January 2019 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Spock · Jan 6, 2019

NCoxSTL said: ↑

2019 State of the Crew

Welcome to 2019! Today we celebrate the 4th anniversary of this group. That’s a pretty amazing statement. We’re starting our 5th year together and that is a feat greater than anyone ever thought possible. When @Bama Samurai first brought us together on January 1, 2015 (ok, so officially December 25, 2014) I don’t believe he even had a thought that we’d still be doing this four years later. Honestly, the fact it went more than one month was pretty amazing.

In late April 2016, Chris asked me to take over as the “leader” of this group since he had new duties at TSD as a moderator. He didn’t want to have to act as moderator in a forum he was also herding. I agreed, and the duties really involved putting up the new thread each month and just kind of hanging around. Not a tough job. I could handle it. It seemed like we had grown to a decent size and were holding our own. And it has seemed like that on a few occasions. And then – newbies show up. The guys who were in the “last class” have worked on their skills and are now ready to help out those new guys. The excitement from the noobs carries over to the more seasoned members and they learn and develop skills. And then, we seem to level off again and things are good. We hold our own. Then - newbies show up. And guess what? The last class of noobs now teaches the newest class while the old-timers sit back, sip their favorite adult beverage, and harrumph at how well they are all doing. It’s like compressing generations of a family together in several months instead of several years. And it’s amazing in this day and age of internet warfare among social groups.

The growth of this thread has been nothing short of astounding. As a comparison, in 2016, we averaged 1675 posts per month. Our slowest month was August with 892 and our busiest was November with 2886. In 2018 we averaged 3342, basically twice as many as two years earlier. Our slowest month in 2018 was June with 2598 and our busiest was December with 6500+! We were over 3000 posts in 9 months in 2018. And it just keeps getting busier.

2018 saw the first official Meetup of our merry band of shavers. 9 members made it to St. Louis and had a fun weekend. BBQ was had by all, soaps and razors were traded, and our very first limited -edition soap, Blood on Steel, was produced for the event. Speaking of limited- edition things – our very own @jtspartan from the land of frozen stuff, otherwise known as Canada, produced a limited edition brush for our group in 2017. Not many shaving groups on the web have had their own LE brush and soap. Don’t tell me we’re not the coolest bunch of guys on the interwebs.

I also want to call attention to a feature of this thread that makes it something different. While we talk about shaving, take shaving pics and generally obsess over shiny and brushy shaving goodies – we also talk about and share our personal stories. Everybody who has been here for any amount of time the past couple of years knows Logan. If you don’t, then go back during any month of the past year and check every Friday’s posts. You’ll see Logan. And on Wednesday you’ll see his little brother Declan who joined @Linuxguile ’s family this year. You’ll also find pictures of other member’s families. @Drygulch ’s daughters, @mrchick ’s daughters and grandkids and many others show up from time to time. We’ve watched @Drygulch destroy his house so he could turn it into a better one. We’ve seen @wristwatchb oversee the building of his new house. We’ve kept up as @wchnu changed jobs, as @PLAla marched his band all over Alabama and back, and gone along with @Keithmax on a tour of the Far East on his vacation. Why, we even went with him to England to visit his brother.

We’ve encouraged members of the group through illnesses. Their own and their loved ones. We’ve grieved with them when they have lost family members and pets. And we’ve rejoiced at graduations, births, weddings and many other occasions. Talk about a group that defies the internet standard! But….there’s more.

Let’s talk about PIF culture. Pay It Forward, for newer members who maybe haven’t heard the full term. It’s a part of The Shave Den as a whole but practiced, it seems, daily in the 30DC. Somebody just starting out doesn’t have a brush? They will within a few days as a member sends them one, totally free of charge or expectations, just to help them out. Need to try a new blade? Somebody has it covered. I think we keep the USPS in business just in the PIF traffic that we generate around here. Add in the entire TSD family and it has to be a small economy. And, not to try and shine the spotlight toward myself, but perhaps the most amazing PIF in my own world occurred in late March – when Chris PIF’d himself all the way from Colorado to help us move when our former landlord showed his true colors as an idiot. Talk about support! It happens all the time around here and it’s part of the culture at The Shave Den that I want to emphasize in 2019.

And, speaking of 2019, let’s turn an eye forward. It’s New Year’s Day. Hope always abounds in the early days of a new year. And so too does the emphasis on change for the better. People resolve to lose weight, get in shape, buy a house, stop overeating and a thousand other things. Well, my resolution for the year is to continue herding the cats in this thread in order to continue helping people discover and enjoy the world of traditional shaving. And, as this thread continues to thrive and grow, The Shave Den as a whole will continue forward as a premier place of sharing information as well as friendship all around the world.

Before ending this short novel I do want to point out five people in particular. Well, four others and I’m just along for the ride. In the first month of our existence we had 41 participants. Some were every day posters, some every other day and some just a few times but they were there supporting the idea. Many of the original members are no longer active on The Shave Den while others are still active but not regulars in the 30DC at this point. However, the following five founding members are still active and involved and have been for the entire four years.

