March 2020 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix and Discussion

3/1 Shave “number nine” was what I will classify as a success! Very clean and very close result. Not 100% comfortable but not far off.. I chased the baby and detected only slight texture in 2 spots: at and near the jaw. Still looking at some weepers at the end but none big enough to show or scab after cleanup.

“Dry run” performed with butter knife instead of taped edge. Thanks @Trigger for the suggestion. The honing is dialed in on this razor so Joe’s recommendation made more sense in the end than taping, as I don’t like the thought of disturbing the bevel area, fussing with removing tape.

I realized my problems with lip access had a simple solution. I opened my mouth and got the flatness I lacked at the corners of my mouth. This was much more natural with both hands to access this area.

Overall things made a lot more sense throughout this shave. I was not second guessing or hesitating near my problem areas. I was able to identify some further areas of focus:

1. Pressure management in problem areas- when my razor gets into the spots where I slow down and adjust more (center face) I realized I’m not consistent with pressure.
   
2. Consistent strokes- this may be more of a corollary to 1) but I don’t seem to always shave with a designated pressure/speed stroke for a designated area.
3. Planning- I noticed I’m still not following a defined sequence. I’m a little conflicted over this as I think some flexibility is helpful as I establish my confidence.
   
4. Skin stretching- I experimented with some new moves in my problem areas- open mouth and “side-stretching” (pulling opposite blade direction regardless of blade orientation). New stretches near the jaw and mouth offered easier access and more comfortable shaving in those areas.
   
5. Re-lathering- I’m going slow. Really slow. Like turtle slow, but that’s cool because I’m trying to win the race! Lather on parts of my face gets a little dry while I’m attacking the rest. Through this shave, I stopped and re-lathered those drier spots before moving forward. This improved comfort overall. I’ve been really focused on the lather. It’s a part I vastly enjoy so I always make a bunch! Probably enough for 6 passes. It’s come in handy because I don’t have to budget my suds.

Other Thoughts

• Soap pairings- I’m stuck in my commitment in using the Scots Pine, per 30DR. IME the scent is gentle and fades quickly so I’m noticing near zero influence on my aftershave treatments. I have some new soaps lined up to try once Training is through. More rewards to look forward to!
  
• Pre-shave- Still using Stirling Mentholated Pre-Soap and I think it’s beneficial in giving me a consistent start. I’ll continue this through 30DR but looking forward to testing some other options. I know I can always revert to the Stirling if results decline
• Razors- I’m itching to try a new frameback I received recently! I got it honed nicely and I’m impressed with the result. Something to look forward to. I’ll not break discipline and risk any training setbacks but... man, will it be sweet to work with a new blade! I’m a blade geek so it will be very difficult for me to keep less than 8 or 18 razors. Having said that, whenever I pick up the Herder I’m using for 30DR, it always makes me feel nice.
• Enablers- TSD is an amazing place. Already so many kind and supportive folks have influenced great progress. I’m humbled and grateful. Thanks to all who are taking time to read and respond. I hope to contribute in kind if I ever get wise enough, and help somebody else in my current position.

 

Glad that you had a very nice shave, Andrew! I am glad that my suggestion worked for you! This forum has great people that want to help others to do well. The vast knowledge is incredible and quite diverse. We are here for one another. Keep it going!

 

That brush handle is just stunning, Jim. The Reserve Cool is truly based on one of the greatest scents in shaving. Just love it.

Wouldn't worry about the 'habit', Terry, if it results in great shaves. Lots of great Frankenrazors that way!

'Not much to report' means things were pretty awesome, Jim! Happy Menthol Monday.

Thanks for the good advice on that soap, Clint. I recommend throwing a few CH2 Synth shaves at it, and it will be chewed up in no time...

Glad to hear the Imperial will become a staple in your rotation, Danny. For me, the 'cheap' but awesome staples are big Omega Pros to bash out and a Palmolive Stick.

That razor is simply a stunner, Gary. Look at the condition of the box, even! I guess you got that for $4 at the Salvation Army...

Ok, off to put a Gamechanger in the cart for the 47th time...I've told myself that I won't get one until I reduce the den, though.

Pretty good for day 2, Tim. What is that doll/pic in the background?

(Remembers the Gentleman, arches eyebrows and nods head slowly in agreement)

For Pete sakes focus that thing, Joe! Thought I had another stroke today...until I realized it was your camera shot again.

 

+1

Wow! Joe , that was a winning shave !

Very good detailed report Andrew! Glad to have you here with us !

 

Thanks Patrick! The new brush really gave me a nice wet, voluminous and thick lather and I believe was a major player in this shave.

 

Sorry, Jason! I wanted to show the decorative cross and the angle was a little difficult to do so. I just didn't want to take a face down shot that doesn't show its entire effect.

 

Great shave Andrew! Your making fantastic progress!

Sent from my Galaxy using Tapatalk

 

Thanks Jason! I did mention I have a spare top cap (or two) didn't I?

Sent from my Galaxy using Tapatalk

 

Everything helps a shavette noob like myself, Patrick. I most definitely appreciate the input and info. I have some setdown close calls--usually when I get too wrapped up in the mirror working on the left side--no bloody line yet, but a couple definite bounces that made me (just for a moment, mind you) contemplate growing out my beard again.

Slow and steady...

The flatter the better...

Pressure Drop

 

Thank you Joe.

 

Thanks, Jim! It's a fun challenge, to be sure

 

Very nice Joe. Congrats on such a beautiful brush.

 

No worries Perry. I hope things settle down for you soon. We will keep the light on for you.

 

Congrats on the progress Andrew. You're going to have this sorted out soon. Way to go.

 

I just so happen to have a couple more "Soap Destroyers" on the way.

 

Thanks for the encouragement, Joe! At this point in the shavette game, I don't view good/average as good or average. It's...



Have a fantastic evening, sir, and thanks again!

 

Thank you Clint! I am glad to own it and it seems like a great performer! I own 8 brushes and my C-mon and this one are my most aesthetic lather movers. I am going to use it for the next few shaves to break it in more.

 

That's the spirit!

 

Thank you, Andrew! At one point I had considered doing that. Then yesterday's shave went pretty well, so I figured, "Hey. Maybe I don't need to." Now I'm back to, "That might be a wise idea."

 

Shavette shave #2
Another relaxing shave albeit a tad slower than normal shaves . I'm all about the relaxation part btw.
Took Charlie's @wristwatchb advice with the Neutrogena cream and used lots . Very nice cooling effect and nice glide too. Thanks man.
No mishaps from this 2 passer with a touchup here and there for good measure . In retrospect I cant believe how far my grip has come along since first using shavettes and straights. Practice makes perfect.
When I held up the Kootenay blue and asked her should I use it again, she smiled and said " oh yes " . Thanks Jason @jtspartan ....looks like I'm going shopping! She suggested I order more before that bottle runs out.
And now for your March Madness listening enjoyment....heres Toots and the Maytals.