from The Fat and easy shaving with the B1. Can't ask for much else. This was the 55th shave on this puck of Mitchell's and it's still going strong. I must not be loading enough! The first puck lasted about 65 shaves and I see this one going far beyond that. But no worries as I'll eventually finish it off since it's used once a week.

Have a great day!

View attachment 174634
Click to expand...

Great picture, Perry!

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

jluc · Sep 14, 2018

Norcalnewb said: ↑

View attachment 174657

September 14 SOTD:

Razor: Gem Bullet Tip
Blade: Gem Stainless
Brush: Razorock Plissoft
Lather: Arko
Aftershave: PAA Boomtown Bay Rum
Additional Care:
Osage Rub
Stirling Unscented PSB

A nice, smooth shave this morning. Two passes and DFS. The more I use the AS, the more I like it. I can definitely detect the Bay Rum in the background, but the leather and other additions really shine. It is a nicely done scent, IMO. I hope everyone has a great day!
Click to expand...

Terrific picture, Jim!

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

PLAla · Sep 14, 2018

Norcalnewb said: ↑

Fantastic picture, Perry!
Click to expand...

jluc said: ↑

Great picture, Perry!

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Thank you, Jim and Jim!

PLAla · Sep 14, 2018

Norcalnewb said: ↑

View attachment 174657

September 14 SOTD:

Razor: Gem Bullet Tip
Blade: Gem Stainless
Brush: Razorock Plissoft
Lather: Arko
Aftershave: PAA Boomtown Bay Rum
Additional Care:
Osage Rub
Stirling Unscented PSB

A nice, smooth shave this morning. Two passes and DFS. The more I use the AS, the more I like it. I can definitely detect the Bay Rum in the background, but the leather and other additions really shine. It is a nicely done scent, IMO. I hope everyone has a great day!
Click to expand...

Great photo, Jim! That description of the Boomtown scent sounds fantastic.

Norcalnewb · Sep 14, 2018

jluc said: ↑

Terrific picture, Jim!

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Thank you, Jim!

Norcalnewb · Sep 14, 2018

PLAla said: ↑

Great photo, Jim! That description of the Boomtown scent sounds fantastic.
Click to expand...

Thank you, Perry!

It still doesn't top Atomic Age Bay Rum, but it is a close second. I would definitely recommend it.

Screwtape · Sep 14, 2018

Friday morning September 14 - totally ditching all foci

Gillette Fatboy refurbished by Delta Echo in Ink black/red on #4 / Gillette Rubie Platinum Plus ( 2 )
Alluminati Envy White badger brush
Simpsons Cafe Latte shaving cream
Alum and Soapy Bathman Cup of Joe menthol balm

Whenever I open the Simpsons Cafe Latte cream, I have to remind myself that it's not edible. I dipped the brush in the tin and came away with about ten times as much product as I needed. Even after scraping most of it off against the edge of the tin, the brush was still much more heavily loaded than normal. The lather today was incredibly thick, rich and creamy. Glide was awesome and the postshave feel was great. I did a very rare (for me) third pass simply because the lather was too good to waste. And then finished off by doing an armpit shave as well. The remaining three passes worth of lather went down the drain...

The Gillette Rubie Plus blade was perfectly adequate. It delivered a BBS with no issues at all. The balm rounded out the shave with a dash of menthol in my coffee to perk me up.

Hope everybody has a great Friday!

Troy M · Sep 14, 2018

De Vergulde Hand, RR Plissoft, Blackland Blackbird, Stirling Glacial Spearmint.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Linuxguile · Sep 14, 2018

Troy M said: ↑

De Vergulde Hand, RR Plissoft, Blackland Blackbird, Stirling Glacial Spearmint.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Screwtape said: ↑

Friday morning September 14 - totally ditching all foci

Gillette Fatboy refurbished by Delta Echo in Ink black/red on #4 / Gillette Rubie Platinum Plus ( 2 )
Alluminati Envy White badger brush
Simpsons Cafe Latte shaving cream
Alum and Soapy Bathman Cup of Joe menthol balm

Whenever I open the Simpsons Cafe Latte cream, I have to remind myself that it's not edible. I dipped the brush in the tin and came away with about ten times as much product as I needed. Even after scraping most of it off against the edge of the tin, the brush was still much more heavily loaded than normal. The lather today was incredibly thick, rich and creamy. Glide was awesome and the postshave feel was great. I did a very rare (for me) third pass simply because the lather was too good to waste. And then finished off by doing an armpit shave as well. The remaining three passes worth of lather went down the drain...

