NO-Variation NOVember - one razor, one brush, one setup, one month. Can you do it?

Ok, this was totally not my idea. Just stating that up front. I was inspired by a post about this from @HolyRollah and another by @feeltheburn, and decided this needed a thread of its own.

So here's the concept in "TL;DR"* format: For "NO-Variation NOVEMBER," choose one setup (hardware and software) and stick with it for the entire month of November.

The idea is that by sticking with only one setup for an entire month, you reap a few benefits (some of this is the same as the 30-day Newbie guideline):

1. You can focus almost solely on technique,
2. You learn more about the particular quirks of the razor you chose,
3. You will appreciate the other hardware and software you have even more on December 1st. Or perhaps you'll discover that you don't need all that other kit. Or you may find that you have no desire to ever use that godforsaken razor again. But you'll undoubtedly learn *something*.
4. It's just something fun and different. No penalties if you drop out or cheat, except whatever guilt or chagrin you place on yourself. Likewise, no rewards for completion, except whatever you personally get out of this exercise.
5. I was going to add "you may save money by sticking with one kit for 30 days," but who am I kidding? Most of us have used the "in theory, wet shaving will be cheaper than cartridges" argument to justify our hobby. You know the flaw in that logic.

Here are some guidelines for those who want to participate (will update these up through November 1 if people have good suggestions... Especially seeing as how this wasn't my original idea):

• 
  * You should choose one and only one razor, one type of blade, one soap/cream/lather, one brush, and one aftershave to use for the entire month of "NO-Vember."
  * If you want to do this for a smaller subset of the basic kit, fine. But know that you're not fully committed to this thing.
  * If you run out of a consumable (blades, soap, a/s, etc.) and don't have more, substitute something else and continue on. Hopefully you have enough of something to last you a month. No need to buy anything else for this, unless you want to.
  * You don't have to use the same individual blade for 30 days. Just the same make and brand. (For example, I'm planning right now to use Voskhod blades. I'll probably run through 10-15 of them in NO-Vember.)
  * Have fun with it. Post your setup and comment on your SOTD. It should be interesting to see what profound insights (chuckle) come out of this experience.
  * Same "rules" if you're a straight razor user. Use one razor for the whole month, and don't vary the hardware or software. You can still strop/hone/adjust/repair, etc.
  * If something breaks (hopefully it won't) like a razor, scales/blade, brush, the bottle of aftershave, etc.) substitute something in its place and continue on. Again, no need to buy anything new to participate.
  

By the way, for my part, I have been narrowing down my list of contenders for my one-month-long NO-Vember kit so I have one setup that I feel I can live with for an entire month. You might want to give some thought to yours. Or pick one randomly and commit to it! This is all just something fun, so approach it however you like

((Mods -- feel free to pin this, move it to a more appropriate sub-forum, etc.))

Anyway, let's make this fun. If you're "in," comment below!

-Eric

*Note-- TL;DR is Reddit comment shorthand for "Too Long; Didn't Read." a useful way of saying "here's the post in a nutshell." Because I know some people are your basic "get to the point" kind of people. Just in case this needed clearing up.

 

One week is tough. One month? My other razors would become jealous.

 

Nope... it wouldn't be prudent...

Since I'm expecting a box full of stuff to try when it makes it around to me, I can't commit to this. Good idea for those who want to try it, but it's not for me.

 

Possibly .

 

I am not the master of my domain. I would fail quickly. Especially with the same AS every day.

 

Wow, if I do do this I might sell/trade my unused razors.

 

I've pretty much used the same razor for OCtober. I've got a new slant head coming, and wayyyy toooooo many great soaps to use. Good idea. Not for me at this time. Good luck to all that take the challenge.

 

Weber PH, Omega 10006, Voskhods, Ogallala Bay Rum and the etsy seller IanS's soap. The soap won't last the month, so I will simply go to the next in line in my cabinet.

 

I just wrapped a thirty day rule...but may do this with a new razor if the NOvember catches fire! fun idea!

 

Hooray, another person taking the challenge on!

For me, my NO-Vember setup is probably going to be:

* Merkur 34C
* Voskhod blades (if the order arrives today or tomorrow, otherwise Astra)
* Turkish #6 brush
* Arko soap stick
* Proraso aftershave

Unless, of course, I change my mind in the next 48 hours

It sounded like a good Idea when I first posted it. I may have a bad case of one-razor remorse coming on, though. LOL. Looking at my display of razors now the same way I looked at my son when I dropped him off at college and knew he wouldn't be home until semester break.

I will have to put my rack away... and tape the medicine cabinet shut.

 

ARKO!
ARKO!
ARKO!

alright...If I encounter no big issues...I will do the following, unless this razor and combo are too harsh. I will be trying the Cadet for the first time either tonight or in the morning.

Cadet 3pc OC DE Razor
Omega 48
Gillette Silver Blue or Voskhod (gonna try em)
TSD Vetiver Cake Soap
TSD SubZero
(and all the hair tonic and AS I need to stay interested)

 

To keep my answer in the spirit of the title...

NO.

 

..... I'm torn in this.

 

As someone who has done this on more than one occasion I applaud you in this adventure. Enjoy!

 

No can do, mate! I love all my razors, soaps, creams and brushes too much lo let them catch dust!

Best of luck to the ones who can, though!

 

I'm going to try to do it with one Chinese Schick blade the whole month. We'll see if it works.

Even if it doesn't, I'm planning to use my Schick L1 injector the whole month. I have about 1/3 - 1/2 tub of Body Shop Maca Root that I'm going to try to kill off as well. I think it will last the month. The brush will be the tough one for me. Maybe my TGN silvertip. A/S will be...what else? Aqua Velva Ice Blue.

 

iv got a little bit of time to decide my elements.
but iv got your back shotwell, I'm in. I'll post the elements later

 

I'd love to participate but to me part of the joy of shaving is appreciating what I own and mixing it up (it keeps me from going out and buying more stuff) - so sadly I'm out for this one

 

No, No, No
Not in November

I was trying to think up some Cat in the Hat style rhyme to answer with but nothing popped into my head. I'm way too addicted to all of my stuff.

 

I'd love to try, but I'd fail by day 3. :-(