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

Sorry to hear the LC is giving you trouble but a reset is probably the best idea. All part of the learning experience. Not every razor works as an everyday item. Good luck with the Weber!

 

Good idea. I found I had to limit myself to 2 passes on the neck when using the New LC daily.

 

The LC seems to shave differently than the SC. I spent a solid 90 days shaving exclusively with the SC and had that sucker dialed in. Mine is very mild yet efficient at the same time. I regularly had 2 pass BBS shaves without any extra effort with the SC. Maybe I can get the same going with the Weber. If all else fails, I can go right back to the New SC and be very happy.

 

I've read that they shave differently. I hope to try a SC to feel the difference for myself.

 

1st shave Wed. Had trouble with new brush and cream, bad lather ok shave, a few weepers, to much water I think. Will try again Mon.

 

January 4th SOTD (Shave 6 of the challenge)
Razor & Blade: '63 Gillette Slim and Gillette Platinum
Two day's growth
Second shave on this blade, Setting 4 on the razor because I had more whiskers to work on
Stropped the blade on Chrome Tanned Kangaroo Leather
Brush & Bowl: Semogue 1460 brush and soup bowl
Soap & Aftershave: Maggard Orange Menthol
Prep: Hot shower

New addition to the den. Decided not to keep doing the hand stropping. I have a toddler who has been known to open the door to the bathroom when I am shaving, and I can see bad things happening. I made a small strop just for DE blades out of Kangaroo hide.

That said, I don't think this blade and my face get along well. I am hoping that stropping the blade might make it a little smoother. It seems to skip and chatter on my face, even on the first use, but worse on the next few. I did a two pass on my face, and three pass on my neck today. WTG, ATG on face, and North South, ATG, and Touch up on my neck. Tried to keep no pressure, but that made the blade even less smooth. As a result, I had a mediocre shave. Irritation on the neck all day, and visible stubble within 8 hours of shaving. Have been holding the razor with three fingers trying to keep the pressure down, and choked up to right under the adjustment dial. Need to shave again tomorrow morning, so plan on going back to setting 2, and getting a fresh blade.

 

Day six. Very good shave, like the last four.... second verse, same as the first.....

 

Day 2 Lab Report 30 Day Rule BSG

J2 Gillette Slim Adjustable (set to 4)
Kroger Personna
VDH Kit Badger
TSD Exclusive Lanolin Shave Stick - Barber Shoppe

Earlier I stated I would be adjusting the razor to five. I zoned out and forgot.

I generally shoot for 2 pass DFS...pass one is NS, pass to is XTG adjusted for pattern. I have really gotten used to the feel of the blades. They are not the most sharp I have ever used (versus GSB) but they are adequately smooth, it was day two this blade. The blade remained satisfactory, no tugs. I will replace tomorrow regardless, as the aging blade will introduce a variable.

I apply the stick liberally ATG to my wet face, allowing my stubble to pull soap from the stick. 30 seconds with a wet brush, and enough lather for two+ passes exists on my face and in the brush. The TSD lather is smooth and thick, and provides the glide I really look for in a soap.

I really took my time and tried to "shave well". I forgot to up the dial on the slim. But, I good a good two pass DFS. Much less irritation, and as I write the face is feeling good. I paid attention to angles, and my technique with the razor needs some work around the jawbone. The slim has a smaller sweet spot on angles than my Utopia. I must remember this. It will be up interesting to see if the optimal grip angle changes as I increase the dial.

Finished today with a Great Cheap AS™, this time Stetson Cool Moisture. Classic Stetson fragrance with cooling menthol. Approved by Mrs. Samurai, so it's great cheap aftershave!

28 more days to get it! Gentlemen, have a great Monday!

 

Gillette LC New Bulldog
Gillette Silver Blue
Semogue BC Cerda
Institut Karite Soap
Alum
Superior 7o.

This morning shave was really not needed after the great shave yesterday, but I gave a quick 1 pass and a bit of touch up to start the day feeling good.