The Gillette Rubie Plus blade was perfectly adequate. It delivered a BBS with no issues at all. The balm rounded out the shave with a dash of menthol in my coffee to perk me up.

Hope everybody has a great Friday!
Click to expand...

Norcalnewb said: ↑

View attachment 174657

September 14 SOTD:

Razor: Gem Bullet Tip
Blade: Gem Stainless
Brush: Razorock Plissoft
Lather: Arko
Aftershave: PAA Boomtown Bay Rum
Additional Care:
Osage Rub
Stirling Unscented PSB

A nice, smooth shave this morning. Two passes and DFS. The more I use the AS, the more I like it. I can definitely detect the Bay Rum in the background, but the leather and other additions really shine. It is a nicely done scent, IMO. I hope everyone has a great day!
Click to expand...

PLAla said: ↑

SOTD September 14, 2018
Fat Friday detour of a Stirling SEptember

Prep: Cold water and Stirling mentholated pre-shave soap
Blade: Personna
Razor: Schick B1 injector
Brush: Omega 10049 boar
Soap: Mitchell's Wool Fat
Post: Witch hazel, Fine American Blend aftershave

Wonderful lather from The Fat and easy shaving with the B1. Can't ask for much else. This was the 55th shave on this puck of Mitchell's and it's still going strong. I must not be loading enough! The first puck lasted about 65 shaves and I see this one going far beyond that. But no worries as I'll eventually finish it off since it's used once a week.

Have a great day!

View attachment 174634
Click to expand...

clint64 said: ↑

September 14, 2018
Blackland Sabre L2
Gem PTFE
SOC Mistura Taj
C&S Oxford and Cambridge
Fine Lavender

Whew. I am so glad it is Friday. A very easy drama free two pass shave this morning. Everything just worked well together and the SOC Mistura continues to improve with each use. A splash of Fine Lavender and I am off on the morning commute. I hope everyone has a great Friday.
Click to expand...

Excellent shaves this morning, Gentlemen!

Sent from my Galaxy using Tapatalk

PLAla · Sep 14, 2018

Linuxguile said: ↑

Excellent shaves this morning, Gentlemen!

Sent from my Galaxy using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Thanks, Andrew!

PLAla · Sep 14, 2018

Troy M said: ↑

De Vergulde Hand, RR Plissoft, Blackland Blackbird, Stirling Glacial Spearmint.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Glad you're still enjoying the Glacial Spearmint, Troy!

clint64 · Sep 14, 2018

jluc said: ↑

Nice shave to end the week, Clint.
How many uses do you have on the SOC?

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Click to expand...

Thank you Jim. I have 14 actual uses plus 4 or 5 times trying to get the stink out of the knot.

How many times have you used your SOC?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

clint64 · Sep 14, 2018

PLAla said: ↑

SOTD September 14, 2018
Fat Friday detour of a Stirling SEptember

Prep: Cold water and Stirling mentholated pre-shave soap
Blade: Personna
Razor: Schick B1 injector
Brush: Omega 10049 boar
Soap: Mitchell's Wool Fat
Post: Witch hazel, Fine American Blend aftershave

Wonderful lather from The Fat and easy shaving with the B1. Can't ask for much else. This was the 55th shave on this puck of Mitchell's and it's still going strong. I must not be loading enough! The first puck lasted about 65 shaves and I see this one going far beyond that. But no worries as I'll eventually finish it off since it's used once a week.

Have a great day!

View attachment 174634
Click to expand...

Great shave and photo Perry. Have a great Friday.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

wristwatchb · Sep 14, 2018

jtface said: ↑

Shave Report #23

Gillette (Flat Bottom) Fat Handle Tech (Made in England)
Astra SP (2nd use)
Bluebeard Doubloon Boar Brush
TOBS Peppermint
Nivea Sensitive Post-Shave Balm

Another good, close shave with this familiar setup. I braved an ATG pass on my cheeks today... Yes it is marginally smoother, but I can feel a little burning even after the ASB. Probably won't be bother with that again - XTG does just fine.

