January 2019 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

NTR · Jan 21, 2019

Trigger said: ↑

My rule is whatever needs to be done in order to get a DFS or a BBS shave.
Click to expand...

Sounds right. What is DFS?

brit · Jan 21, 2019

NTR said: ↑

Sounds right. What is DFS?
Click to expand...

damn fine shave..

NCoxSTL · Jan 21, 2019

NTR said: ↑

Ok, I’m new here, and glad to be here. You probably won’t read all this, but it’s my journey so far.

I recently decided not to do the same rig for 30 days, so does that disqualify me?

I got my first DE on Xmas morning. A Merkur 34c and the Merkur blade the razor came with. I also got a wonderful sampler of Chiseled Face soaps, which smelled amazeballs. Went with Bay Rum first (yummy) then Midnight Stag (wow, what a scent!) and some others, mixing in my B&M Dickens tub. First impressions was that the CF’s were more enjoyable than the Dickens. I’d been using Proraso green pre-shave and post shave balm, with my EJ super badger (the one for $50 on Amazon) and my Gillette Mach 3. Was getting some good shaves. Certainly more consistently better than before the conversion to wet shaving. The DE was tricky. I was doing OK, but my blade angle and technique were inconsistent. I was getting close, but with irritation.

Then I heard about the 30 day rule, and thought, hmm, that might help. So I decided to try it about 10 days ago.

I decided to ditch the mentholated pre and post in favor of something more “wintery”: Cade Juniper shave oil to start and Proraso red lotion on the back end. Because I had the big tub and was not convinced, I decided on the B&M Dickens fr soap. The Merkur 34c with a Big Ben stainless blade. Basically because it was the blade I received the most of in my sampler pack.

I had a decent shaves, but not as good as before. I decided to add the Ach Brito Lime Glyce soap as a face wash before everything else. I left it on like some recommend and it started burning a little. I quickly washed it off and preceded to have a marvelously close shave (even on day 3 of the Big Ben). Then the wheels kinda fell off. I learned, sadly, that the Lime Glyce soap really irritates my face. I had to cut it out (luckily I bought three rounds to save a little $....). Then I convinced myself that my lather sucked. Too dry...and then was I over watering to compensate? Either way, I didn’t feel I was getting the cushion and slickness that I should be from the B&M, which some say is a top tier soap. Had a few more sub par shaves before realizing that not only did my razor angle suck - I was getting razor burn, chasing that BBS - but I didn’t like my soap or my oil either. Screw it, I said. I need a change. I satisfied a curiosity by buying some Clubman at the local druggist. Liked it! Used it again while also going for a “no irritation shave” (two passes with the grain) and had some serviceable, comfortable shaves.

This morning I said “screw it”. It was 2 degrees outside. And I have a sample of Cryogen. The one and only. Plus, I got my green Proraso pre shave and post shave balm (these are two different products, btw). And I’ve swapped out Noxema for the Lime Glyce. So I’ve got the eucalyptus/menthol superfecta at my disposal...and I availaed myself of it.

And I’m glad I did. The Cryogen felt marvelous on the face but I was crying like a baby during my shave. So weird. I’d read it can make your eyes water. I did. But it was a glorious shave. 2nd day on a Big Ben, 4 passes with touch ups, chasing the baby all the way! And I caught that little f*ck3r! No cuts and no pain....so the moment of truth: the alum bar (I may have forgotten to mention this). No sting! A cold rinse and then some witch hazel (just added this in recently too)...ahhhhh! Refreshing! Then the milky crisp balm. Glorious!

When I went outside I had the most pleasant, effervescent chill on my face.

I think I’ll try a different CF tomorrow, and another the day after. I’ve ordered some CF AS samples and I intend to pair them.

I’m way too ADHD for the 30 day experiment. Have pity?
Click to expand...

Welcome! No pity needed. I think you'll fit right in!

