March 2020 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix and Discussion

jluc · Mar 2, 2020

jtspartan said: ↑

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.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Jason! The brush is a stunner!

Trigger · Mar 2, 2020

9nein9 said: ↑

Thanks Joe! Your kind words mean alot to me !
Click to expand...

You are welcome, Patrick! By the way, I fixed my original comment because I meant to say sell yourself short. I know that you knew what I meant, but I always have to correct my typos.

timabababaluka · Mar 2, 2020

9nein9 said: ↑

View attachment 219515
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.

Click to expand...

Awesome shave, Patrick! It's nice to see what I can look forward to if I stick with it

Out of curiosity, is the Neutrogena shave cream brushless, or do you whip up a lather like usual?

timabababaluka · Mar 2, 2020

MrEE said: ↑

March 2nd
Menthol Monday

Razor: Shake Sharp
Blade: Gillette Wilkenson Sword
Brush: DS Cosmetics 28mm Tuxedo
PS: Striling Mentholated Pre-Shave Soap
SS & AS: Stirling MITA

Finally got to use the Shake Sharp sent to me by Jeff @jgreenepa. Very smooth and efficient razor. I can see why people like them. The shave was certainly on the BBS side of close, but I did nick myself on my chin. Tried to go fast with a razor I'm not familiar with.

As always MITA is a fun soap. As I was finishing up, my wife said, "I smell Margaritas in the Arctic". It's one of her favorites too.

View attachment 219518
Click to expand...

Awesome, Evan--congrats on the new Shake Sharp! MITA shaves are always the best, and I love how the brush handle matches the lemon-limeiness of the soap. Just a refreshing set up to look at

9nein9 · Mar 2, 2020

Trigger said: ↑

You are welcome, Patrick! By the way, I fixed my original comment because I meant to say sell yourself short. I know that you knew what I meant, but I always have to correct my typos.
Click to expand...

With your advice the old chin is not so much of a problem to navigate anymore . I have great confidence in that area now !

timabababaluka · Mar 2, 2020

Trigger said: ↑

Ok, I am going to say it's your face and it's your shave. However, I have a different point of view and I am also saying that what works for me, may not work for you. From day one, I never blunted my DE blades for shavette shaving because I wanted to make sure that my technique was true. Blunting the blade gives a false sense of mastery because it forgives average to below average technique. I have shared my beginning shavette experience where at shave #16, I was comfortable shaving my head and that gave me the courage to try a traditional straight. Truth be told, outside of beakers and bunsen burners, I am a little klutzy so I was surprised that I did well for a novice from the start. Also, I have nerve damage on my left hand so I was worried about using it for this type of shaving. In fact, it helped that hand feel things a lot better. I share this to give you full disclosure on what you want to do. I am not telling you to disregard Andrew's advice because it is valid. If you do follow with his advice, then you might night progress as fast as you would otherwise. Nicking, cutting, etc is part of the process and it gives you visible proof that you are off on technique. If you keep your pressure light, then any cut, nick, etc will be minimized. I have over 140+ shavette shaves and I still get weeps, but they are so small because I use light pressure and for the sake of accountability I report it. Realistically, 90% of my weeps are laughingly so small that I really shouldn't report it, but that's how I fly. I supoort you Tim, whatever you decide!
Click to expand...

Excellent! I love getting all the pro's and con's lined up. I totally get where you're coming from, and thus far, my toe/heel mishaps have not drawn any blood because I've kept the pressure light, so perhaps you have a point. When I used that shavette it the summer to trim off my 3 months growth, I gave myself a pretty decent set-down slice because I went overboard on the pressure--that little set back instilled a healthy respect for managing pressure with a shavette

