January 2015 30 Day Rule/30 Day Focus Pic and Discussion Thread- All are Welcome

This is honestly where I'm leaning now. This morning I got a great shave out of the ball end tech, I'm going to try again tomorrow.

 

My Cadet TTO arrived yesterday, so I'm going to use it with TOBS grapefruit with a Semogue 1305. I still need to pick a blade. I'm possibly leaning towards Voskhod, but that could change in the next 3 days.

 

I had my second shave with the Body Shop synthetic brush. I guess I will like it enough to keep on with it for the month of January. I kind of got used to the Wilkinson Sword Boar brush I have been using since I started in November. I may well start tomorrow night, as I have everything else locked in.

 

SOTD
December 29, 2014

Prep: Hot shower. Axe Shield Face Wash
Razor: RazorRock Stealth Slant
Blade: Rapira Stainless
Brush: L'Occitane Plisson
Lather: Catie's Bubbles Jardin D'Or
Post: Alum.Thayers Lavender WH.
Aftershave: Fine Platinum
Breaking Shaving News!
If you've read any of my SOTD or suggestions on slants/razors I've been a big fan of the iKon Shavecraft 102, still am. The RRSS has provided me the closest, irration free shaves I've ever had! Even the really sensitive places like my jawline, BBS. Neck. BBS. My wife and daughter have noticed the difference. I'll use the SC102 from time to time, the RRSS will be my daily driver.
Go out and get it!

 

I recently acquired a 53 Tech, it does nothing but great shaves so far! It was an easy transition from a Utopia (R89 type) three piece. Tech is a very nice tool.

 

Mine is a NDC ball end tech . I think 40s, anyway I really like it now. It's more comfortable than my 40s super speed. . I'll try to post some picks and lock in for the 30 days.

 

This didn't make it in time for Sunday SOTD...


TSD Exclusive Iced SubZero Preshave Balm
40's SS with generic Kroger/Walgreens type Personna
LEA bowl lathered
alum
Jeris Tonic
AV Ice Blue



I used the LEA by blooming the soap first with a tbsp or so of water...was able to achieve great lather with a VDH brush and would have had a great shave...the scent has grown on me, and my opinion of this soap is improving. It is an adequate performer.

But halfway through my first pass I could not believe how rough the shave was...felt sad, really wanted to use these generics in January. The razor would not glide, and bounced around like my face was 5 miles of bad road. I decided to inspect the blade seating ...and sure enough, I had not tightened down this 40's SS enough to keep the blade stiff and still. After an adjustment, I was able to get 2pass DFS per normal. I am trying these blades different ways, they look like they will make the test.

I used a Preshave balm here and finished the shave with a Nivea sun screen lotion after the AV. Even after 5 hours sitting outside in the wet cold, my face felt fine. Still looking at all the options...

Hope everyone is gearing up...

 

Today's wanderings....

a tale of two brushes and some generic supplies...more later!

 

Thanks Kerry, just when I thought I was happy with the 102, you go and drop this bomb on me!

Do you know what material those 2nd gen slants are made of? Is it really light? Like aluminum?

 

JR, it's aluminum, I don't find it ultra light. I'm not mindful of the pressure I'm applying. Its everything im looking for in a razor and some! If you can pick one up at a reasonable price id jump on it.

 

My angle of attack and the resulting shave with the Mongoose was better today! I also remembered to shave the whole time using the 'blade-side' of the head.

 

Finding the sweet spot(angle) on any razor leads to great shaves!

 

I am beginning to think that L' Occtiane & Plisson need to make a large donation to TSD

 

I will donate a $5 Plisson assessment right now. It's Joanna's cut for all the great lather I am gonna make with her lanolin sticks...her sticks will make the Plisson a true joy!

This is a challenge for other Plisson owners... TSD Exclusives are even better with a fine brush!

 

2 days to pick a blade. I think I will go with Voskhod in my New LC. The last time I used that combo it was smooth and I was getting 6+ shaves from a blade.

Razor: New LC
Blade: Voskhod Teflon
Brush: Vie-Long 13061M
Soap: Klar's Kabinett

Pictures tomorrow...

 

My razor supposedly shipped today so I shouldn't be to late joining the fun

 

I hope you know you can run your 30 day rule on any start date you need. Mine might be Jan 3 to feb 2 for example. We will keep this thread open until this group has worked it out, probably February 10ish. No stress on TSD...

This is an experiment too...

 

Isn't that a 50's Flare Tip Super Speed? Or is it just a weird camera angle.

 

Camera angle I believe...but I am no expert razor collector...will find a good pic for you.

Two Vintage Gillettes recently acquired

 

I'm certainly not either. I have a NDC 40s super speed and the tto knob on mine is knurled like the rest of the razor. The tto knob in your picture looked like it had vertical lines on it. Again I really know very little about the old gillettes.