December 2019 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Discussion in 'Shower or Shave of the Day' started by NCoxSTL, Nov 29, 2019.

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What's the most decadent item in your den?

  1. A really decadent DE - we're talking top of the line, gold plated over the top DECADENT!

    10 vote(s)
    37.0%
  2. A really decadent straight razor - we're talking top of the line, incredibly DECADENT!

    5 vote(s)
    18.5%
  3. A really decadent SE razor - vintage baby and shines like the sun because it's DECADENT!

    7 vote(s)
    25.9%
  4. A really decadent soap that lathers up like DECADENT whipped cream!

    12 vote(s)
    44.4%
  5. A really decadent brush that feels so soft yet makes such DECADENT lather!

    12 vote(s)
    44.4%
  6. Cookies, man. I mean seriously - is there anything more DECADENT than cookies??

    8 vote(s)
    29.6%
  7. Ice cream, man. Seriously. Without DECADENT ice cream - cookies are just hard bread!

    8 vote(s)
    29.6%
Multiple votes are allowed.
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  1. NCoxSTL

    NCoxSTL AAACK!

    Welcome to Decadent December!



    The Cartel is proud to welcome you to the December 2019 edition of the 30 Day Rule and Focus Discussion.

    If you're new to traditional shaving, or to TSD, WELCOME!!! If you’ve been here awhile you know the drill so jump in and help the new guys get their shave on!

    So, what is this thread about? Three things, basically. First and foremost this is a TECHNIQUE focused group. All the fancy and shiny shave toys in the world won’t give you a great shave if you don’t know how to use them. That applies to any type of razor from DE safety razor to injector to traditional straights, kamisori, pain sticks, popsicle stick razors, sharp can lids, binder clip razors and all the rest. Second, it’s a COMMUNITY focused group. Everyone here is supportive of the new people learning, the old timers learning new stuff or just working with a new razor or trying to adjust to fix an issue. We support each other and learn together. Third, it’s about SHENANIGANS. Yep, we sometimes drift off topic around here just because we can and it’s fun. As @Bama Samurai stated in the inaugural edition back in January 2015, this is an un-hijackable thread. Go ahead. Try and hijack it. I dare you. Can’t be done. Just like this post. I can wander all I want on this thought and it still goes right back where it belongs in the next paragraph. In fact I'll prove it. Still proving it. Raining again. Or still. We’re not sure which. The Blues are awesome again this year. See? Call it magic if you want.

    As one of the charter members of this thread, from January 2015, I can attest to the ability of the 30 Day Rule to build basic technique. I can also attest to the ability of the 30 Day Focus to adjust one or more areas of the shave, or to open doors to new methods and tools. This month we celebrate DECADENT DECEMBER! What, you ask, is that? As the final month of the year, and what a year it’s been in many ways, I think we should just plain ENJOY our shaves this month. Even if you’re on a strict Rule you can substitute some after shaves and other products around to really get that luxury thing going. If you’re on a Focus or just shaving along to eat cookies and follow shenanigans, this is your chance to pull out your best most luxurious stuff and spend a month with it. We want to see pictures and hear of you using that antique Double Duck, or the Toggle (then you must immediately send it to me for testing), and that High Mountain Badger brush with the MDC…..get the picture? If your absolute favorite brush is the Omega Pro48 and your best ever lather is Proraso….that’s your DECADENCE! Use it! Share it! Let’s remind ourselves that one of the reasons we do this is to ENJOY IT!!!!! By the time New Year’s Eve rolls around we’ll be ready to tackle the next year no matter what it brings! Got it? And, of course, if you want to do something else while following along…..it’s perfectly fine!


    Well, that’s my introduction for the month. So, let’s get down to the usual business. Wondering what the heck a 30 Day Rule or Focus is? Well, let’s let the one, the only, the legendary and mystical @Bama Samurai remind us. Please rise and remove your hats and hold your favorite razor aloft in tribute. We’ll pause for a moment of revered silence.

    The 30 Day Rule (designed to build solid technique or learn new technique)

    1 brush, 1 soap, 1 brand of blades, 1 razor, 30 Days. The rule is really that simple. It seems boring, but this is probably the most straightforward way to learn for a brand new shaver. This is the exercise that really allowed me to clearly see the interplay between the four elements. It is highly recommended for newly converted shavers and more experienced shavers who have a problem that defies resolution. This exercise eliminates variables and will likely solve any problem you may have, with a strict scientific approach. Anything that strays from these simple guidelines is not a rule, but rather a focus (not that there's anything wrong with that!)

    The 30 Day Focus (more flexible, for exploring and comparing)

    This is a less rigorous exercise, designed for exploration and comparison of gear and technique. This is the most common exercise on the thread. Generally the elements are rotated one by one to allow clear observation. Examples of focus areas include brush types, blades, soaps, razor variants, or technique foci as a standalone.

    These are the suggested guidelines, and serve as a starting point for the discussion each month. Any thematic elements are up to each individual. We believe that if you've ever sought a great shave, you have something to offer. And if you're searching for great shaves, we will definitely try to help. If you are new to TSD, I believe you've landed in a great place. Everyone here participating would love to answer your questions and help you get the most from your shaving. We are very glad you're here! So, if you're new, stop in for a cookie and meet the crew. The cookie of the month is, of course, Holiday Sugar Cookies! If this is old hat, welcome back, and let's rock another month out!