Norcalnewb · Mar 2, 2020

Trigger said: ↑

March 2
Good afternoon fellas
Shavette shave #143
Parker SRB
Rockwell 1/2 DE Blade (5)
JR Silvertip Badger #386
Stirling Spice SS and AS
Nivea ASB
I couldn't wait to get home from work to get my new Jayaruh brush! I got home and opened the package and I was like wow! Right then and there, I knew that I had to shave ASAP to try it out. First, this Stirling Spice has an amazing scent and I should use it more, but hey, I have too many soaps to choose. Ok, bring it on! Lambaste me and roast me on an open fire for that soapy comment. Lol! Seriously, I used this brush to whip up a nice lather, but it took a little longer. I think it's because I used it without breaking it in. Anyway, it is my first silvertip and it has a nice backbone so it isn't floppy. That's the way I like my brushes. This is the 5th shave with the Parker SRB and I have to say this is truly an easy and effortless shaver. I am on autopilot with this razor, and I think it's due to my Dovo shavette experience and the "foolproof" geometry of the razor. Whatever the reason, I find shaving with this shavette to be as easy as apple pie. I am going to use this shavette for a headshave later in the week. I did 2.5 passes and got an IBSS (VBSS) shave without any irritation and without any blood loss. Applied the matching AS and the Nivea ASB to this fantastic. My skin really looks great and I smell nice. That's a great combo! Have a nice afternoon guys! View attachment 219514 View attachment 219514
Click to expand...

Nice shave, Joe!

wristwatchb · Mar 2, 2020

NCoxSTL said: ↑

Get the license plate the next time he backs over you. We can track him better that way.
Click to expand...

Norcalnewb · Mar 2, 2020

SilverSwarfer said: ↑

View attachment 219502

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Click to expand...

Great picture, Andrew!

timabababaluka · Mar 2, 2020

9nein9 said: ↑

You'll get many years of lathering enjoyment from it Joe!

Forgot to mention...if you lose focus just set the razor down for a second to regroup your thoughts and continue on. You're doing great pal!
Click to expand...

So:

Slow and steady

The flatter the better

Pressure drop

Razor drop

Norcalnewb · Mar 2, 2020

jtspartan said: ↑

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.
Click to expand...

Thank you, Jason!

Norcalnewb · Mar 2, 2020

9nein9 said: ↑

View attachment 219515
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.

Click to expand...

Terrific picture, Patrick!

Norcalnewb · Mar 2, 2020

MrEE said: ↑

March 2nd
Menthol Monday

Razor: Shake Sharp
Blade: Gillette Wilkenson Sword
Brush: DS Cosmetics 28mm Tuxedo
PS: Striling Mentholated Pre-Shave Soap
SS & AS: Stirling MITA

Finally got to use the Shake Sharp sent to me by Jeff @jgreenepa. Very smooth and efficient razor. I can see why people like them. The shave was certainly on the BBS side of close, but I did nick myself on my chin. Tried to go fast with a razor I'm not familiar with.

As always MITA is a fun soap. As I was finishing up, my wife said, "I smell Margaritas in the Arctic". It's one of her favorites too.

View attachment 219518
Click to expand...

Excellent picture, Evan!

wristwatchb · Mar 2, 2020

9nein9 said: ↑

View attachment 219515
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.

Click to expand...

Awesome, Patrick. Congrats on a great shave! I'm glad you liked the Neutrogena cream.

myles wilson · Mar 2, 2020

Shave of the day.
Gillette aristocrat
Proraso green Shave soap
Brut AS
Thayers rose water witch hazel

shave song. just cant shave without some good music, otherwise it is boring.

Primotenore · Mar 2, 2020

NCoxSTL said: ↑

Cartel HQ, being located above the Mason-Dixon, is not concerned with Piggly Wiggly political operatives. We don't speak that slowly and we use words bigger than most Piggly Wiggly operatives can totally comprehend. Our wannabe Russians are also better shots than Piggly Wiggly's wannabe hillbillies, although their lack of sobriety at times may actually create issues. However, we can always suggest moonshine to the hillbillies who seem to absorb it like wannabe Russians absorb vodka. In that case, the conflict would undoubtedly devolve into a drunken fracas, where nothing worse than slurred insults and broken bottles would ensue. Hardly worth the effort.

Your deferral of using the TDD due to this morning's Maelstrom is appreciated and duly noted. When things settle down and return to normalcy, or what we consider normalcy around here, we can pursue the issue further. Please note that if there is still confusion or need of clarification, I have tasked Natalia with enforcement of this and any related issue. Just so you know.

View attachment 219498

Have a Cartel day!
Click to expand...

OMG, I can't unsee this...please poke my eyes out.

wristwatchb · Mar 2, 2020

Trigger said: ↑

Ok, I am going to say it's your face and it's your shave. However, I have a different point of view and I am also saying that what works for me, may not work for you. From day one, I never blunted my DE blades for shavette shaving because I wanted to make sure that my technique was true. Blunting the blade gives a false sense of mastery because it forgives average to below average technique. I have shared my beginning shavette experience where at shave #16, I was comfortable shaving my head and that gave me the courage to try a traditional straight. Truth be told, outside of beakers and bunsen burners, I am a little klutzy so I was surprised that I did well for a novice from the start. Also, I have nerve damage on my left hand so I was worried about using it for this type of shaving. In fact, it helped that hand feel things a lot better. I share this to give you full disclosure on what you want to do. I am not telling you to disregard Andrew's advice because it is valid. If you do follow with his advice, then you might night progress as fast as you would otherwise. Nicking, cutting, etc is part of the process and it gives you visible proof that you are off on technique. If you keep your pressure light, then any cut, nick, etc will be minimized. I have over 140+ shavette shaves and I still get weeps, but they are so small because I use light pressure and for the sake of accountability I report it. Realistically, 90% of my weeps are laughingly so small that I really shouldn't report it, but that's how I fly. I supoort you Tim, whatever you decide!
Click to expand...

I agree, Joe. I've considered blunting the leading corner of the half-DE blade in my shavette as Andrew suggests, but I think it would hinder me from consistently 'perfecting' my technique. I also generally try to handle bare DE blades as little as possible for safety reasons...breaking them in half for use in the shavette is pushing it.

If I focus intently during the shave, it's not an issue. Sometimes when I lose focus the corner of the blade will nick or irritate my skin, particularly on my neck.

Blunting the blade is definitely one of those YMMV things. Whatever works for someone else is OK by me. I mean, if a guy like @NCoxSTL wants to hide behind a goatee to avoid learning how to shave his chin, I'm OK with that.

Hey, no more maelstroms, OK?

P.S. Your new JR brush is super cool!

9nein9 · Mar 2, 2020

timabababaluka said: ↑

So:

Slow and steady

The flatter the better

Pressure drop

Razor drop

Click to expand...

You catch on fast!

Norcalnewb said: ↑

Terrific picture, Patrick!
Click to expand...

Thanks Jim!

wristwatchb said: ↑

Awesome, Patrick. Congrats on a great shave! I'm glad you liked the Neutrogena cream.
Click to expand...

Thanks Charlie! I slathered it on like it was free! Actually I paid under a buck for that tube .

myles wilson said: ↑

Shave of the day.
Gillette aristocrat
Proraso green Shave soap
Brut AS
Thayers rose water witch hazel View attachment 219522
Click to expand...

Awesome setup Myles!

jluc · Mar 2, 2020

9nein9 said: ↑

View attachment 219515
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.

Click to expand...

MrEE said: ↑

March 2nd
Menthol Monday

Razor: Shake Sharp
Blade: Gillette Wilkenson Sword
Brush: DS Cosmetics 28mm Tuxedo
PS: Striling Mentholated Pre-Shave Soap
SS & AS: Stirling MITA

Finally got to use the Shake Sharp sent to me by Jeff @jgreenepa. Very smooth and efficient razor. I can see why people like them. The shave was certainly on the BBS side of close, but I did nick myself on my chin. Tried to go fast with a razor I'm not familiar with.

As always MITA is a fun soap. As I was finishing up, my wife said, "I smell Margaritas in the Arctic". It's one of her favorites too.

View attachment 219518
Click to expand...

Great shaves, Patrick and Evan!

clint64 · Mar 2, 2020

myles wilson said: ↑

Shave of the day.
Gillette aristocrat
Proraso green Shave soap
Brut AS
Thayers rose water witch hazel View attachment 219522

shave song. just cant shave without some good music, otherwise it is boring.
Click to expand...

Great looking shave Myles.

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March 2020 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix and Discussion

Is it okay to eat cookies and ice cream together?

Yes

Yes

jluc smelling pretty

Trigger Double Jedi Knight

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

9nein9 Guest

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

myles wilson Moth Ball Mouth

Primotenore missed opera tunity

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

9nein9 Guest

jluc smelling pretty

clint64 Blind Squirrel

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March 2020 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix and Discussion

Is it okay to eat cookies and ice cream together?

Yes

Yes

jluc smelling pretty

Trigger Double Jedi Knight

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

9nein9 Guest

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

myles wilson Moth Ball Mouth

Primotenore missed opera tunity

wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

9nein9 Guest

jluc smelling pretty

clint64 Blind Squirrel

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