@Bama Samurai - Chris

@Drygulch - Adam

@wristwatchb - Charlie

@clint64 - Clint

@NCoxSTL – Neal

As one of those die-hards I just want to say thanks to all of the “new regulars” we’ve added along the way. There are plenty of regulars who joined up after that first month and as recently as last month who have become just as important to our merry band of denizens. Without the continued support of everyone we wouldn’t have an anniversary to celebrate, or a future to look forward to as a group.

In summary, the state of the 30DC is extremely strong. And the state of The Shave Den appears to be as well. Thanks to everyone for your support and continued participation. Here’s to an even busier and better 2019!!
Click to expand...

Awesome Shave of the Union Address Neal!

jluc said: ↑

I'm in. All synthetics all month. No repeat software will continue.
Happy New Year!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

....ohhhh....pretty brushes....

wristwatchb said: ↑

What a fantastic opening post, Neal! Thank you for your reflections, and most importantly, for helping us look ahead to a new year. I'm honored to be part of the 30 Day Crew, and I look forward to developing more friendships, learning new things, and having fun with you all this year.

View attachment 182673
Click to expand...

PLAla said: ↑

Happy New Year! I'll be in as usual. Will be going through each and every soap and cream in alphabetical order. Samples, tubs, shave sticks, tubs and tubes of cream. It will all get used. Will use the normal injectors and SE razors in my collection. I might go through the injectors in alphabetical order as well. I want to continue with soap reduction and can hopefully identify a few candidates to PIF or sell after going through all of them this month and into February.

Going to be a great year in the best little corner of the interwebs!
Click to expand...

That's Awesome...out of curiosity do you have soaps and creams for each letter of the alphabet?

Norcalnewb · Jan 6, 2019

Linuxguile said: ↑

I place orders with Connaught that qualify for free shipping all the time. So if anyone here in the US wants me to throw on a puck or two in my next order just let me know. The Wilkinson Sword shave sticks are insanely cheap from Connaught as well.
Click to expand...

Count me in for a puck of Williams!

jluc · Jan 6, 2019

Spock said: ↑

Awesome Shave of the Union Address Neal!

....ohhhh....pretty brushes....

That's Awesome...out of curiosity do you have soaps and creams for each letter of the alphabet?
Click to expand...

Thank you!

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

Linuxguile · Jan 6, 2019

Norcalnewb said: ↑

Count me in for a puck of Williams!
Click to expand...

Williams???

Norcalnewb · Jan 6, 2019

Linuxguile said: ↑

Williams???
Click to expand...

Sorry, I meant MWF! I am not sure how I made that mistake.

Linuxguile · Jan 6, 2019

Norcalnewb said: ↑

Sorry, I meant MWF! I am not sure how I made that mistake.
Click to expand...

Freudian slip?

FaceScraper · Jan 6, 2019

clint64 said: ↑

Great looking shave Bruce. The "Weapon" looks amazing.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much, Clint! I love using this brush, and am quite proud to have it!

FaceScraper · Jan 6, 2019

wristwatchb said: ↑

An awesome set up, Bruce...two weapons and a top tier soap! That's a very cool photo. Congrats on the continued progress with the SRX. No blood is good!
Click to expand...

Thanks so much, Charlie! Didn’t think about the Parker as a weapon, but yeah...it is! Between the two, should I find myself under attack in the bathroom, I should be able to defend myself.

About how far out do you hold the spine with the SRX? I’ve been shooting for about a spine-width or two, and it seems to work, but I’m wondering if that’s too shallow?

FaceScraper · Jan 6, 2019

jluc said: ↑

Good job, Bruce!
Beautiful picture!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Thank you, Jim!

FaceScraper · Jan 6, 2019

brit said: ↑

that is a cool looking shavette..
Click to expand...

Thanks Gary! Truthfully, it scares me a bit.

brit · Jan 6, 2019

FaceScraper said: ↑

Thanks Gary! Truthfully, it scares me a bit.
Click to expand...

i have never used one..it has a quality ,well built look to it compared to others i have seen..cool..

FaceScraper · Jan 6, 2019

jtspartan said: ↑

January 6th
EJ 89lbl w Astra SP (1)
Yahk Soap Co Amber SS
30DC LE
Thayers
Jeeves BoS 30DC AS
View attachment 183120
Mid morning shave earlier today. Only a 2 passer as I’ll be shaving for work tomorrow first thing in the morning. Another Yahk Soap Co Shaving Soap courtesy of another gift from the inlaws at Christmas. I’m going to have to find a polite way of saying ‘no mas’ or I’ll have one each year. I scraped some into the bowl to avoid loading in the ridiculous 2” tub and got a functional lather. It looks the part, and is creamy enough, but just doesn’t have the slickness or face feel of a top tier artisan. It is better than a few others I’ve used, though. They are known for goats milk products, but as there is none in this soap, I suspect it is a melt and pour. Scent is light and fine, and today’s Jeeves product, the BoS splash, seems to go well enough with it.
Have a great afternoon all!
Click to expand...

