FEB 2015 30 Day Rule/30 Day Focus Pic and Discussion Thread

Shave 22 Feb focus 66 Slim Adjustable
New soap (fantastic), and bumped up aggression on razor. 8 WTG, 6 XTG and 4 ATG. Absolutely stunning shave, other than 1 small spot on bottom of jaw BBS.

 

I am curious on what you won't miss about the razor? I have one on the way, and will likely be having it as part of next month's focus. How much longer do you think it took to shave with this razor over a DE? Have you done strait razor shaving before?

 

February 23rd SOTD (Shave 12 of the challenge)
Two Day's growth
Prep: Hot shower
Razor: '52 Gillette Super Speed Black Tip (X2)- Steel Handle and Baseplate
Blade: Dorco (Has orange printing on the paper. Was part of a sampler I got, have no idea of the type.) Stropped 30 times per edge.
Soap: Maggard's Orange Menthol
Brush: Vie Long Horsehair, bowl lathered
Post Shave: Cold Water Rinse, Alum Block
Aftershave: Maggard's Orange Menthol

Pretty effortless three pass shave. DFS. Could have gotten better, but am letting my face calm down after irritating it on Saturday. Brush and Razor use on autopilot now. Have been experimenting a little more on a two finger grip right under the head to maintain a light touch.

 

I'm sorry that I didn't explain myself better. This is my first experience with a shavette, and I have not used a conventional straight razor yet.

You are in for a treat with the Feather Artist Club razor. It is very well-made, easy to disassemble, clean, and load with a new blade. With solid technique, it will deliver a fine shave. I've had both the Japanese style and the folder (which I haven't used yet) for a little more than a year. The Japanese style has a grippy handle, which makes it easier to use. I shaved with it for about six months last year and a month so far this year.

I do enjoy using the Artist Club razor. It takes more time and concentration, for sure. It has helped me improve my overall shaving skills. I'm not good enough yet with it to get the same close and comfortable shave that I can get with a DE. I tried for a BBS shave one time this month, and it resulted in a fair amount of irritation. I backed off on my expectations for now, and my shaves are consistently good. I will keep the Feather in my rotation, and I hope I can continue to improve my skills with it over time. I will also enjoy reading about your impressions of it, and I am hoping to learn from you.

Are you a straight shaver already, and what led you to try the Artist Club razor?

 

Thanks for the information. I'm not a straight razor shaver (yet.) I purchased one about 2 years ago, and tore my neck up pretty good. I hadn't found this site or any online resources, so I am sure it was technique. I also don't think it had been honed properly. I have been shaving with DE razors for a little over a year now, and my shaving skills have gotten better. I want to try straights again at some point. I wanted to try the Feather because everything I have read says it is as close to a straight razor shave as you can get without having to maintain the blade yourself. From what I understand, it will also give me a good gauge on my honing skills when I do start maintaining my straight.

That, and it's really freaking cool.

 

I've been away for a couple days. I just got my PIF package in the mail so I'll be trying out Caties Bubbles Bailey's Irish Coffee later tonight. I'll end up posting my thoughts tomorrow. It was a hectic week that turned into a trip out of town for the weekend and I'm just now kind of getting back into the swing of things.

 

february 2015 focus ... blades ... still in pre-"30 day rule" mode

every-other-day shaves, two shaves per blade, two pass, ...

pre: n/a
brush: EJ best badger medium
lather: proraso green soap
razor: EJ89lbl
post: ***alum block***

02/21/15
blade: (2)

uh oh, i broke a couple of rules with this shave ... 1) changed my grip and 2) used an alum block after the cold rinse

after reading a post a few nights ago about grip and being near the end of the handle, i was curious how i was holding the razor. i've read lots of articles and posts about holding near the end and letting the weight of the razor be the 'pressure'. as natural and unbiased as possible, i picked up razor like i was going to shave, and sure enough, i was pretty close to the head. i think i have been only applying light pressure these first few weeks but very possibly more than needed. so, with these past two shaves, i'm closer to the end of the handle. i also received my alum block on 02/20. so, i used it the next morning.

overall, shave#2 with the derby was right on! no nicks and one enjoyable shave. the alum, however ... well, i'm not so sure about this 'rubbing a rock on my face' stuff. i did get some feedback ... mostly on the neck area ... where i would have expected. i don't use any other post or moisturizing products at this time. my face did feel very different throughout the day. i'm not sure if it was more 'dried out' from the alum or if that is just the 'tightening' effect.

02/23/15
blade: (1)

so far this month, i've tried the astraSP, personna lab blues, wilkinson sword white, gillette yellow, voskhod, and derby extra ... to the find the one blade to rule them all. well, actually, i'm just looking to pick one for my 30 day rule for next month. other than the wilkinson, i think most have performed in similar fashion. so, i'm gonna do a quick roundup toward the end of this month of the top three ... astraSP, personna blue, and derby ... to give each a final try to earn the spot for my march 30 day rule technique improvement sessions.

the astra did a fine, fine job this morning. wow, what a difference just three weeks makes in terms of technique ... once again, no nicks!! the moles on my face are thanking me for getting a little better at this. the alum gave me some 'feedback' but less than a couple of days ago. just one shave with this guy as the personna's up next to try to win the top spot for march!

 

Sounds like it's working well for you. Even the change on the grip is a good thing. That's what the process is all about is figuring out and correcting technique. Once you start the 30 day rule you will really begin to fine tune using the same equipment all month. Keep at it!

