January 2021 30 Day Rule/30 Day Focus Pic and Discussion Thread- All are Welcome

Appreciate the thought! The shave isn’t the issue, it shaves well. I just don’t like the big clunky scales and blade. I’ll probably sell it eventually, although Ben will probably end up with it. I’m trying to swap it for one of his petite Japanese razors. He may be amenable to such a trade.

 

I could be wrong, but I believe the more you use it, then the more comfortable you will feel shaving with it. That is why I suggested a focus.

 

OK thanks, Joseph. I suppose it's another example of "Technique Trumps Tools", eh?

 

It’s a great shaver, and holds a great edge! It’s just too dang bulky! My sweet spot is 6/8 - 7/8, I just find most of my vintage blades more svelte, and don’t you go on about how I like “girly” razors like my son, wise guy!

 

Thanks Mr. Cawtuh...I'll try one with that Red Tip.

 

January 18th
DS Cosmetic Z0 w Voskhod (1)
Omega Pro/ Resin
SV Cubebe combo
Thayers

Back to the R41 clone, this time with a Voskhod for the Rapira focus. An excellent lather with the excellent Cubebe but just ok results. I am really enjoying this razor- it will be a keeper for sure. I’ve read where folks have said there is lots of blade chatter, but I can detect none to be honest. A solid, well finished shaver that punches way above its weight class.
Anyway, the results with the Voskhod have reminded me why it isn’t a fave. In both the Katana and this DS, it isn’t nearly as smooth as others. Results are fine, not great. A healthy dose of the Cubebe splash and I am off. Apparently my son is not a fan - he walked into the bathroom right after I applied the awesome sauce and his response was “Ugg, smells awful in here”. My response was a prompt, succinct “then stop leaving your underwear on the floor in here”.
Have a great day all!

 

LOL funny read and great shave Jason. Have a great day!

 

Real good shave this morning. 0:35 to load the Phoenix Bay Rum(Boomtown)onto the Maggard "Marble Handle". This was done in increments of 0:25 and 0:10. I needed that second plunge. As I was covering my face and neck with the soap, I began realizing something: I probably wouldn't be good at doing videos, because if I talked too much during it, it would throw off the shave itself! You want to watch me shave, not talk. Anyway, most everything went real smooth. At this point, I should stop and give credit to the Stoylin Bodywash I use in the shower to set up the shave. It's real comforting, but I'll have to wait till next year to get another, as doing it now would ruin my NB. I did better at N.Porcupine Alley, covering what I missed yesterday. South was fine, no issues. At Cactus Nation, I thought I did well enough until I noticed too late the section I apparently missed. Ingrown hairs? Perhaps. I used to make my Mom laugh by running a credit card across certain areas to show how much I need to shave in those places. Clubman Special Reserve A.S. to finish. This one gets a Super Duper Excellent, as I should have given better attention to that area of Cactus that keeps frustrating me. But a nice shave overall.

 

I was just givin' you the business, Wally. I don't think it violates NB to buy something as a favor for a shave brother.

The roads and overpasses were a bit icy when I got out this morning. I hope they're in better shape down your way. Have a good day and stay safe, my friend.

 

My rules are the same as always: No internet purchases*. No items to be shipped via UPS, etc. I mean, CVS doesn't have a Stoylin section, a Central Texas Soaps section, a Phoenix Art. Accr. section, a....aaaah, you know where I'm goin with this baby. CVS is ok for razors and aftershaves that are shipped for free(that is, lying on the passenger seat of my car as I drive it home, chuk yuk yuk yuk).
*-except for fancy shampoos, and there's only one of those I like-Clubman Country Club. And specialized handsoaps.

 

Well, for a gent that's never completed a NB, you seem to know a lot about them.

All in good fun, of course. We may all have situations this year where we want to do something for someone outside of the NB or possibly replenish something that gets used up. It would be a disaster for a gent (other than me) to run out of Brut in July and have to do without for six months.

 

SRS # 445

Rating: 5 / 5

Razor: Thiers-Issard Super Gnome Extra
Brush: Jayaruh 381 Badger/Boar
Lather: Razorock X
Aftershave: Razorock X (1508,5)
Additional Care:
Barbero Alum Block
Stirling Tea Tree Witch Hazel
Thayer's Witch Hazel - Aloe Vera

Awesome shave for a day off. Time to done a few errands. Super three pass shave with the TI. Hope your all have a great day.

 

I may be out of Bay Rum A.S. and possibly the Agadir A.S. before the year is out. That would be a shame. And if Phoenix e-mails me before the year is out to tell me they are getting rid of their Home On The Range A.S&shavesoap. soon so I'd better buy it now "while supplies last"......well, that would be a "horse of a different kettla fish".

 

guess he told YOU off. (I'm such a meaniepants).

 

I would never suggest that you like "girly" razors. It's fine that you know your sweet spot. For straight razors in the 5/8 to 8/8 range, my sweet spot is 7/8. As I mentioned earlier, I am comfortable with any width.

 

I hope I can develop that idea with the Red Tip.

 

Terrific shave Jason! When I had a tuck of Voshkhods, I enjoyed them very much. It is a ymmv thing.

 

Nice shave, Paul. You can safely replenish your Stoylin body wash without violating you NB. Otherwise, you'll end up with a NB and BO.

You got a ton of feedback on blades. As you see, opinions vary. I suggest staying with the same brand (Feather or Voskhod) for the duration of a rule. I like and use both brands. I started DE shaving with Feathers and used them exclusively for a couple of years. At that point, I branched out to Voskhod. With my light beard, a Voskhod "seems" a little smoother to me than a Feather. I find myself getting weepers more often with a Feather, but it's not an issue when I pay attention. When you get ready to purchase more blades, you'll find that Voskhods cost much less than Feathers. Voskhods might be a little more fiddly to load as they are double wrapped. Feathers are also wrapped and "glued" in place with two wax dots. If packaging is an issue, just lay the blades flat on your sink top and use a tooth pick to pop open the wrapper(s). Always handle the blades along the short (not cutting) edges and you should be fine. If you happen to damage either of cutting edges while loading the blade, it's best to swap it out for a new one.

Check the TTO knob to make sure the blade is held securely before you start. I'd also recommend checking it periodically throughout the shave. Sometimes these TTOs have a mind of their own and will ease open during a shave. That's not good.

Just remember, good beard prep and lather, shallow blade angle, light touch, and consider stopping after 1 WTG pass until feel comfortable with it. You can even shave your cheeks with the Red Tip for a few days and finish up with your disposable until you're ready to take the next step. Don't get discouraged after the first shave or three. It happens to all of us as we learn.

We're all here to help and cheer you on. Hang in there, and you'll do fine.

 

Great shave Paul!

 

Having a positive attitude using your new DE will allay any trepidation. When you land the razor on your face, keep the head parallel to your face so that the handle is at a 90 degree angle relative to your face. Drop the handle down as you move the razor to get the proper shaving angle. You will know the angle when you hear the buttering toast audio feedback. When you take the razor off your face, repeat the steps from landing to shaving. Obviously, when landing on your neck, make sure the handle is perpendicular to it and move the handle downward to get the right shaving angle.