    Rules are the same people.


    1. New Members always welcome. Start anytime.
    2. Old Members always welcome. Ok, ok, middle agers too.
    3. Respect everyone
    4. Follow the rules of the forum
    5. All razor types and styles welcome
    6. Criticize Russian blades, especially Voskhod, at your own peril. The Cartel is listening. And we have spies everywhere. They’re usually passed out drunk, but we get lucky occasionally.
    7. Don't think we don't hear when you badmouth Rapira either. We're vodka loving wannabe Russians, not blithering idiots. Well, ok so sometimes.....and Ivan.....well you get the idea.
    8. You might consider taking it easy on Feathers as well. The Yakuza boys are pretty protective as well, though their leader has been converted by the Russians it seems. Score one for the Motherland!


    Let's have some great shaves! Welcome to DECADENT DECEMBER! Group hug people!

    30 day crew portrait.jpg
     
  2. brit

    brit in a box

    awesome..
     
  3. brit

    brit in a box

    aristocrats/senators/populars/bostonians/sheratons/belmonts/deluxes..with grand soaps,splashes and brushes.a bowl or 2.plus the techs and news..i am in..:)..
     
    Hembree, RyX, Norcalnewb and 12 others like this.
  4. MrEE

    MrEE Half Naked Shave Stalker

    Gold, Rhodium, or Stainless. Unless of course I'm just excited to use one of my bare brass, chrome, or nickel razors. I tend to be a rule follower so there you have it.
     
    Hembree, RyX, Terry and 12 others like this.
  5. Trigger

    Trigger Double Jedi Knight

    Well, I will continue using the same straight razor, soap, brush, AS and ASB for 10 shaves to complete my 30 same straight/same setup challenge. I should finish it by December 15th. After the challenge, I will use my Dovo shavette and my DE's for the rest of the month as Dovo/DE December. I will also be exclusively using my new Stirling soaps and matching aftershaves that were delivered to me in November and are appropriate for the holiday season. They are Christmas Eve, Frankincense and Myrrh, and Stirling Spice. It will also be my 1 yr TSD/30DC anniversary on the 21st. So, it definitely will be a great month!
     
    Hembree, RyX, 9nein9 and 16 others like this.
  6. brit

    brit in a box

    awesome Joe.your a trend setter sir..:)..
     
  7. Trigger

    Trigger Double Jedi Knight

    Thanks for the kind words, Gary! I really appreciate it!
     
  8. brit

    brit in a box

    thank you sir..i use the same razor daily.just looks different..i appreciate repetition.builds character..;)..
     
  9. jtspartan

    jtspartan appropriately stimulated, via Netflix

    I’m in, of course. I think I’m going to approach things a little bit differently, though. For DEcember, I’m going to focus on the DE part. We’ve gone from SEptember with Single Edge Razors to OCtober with Open Combs, to a No Repeat NOvember. My regular safety bar DEs haven’t had a good run in months, so I’ll focus on those- Crat Jr, Techs, Red Tip, SA, etc, as well as a new one inbound. More DE than decadent. So...
    Soaps and Splashes? Decadent to me means SV soaps, Castle Forbes creams and some Maol and Chatillon Lux splashes. I’ll still try to get thru my two nearly done tubs, too.
    Looking forward to it!
     
    Hembree, RyX, 9nein9 and 13 others like this.
  10. brit

    brit in a box

    awesome..:)..
     
  11. NCoxSTL

    NCoxSTL AAACK!

    I like it! Get those DE's in the game. Great plan and variation on the theme. I knew somebody would change it up!
     
  12. brit

    brit in a box

    :D
     
  13. Keithmax

    Keithmax Breeds Pet Rocks

    Surprise, surprise I voted for straight razor.... and ice cream. Sorry Neal but the fancy pants ice cream man won me over.

    My first focus is on R&R, Dec 1 I leave for a vacation to Macau and Phuket. I will get straight razor shave in to start the day but travel kit is Karve.
     
    Hembree, RyX, 9nein9 and 14 others like this.
  14. jason koonce

    jason koonce Well-Known Member

    So I’ve decided I’m going to try to focus on straights again this month. Last time I could not get a comfortable so hopefully this month I’ll get there!
     
    Hembree, RyX, Douglas Carey and 12 others like this.
  15. Keithmax

    Keithmax Breeds Pet Rocks

    This will be my shave tomorrow December 1st. In a effort to get the first post I am posting it early. Smile.... This is a huge 9/8 Mike Martinez.

    ID - 1.jpeg
     
    Hembree, RyX, Terry and 17 others like this.
  16. brit

    brit in a box

    very cool Jason..great focus..welcome aboard..
     
  17. jluc

    jluc smelling pretty

    I'm in! Not sure what I'm in for but I'm in for something. I'll probably focus on razors that I don't have many uses with.

    Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk
     
  18. brit

    brit in a box

    very cool..have a great trip..
     
  19. S Barnhardt

    S Barnhardt Old, Crusty Barn

    You sure that's a razor? Looks like a "weapon!" :susel::signs131:
     
  20. S Barnhardt

    S Barnhardt Old, Crusty Barn

    My focus, unless I run across that elusive Fat Boy that fits my budget, will have to be my newly acquired Proraso, green? OR red?, and either my Schick SE or my Harry's. I know, I know!! I get better shaves with the cart than I do the SE at the moment, but the quest continues.
     
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