At least before I head out to plummeting temps and 50 mph wind gusts.

 

SOTD
January 5, 2015

Prep: Hot shower. Axe Shield Face Wash
Razor: RazoRock Stealth Slant
Blade: Personna Lab Blue
Brush: L'Occitane Plisson
Lather: Proraso Green
Post: Alum.Thayers Lavender WH.
Aftershave: Proraso Green
The green! Fantastic shave. The post shave skincare from Proraso is excellent.
Go out and get it!

 

I love the look of that brush, is it the olive wood handle from the seller in Israel?

 

Day 4
Prep: Just splashed some hot water on my face
Brush: Van Der Hagen (the one from the premium kit)
Soap: Van Der Hagen Luxury
Blade: Hill Country (rebranded Personna)
Razor: Edwin Jagger DE89
Post: Nivea Original, Old Spice

I'll probably come back and add more to this tonight when I shave my head but the morning shave on my face was okay. Surprisingly I had plenty of time left out of what I had allowed myself this morning for a shave so that's good to know for my morning routine before work. Also tried face lathering for the first time since I started using a drier brush and it felt tons better so the lathering is improving as well.

 

Glad it worked out for you! It's always easier to add more water than add more soap(though it's possible ).

 

1/5/15 - BSG - Day 5

Prep - Hot Shower, towel soak
Brush - Omega 48
Soap - Proraso Green
Razor - 1918 Gillette Old Style
Blade - Voskhod (2)
Post - Truefitt & Hill West Indian Lime Shave Balm

Well no major issues other than a continuing problem with a weeper or two. I am considering a reset on the razor, however, as my neck is quite irritated and seems to be staying that way. After the first pass I rinsed and felt the stinging just from the water. Not a good sign. I also noticed last night that my neck seemed a bit tender so I am probably going to change to the Aristocrat and reset my 30. The '18 is aggressive and while my technique has improved with it I don't think my neck will accept it for a full month. I'll see how it feels tonight and make my decision then.

 

I couldn't agree more! Institut Karite is a great soap which could do with a bit more love!

 

Shave cream can be bowl-lathered as well as face lathered. Just do what feels right for you. It's your shave!

I usually bowl lather creams. If it's from a tube I usually squeeze about 1/2 of an inch out of the tube in the bowl and lather from there. If it's a soft cream in a pot I dip the brush in the cream and lather up in a bowl. As for a bowl you could start with a cereal bowl or large coffe mug. I use an enameled plant pot. Works great!

 

1/5/2015 BSG 30 Day - Shave # 5

Prep - Hot Shower
Razor - Mongoose Satin B2
Blade - Kai Mild (5)
Brush - Rubberset 400 with WSP HMW
Lather - Soap Commander Confidence
Post - Dove Aftershave Balm and Captain's Choice Bay Rum AS



Overslept this morning. First day having to consider normal commute times, which in Atlanta can be rough. Good 2 pass shave with touch ups but not nearly as close as the previous shaves. I will say that the big size of the Mongoose moved the process along fast. You can cover a lot of real estate with this thing. Maybe tomorrow will go better.

 

You're right! The 30 day challenge is about the fun of shaving and refining thechnique. It's why I didn't choose the Sledgehammer for my 30 days. Too much agony. I will revisit it later on, though, and give it another go.

Happy Shavings!

 

Monday! BSG #4

• Music: Philip Glass, Powaqqatsi
• Prep: hot shower, hot washing cloth
• Brush: TGN a grade silvertip badger in Oscar11 handle
• Soap: Cella
• Razor: birth quarter Gillette Slim @ 4, 5, 6 & 7
• Blade: Derby #1
• Shave: 3-pass + touch-up
• Post: cold water rinse, Floyd AS

New blade and another great shave! I concentrated on even less pressure and was awarded another BBS.

Have a great week ya'll!

 

Day 5 - BSG

ATT S1 Kronos

Rapira PL

Plisson

Cade

Nice shave today. 2 pass DFS. Minor touch ups. No irritation.