One area that I am keen to get closer is my upper neck and jawline. The hair grows from chin to ear and pretty much follows thittern on most of my neck. Does anyone else have this growth pattern, and if so, how do you shave it?

Enjoy your shaves gents!
Click to expand...

James, I'm really proud of all the progress you have made in such a short time. When you're ready to try something different, here's a helpful video showing different 'advanced' shaving techniques. I'd recommend selecting one and trying it to see if it helps. I occasionally - and sparingly - buff or J-hook portions of my neck for a closer shave.

jluc · Sep 14, 2018

Screwtape said: ↑

Friday morning September 14 - totally ditching all foci

Gillette Fatboy refurbished by Delta Echo in Ink black/red on #4 / Gillette Rubie Platinum Plus ( 2 )
Alluminati Envy White badger brush
Simpsons Cafe Latte shaving cream
Alum and Soapy Bathman Cup of Joe menthol balm

Whenever I open the Simpsons Cafe Latte cream, I have to remind myself that it's not edible. I dipped the brush in the tin and came away with about ten times as much product as I needed. Even after scraping most of it off against the edge of the tin, the brush was still much more heavily loaded than normal. The lather today was incredibly thick, rich and creamy. Glide was awesome and the postshave feel was great. I did a very rare (for me) third pass simply because the lather was too good to waste. And then finished off by doing an armpit shave as well. The remaining three passes worth of lather went down the drain...

The Gillette Rubie Plus blade was perfectly adequate. It delivered a BBS with no issues at all. The balm rounded out the shave with a dash of menthol in my coffee to perk me up.

Hope everybody has a great Friday!
Click to expand...

Great report, John!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

wristwatchb · Sep 14, 2018

NCoxSTL said: ↑

Mutton tallow is a very good thing. View attachment 174621
Click to expand...

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September 2018 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Single Edge Plans?

Gems baby! 1912, 1914, Lather Catcher

Some more Gems baby! OCMM, Clog Pruf, you know.....the Micromatics.

Schick Injectors baby! Click 'em and stick 'em to your face for that close shave.

Shavettes baby! Because I'm a boss like that!

Dark Side baby! Straights. The original single edge.

Gonna eat cookies until my ears bleed. Mmmmmm.....cookies.

Nope. Not playing with the SE's. I'm cool enough I'll stick with DE!

Buzz off Mr. Poll Man. I don't have time for your foolishness.

PLAla Bit Shy of a Full Puck

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

jluc smelling pretty

jluc smelling pretty

PLAla Bit Shy of a Full Puck

PLAla Bit Shy of a Full Puck

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Screwtape A Shaving Butterfly

Troy M Prep: Mephitis mephitis musk

Linuxguile dating an unusual aristocrat

PLAla Bit Shy of a Full Puck

PLAla Bit Shy of a Full Puck

clint64 Blind Squirrel

clint64 Blind Squirrel

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

jluc smelling pretty

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

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September 2018 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Single Edge Plans?

Gems baby! 1912, 1914, Lather Catcher

Some more Gems baby! OCMM, Clog Pruf, you know.....the Micromatics.

Schick Injectors baby! Click 'em and stick 'em to your face for that close shave.

Shavettes baby! Because I'm a boss like that!

Dark Side baby! Straights. The original single edge.

Gonna eat cookies until my ears bleed. Mmmmmm.....cookies.

Nope. Not playing with the SE's. I'm cool enough I'll stick with DE!

Buzz off Mr. Poll Man. I don't have time for your foolishness.

PLAla Bit Shy of a Full Puck

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

jluc smelling pretty

jluc smelling pretty

PLAla Bit Shy of a Full Puck

PLAla Bit Shy of a Full Puck

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Screwtape A Shaving Butterfly

Troy M Prep: Mephitis mephitis musk

Linuxguile dating an unusual aristocrat

PLAla Bit Shy of a Full Puck

PLAla Bit Shy of a Full Puck

clint64 Blind Squirrel

clint64 Blind Squirrel

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

jluc smelling pretty

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

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