This morning's shave was about the same as yesterday. At the end of the first pass were appearances of a bloodless cut and 2 Knicks, all in different areas of N. Porcupine Alley. No problems elsewhere, and no issues on the 2nd pass. Fine job everywhere else. The cold-water rinse helped kill the 2 Knicks, and most of the cut. I'm going to blame the damage on the fact that I had an 8;30 A.M. appointment at my car "fixer"(for lack of a better word), for an oil-change and a check of my tires. I was up a little after 6, thus it's possible that during my shave I went too fast and applied too much pressure at Porcupine. Should be better tomorrow. No early-morning appointments. This one gets a Pretty Excellent. Sebastian's aftershave is a nice closer.

Now that is one great looking razor, Joe! I’m sure it shaves beautifully!

Thanks, Joe!

That is me cool looking razor, Jeff!

Good shave, Paul!

True and especially since you belong to the double-negative police.

That's a good assessment of your shave Paul.

Thank you Joe. I just finished it by taking it to the 12k Naniwa stone that my daughter’s gave me at Christmas of 2020. Since I want to see if it is truly better I will keep the same set up as today for tomorrow. You can appreciate another science geek following the scientific method.

Very nice Paul.

Thank you Jeff. It seemed to me to be a bit off this morning. I took it to the 12k Naniwa this afternoon. I am going to shave with the same set up tomorrow to see the improvement.

January Injector Focus Shave #5
Pre-shave: Col. Ichabod Conk Lime
Lather: Stirling Soap Company "Stirling Gentleman"
Brush: Jayaruh 347 Boar Bristle
Razor: Schick J2 Injector
Blade: Yellow Pack Schick (3)
Aftershave: Stirling Soap Company "Stirling Gentleman"
Post-shave: Nivea Sensitive balm



January is my injector focus month and, for the fifth shave, I am using the Schick J2 variety produced between 1964 and 1967. The feel is somewhere between an L type and a G type for me, efficient but gentle and forgiving. If I was still shaving every morning for work, this is a razor I'd want to use. I could barely feel the third use Chinese Schick blade but it erased my stubble with ease.

Stirling Gentleman is easily in my top ten for performance, fragrance, and value. I had no issue loading the brush full of rich soap and face lathering with the Jayaruh boar brush. The knot is definitely breaking in nicely.

I had a three and a half pass shave, the extra half being a reverse XTG pass on just the cheeks just to try it. The result was an effortless BBS+ shave. My cheeks are beyond smooth at the moment. It's possibly the most perfect shave I've ever had. That's not hyperbole. I assumed I'd have a good shave but not this good!

Since @ewk is having a diversion, I'm waffling as to whether I might do the same. I have a few new razors to try. I'm not sure. I'll give it some though and see where I land. BTW, I'm not upset in the slightest if you deviated from the plan. Life is too short to not go where the moment takes us!

I am sure that it will shave much better. Before the end of the month, I am going to hit my Ace of Spades with my films.

thank you Jeff.similar situation here as well.being that i have left the auto industry behind i am essentially crossing over to new career paths/skills transfer so it's a little challenging.wanting to work locally without a commute as well.

thank you Joe.interview this afternoon..

I repeated yesterday's shave but with the Type J and the sChick blade. I made sure to be at about 45 degrees for the corners of the mouth again, which resulted in a splendid shave!

It's fine to break away from a rule or a focus. I believe in the motto, "It's your shave, do it your way." Shaving should be enjoyable. Sometimes, a new toy comes in the mail and you want to use it while you are in the middle of a rule or focus. You want to use it so I get it. I encourage shavers to be steadfast to their commitment to a rule, focus or the monthly theme, but I know that's not always possible.

thank you Joe.Bartigan & Stark..nice stuff

All the best Gary!

That's truly awesome Eric!