Beautiful photo, Jason!

Bama Samurai · Jan 6, 2019

Adam-

@Drygulch

FaceScraper · Jan 6, 2019

brit said: ↑

hello fello shavers, lazy citrus sunday shave,proraso pre to start,brit fb tech with the gsb , and the rr barrel badger were the usual suspects today,no shave on saturday due to a late shave friday night..soaked the brush for a few and lathered a tobs eton college party..lovely stuff.got a 3 pass dfs+ with minor effort .took my time and watched the angles..still liking the almost daily routine..6 out of seven days..with the odd morning touch up..have a great sunday, gary View attachment 183126
Click to expand...

Great photo and setup, Gary!

Bama Samurai · Jan 6, 2019

FaceScraper said: ↑

Thanks so much, Charlie! Didn’t think about the Parker as a weapon, but yeah...it is! Between the two, should I find myself under attack in the bathroom, I should be able to defend myself.

About how far out do you hold the spine with the SRX? I’ve been shooting for about a spine-width or two, and it seems to work, but I’m wondering if that’s too shallow?
Click to expand...

Not directed at me... But I use about 3 widths. Blade geometry is unrelated to SR, making higher angles better for DE blade stock. Other than that, it's about the same as SR, only more tedious and less error margin.

FaceScraper · Jan 6, 2019

Frijolero said: ↑

Today was pretty much a repeat of yesterday for me, except for yesterday's weeper. One full pass with the Straight, zero blood, then switched to the Fatip. If all goes the same tomorrow, then I'll press on a little further.
Click to expand...

Top job, sir!

Spock · Jan 6, 2019

Trigger said: ↑

Herm, I am also new to the 30 day club. Welcome, my fellow new clubmember!
.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the new members! I'm fairly new myself but the 30DC crew lured me in with cookies and brownies...and ice cream....and now I can't seem to leave.......something about a enforcing Cartel/Rebellion rules...

Just wait till you meet Natalia....

brit · Jan 6, 2019

FaceScraper said: ↑

Great photo and setup, Gary!
Click to expand...

thank you bruce..

FaceScraper · Jan 6, 2019

Primotenore said: ↑

January Focus

ASW Old Virginia~~Mondial 26mm~~Feather AS-D2~~Gillette Nacet
Late posting.
Left-handed and right handed, once again.
I really like the ASW Old Virginia. It is my second favorite tobacco-scented product.
Lathers like a dream, too.
Broke out the scuttle today. What you see pictured, my niece threw for me a few years ago.
She had never created a scuttle before, so she did a bit of research and this is what she came up with.
Quite nice, I must say. If I could change anything, I would have the diameter slightly wider.
The Slick 'n Shiny lather was the perfect undercoating for the Feather AS-D2.
Used both hands and got a great shave.
Dirty, little secret. Last night the raffle prize from @Paul76 arrived and I did some
laps on the paddle strop, he so generously included and then...I took it in my left hand and did
a test run...dry...under my left sideburn with my left hand!!
Primo is looking forward to this evolution in his shaving.
Indianapolis Colts beat up the Texans yesterday.
Sorry Texas-fans.
Click to expand...

Great report and photo, Joseph! It was one of the Asylum soaps that you didn’t like, correct?
Beautiful scuttle, too!

Bama Samurai · Jan 6, 2019

@Trigger
@Spock
@Hembree

Spotting new faces.

Welcome to our little corner of the internet!

Log in or Sign up

January 2019 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

What is your New Year shaving related resolution?

I'm going to do the hardest of all - a No-Buy '19

I'm going to try shaving with straight razors (pain sticks included)

I'm going to reduce the number of soaps in my den

I'm going to buy everything in sight and build an addition to hold it all!!

I'm going to shave. Simple, right?

I'm going to eat more cookies. Or donuts. Or ice cream.

Spock Well-Known Member

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

jluc smelling pretty

Linuxguile dating an unusual aristocrat

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Linuxguile dating an unusual aristocrat

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

brit in a box

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

Spock Well-Known Member

brit in a box

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

January 2019 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

What is your New Year shaving related resolution?

I'm going to do the hardest of all - a No-Buy '19

I'm going to try shaving with straight razors (pain sticks included)

I'm going to reduce the number of soaps in my den

I'm going to buy everything in sight and build an addition to hold it all!!

I'm going to shave. Simple, right?

I'm going to eat more cookies. Or donuts. Or ice cream.

Spock Well-Known Member

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

jluc smelling pretty

Linuxguile dating an unusual aristocrat

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Linuxguile dating an unusual aristocrat

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

brit in a box

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

Spock Well-Known Member

brit in a box

FaceScraper Well-Known Member

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Share This Page

Useful Searches