February 2020 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

That is absolutely gorgeous!

 

Why yes. Yes I do. I prefer Voskhod. While GSB is without a doubt an excellent blade, Voskhods, for me, are a bit sharper. I know some would disagree and that's fine. Blade preference is affected by skin type, beard type, grain, etc. For me, though, Voskhods are top overall. (And Sharp Star but not quite).

Here's my top 5 from each factory ranked top 10 in my world.

1. Voskhod/Sharp Star
2. GSB
3. Rapira PL
4. Rapira SS
5. Gillette Platinum
6. Astra SP
7. Ladas
8. Nacet
9. Rapira Chrome
10. SharpEdge

There isn't a blade on that list I wouldn't shave with, as I'm sure you know. And I could probably switch a few around and still be happy with it. I'm already thinking I might put the Gillette Platinum above the Rapira SS. I'd put the SharpEdge above the Rapira Chrome except every time I've used a SharpEdge I've found them super sharp but a bit on the harsh side. Again, that could be because of my particular skin or beard type. But, that's the list as it exists in this moment.

 

My update for tonight.

I ramble a bit. About 90 seconds, for your eyes only

https://photos.app.goo.gl/sfQk7SzRBxu2Hw4CA

Have a terrific Thursday



Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

 

February Favorites

February 12

Razor - 1962 (H1) Gillette Slim (9)
Blade - (1)
Soap - Blood on Steel 2019 by Stirling
Brush - 30DC Meet Up LE w/ SynBad bulb knot
Post - Alum

Time to move on down the line after last night's semi-massacre. I picked up the Gillette Slim and went with my number one blade most days, the Voskhod. Of course, I kept it dialed up to 9 in the razor because that's what I do. I chose the Blood on Steel 2019 and the Meet Up LE brush from last summer. Great brush from @jtspartan to help us celebrate the second meet up and Stirling did themselves proud with the soap, as they do with all their soaps. Lather was awesome, had the right blade and a vintage Gillette adjustable in my hand. What could possibly go wrong?

Well........something did. I'm honestly a bit perplexed. The blade feel was good. Smooth. However, I drew blood on my left jawline and then scraped two spots on my lower left neck. Alum was also a bit warm all over but on those bloody spots it was, of course, hot. I didn't feel the cut or the scraping so something was off. The cut was perhaps a bad set down. The neck scrapes can only be bad angle or too much pressure, or a combination of both. I didn't sens myself making those mistakes but clearly I did something wrong. I was hurrying a bit as it was a bit later than some nights after a meeting so maybe that's the explanation. Whatever happened, that's two problem shaves in a row. Time to reassess my technique and go into tomorrow ready to start a new win streak. I'm a Blues fan. I know what happens when you let a bad streak go three games.

Hope you had a great Wednesday. And I hope you have an even better Thursday!!

​

 

Inspiring story, Chris! Your grandfather sounds like an amazing man--even more so for keeping his story on the down-lo. Thanks for sharing it

 

I vow to spend the rest living in a manner he'd be proud to live himself.

Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

 

Great photo and report, Neal. Sorry to hear about the disappointing back-to-back shaves. No doubt in my mind you'll get it all squared away by tomorrow

Out of curiosity (as someone who knows next to nothing about the Slim Adjustable), how aggressive would you say the range is from 1-9? I ask because if I decide my Parker Variant just isn't working for me, I'd like to get another adjustable to replace it. I've heard good things about the Slim, and have enjoyed shaving with the Flare Tip--figured it might be worth looking into.

 

I agree Neal. Voskhood are my goto blade at this point.

 

I appreciate your grandfather's service to our country during WWII. Have a good Thursday also.

 

As you know, I recently shaved with my Redtip and Slim. Although the Redtip is the most aggressive of the Superspeed flares, it isn't aggressive to me. The Slim is more aggressive than my Redtip. I believe setting 5 or 6 would equal the Redtip. I always shave on setting nine.

 

Thanks Charlie. Thought she was over the flu but I think its going to linger around a bit longer . Rest? Whats that? Haha

 

I had no idea. Gallantry or valor against Waffen SS fronted Nazi defenses.

I complain about the rain.

Some guys are willing to do what they gotta do to survive.

Others are willing to do what must be done.

I'll never be confused about that again.

Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

 

Thanks, Joe! So it's got a pretty wide range, then. You #9 guys are so hardcore! I'll get there--someday.

 

The Slim and Fatboy share the same blade gaps, though the difference in head geometry creates a different feel and angle requirement. I would have to say the Slim feels a bit more aggressive due to head geometry but I'm sure someone would argue with me over that.

To determine the aggressiveness on the Slim let's just compare blade gaps.

Setting 1, you have a gap of 0.022 inches or 0.56mm. Very mild. In fact, that's the same gap as the ultra mild Schick Krona or Weishi.

Setting 2 - 0.024 inches or 0.61mm. The Super Speeds and Gillette New are slighly less at 0.023 or 0.58.

Setting 3 - 0.026 or 0.66mm

Setting 4 - 0.029/030 or 0.74mm. The Red Tip Super Speed is also the same gap measurement in inches, but 0.73mm. Just slightly less on it from the Slim 4.

Setting 5 - 0.032 or 0.81mm.

Setting 6 - 0.035 or 0.89mm.

Setting 7 - 0.038 or 0.97mm.

Setting 8 - 0.041 or 1.04mm. (The black handle or Super Adjustable is at 9 here, so the Slim goes beyond the gap on the Super).

Setting 9 - 0.045 or 1.14mm.

To compare against a truly aggressive beast you only need to look at the Futur by Merkur (Or Qshave clone which many of us have).

Setting 1 on the Futur - 0.044 or 1.12mm. Just barely under the max Gillette setting.

Setting 6.5 on the Futur (the highest) - 0.069 or 1.75mm.

I got my Slim prior to getting my Fatboy. It's a great handling razor and easier to use in tight spots like under the nose, or so they say. With my goatee and moustache I have never used either in that area. I prefer the feel of the Fatty in my hand and I think it's a bit more balanced than the Slim but either is a very fine shaving tool. The Super Adjustable is also a great razor, though not as aggressive as the all metal versions.

Money-wise - Slims are cheaper. Usually by a lot. I probably wouldn't have gotten the Fatboy except one of the guys on here found the one I got from him and sold it to me cheap. I love it, but I switch back to the Slim often when I'm using adjustables.

Hope all that helps.

 

You, good sir, are an extremely wise and intelligent man.

 

I'll help.

The correct setting is 9.

Learn to feel the blade as it should be.

Angle discipline, correct pressure, skin stretching.

Deliberately short and controlled strokes.

Do it with vigor and confidence.

Scars are tattoos for the brave.

Carry on.


Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

 

That's an awesome shave report. That generation - the guys who fought in World War II - there will never be another like them. Your grandfather was obviously a man of courage and determination but.....also a man of humility. That's a quality that is often overlooked and underrated. It speaks of a man of honor. I'm glad you discovered that.

 

Plus - Chicks dig scars. As we have documented many times.

 

It made tears gather in my eyes when I read it. Now, I get him.

Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

 

Yeah. It's true.

Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk