April 2020 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix and Discussion

Thanks, Jim!
Forgot to mention in the write up that the knot popped out of the handle right afterwards. I’ve never had that happen before with this Marine grade Silicone adhesive. I don’t have many resin handles, though.

 

thank you Patrick..

 

Fantastic picture, Gary!

 

thank you Jim..

 

Thanks Jim!

 

@wristwatchb
Charlie,
Polywatch comes for glass or plastic. As you said it was Acrylic, I have this plastic polish for turnings. Would this be an acceptable substitute for Polywatch, or should I get the real thing?

 

Sounds great, Jason. I enjoy researching watches. I don't know much about Wittnauer, but the brand appears to have a rich history. This one is a bit of mystery to me as it lacks outside markings, and the Geneve line appears to be extensive. You have a keeper there. Let me know if it keeps time acceptably. If not, a trip to a reputable watchmaker would be beneficial. Your case back is threaded, and the watchmaker will have a tool to remove it. If you get to that point, be sure to get a photo of the movement and any markings on the inside of the case back. That will help you determine the date of manufacture, and you might even find watchmaker's initials on the caseback showing that it had been serviced.

You said you found the watch on the beach. I hope you don't find some rust and possibly sand inside the case if you decide to remove the case back.

Another product to consider instead of Polywatch is Simichrome Polish. My Dad used to use a very fine sandpaper on his acrylic crystals and then polish out the fine scratches with Simichrome and sometimes even use a buffing wheel. It's a good metal polish as well, but I would avoid polishing the case since it is plated.

If you have some calipers, measure the lug opening in mm. It's probably 18 mm. That'll tell you what width strap you need. An alligator or croc strap would dress it up nicely.

 

Yes I would give it a try, Jason. I assume the crystal is acrylic. Newer watches have scratch-resistant crystals and really can't be polished in this way. You'll know pretty quickly once you get started. Put a small amount on a soft cloth and use it sparingly. It will take some elbow grease. You don't want excess polish to get inside the case via the stem or around the crystal.

 

Wonderful set up and report, Dale--Stirling has their Chills down just right!

 

I'm glad you're doing OK, Joe. It sounds like a pretty bad cut. No reason at all to be embarrassed. Accidents happen, and considering all the sharp things we like to use, they're fairly infrequent. I remember being late for work one morning while I tended to a bleeding finger. The main thing is to see the doc at the first sign of infection.

 

I hope your Mom is doing OK, Jason. When Mom calls, you gotta run.

 

Thank you, Charlie.

They are literally jumping on a trampoline in the back yard right now--I think we're good

 

That's music to my ears, Tim. Great news!

 

I'd apply a slipper elm bark poultice as well.

 

Another Beautiful set up, Angelo.

I've yet to try the Polsilvers. I've got a tuck from a sample pack, just got to figure out which week I'll roll with them.

 

Another lovely shave, Joe--love it when you bust out the Schick!

 

Arko Adjustable April

April 4

Razor - 1960 (F4) Gillette Toggle (9)
Blade -
Soap - Arko
Brush - I*V10 Hybrid. The Moreau
Post - Alum

Well, that was a Saturday. Definitely a Saturday. Can't say it was terrible, can't say it was wonderful. But it was. Seriously, not too bad despite the chill back in the air with clouds. As this whole quarantine thing has locked down harder as we go, things are getting surreal around the Lou. Access to restaurants is getting to be a difficult thing at times and if you order delivery and the only way to pick up the food is through a drive through hold your breath. Lots of us are refusing to sit in drive-thru to get food. Takes too long when they're stacked and the cost of the gas plus time is just a killer. Best to decline it and move on. Hopefully someone will get that order of KFC or Taco Bell for you. Hey, here's an idea. Try tipping on the app too. $0 tips plus long drive thru waits = NO FOOD!

I've noticed things getting quieter over time as well and one scene really hit me today. I was in the Delmar Loop, which is one of the busiest sections of St. Louis. It's near Washington University and features all kinds of restaurants, bars, independent shops, theaters, you know, stuff that keeps college kids and others busy and spending money. Many of the restaurants have outdoor seating on the sidewalks. Traffic through the Loop is killer. Bad enough that driving Uber/Lyft through there is enough to make you pull your hair out. (May explain some of mine). Well, late this afternoon, on a Saturday when the Loop should be booming (chilly weather usually doesn't affect much, maybe fewer outdoor tables), here is my view as I waited for an order to be handed through the front window of Three Kings Public House.

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There were a few people sitting in cars behind me, but other than that......I was alone. Well, mostly. A panhandler had just walked up and done his job for the day getting a few bucks out of my hands. The food came out the window a moment later and I walked two spaces back to get in my car and drive off. Traffic free. Add a wandering zombie to that picture and you have how it felt.

Anyway, enough of my day. It certainly ended better with a great shave to relax and unwind with. Still on the Toggle/Voskhod combo and I just switched to the Mesquite and Hybrid knot brush I call the Moreau. It's a fantastic brush and I love it. That dense knot tore up the Arko and turned it into an easy and quick lather and the razor an blade combination went through my beard like a hot knife through butter. No blood or other issues. Definitely the best party of the day.

Hope you had a good Saturday in spite of these strange times. Have a fantastic Sunday!!

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Thanks Charlie. It's been 34 hours and no sign of infection. I would say that is a pretty good sign.

 

Thanks Tim! I really like this razor. It was made between 1939 and 1942. It's amazing that it still works.

 

Fantastic shave, Neal. You did a great job describing the strange times we're in. Looks like we'll be settling into this for awhile.