RyX · Jan 21, 2019

NTR said: ↑

Ok, I’m new here, and glad to be here. You probably won’t read all this, but it’s my journey so far.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the 30 Day Crew Nelson @NTR!

brit said: ↑

you are the best teacher of what works for you..we are all learning here..
Click to expand...

You nailed it Gary! In @NTR's case, I'd go back and reread his post, pick out the items that did give the best results, and consider that a Focus. If a Rule seems restrictive or confining, feel free to adjust as needed. The less variables in gear, the more you can tell if you've improved your technique.

RyX · Jan 21, 2019

January Shavette Focus

Barbasol my way.
1) Dispense into bowl.
2) Mush the propellant out.
3) Hydrate to desired consistency.
Approaching DFS territory in three shavette passes.
Good shaves Y'all!

NCoxSTL · Jan 22, 2019

RyX said: ↑

January Shavette Focus

Barbasol my way.
View attachment 184523 1) Dispense into bowl.
2) Mush the propellant out.
3) Hydrate to desired consistency.
View attachment 184524 Approaching DFS territory in three shavette passes.
Good shaves Y'all!
Click to expand...

Just curious......since the Fuzzmeister @wchnu is the keeper of the Williams and has a "no-molesting the Williams" policy.......we have @Bama Samurai as the keeper of the Barbasol - but it's ok to molest that? Inquiring minds want to know.

brit · Jan 22, 2019

imagine a barbasol shave cream/soap in a tub/tube..i think it would sell well..

brit · Jan 22, 2019

hello fello shavers, following along as usual,monday night shave..proraso red time, been a while..the old brit service razor and gsb ready to go,red pre shave and a warm towel to start, the opal brush with its new synth knot (thank you keith)produced a fine lather,1 wtg and a pick up pass later..awesome..sandalwood greatness..red splash to finish..have a great tuesday everyone.,gary

Bama Samurai · Jan 22, 2019

NCoxSTL said: ↑

Just curious......since the Fuzzmeister @wchnu is the keeper of the Williams and has a "no-molesting the Williams" policy.......we have @Bama Samurai as the keeper of the Barbasol - but it's ok to molest that? Inquiring minds want to know.
Click to expand...

It's not that I don't have strong feelings about Barbasol. I do. It's an American treasure.

I'm so conflicted.

Bama Samurai · Jan 22, 2019

RyX said: ↑

January Shavette Focus

Barbasol my way.
View attachment 184523 1) Dispense into bowl.
2) Mush the propellant out.
3) Hydrate to desired consistency.
View attachment 184524 Approaching DFS territory in three shavette passes.
Good shaves Y'all!
Click to expand...

Secret Cartel rule. Shavette and diluted Barbasol used simultaneously covers all shave soap sins.

Carry on.

Bama Samurai · Jan 22, 2019

Cinco de Julio should be sponsored by Barbasol.

But, lawyers.

@NCoxSTL

wchnu · Jan 22, 2019

NCoxSTL said: ↑

Just curious......since the Fuzzmeister @wchnu is the keeper of the Williams and has a "no-molesting the Williams" policy.......we have @Bama Samurai as the keeper of the Barbasol - but it's ok to molest that? Inquiring minds want to know.
Click to expand...

It is just canned goo... no worries about what you do with that stuff. Williams is the real deal....

clint64 · Jan 22, 2019

NTR said: ↑

Ok, I’m new here, and glad to be here. You probably won’t read all this, but it’s my journey so far.

I recently decided not to do the same rig for 30 days, so does that disqualify me?

I got my first DE on Xmas morning. A Merkur 34c and the Merkur blade the razor came with. I also got a wonderful sampler of Chiseled Face soaps, which smelled amazeballs. Went with Bay Rum first (yummy) then Midnight Stag (wow, what a scent!) and some others, mixing in my B&M Dickens tub. First impressions was that the CF’s were more enjoyable than the Dickens. I’d been using Proraso green pre-shave and post shave balm, with my EJ super badger (the one for $50 on Amazon) and my Gillette Mach 3. Was getting some good shaves. Certainly more consistently better than before the conversion to wet shaving. The DE was tricky. I was doing OK, but my blade angle and technique were inconsistent. I was getting close, but with irritation.

