January 2019 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

I definitely stay away from the Shavemac site after a couple...

 

I see all of you are well along the way to becoming Sith Lords. Joseph, that does qualify for a pimp stick designation.

 

For some reason if I have had a few drinks I am more likely to purchase a new brush, or an old brush, or anything that looks like a shave brush.

 

You're welcome, my friend. I hope you enjoy everything.

 

Thank you. It’s been a rough time for all involved.

 

I'm going to start a project and carve something with the beautiful knife you sent. Swiss Army knives are great for carving, and many other things.

 

I'm now moments away from the final day of my 1950's themed 30 day focus. As some may recall, the setup for the month was:
No brush.
Barbasol "Soothing Aloe" Canned Shave Cream.
"Rexall" branded vintage blue carbon blades.
Flare Tip Super Speed (Z1 First Year, First Quarter).
Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue.

As a point of interest (maybe) I "excalibured" the same Rexall blade I started the month with. I usually shave every other day and sometimes go three so it probably has fifteen or so shaves on it. Let me tell you, it was no great shakes to start with. Tugged and pulled from day one but I actually think it improved somewhat after the first 3-4 shaves. I'll be glad to return to a modern stainless blade. It was worthwhile to get a sense of what most guys were using at that time though and we should be thankful for the gear we have today.

The Flare Tip worked perfectly and even loaded with the old style blade all the shaves except for the last one were great with pretty much BBS results. But I've been at this long enough that I know my direction of beard growth and where to skin stretch etc. so most of my shaves are good now regardless of which razor I choose. I think the blade has had the biscuit and I'll happily bin it after today.

The real suprise was just how good the Barbasol was. If that was all that was available I could use it forever and be happy. I found the consistency to be excellent when applied to a wet face and massaged in with the fingers a little. I'm going to work on bringing some of my other soaps and creams to that consistency by experimenting with the water/product/mixing time ratios.

And of course, AV Blue never dissapoints but it will be nice to move on to a different scent this coming February.

To conclude, great shaves with absolutely perfect BBS results are obtainable with even the most pedestrian products that were available to the "everyman" in the mid-1950's. Technique Trumps Tools, and although I do have an expensive stainless steel razor of modern manufacture (ASD2), it isn't the biggest determining factor in the shave game. Good prep, and time spent learning to use the DE razor for the last few years were even able to overcome that wretched excuse for a razor blade.

 

Good write up.

 

Follow up. The blades I got are the Supers

Sent from my Galaxy using Tapatalk

 

Wed and Thurs shave

These shaves wrap up my test of the Fine shaving soap. I love the performance but sadly the scent is gone. I bought this about 9 months ago.

Wednesday:

I need a very close and quick shave, I did not have time for a straight so I went to my non-straight razor go to, 2011 Mühle R41 loaded with the best blade I ever used, Personna 74. Two big meetings today and I prepared for them with an epic shave.

Irritation A+ Closeness A+

Razor: Mühle 2011 R41 (Persona 74 2)
Brush: Omega banded boar
Soap: Fine
AS: Speick AS, L’Occitane ASB
Scent: Chanel Antaeus

Thursday:

This weeks theme is JWest razors and today's Suzuki Niles 17 performed as if to tell me I should have used her yesterday. I could not even feel the edge and she was super sharp. I picked this razor up for a song and it is near NOS and is always a pleasure to use.

Irritation A+ Closeness A+ Smoothness A+ Sharpness A+

Razor: Suzuki Niles 17 6/8 quarter hollow
Strop: Drygulch black latigo
Brush: Simpson Chubby 2
Pre: Proraso
Soap: Fine
AS: Enhanced Florida Water AS, Speick ASB
Scent: Chanel Cuir de Russie

 

Well, well, what a nice cold morning shave.
Hello everyone!
The Razo Rock Black Hawk, it shaved well but not great, but with a different blade sugested by @Linuxguile, that has all changed.
Thanks Andrew.


Using the PAA Atomic Age Bay Rum to start the job after a nice shower was a great start. The Feather Pro Super blades took this razor where I like it. One pass on the face with a touch up on the chin was where I like to be . A small rough spot on the neck but nothing bad or bleeding. A Two pass on the head was OK, I stopped at two for some savings on the shoulder.
The other software was right on task and a perfect start for a cold day.
Some how, some where, there is a rumor that I love Bay Rum. Don't know how that got started.

It was 12 deg F when I got out of bed and 6 deg F when I started the car to leave this morning. Not super cold, but cold by any standard and it's 0 deg F as I write this and falling.
Some I know are having a terible time with this cold blast and I feel for them.
Stay warm
Enjoy
tp

 

Nice "british style"
Very nice Gary!
Nice kit
tp

 

Great bay rum with no clove spice.
Different and great!
tp

 

thank you terry, was a nice shave..,tho the razor was the best part of the set..

 

@Laird, It was a nice summary. Have you ever stepped over to the Dark Side?

 

Are you and Andrew in cahoots?

Thanks Clint. The mixed knot is special.

 

Sorry for the crazy super reply but.....
Lots of wonderful shaving going on here.
Thanks to each and every one for the time it takes to share!!
No time to respond the way I like, but great things happening all over.
Stay warm
Thanks
tp

 

Very good suggestion.

 

Thank you Terry.

 

Excellent shave report.

Great shave Terry. The Feather Super blades tend to wake up a razor.