Gillette LC New Bulldog
Gillette Silver Blue (3)
Semogue BC Mistura
Institut Karite Soap
Alum
Superior 70

After skipping yesterday, I had a very nice shave today. I really enjoy the IK soap and don't understand why it doesn't get more chatter on the forums.

SOTD
January 4, 2015

Prep: Hot shower. Axe Shield Face Wash
Razor: RazoRock Stealth Slant
Blade: Rapira Stainless
Brush: L'Occitane Plisson
Lather: Le Pere Lucien
Post: Alum.Thayers Lavender WH.
Aftershave: TSD Iced Ying Yang
Here's another great soap at a bargain price, LPL is everything you want/need in a soap and some. The Rapira Stainless was better the 2nd shave. The Plisson has put my other brushes on the bench. Irration free shave! This is my 9th shave with the RRSS, all 9 have been excellent. Up until the RRSS hardware has always been my issue, razor burn, irration, no longer. Now I can enjoy my shaves and my software.
Go out and get it!

First shave of the year, starting my 30-day rule:

Proraso Pre shave green :: Above the tie M2 / UFO Titan Fine / Polsilver SI (3) :: Tabac original :: Chubby 2 best badger :: Alum block :: Myrsol plastic shave


First shave of the year. Can't remember the last time I had a 5-day growth. It was a smooth, one pass shave that gave me DFS. I will use the 30-day rule to test the Chubby 2. It's a great brush, but I have not figured out yet how to make it give the lather.

1/4/15 - #30DayChallenge Shave #6

I want to improve my shave technique so I can achieve a good 2 pass shave. I did this with my Gillette New SC when I used it exclusively for around 3 months of daily shaves. I'm not quite there yet with my New LC. What worked with the SC were 2 N/S passes. I'm not sure if the LC will do the same. For my face, it is just not quite as efficient...yet. Today's fresh blade was nice and smooth.

Prep: warm wash and Cornhusker's Lotion
Lather: Klar's Kabinett
Brush: Vie-Long 13o61M horsehair
Razor: Gillette New LC
Blade: Voskhod teflon coated (1)
Post: Captain's Choice Cat O' 9 Tails

Day 3
Prep: Hot shower, Clean and Clear deep action exfoliating scrub
Brush: Van Der Hagen (the one from the premium kit)
Soap: Van Der Hagen Deluxe
Blade: Hill Country (rebranded Personna)
Razor: Edwin Jagger DE89
Post: Nivea Original

WOW! This is the best shave all around so far I've gotten in my 10 or so years of shaving. Admittedly I still have some work to do regarding lathering but I'm moving in the right direction. There are some spots that aren't smooth but if I had to guess I would say 90-95% of my face and head are bbs. Another thing I've noticed is even though it's only been three days I seem to be a lot more relaxed holding the razor and hopefully after the 30 days my muscles don't seem so stressed. Already had carpal tunnel in both hands so that doesn't help at all. Time for some coffee.

1/4/2015 BSG 30 Day - Shave # 4

Prep - Hot Shower
Razor - Mongoose Satin B2
Blade - Kai Mild (4)
Brush - Rubberset 400 with WSP HMW
Lather - Soap Commander Confidence
Post - Dove Aftershave Balm and Captain's Choice Bay Rum AS



While I will often use a single razor and blade combo for extended periods of time, I would always changes brushes and soaps. Just 4 days into the process, I can see where I've been mistaken in that approach. Today's shave was fantastic. First pass was WTG. Second pass was XTG on my cheeks and jaw line and ATG on my neck. Touched up around the chin and done. Very close smooth and irritation free shave. I'm more than happy with the progress so far. Can only imagine what the rest of the month holds.

Those are beautiful Troy! My next replate job is going to Nick. His work looks great!

Variety is the spice for me. Love the posts & pics!

Nice B&W shot! Is the Goose aggressive?

Nice B&W! Nice set up too.

With the Kai Mild blades I've found it to be very similar to a New Long Comb. Mild but efficient.

Excellent theme. Love the pics.

Excellent pictures gentlemen.

Folks, after yet another disappointing shave yesterday with Trumper's Coconut soap, I've decided to punk out with this soap. It's doing me some serious damage and while I wanted to like this soap the post shave effect is just terrible for me.

Fret not, lads. I'm not done yet. I'm still in the game I'm just going to start my 30 days over beginning tomorrow. This time, using a new acquisition...

The almighty...

CELLA!

Here, Here! I love seeing the setups... The fact that many of these pics are downright framable is a bonus.

Is that CELLA? Like ARKO!?

Day 1/30 Lab Report

The shave went well and was 2pass DFS. I actually had my doubts as to whether the blades I had selected were gonna work out. My face felt slightly more irritated than usual...and I think the mild 4 setting on the slim is to blame. These Israeli Personna blades are not super sharp, but they are smooth...I think the lightweight mild Slim is causing me to want to lean on it increasing the pressure far beyond what I normally apply. This is one of the challenges I face when switching razors. The pic below is my Utopia next to the Slim:

When examining the differences in the razor heads, note the more shallow curve in the cap of the Slim. This curve dictates a slightly different optimal grip than my Utopia. The curve of the cap, blade gap and exposure, and blade sharpness itself are some of the factors that determine the aggressiveness of a given razor. I felt that the Slim was so mild on 4 that I used to much pressure. I will try my next shave on 4, and then go to 5 for pass two. The Alum Block will let me know how that goes today.

The TSD stick is a treat to work with. A good coating on the face and it simply explodes into mountains of lather with just a little effort with a wet brush. The Barber Shoppe scent blends well with all cheap AS faves...lucky me...

Looking forward to Day 2!

My first de setup. I notice that most of you have a mixing cup. When I walked into the art of shaving, they instructed me place their shaving cream directly onto the brush then apply to my face. Comments welcomed for the newbie.

Welcome to the 30 Day Group!

I am face lathering with a shave stick. If you are able to produce good lather on your face...then it's perfect for you! There is no right or wrong. There are only good shaves and not-so-good shaves.

I hope you have a blast with us this month!

For the cream you are using, face lathering is a great way to go. Bowls are more often used with hard soaps.