OCT 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

OCtober 30 Day Focus -- Cadet Open Comb

October 19

Razor – Cadet Open Comb
Blade – Gillette Silver Blue
Brush – VDH Boar
Soap – Stirling Lemon Chill
Post - Cold Water Splash, Witch hazel M-Bombed, TSD ISZ

I did not shave until late last night for two reasons. My Sunday shave was so good I did not need to shave Monday morning and because I had to do an oral argument in front of the South Carolina Supreme Court today so I did not want to have to worry about shaving when I got up . . . just in case. As an added bonus, it meant that I got to take part in Menthol Monday, even if it was the end of the day Monday.

Everything stated out just like normal with the Cadet and GSB combo. First pass as smooth as ever. No irritation, great reduction, very nice first pass. Second pass the lather seemed a little dry at start, which meant it did not create the usual Stirling lather on my face. I was not going to chance anything, so I washed it off, added a little more product to the brush, a little more water to the bowl, and started over and BOOM massive amounts of lather. So got that problem solved. No idea what happened as it has never fallen flat on me in between passes like that before. Second pass started. Everything going good. I start thinking about my argument and get a little quicker and then get a little careless and SHOOT! I managed to miss the blade angle and scraped my neck pretty hard. A couple small weepers and some definitely redness and irritation. The cadet reminding me that it deserves and demands my attention! Finish the pass paying attention to what I am doing. Ended with a very high quality shave overall, easily DFS+. Definite redness and the two small weepers. So WH applied and allowed to sit, everything calmed down ok for me. This morning when I got up, neither the weepers nor the redness were still there fortunately and my face was nice and smooth.

The reminder did not cost me too badly at least, but definitely made an impression! Oh and finished my argument just a little bit ago and I have to say I kicked some butt! Now I am taking off the afternoon and spending some time with my Fiancee!

Have a Terrific Tuesday everyone!!

 

I absolutely 100% agree! I appreciated every bit of the advice from people like you and other more experienced shavers like Chris, Clint, Neal, Adam and others. I am not sure I could ever hear things too many times (of course my Fiancee would add that is because I am hardheaded, and she may be right but I would never admit it to her).

Definitely am glad for the reminders and have appreciated all of the advice I have received. Between the advice and watching the real time progress/mistakes/successes of others this thread and this site has definitely changed my shaving to something that is so very enjoyable from something that was a chore at best!

 

I think it's important to understand that most of the advise given here is by people that found what works for them. I have always believed learning from someone else is usually easier than paying the price for the same knowledge. Given that I will listen to the advise and give it a try. If it works great, but if not I remember that just because it worked for another doesn't mean it will work as well for me. Of all the skills I have learned, DE shaving has more YMMV to it than most.

 

Of course, we could all be crazy. Sort of a variation on "mass hysteria".

 

OCtober Focus Day 19:

Stirling Synthetic Brush
La Toja Shave Stick
Schick Type C1
Stirling Unscented PSB
Clubman VI Bay Rum

Day two on the Type C1, and I have learned a lesson: I really don't like shaving in hotels. I am staying at one in downtown New Orleans, and the room is so tiny. I don't have any sink space, and the sink doesn't hold water, so I am having to adjust some of my routine. Luckily, the Schick is making the transition a little more pleasurable. I have shave with two of the Type C razors (the other being a C3) and they are fantastic. Once you have the angle down, they are just plain smooth and feel very comfortable.

The other benefit of traveling is it always bring my La Toja. I'll have to agree with @Bama Samurai that La Toja is a great performer. I really need to make an effort to make it a regular in my rotation.

 

'Murica, y'all!!

 

Hey guys! Douglas has been hard at work putting together The Shave Den's first ever calendar! Please take a look at the first rough draft HERE
Thank you Doug! Great job!!

 

Just my opinion, but You should probably just do a strict RULE with the Merkur. It's the easiest way to get good fast. It's boring, but I promise those with the dedication and self denial to use the same brush, soap, blade brand and razor each day become experts quickly. The reason for telling you this is that if you change multiple things, it becomes impossible in a scientific sense to diagnose issues. Guys who start out by changing stuff constantly end up sentencing themselves to a never ending rotation of mediocre shaves. And worse, no idea what's wrong or how to fix it. Technique is all there is really. Ymmv, but it took my face 45-60 days to accept the switch. Give it a little time.

 

You're most welcome!

-and-

That's what I like to hear. Another expert, thirty days at a time! Kudos!

 

The ingrowns are the result of your cart shaving. That will get better over the next very few weeks. Alum is extremely unlikely to cause irritation, and has been used since ancient Egypt to sooth shaved skin.

The causes of irritation, in order of likelihood.

1. Weak technique, blade angle or pressure
2. Weak technique, blade angle or pressure
   
3. Poor lather quality leading to weak technique, blade angle or pressure
4. Over exfoliation and prep. Seriously, quit prepping. It's myths you've heard that don't work.
5. Weak technique, blade angle or pressure
   
6. Essential oil and lanolin sensitivity (somewhat common)
7. Allergy to a protein constituent ingredient in a product (very HIGHLY uncommon)
8. Weak technique, blade angle or pressure

Nice work though! You'll be there in no time.

 

It only takes a day like that as a reminder that 3T holds sway in both directions!

Congrats on your presentation to the court! Have fun with your fiancé!

 

Weak technique, blade angle or pressure.

I feel like I am watching a movie that was really part of a military expirement from the '50s.

Weak technique, blade angle or pressure.

 

Razor: Gillette Red Tip (A3) 1955
Blade: Gillette Platinum (2)
Brush: Fendrihen Sliver Tip Badger black Faux Ebony Handle 22/49
Bowl: KnockOut Shave
Soap: Jack's Soap
Balm: Ecopureman

Day 20

DFS tonight. Getting ready to paint the bathroom tomorrow.

 

Sweet Travel Kit!

 

As soon as the puppy goes to sleep...

 

Just go and listen to some nice jazz and the hotel will fade from your mind.

 

And don't forget weak technique, blade angle and pressure.

 

So do you think I should just switch now to the merkur and stuck with that? Keep all the other variables the same and stick to the 30 day rule?

 

Right on. That could definitely cause irritation. Worth mentioning!

 

Yes. What are you waiting for? Grab that shiny new piece of German goodness and for the next few days, try a few different blades. Then pick any blade brand that was ok with your skin (they don't matter as much as you think right now), one soap, and a brush. Blades will matter more (and less) later as you gain experience. Plan on settling on a blade by 30 October, I will do a strict rule with you and any new guys who are interested. I am going to attempt to start a NO Variation November! We did it last year where we had a bunch of guys of all levels do strict rules. We can talk through it all and get you up to speed faster than you likely realize.