 

This week has been crazy.... and as a result, very few focus posts from me. SWMBO has been ill (flu) as well as babysitting the grand babies.... of course, with as much help as a night shift worker who needs to sleep can give. My Sunday shave was BBS, with two passes, plus touch up, and Monday afternoon's shave was a solid DFS on two passes. All in all, great shaves with little effort, or irritation.

 

Shave 23 Feb Focus Slim Adjustable
Passable shave today, not comfortable. Thinking blade issue, Voskhod only good for 2 shave in the adjustable for me it seems. 2 weepers and a lot of zing with Alum block.

 

Focused February for Monday and Tuesday!

Still on the road...but finally headed back home today!

Dad's Schick Injector
Chinese Schicks
L'Occitane Plisson Synthetic
Proraso Eucalyptus
Mennen Skin Bracer

This kit is looking like a fave! This month has almost convinced me to shave injector style. I think maybe some March DE madness might be in order though!

Keep on keeping on guys...I will check back in from CO!

Happy Tuesday!

Looking good!

When I use Alum, I use it mostly for feedback. It is perfectly acceptable to apply Alum for feedback, rinse off and moisturize as normal! I really look forward to seeing you master your equipment. Keep on keeping on!

 

February Focus - Blades
2/24/15 - Day 25
Brush - Omega Pro 48
Soap - C.O. Bigelow
Razor - EJ89l
Blade - (2)
Post - RazoRock Alum & Proraso

Day two on the Super Max SP and it's a great shave. Smoothed out on the second day and gave me no issues at all for three passes. Ended with a BBS after only a minor touch up and the alum was almost silent. There's definitely something different about the Indian Platinum and the Russian Gillette Platinum. I also had good luck with the Rapira Platinums before so this definitely points out an issue with the St. Petersburg ones. But I digress. Overall an excellent shave and I'm looking forward to one more day on the blade to confirm its standing. Today's grade - A/1.

Day off today so off to do some shopping.

​

 

02/24/15 February Focus on Blades
Prep – MR GLO
Razor - Mongoose Satin B2
Blade – Kai Mild (1)
Brush – Brothers Bristles with WD HM
Lather – AOS Sandalwood Cream
Post - Witch Hazel and AOS Sandalwood AS Balm



Change of plans today. The Feather Super was just too much blade for me to use daily. Moved back to the Kai Mild today. Otherwise a great 3 pass shave.

 

February 25 Plans

Stirling Sheep facial soap
Feather Artist Club razor
Feather Professional blade (day 1)
RV Shaving handle with a 24/46 mm Shavemac Two-band Silvertip knot
Stirling Naked and Smooth shave soap
One pass plus touch-ups
Alum, Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, & unrefined shea butter

I'm wrapping up my last week of February with the Feather Artist Club razor. I reached my goal of achieving close and comfortable shaves with it. Only four more shaves until March Madness with my Merkur 37C.

Have a joyous Wednesday!

 

So have you used the FAC razor all month? If so, congratulations! After nearly 30 days, you should have a very good idea of the type of shave it provides, its strengths and weaknesses (plus the strength and weakness of your own technique). When I was learning to SR shave, I went nearly 3 months with the same razor. Best approach I ever took in trying to master the SR!

This February? I think I've used about 15 different SRs over the past 24 days......

 

Kevin, thanks for the encouragement! BTW, I very much enjoy seeing the beautiful straight razors that you have restored and use daily. You have a fantastic collection! Maybe one day I will try a conventional straight.

I used the Feather Artist Club for about six months last year, and it definitely helped me improve my overall shaving technique. It has a way of pointing out my shortcomings. But to be honest, I've still had some ups and downs with the razor over the past month. I even took a couple of one-day breaks, which is not something I normally need when using a DE. I can get a BBS shave with the Feather anytime I want it, but I'll also cry like a baby afterwards! I will definitely keep it in my rotation, as I'd like to keep improving my skill level with it.

 

Fine fine shave today. I missed last night so today was the first time with caties bubbles and I must say I really like the irish coffee scent. Good slick lather with no effort, I'll probably be stocking up on this stuff in other scents as well. Forgive me as I've been really busy but I promise I'll go back and read what I've missed. Awesome month so far!

 

Another great shave today..... ho hum:rah:

 

February 25st SOTD (Shave 13 of the challenge)
Two Day's growth
Prep: Hot shower
Razor: '52 Gillette Super Speed Black Tip (X2)- Steel Handle and Baseplate
Blade: Dorco Stainless- Stropped 30 times per edge
Soap: Dirty Deeds Beer Soap- I can't remember the scent, bowl lathered
Brush: Vie Long Horsehair
Post Shave: Cold Water Rinse, Alum Block
Aftershave: Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Aftershave

Great three pass shave today. A little tugging on the chin and neck, and a couple of spots the alum barked at me. DFS, maybe a BBS- . Tried the cafinated aftershave today, and I am still convinced it has a topical anesthetic in it. It immediately shut down the bite from the alum. Since my face wasn't torn up like this weekend, I don't expect it is going to come back. Noticed today that I was using quite a bit of pressure on the razor for the chin and jaw area. Great shave in those areas, with no cuts or weepers, but that is where I felt the alum. I honestly don't think I would have gotten this good of a shave without the pressure there.