March 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic-Discussion Thread

Gentlemen, I'm enjoying your posts! When I first used my Feather Artist Club, I used a pack of the Pro Guard blades too. In my case, I think it was a wise move.

 

Yeah I want to be macho and just go for the Feather Pro. However, my survival instinct seems to be keeping me from jumping in too deep at this point.

 

March Focus - Vintage and Carbon
March 20, 2015 - Week 3 Day 6
Prep - Hot shower and towel
Brush - VDH Boar
Soap - Arko
Razor - '46-'50 Gillette Tech
Blade - (4)
Post - RazoRock Alum & Aqua Velva Musk

Day four on the Voskhod and it's just as good as day one. I had almost forgotten how much I love this blade. The Tech is almost too mild but I still got DFS with only two passes since I was in a hurry to get to work early. Thursday and Fridays really create a challenge for time. I need to get up a bit earlier I think. Anyway, another great shave. One more to go before going to the final carbon setup for the month. Then it's on to April and something different! Oh, and happy Spring everyone!

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After using the Pro-Guard blade, I would say good call. It skinned parts of my neck as I was figuring out how to hold this blade, and how much pressure to use. I want to get through 2-3 of these blades before trying the more aggressive ones.

 

I've read several reviews of the Artist Club blades and almost everyone thinks the same. And, knowing that the Pro-Guard is that aggressive definitely makes avoiding its unguarded cousin seem wise for the time being!

 

Today, I used a GEM stainless blade that I had used a few times before. Great shave, and wonderful results, as per the 1914 lather catcher.

 

Kai makes a Guard blade as well. To me it felt a little milder that the Feather Pro-Guard while using them in the Mongoose.

 

I did a very enjoyable Arko focus last month, but will be watching closely and cheering you on!

 

Sorry guys- been traveling all week, and at a trade show most of last weekend. All free time has been spent with my beautiful wife and wonderful children. Finally have a breather this morning.

I am wrapping up this months focus as of last nights shave. I signed up for the pass around box, and it is arriving today. I have one week to "use it or lose it".

Here is the weeks lineup. Varied everything except the razor!

Focus- Open Comb Razors
Pre- Hot water wash
Razor- Gillette New SC
Blade- Astra SP, GSB, Vokshod
Cream- Rose of Bulgaria
Soaps- MWF, various RR
Brush- Semogue 1305, generic best badger
Post- Cold water rinse and alum where needed
Aftershave- Rose of Bulgaria, various RR, Kramparts BR





I should note that I discoverd the joy of combining the MWF and Rose of Bulgaria cream into an incredibly enjoyable super lather.

Final thoughts- I get really close shaves, but even the Gillette is a bit more uncomfortable than the tech. I think OC razors will be for those days when I want a shave to be super close, or last a bit longer than usual. Overall, I found this to be a very educational and enjoyable focus. I wasn't using the OC's at all prior to this.

 

03/21/2015
Prep – MR GLO
Razor – Mongoose B2 with Jürgen Hempel Ti
Blade –Feather Pro (1)
Brush –Rudy Vey with Shavemac Finest
Lather – MdC
Post - Witch Hazel, Dove AS Balm and CC Bay Rum AS



I had loaned the Mongoose to a friend to try out. Got it back about the time my Hempel Ti handle arrived so decided today was a great day to use both. Fantastic 3 pass shave this morning. No nicks, weepers or irritation at all. Back to the Schick Injector I for the rest of the month. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

 

Checking in....

Stick of Arko down.. Gonna switch to focus by default. Same blades, same razor, same brush... I will be using leftover soaps until Arko April! A fresh stick awaits!

 

March 22 Plans

Stirling Sheep bath/face soap
Merkur 37C slant bar razor
Feather blade (day 1)
Omega 10098 boar brush
Arko
Two passes
Alum, Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, & unrefined shea butter

This will be my second shave with Arko. It's a very good soap, but I'm not sure about the scent. I've heard that it tastes pretty good, though. Enjoy your Sunday!

 

Clint, I really like that handle on the Mongoose! In fact, your whole setup today is top-shelf!

 

Late post for Friday and March Injector focus for Saturday!

Schick Revere Injector
Chinese Schick Blades
Omega Pro 48
The Veg

And.....mystery soap. Does this mean I am up to something? Hmmmmm....

Had a fine 2pass on Friday...another great shave scheduled tonight! No pic today, I had wound debridement and a funeral to attend, so I will just take it easy until Sunday.

My hand is coming around! I hope everyone has a great first weekend of Spring!

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March Focus - Vintage and Carbon
March 21, 2015 - Week 3 Day 7
Prep - Hot shower and towel
Brush - Omega Pro 48
Soap - Proraso
Razor - '46-'50 Gillette Tech
Blade - (5)
Post - RazoRock Alum & Clubman

Final day of the Voskhod and Tech. Another great shave though it seemed like it took just a tad more effort to hit DFS in two passes. At 5 days the Voskhod has performed quite well. Love these blades. Tomorrow it's back to carbon for one more blade. The Treet Classic awaits and will be wielded by my 1918 Old Style. So much for the mild razor I've been using. Time to get AGGRESSIVE!! Hope you all had a good Saturday and supported your local car dealer by buying a car!

 

While Arko may indeed be a taste treat I have to say.......I don't often eat shaving soap, but when I do, I prefer Proraso...it leaves that fresh mentholy taste behind.

 

I have one Feather Pro Guard and one Kai Captain Mild MG. I think I'll try each one then buy the pack of whichever I prefer.

 

I spread Arko on toast...

 

Sorry, I can help...I forget you're new! Arko is for eating, proraso is for brushing teeth.

 

I notice you've used a number of different soaps/creams with the Feather. Any recommendations? I'm considering Arko and/or Proraso but wondered if there might be a better option.