July 2015 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

Clint,
Are you enjoying the MDC?

 

Beauty picture and setup. Twelve minutes is probably a record. Any cuts?

 

July Focus: Shave 2 and 3
Week one: A. J. Jordan Spike 5/8"
July 1 - Shave 2 and 3
Prep: Hot shower, Aveeno 5:1 face wash
Brush: WSP Silvertip (face lathering)
Preshave: None
Soap: Tobs Sandlewood
Razor: A.J. Jordan
Strop: @Drygulch Modern Barber Strop 24"x3"
Growth: 5 day
Post: Cold water splash, Clubman, Nivia Post shave balm
Passes: WTG, XTG, WTG

I found myself chasing a shave that didn't exist with this razor at this time. Not sure it is was a strop issue or hone issue, but a little tugging with the 1st pass that setup for problems with irritation later. As I progressed through the shave, the face got more irritated. No bueno. OK with as we move to a full wedge. Getting away from the loud razor. But I have a sweet handlebar goatee going...almost ready...


Cheers,
Eric

 

Great looking lather. Seabee's rock and have great equipment. They know how to use them also.

 

Yup, one where I set it down too hard on the edge of my lower lip that hurt bad enough to make me swear, and two around the bars on my mustache where I reopened previous cuts. Going too fast for sure.

 

Week two: No Name Wedge (need to get a nameme wedged wedge but I'm in the July no buy pledge )
July 1 - Shave 4
Prep: Hot shower, Aveeno 5:1 face wash
Brush: WSP Silvertip (face lathering)
Preshave: None
Soap: Tobs Sandlewood
Razor: No name wedge Spanish point
Strop: @Drygulch Modern Barber Strop 24"x3"
Growth: 5 day
Post: Cold water splash, Clubman, Nivia Post shave balm
Passes: WTG, XTG, WTG

I was apprehensive in selecting this blade. I've really only had experience with the hollow experience. I enjoyed the wedge as it didn't jump on my neck as the hollow experience. One issue, I tend to miss my hair next to my ear - today I clipped my ear a bit. ugh. Oh well. I liked the three pass I got with the wedge felt solid and firm as I moved the blade across my neck and face. I did a s/n pass on my cheeks. Bbs!
Cheers,
Eric

 

Late post for 5 July 2015

30 Days with Maggard OC!


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Decided to switch up the blade test and include all the labels in the Maggard PIF box. Next up is ASCO super stainless! I was pleased with results, and had a good 2 pass shave per usual. So far I've tested Gillette 7O'Clock SS and SP, and now ASCO. Will use ASCO again tonight. The AS pictured is the house version of AV from the Kroger family of grocery stores. It is not exactly like AV, but a great value and one I use occasionally. Gonna go get ready for a Menthol Monday shave and will get caught up later, back after a long and fun weekend.

Have a great Monday Evening!
​

 

Razor: Gillette Flare Tip (A3)
Blade: Feather (4)
Brush: WDC 5- Whipped Dog knot Boar/ Green Handle
Soap: RazoRock XXX
A/S: Lucky Tiger
Day 6.

The more I use this brush the better I like it. Loads well for a new brush. It's not a badger load yet, but it has potential. A good soap and a good shave with a excellent A/S. I like the old Barber Shop smell of this soap. Nice and hot here today.

 

That's why I shave after supper. Take my time, no rush. Hope you came out of this alright.

 

I am loving the MdC Fougere. The scent is amazing, very fresh. I really like the original scent but I actually like this one even more.

 

Tuesday focus shave 5.

The Dovo is up again and today was a 3 pass with SR and 4th with DE. A couple of weepers on the 3rd pass but all in all it felt pretty good. 4 pass with Ikon Shavecraft Tech left me BBS with some irritation. My progress with straights seems to be a stand still, not getting any closer and not reducing the irritation levels any more. Next shave I will double check the pressure I am using and go with a shallower angle.

Homemade Pre Shave
Cyril Salter Rose shave cream
Gssixgun Elk Antler brush
Dove Bismark 2
Dry Gulch strop
Alum block to keep my fingers dry
Homemade vodka menthol AS
L'Occitane Cade ASB
Chanel Platinum Egoist

 

1956 Gillette Super Speed Flair
Vulfix Super Badger (660)
Georgetown G12 Scuttle
Proraso Sandalwood cream
Aqua Velva
Current Blade under review: Gillette Silver Blue

Shave #2 with Gillette Silver Blue. Excellent BBS results, a wonderful shave. Extremely close, smooth, no nicks, weepers, irritation or razor burn.
2 Full passes: Pass 1: WTG on my face, and XTG on my neck. Pass 2: ATG. At this point, I could have ended the shave with a DFS.
Lathered up again for touch up and to deal with the spots where the grain is every which way. I wound up with my closest shave yet. I hunted, but there were no stray whiskers to be found - even an hour later!


While I'm very pleased with the results, I caught myself applying pressure during my touch up. I’ll need to keep an eye out for that if I’m going to continue to avoid nicks and irritation.

 

July 7 Plans

MdC facial soap
G-3 Gillette Fat Boy
Feather blade (day 1, setting 3)
Omega Pro 98 boar brush
A.J. Murray's Lincoln shave soap
Two passes
Alum, Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm

I had better success using the Omega Pro 98 with the A.J. Murray's shave soap today. I still needed to reload the brush a couple of times during the shave because the lather thinned out. Once I get the lather figured out, I'd like to start moving up the adjustment scale. Shaving with a FB on a 3 setting seems like driving a Mustang in 2nd gear...it just ain't right.

Have a great Tuesday!

 

July 6, 2015

30-Day Focus - Blade Trials for Gillette Tech

Weekly Trial for: Personna Red,
Derby Green, Gillette Silver Blue, Voskhod

Hot Shower
Pre-Shave Oil: Gingers Garden
Soap: TSD SubZero
Brush: Omega Pro 48
Razor: Gillette Tech “Fat Handle”
Blade: Personna Red (2)
RazoRock Alum
After Shave: Florida Water



2nd day on this blade after 1st shave mowed down a two-day growth. I had I hopes for today after my shave turned out so well on Sunday.

Yesterday was a 3-pass, today a two-pass.

I was a bit disappointed today. It was an OK shave, but my smooth face didn't last near as long as the first day and there were noticeable misses on my weak spot - the jawline. However the alum affirmed that there was no irritation.

Perhaps I was anticipating a great shave after the success of the first day. Maybe I was distracted, with the rush to get to work after a three-day weekend and just didn't mind my technique very well. Or maybe I need to do a 3-pass with this blade.

I guess that's why you all recommend spending some time with a blade. I still have the rest of the week to assess this.

Still loving the TSD Subzero to cool my face down, as we continue our scorching weather in the US Pacific NW.

And - Florida Water continues to grow on me!

Cheers!
- RT

 

Looks more like lazy eye to me, though the handlebar may just be turning one eye.

 

Because this is how I felt this morning, I need all the caffeine I can get.

I forgot to put my caffeinated shampoo in the pic. I not all menthol items but blue at least.
altoids box for used razors, blue so it tossed it in the pic.

 

Congrats! Sounds like you got a winner!

...above 7 was the way to go when tried it. A Slim on three is like driving a Ferrari through a school zone on the way to pick up some groceries. I agree, it just ain't right.

Welcome to the 30 Day Crew! Thanks for joining in!

 

Now we're getting there!

 

You may actually be seeing the differences in the blade versus a Wilkinson! Glad you tried the FW. It's pretty spicy when wet, but I think it's much nicer after an hour or so. Packs quite the burn, but that's just Murray&Lanman congratulating us with a life affirming reminder we are alive.