Then I heard about the 30 day rule, and thought, hmm, that might help. So I decided to try it about 10 days ago.

I decided to ditch the mentholated pre and post in favor of something more “wintery”: Cade Juniper shave oil to start and Proraso red lotion on the back end. Because I had the big tub and was not convinced, I decided on the B&M Dickens fr soap. The Merkur 34c with a Big Ben stainless blade. Basically because it was the blade I received the most of in my sampler pack.

I had a decent shaves, but not as good as before. I decided to add the Ach Brito Lime Glyce soap as a face wash before everything else. I left it on like some recommend and it started burning a little. I quickly washed it off and preceded to have a marvelously close shave (even on day 3 of the Big Ben). Then the wheels kinda fell off. I learned, sadly, that the Lime Glyce soap really irritates my face. I had to cut it out (luckily I bought three rounds to save a little $....). Then I convinced myself that my lather sucked. Too dry...and then was I over watering to compensate? Either way, I didn’t feel I was getting the cushion and slickness that I should be from the B&M, which some say is a top tier soap. Had a few more sub par shaves before realizing that not only did my razor angle suck - I was getting razor burn, chasing that BBS - but I didn’t like my soap or my oil either. Screw it, I said. I need a change. I satisfied a curiosity by buying some Clubman at the local druggist. Liked it! Used it again while also going for a “no irritation shave” (two passes with the grain) and had some serviceable, comfortable shaves.

This morning I said “screw it”. It was 2 degrees outside. And I have a sample of Cryogen. The one and only. Plus, I got my green Proraso pre shave and post shave balm (these are two different products, btw). And I’ve swapped out Noxema for the Lime Glyce. So I’ve got the eucalyptus/menthol superfecta at my disposal...and I availaed myself of it.

And I’m glad I did. The Cryogen felt marvelous on the face but I was crying like a baby during my shave. So weird. I’d read it can make your eyes water. I did. But it was a glorious shave. 2nd day on a Big Ben, 4 passes with touch ups, chasing the baby all the way! And I caught that little f*ck3r! No cuts and no pain....so the moment of truth: the alum bar (I may have forgotten to mention this). No sting! A cold rinse and then some witch hazel (just added this in recently too)...ahhhhh! Refreshing! Then the milky crisp balm. Glorious!

When I went outside I had the most pleasant, effervescent chill on my face.

I think I’ll try a different CF tomorrow, and another the day after. I’ve ordered some CF AS samples and I intend to pair them.

I’m way too ADHD for the 30 day experiment. Have pity?
Click to expand...

Welcome aboard.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Terry · Jan 22, 2019

NTR said: ↑

Ok, I’m new here, and glad to be here. You probably won’t read all this, but it’s my journey so far.

I recently decided not to do the same rig for 30 days, so does that disqualify me?

I got my first DE on Xmas morning. A Merkur 34c and the Merkur blade the razor came with. I also got a wonderful sampler of Chiseled Face soaps, which smelled amazeballs. Went with Bay Rum first (yummy) then Midnight Stag (wow, what a scent!) and some others, mixing in my B&M Dickens tub. First impressions was that the CF’s were more enjoyable than the Dickens. I’d been using Proraso green pre-shave and post shave balm, with my EJ super badger (the one for $50 on Amazon) and my Gillette Mach 3. Was getting some good shaves. Certainly more consistently better than before the conversion to wet shaving. The DE was tricky. I was doing OK, but my blade angle and technique were inconsistent. I was getting close, but with irritation.

Then I heard about the 30 day rule, and thought, hmm, that might help. So I decided to try it about 10 days ago.

