December 2018 30 Day Rule/Focux Pix & Discussion

Thoughts and prayers for both of you.

I’m 400 posts behind don’t think I can catch up. I’m going back to the pool.

 

December 3, 2018

Razor (pass 1): Rolls Razor
Razor (pass 2): Stick Schick/Japanese Twin bade
Brush: Razorock Plissoft 22
Soap: Stirling Sheep
Post: Alum, Listerine, WH

First of all, thank you for your prayers and well wishes towards my wife, Sherri. She is still in the hospital but doing better and may get out as early as tomorrow afternoon.

No shave this morning as I was a bit rushed for time. I made up for it a little while ago with a shave that was probably a bit of a bold experiment for me. Recently, I picked up a Rolls Razor Imperial set from circa 1947. The blade looked in decent shape so, ignoring conventional wisdom, I put it though 60 or so strokes on the Rolls hone and a lot of stropping and decided to try and shave with it. This was a big leap for me as I'm mostly a DE and Injector shaver. I figured I would try one pass and have a backup razor standing by if things went south.

Unfortunately, the blade clearly needs more work as the shave was very tuggy but with some decent reduction. I can honestly say, however, that this was not the worst experience I've had; I was able to complete most of the pass despite the blade issues with no blood and no real irritation. By comparison, I know I've ditched a couple of Chinese DE blades after less. The Stick Schick and Japanese Twin did a good job on the second pass to bring home a DFS.

It's nice to know that I don't need to fear the Rolls, just respect it.

 

Nope haven’t grabbed the splash yet. I’m still married as well. Probably a coincidence...

 

Awesome report and pic Andrew! I do wonder..do you find the slants work better than a regular DE razor? I sometimes think that it might make shaving the neck area easier as hair tends to go in different directions there but I'm curious as to your experience?

 

...Rocky and Bullwinkle was the worst best show I think. I caught it on the cartoon network once in a while and it was hard to look away.

 

Monday evening December 3

Unknown American "Self Lubricating" DE / vintage Wilkinson Sword (5)
APShaveCo Flat Top brush
Simpsons Vanilla Rose cream
Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Petal



Today's razor is another oddball from my collection. I think the razor is made of aluminum and am guessing it dates between 1930 and 1950. As you can see from the photos, the top cap has slots cut in it. The idea was that this allowed the lather to flow inside to coat the blade, helping to lubricate the shave. I don't know if it does, but the razor is certainly louder than most, rivalling a Gem SE for the rasping sound of the whiskers being cut. No maker listed on the razor - the top just says "Self Lubricating", "Made in USA" and "Patent No. 2371612" . I could probably find out more by looking up the patent number.

The razor was a mild but efficient shaver, something like a Gillette NEW LC or a PreWar Tech. Two passes left me DFS.

The Simpsons cream is a vegan cream with lots of the good stuff in it - glycerin, coconut oil, shea butter, aloe, etc. Rich feeling lather and a good postshave feel. The witch hazel finished the shave and extended the mild rose scent of the cream.

Overall, it was a good shave to end a completely crappy day. Why was it crappy? Because I am down a cat tonight. One of my two surviving cats had been getting steadily thinner and weaker for the last month. He was starting to have trouble even walking and was obviously in discomfort. So today, he slept on my lap all day until late afternoon, when I took him out to the vet and held him while he died painlessly from an overdose. It was the last thing I could do for him; doesn't keep me from feeling like a total heel though..

Here's Pete, who walked into the yard and joined the family in October 2007 and died today:

 

Very nice! What does that say about Chinese "steel" when a 71 year old razor outperforms their blades?! Nice diversion and it's also great to hear Sherri is doing better.

 

The fact you left the pool in the first place is quite amazing. Not sure I would have.

 

I have formally reprimanded the keeper of the survey questions for omitting scuttles. No excuse for that. If he keeps slacking off like that I may have to dock his pay.

 

Decadent December!!

December 3, 2018

Razor - 1960 (F4) Gillette Toggle (9)
Blade - (3)
Soap - Tabac
Brush - Jayaruh #230
Post - Alum

Boy you guys were busy today. I have some catching up to do. Not complaining one bit! Love it when the traffic is heavy. Cold and damp day in the Lou today and I extended it with some delivery time. One more shave on the Toggle and Sharp Star so I went with the classic Tabac. Hey, I know it's an "old man" soap but.....I'm an old man AND I believe it's time to start a revival of the classics anyway. The JR230 brush for the added decadence. One minor problem - the cut from the pain stick a few nights ago reopened just a bit but quickly stopped bleeding with a little alum. I'll have that mark for awhile.

Other than that a smooth finish for a very high level DFS. I skipped some of the touch up just to avoid the temptation to go over the cut again. Sometimes it's better to chill just a bit.

 

Nice setup today, Neal! I really like the way Jim managed to build that Celtic knot design into that brush. He showed how he supposedly does it in a blog post once, but I still think some kind of wizard's spell is involved.

 

If it isn't wizardry it's at least some type of magical incantation. When I saw that brush was up for adoption I was quite intrigued and hoped it would look as good in person as it did in the picture. I have to say it doesn't look as good in person - it looks WAY BETTER.

 

It's always the black cats that end up winning my heart as well. He had a great life thanks to his intelligent choice of a family. You gave him the gift of peace and love right up until the end. Who can ask for more?

 

very cool john, i have an early canadian single ring..is a fine shaver..

 

Always love your reports Rick

 

Good to hear she's doing better John.

 

very cool set jason..lovely pic..

 

That is a "Fine" pic Clint.

Nope

 

Really sorry to hear about Pete! What a beautiful cat! I look at this way - 11 years ago he arrived to join a wonderful, loving family (I reckon he had a sixth sense) and lived the high life. I also have huge respect for your courage to selflessly make the most difficult of decisions. Remember the good times!

 

Running out of real estate in the Den Charlie, time to empty the last shelf I guess

That's called progress