May 2015 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic-Discussion Thread

On Williams Mug Soap...

I test lathered a puck yesterday. It seems thirsty and tricky, will work with it more. Didn't seem too awful, but I did not actually shave with it.

 

May 7 - shave 4
Prep: Stirling Metha Preshave oil
Soap: Col Conk Bayrum with 3 drops of M bomb (thanks TSD store!)
Straight: Left side Gemstar DFS Razor #214- blade AJ Jordan, 5/8, Double Hollow Grind, Spike point
Straight: Right side and most of the rest of the face Whipped Dog Sight Unseen Straight - Clover Brand, 5/8, Round
DE Razor: Merkur Progress
DE Blade: Wilkinson Sword (4)
Post: Cold water, alum, TSD Milk signature x2 ice, Stirling post shave balm
Growth 2 days

I talked to Glenn about a rehone but he suggested a 50 lap strop session a bit firmer then another 50 lap strop with super perfect light strokes. So I gave it another try. First pass on left cheek SB to JL - took the hairs sort of off, but it wasn't comfortable. Lots of pulling and "snagging" don't think that's normal. First pass on the right with the whipped dog, went pretty ok. A lot closer and less drag and pull.


Left cheek results

Since the whipped dog was performing better for me, I finished the 2nd XTG pass with it. My confidence comes and goes with a blade like this against my face so I'm sure there's some inconsistency in my passes. I love that I am getting better with the strokes but know there is much farther to go.


2nd pass with straight results. Eh - chin is a tough one to navigate still. Normal chin I suppose but "confidence" is the key on the chin.

The finished product with Merkur progress left my face feeling pretty smooth. One pass ATG and a little clean up along the jawline. Alum feedback was not nearly as bad as my first couple of straight shaves, but still a bit stingy! Not sure where I learned to rub the alum to help with stretching the skin but it's been a life saver for those akward places to stretch.


Today's line up.

When I first started stropping, I was rolling the blade along the edge and not the spine as depicted on my lovely gemstar bench strop. That may have affected the edge of the gemstar razor (@gssixgun) Learning...

 

Sorry that ended up so long!!!

 

Brush Focus: Day 7
Brush: WDC-3 Whipped Dog Sliver Tip 2, 24/6 Olive Wood Handle
Gillette Super Speed, 1947 Birth Razor.
Gillette Platinum Blade (6)
Bowl: KO Shave
Soap: Jack's Soap
AS: Afta AS & Conditioner
Old Spice Coffee Mug.

This brush is deep set and what a difference it makes. Although the Whipped Dog knot was not cut very well (uneven) The deep setting makes all the difference in the world. This brush performs amazing. Produces an outstanding lather and loads extremely well. Three passes and a clean up no problem. Probably one of the best shaves I've ever had and I owe to this brush. The blade preformed well, but I will change it tomorrow along with a different razor. Afta is a nice change.
The knot is 22mm deep and I added a 0.25 to raise the not a bit and for weight.

 

I am enjoying reading about how you are doing on your shaves. Its helping me get mine better too. I struggle with my chin way more than anywhere else with the straight. With a DE, my neck was the issue, but I seem to have that down now.

 

Thirsty tricky and picky. I used a soaking wet brush but never got it. It seems to want the water in/on it and not from the brush. I also haven't tried boar yet either.

 

Yall are making me want to go pick up a puck! Shaving seems more fun trying to torture yourself lol

 

Just make sure and remember the safe word.

 

Была́ не была́

Без труда́ не вы́тащишь и ры́бку из пруда́

Век живи́ — век учи́сь

These didn't check out in google translator lol....so here is where I got them from http://www.linguajunkie.com/learning/russian-proverbs-sayings

 

On a first pass down stroke, ideally that cheek should be near BBS with very little or any visible stubble—even with 2-day stubble.
You've probably seen this video of Glen's 'shave test' but it depicts HOW a properly-honed razor behaves in removing hair...


I just finished honing a W&B razor that required a second trip to the hones as it left 'whiskers' after the first initial pass, especially at the toe of the blade. This was my error in my honing.
Now it sounds like you may have inadvertently rounded the edge on that razor you got from Glen. A razor he has honed shouldn't tug, snag or pull.

 

I knew if posted result photos, I'd get good feedback. I'm committed to learning this craft and grateful to you all as resources!

 

May 7

Stirling Sheep facial soap
Weber PH
Feather blade (day 2)
Rudy Vey Shavemac two-band silvertip
MdC scented shave soap
Two passes plus touch-ups
Alum, Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Nivea Sensitive Post-Shave Balm

I had a top-shelf shave this morning. It seemed almost effortless and was very enjoyable. I'm starting to dial-in the correct water/soap ratio on the MdC, thanks to the solid advice I have received here. It was a great way to start Thursday! I hope you had a good one!

 

I was thinking how lucky I was that my stubble wasn't as thick or tough as yours. At least you know what the problem is.

 

Prep: Hot shower
Razor: Genco Henry XX
Soap: Arko
Brush: Omega 48
Post: Pinuad Bay Rum

Today's shave left a lot to be desired. Could I have possibly messed the edge up? I did notice I picked up the razor kind of awkward while stropping and today I rolled it over on the spine. With several nicks and rough patches after 3 passes I just decided to call it a night. I might stray slightly from my focus and use a shavette and send this razor off to get rehoned or at least pay somebody to look at it and tell me if it even needs it. I know the problem most likely is me but I feel like I'm being repetitive with everything and can't think of something that would change the quality of my shaves.

 

I think I'm gonna do the same.

 

Process of elimination lol

 

@Seabs and @txskimo and @Drygulch - You're doing great guys. I'm loving your posts this month along with @HolyRollah as the mentor of the group. Keep it up...you'll be thumbing your noses at all us DE and Artist Club riff-raff in no time!

 

I was wondering why I was getting irritation from my SR shaves, it did not occur to me to change the angle depending upon WTG, XTG and ATG. One the reasons I get a shave my 2011 R41 is that I change the angles... I never realised it until I read this post.

 

Blade Focus Day 8:

Homemade PS Oil
Vie-long Horsehair Brush
Stirling Bay Rum SS
EJ Chatsworth Barley
Bic Chrome Platinum
Stirling Unscented PSB
Stirling Bay Rum AS

Fay 2 of the Bic, and a bit better. Still a couple of weepers, and the Stirling Bay Rum AS stung quite a bit. Not sure if I am going to do Day 3 or not just yet.

 

I knew you would get it figured out, Charlie. I'm really enjoying your photos this month. That brush is amazing.