I decided to ditch the mentholated pre and post in favor of something more “wintery”: Cade Juniper shave oil to start and Proraso red lotion on the back end. Because I had the big tub and was not convinced, I decided on the B&M Dickens fr soap. The Merkur 34c with a Big Ben stainless blade. Basically because it was the blade I received the most of in my sampler pack.

I had a decent shaves, but not as good as before. I decided to add the Ach Brito Lime Glyce soap as a face wash before everything else. I left it on like some recommend and it started burning a little. I quickly washed it off and preceded to have a marvelously close shave (even on day 3 of the Big Ben). Then the wheels kinda fell off. I learned, sadly, that the Lime Glyce soap really irritates my face. I had to cut it out (luckily I bought three rounds to save a little $....). Then I convinced myself that my lather sucked. Too dry...and then was I over watering to compensate? Either way, I didn’t feel I was getting the cushion and slickness that I should be from the B&M, which some say is a top tier soap. Had a few more sub par shaves before realizing that not only did my razor angle suck - I was getting razor burn, chasing that BBS - but I didn’t like my soap or my oil either. Screw it, I said. I need a change. I satisfied a curiosity by buying some Clubman at the local druggist. Liked it! Used it again while also going for a “no irritation shave” (two passes with the grain) and had some serviceable, comfortable shaves.

This morning I said “screw it”. It was 2 degrees outside. And I have a sample of Cryogen. The one and only. Plus, I got my green Proraso pre shave and post shave balm (these are two different products, btw). And I’ve swapped out Noxema for the Lime Glyce. So I’ve got the eucalyptus/menthol superfecta at my disposal...and I availaed myself of it.

And I’m glad I did. The Cryogen felt marvelous on the face but I was crying like a baby during my shave. So weird. I’d read it can make your eyes water. I did. But it was a glorious shave. 2nd day on a Big Ben, 4 passes with touch ups, chasing the baby all the way! And I caught that little f*ck3r! No cuts and no pain....so the moment of truth: the alum bar (I may have forgotten to mention this). No sting! A cold rinse and then some witch hazel (just added this in recently too)...ahhhhh! Refreshing! Then the milky crisp balm. Glorious!

When I went outside I had the most pleasant, effervescent chill on my face.

I think I’ll try a different CF tomorrow, and another the day after. I’ve ordered some CF AS samples and I intend to pair them.

I’m way too ADHD for the 30 day experiment. Have pity?
Click to expand...

Sounds great!
Technique trumps tools, so as you get better at your angle and lighten up the preasure, you will find your shaves get better and better.
If you don't chase the BBS till you have your technique better, it will be more comfortable. Then you will be rewarded with clean close shaves.
You and only you, will find what is best for you.
Glad to have you here, ask anything that comes to mind, someone will have an answer.
I will warn you, we will read your entire post.

ADHD just makes life more interesting and less boring!
Go with it!
Welcome
tp

Norcalnewb · Jan 22, 2019

Paul76 said: ↑

Tonight’s shave

H. Boker 3/4 The Daisy
Mikes Natural soap coconut
Omega boar brush
Stirling coconut and lime aftershave
View attachment 184507
This was a great way to end the day. The mikes lathered up nice and easy, the boker gave a nicely two pass shave with some cleanup. The Stirling coconut lime went on without any sting. This was the first time using this scent of Stirling sent my way from Perry @PLAla it goes perfectly with the mikes really enjoying it. And it is passing the sniff test from mrs76 too.
Click to expand...

Great picture, Paul!

Norcalnewb · Jan 22, 2019

NTR said: ↑

Ok, I’m new here, and glad to be here. You probably won’t read all this, but it’s my journey so far.

I recently decided not to do the same rig for 30 days, so does that disqualify me?

