SEPT 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

Oh and I do like that post shave feel. Not sure why it said don't

 

Careful Alice, you never know where that Rabbit's going to take you!

 

Day ONE of SEVEN
In my abbreviated September focus (mentioned waaaay back in my post#422 in this thread), I am taking for a seven-day test drive a rather unique and highly-intimidating straight razor.
An Italian-made custom razor of damascus steel from the shop of Mastro Livi, on loan to me from TSD member entropy1049 (Mike). The razor is the largest I've ever used (both the scales AND the 1.0" wide and extremely sharp blade) that looks more like a meat cleaver than shaving device.

My first shave I used my favorite thick-lathering soap (MdC) and approached this shave, as I do with any new SR, with caution and patience. This was especially important due to both there sharpness of the blade and the unfamiliarity I had with a razor this size. With the first pass, I could definitely feel the keenness of the edge against the skin as the razor removed with ease what stubble it came across. After two passes, my face felt quite smooth with no hint of irritation nor blood. One final lather & pass was a sufficient first trial. A splash of Snake Bite afterwards gave me no indication of excessive irritation, just the sharp sting and coolness typical of the aftershave. Darn near BBS quality shave—and I was not going to chase after it on the first round.

This razor is BIG in the hand. It almost feels like an olive wood billy club.
Fortunately I have large hands and could comfortably maneuver the razor. I would not recommend a blade this size for beginners to straight razor shaving as one can easily misjudge the edge and slice one's self.

This should continue to be an interesting shaving week with this beauty!

 

My lab code name is Alice???

 

Down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland of ADs!
(With the rest of us...just wait til you meet the MadHatter!

 

Absolutely gorgeous razor! I am way too much of a klutz to ever try a straight razor but that thing would be amazing just to have as a display!

Thanks for sharing that one with us Kevin and for the beautiful picture! Look forward to the remainder of the shaves!

 

The Crazy Ivan in SEptember!
September 9

Razor - Schick E2 Injector
Blade - (2)
Brush - Omega Pro 48
Soap - Arko
Post - Cold Water, Alum, Nivea

Second day of the E2. Looking forward to it when I got up since it was so good yesterday. I chose the Pro 48 and Arko lather factory today and as always it took about 4 seconds to have enough lather to fill the Mississippi. Away we go. First pass was very nice like yesterday. The angle seems pretty automatic, especially with the feedback it gives, and I finished up with a good WTG pass. XTG was also good though I noticed one slight nick or weeper right on the goatee line on the right side. Lathered up again for a third pass. Went ATG on the face then XTG and G-slide on the neck. Realized as I came across the neck right to left under the goatee that I had acquired a couple of nicks right there as well. Either I got too aggressive with pressure in that area or I misjudged the angle. Whatever the cause the alum proved it out. Very nice burn against the goatee and the neck was pretty hot too even though there was no more blood anywhere. Overall no real complaints. Using a less flexible blade may have something to do with it as well. I'll give it another run tomorrow and focus on keeping pressure off as well as holding angle on the neck run. Nivea cooled it off and I was off to sit at my desk and watch nothing happen at work today. Not my favorite kind of day. Hope your Wednesday went better!

​

 

Nice brush as well.
Sir Kevin - Keeper of the Good Stuff!

 

Well though your blade wasn't flexible, we all know your mind is. Better days ahead my friend.

 

Called a meeting of the shave committee and decided that today's shave would take place tomorrow. I'll be joining my teammates for trivia night and as I only shave every other day at most, decided to be clean shaven for the night out.

 

Thanks for sharing, Kevin. I was looking forward to your posts detailing your 7 trials with this blade

 

I love it when the committee is able to reach a consensus.

 

They're all a bunch of yes men. Otherwise they get no cookies.

 

I like your style. With that kind of strong-arm tactic I may have to put you up for membership in the Russian Blade Cartel.

 

Does the job include lots of vodka and a nice dacha outside of Moscow?

 

My version of A, but adjust some of the angles and just kinda not try too hard.

 

Thanks for stopping in and sharing this with us. That razor is pretty special!

 

It's good to know who your people are.

 

that razor is a work of art. Beautiful, terrifying, massive art.

 

The Damuscus technique of blade making produces such an awesome patina. It reminds me of my truly favorite blades, the swords of Nippon (Japan), many of with are also folded and hammered carbon steel. I love this stuff.