August 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

The only consistent decision I make for all days this August is to use my Gillette Pivot Disposable razors. In fact, that's been my ONLY razor for a looong time.

 

On shave creams, I finally got it down to my two favorites-Rise and the red Barbasol. I suppose you can say that was my August focus and achievement.

 

Today was day two using the Grand Shave King with a Feather blade. It was also Menthol Monday.
SOTD
Grand Shave King
Feather (2)
Proraso pre-shave
Proraso cream
Florida Water
WSP Beard Oil

After two passes, I had a DFS. I didn't push it today. I did a clean up pass on the neck and called it a day.

 

I could mount a shave cam if you wanted. Charge a monthly fee to view....or I might make more by forcing it to be viewed unless you pay to have me block it. Hmmmmmm.......

 

This was one of those rare occasions though when I listened to common sense and didn't make another, most likely deadly, pass. I'm not always that sharp.

 

We now need a large dose of ...

​

... after that statement! ​

 

Great Idea....Hey, Sept is going to be an SE month for me anyway, so why don't we all swing with it...That would be a 'Blast'...

 

Well... I have to say that aside from continuing to compare blades, I didn't stick with my decisions very well. I stayed with the Super Speed for 9 days and then switched to the Fat Boy. The pull toward Adjustable August was just too much for me. I even decided I'd wait until September to go through my small razor collection (wife says "Five?! Are you going to use all of them?"). That chilled the RAD for a bit. Then I felt the pull of my Gillette Old Type and fell off the wagon for a day giving it a whirl (great shave ). I'm back on the Fat Boy for the rest of the month (best intentions).
I haven't changed anything else... except today I started using Noxzema as a pre-shower and pre-lather treatment. It seems to have made my passes more efficient so I'll stay with it for a while. And... I'm running low on the Aqua Velva, so I have some Pinaud Clubman original waiting in the wings. I've never tried it, but a lot of folks seem to like it. I hope I do too.

All that being said, this thread is a great place to gain insight and support in trying to hone your technique. A great group who care about each other and are willing to offer advice. We're glad you decided to join us.

 

Does the Feather AC count as a SE or only SR? Either way I have a couple of SE's including a 1912 Gem and an old Schick.

 

August 17, 2015

Off on my second week of summer vacation, with yet another trip to Beautiful British Columbia! This time it's one of my all-time favorite destinations - Okanagan Lake.

Some say it's a cross between Sonoma wine country and Lake Tahoe. All I know is - it's heaven.



I'll be here for a week and brought my two adjustables - Slim and Fatboy. I've done a good two week focus with the Slim and would like to do more with it (like try different blades) but I also want to experience my other adjustable (Fatboy) before Adjustable August ends and we have a new challenge for September.

For today, the Slim and a two-pass on a two-day growth at the highest settings.

Pre-dinner shave.

Hot Shower
Pre-Shave Oil: Gingers Garden
Soap: Arko (homemade travel stick)
Brush: ? Taking this used synthetic (no markings) out for a spin
Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (2)
After Shave: Proraso Green

Slim settings at:
9 - WTG
9 - ATG
No touch-up or repeat strokes. This is as much about technique as it is about finding the best settings on this razor for me.

Very close shave. Still not as comfortable as I'd like, felt more tugging than slicing. I'll think I'll try one more shave with the Slim at 8 to see if I get the comfort back that I like.

I really like the Proraso, and as important, so does Mrs. F.
What the heck, I'm on vacation - this was a great shave!

Cheers!
RT

 

I noticed that...glad you're back!

Doug-

Where do you source your Gillette Platinum?

 

Hint: ride the cap...like for real. Have fun in scenic BC!

 

I am gonna do an injector. I would say yes to your question in a literal sense, but AC/Shavette is not really the spirit of S.E.ptember, but it's your call!

 

Let's do this! I have an E-Type (I think). I actually have two....hmmm an idea....

 

August Focus - Slim and Feather AC
August 17
Razor - 1964 Slim (J1)
Blade - (1)
Brush - Omega Pro 48
Soap - Arko
Post - Cold splash, Alum, Proraso

It's a Monday so here we go. Going back to the Slim and throwing the Bic Chrome Platinum at it. Setting the razor at 5 and the plan is to work up, then down if necessary and finally at some point to 9. Grabbed the Pro 48 which has been neglected lately and the Arko which has also been neglected and whipped up the usual can't miss and I have enough left over to shave the neighbors lather.

First pass was of course WTG and it was a nice pass. Smooth but enough feedback to wake you up in the morning. I love the Bic, which is why it was the World Tourney runner up to the Voskhod. The XTG pass was equally smooth and effective. Went for another XTG and G-slide on the neck and got the baby to barely show up. One of those shaves that I debated DFS or BBS long enough I figured it had to be BBS.

Alum was pretty quiet. A few spots on the neck where the slide got a little heavy. Other than that a great shave and the Proraso sent me off to work in a menthol Monday mood!

 

You have been one of my favorite people here since you began but you're wearing thin my friend. Another week's vacation in a paradise? It's enough to make me think you're rubbing my face in it. You took the Aristocrat last time so shouldn't this one have been my turn?

 

Yeah I just couldn't resist asking. LOL I haven't yet decided on September but SEptember sounds interesting. I've never tried SE even though I have a small selection of gear. Maybe it's time.

 

Yeah, I had that ringing in my brain -- "ride the cap...ride the cap...ride the cap...like for real."
I rode practically at zero degree angle!

Part of me wants to blame the new brush, I didn't get my usual Arko lather. I shouldn't have changed brushes just for traveling - but the synthetic is so nice and compact. What's more is it was mostly operator error...nose back to the grindstone for a final shave tomorrow at 8 before I test the Fatboy.

 

Shave stick style? I can help with synthetics. What's up?

 

Well Doc, the first pass wasn't bad - Arko loaded fine on the face and I gingerly added water to the brush as needed. But with the second pass on a boar brush I have a tendency to dip the tips in water prior to lathering the second pass - due to the fact I load on the brush.

Loading on my face with the stick, I did not reload for the second pass and I think I made the situation worse by also redid ping the brush prior to lathering the second pass. So I don't think I had the cushion I needed.

I said Doctor! Is there nothing I can take
Now let me get this straight
Yes, you call me in the morning
If you call me in the morning, I'll tell you what to do

(Come on @GDCarrington go ahead, knock it out of the park!)