I got my first DE on Xmas morning. A Merkur 34c and the Merkur blade the razor came with. I also got a wonderful sampler of Chiseled Face soaps, which smelled amazeballs. Went with Bay Rum first (yummy) then Midnight Stag (wow, what a scent!) and some others, mixing in my B&M Dickens tub. First impressions was that the CF’s were more enjoyable than the Dickens. I’d been using Proraso green pre-shave and post shave balm, with my EJ super badger (the one for $50 on Amazon) and my Gillette Mach 3. Was getting some good shaves. Certainly more consistently better than before the conversion to wet shaving. The DE was tricky. I was doing OK, but my blade angle and technique were inconsistent. I was getting close, but with irritation.

Then I heard about the 30 day rule, and thought, hmm, that might help. So I decided to try it about 10 days ago.

I decided to ditch the mentholated pre and post in favor of something more “wintery”: Cade Juniper shave oil to start and Proraso red lotion on the back end. Because I had the big tub and was not convinced, I decided on the B&M Dickens fr soap. The Merkur 34c with a Big Ben stainless blade. Basically because it was the blade I received the most of in my sampler pack.

I had a decent shaves, but not as good as before. I decided to add the Ach Brito Lime Glyce soap as a face wash before everything else. I left it on like some recommend and it started burning a little. I quickly washed it off and preceded to have a marvelously close shave (even on day 3 of the Big Ben). Then the wheels kinda fell off. I learned, sadly, that the Lime Glyce soap really irritates my face. I had to cut it out (luckily I bought three rounds to save a little $....). Then I convinced myself that my lather sucked. Too dry...and then was I over watering to compensate? Either way, I didn’t feel I was getting the cushion and slickness that I should be from the B&M, which some say is a top tier soap. Had a few more sub par shaves before realizing that not only did my razor angle suck - I was getting razor burn, chasing that BBS - but I didn’t like my soap or my oil either. Screw it, I said. I need a change. I satisfied a curiosity by buying some Clubman at the local druggist. Liked it! Used it again while also going for a “no irritation shave” (two passes with the grain) and had some serviceable, comfortable shaves.

This morning I said “screw it”. It was 2 degrees outside. And I have a sample of Cryogen. The one and only. Plus, I got my green Proraso pre shave and post shave balm (these are two different products, btw). And I’ve swapped out Noxema for the Lime Glyce. So I’ve got the eucalyptus/menthol superfecta at my disposal...and I availaed myself of it.

And I’m glad I did. The Cryogen felt marvelous on the face but I was crying like a baby during my shave. So weird. I’d read it can make your eyes water. I did. But it was a glorious shave. 2nd day on a Big Ben, 4 passes with touch ups, chasing the baby all the way! And I caught that little f*ck3r! No cuts and no pain....so the moment of truth: the alum bar (I may have forgotten to mention this). No sting! A cold rinse and then some witch hazel (just added this in recently too)...ahhhhh! Refreshing! Then the milky crisp balm. Glorious!

When I went outside I had the most pleasant, effervescent chill on my face.

I think I’ll try a different CF tomorrow, and another the day after. I’ve ordered some CF AS samples and I intend to pair them.

I’m way too ADHD for the 30 day experiment. Have pity?
Click to expand...

Welcome to the thread!

Terry · Jan 22, 2019

With all this talk about Babasol, I went to Walmart and bought a lifetime supply of it for me.

For my sensitive skin... of course
tp

wristwatchb · Jan 22, 2019

NCoxSTL said: ↑

January - Shavettes and Jeeves!

January 21

Razor - Parker SRX Shavette
Blade - View attachment 184511 (1)
Soap - Jeeves Blood On Steel LE
Brush - 30DC LE
Post - Alum

After several days of blade trials I decided to rejoin the focus for a few shaves. Well, I should say the theme. With all of the shavettes on display this month I've seen a number of you using the Parker SRX. I finally couldn't resist the enabling going on and ordered one. It's been burning a hole in my desk this past week. It came with 5 Shark blades in the box so I figured why not just use one. I'm not a huge fan of Sharks in a DE, though it's my wife's favorite blade. However, as we've learned, blade choice in a shavette isn't really an issue. With the shavette theme covered I needed Jeeves to make it 100%. Blood on Steel handles that, and of course, requires the 30DC LE brush. Did I have a problem with lather? Don't make me laugh.

The Parker is a really solid feeling razor, if a bit slick. Once I got it in the right grip, though, it balanced well and felt good. Obviously it's not a bad razor given how many people like it. The Shark felt smooth, as it should in a shavette, and I did three passes with no expectations of perfection. It wasn't a perfect shave but it was better than some I've had with shavettes. No blood, no issues at all. Out of curiosity I split the third pass between the Parker and the Luxor. The main difference is the way the holder on the Luxor covers the blade corners. I didn't have any problem with either and would recommend either as great shavettes to use. I'll stick with the shavette for another shave or two before taking on the next blade trial.

Busy day at Cartel HQ today as we road-tripped to Illinois. We got within about 250 miles of Louisville and realized that in about 4.5 hours we could be at @wristwatchb 's for dinner. It was tempting to see how he and his bride would react to the Czar and Czaress (working on a name as she thinks I'm unimaginative) knocking on the door unannounced. Decided we didn't want to face any surprise gunfire or police surrounding us and just took care of the business we were out to do. Spent money, drove home and got in out of the cold wind. Hope you had a profitable Monday as well! Hey Adam @Drygulch - I should have the stuff I'm picking up for you tomorrow afternoon. Lynn and I are supposed to meet early in the afternoon. Hopefully I'll either have a honed kamisori after seeing him or at least a line on someone who will do it. That will add a new dimension to my February plans as well!

View attachment 184513
Click to expand...

Call ahead next time, Neal, and I'll have the security detail stand down. Congrats on picking up the SRX. I'm glad you like it.

jluc · Jan 22, 2019

January 22nd
Razor: Blackland Sabre L2
Blade: Gem PTFE (4)
Brush: PAA Atomic Rocket
Pre-shave: Stirling Mentholated
Soap: Stirling Barbershop
PAA Star Jelly unscented
AS: Stirling Barbershop

Good morning!

Great shave to start the day. I'm really getting the Sabre dialed in. Three passes with the faintest of tickles from the alum.

Barbershop starts my run of Stirling soaps. Seventeen to be exact, although fifteen of the seventeen are samples. I have a few full sized tubs on the way of some of my favorite scents. It was tough to narrow it down to just a few.

Have a great day!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

wristwatchb · Jan 22, 2019

RyX said: ↑

January Shavette Focus

Barbasol my way.
View attachment 184523 1) Dispense into bowl.
2) Mush the propellant out.
3) Hydrate to desired consistency.
View attachment 184524 Approaching DFS territory in three shavette passes.
Good shaves Y'all!
Click to expand...

Rick, thanks for the Barbasol lathering demonstration. Now I'm even more curious about how it might work. If I can find the anniversary can at The Pig, I'll pick it up provided it doesn't distract the gang's attention away from @Paul Turner.

Congrats on the progress with the shavette! DFS in 3!

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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.

NTR Well-Known Member

brit in a box

NCoxSTL AAACK!

RyX DoH!

RyX DoH!

NCoxSTL AAACK!

brit in a box

brit in a box

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

wchnu Duck Season!

clint64 Blind Squirrel

Terry Tool Admirer

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Terry Tool Admirer

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

jluc smelling pretty

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

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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.

NTR Well-Known Member

brit in a box

NCoxSTL AAACK!

RyX DoH!

RyX DoH!

NCoxSTL AAACK!

brit in a box

brit in a box

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

wchnu Duck Season!

clint64 Blind Squirrel

Terry Tool Admirer

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Terry Tool Admirer

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

jluc smelling pretty

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

Share This Page

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