NOV 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

Love it!

 

Alum is my favorite part!

 

Lots of GSB this month. Kids are in the bed so shave number 2 is coming up soon.

 

Lovely set up!

 

Especially when I'm the one putting it on, right?

 

Very cool. The more the merrier. Misery loves company and all that!

 

Yeah sorry! I left that part out.

 

While I can't compare from first hand experience I have found a consensus that the AC razors are beasts compared to most true straights. It's the blades that create that apparently, as the machined steel blade and edge are far sharper (or some anyway) than a honed steel blade on a straight. I think @Drygulch mentioned that in his post about how the straights are more forgiving of certain pressures and moves. The Feathers especially seem incredibly, overwhelmingly and scarily sharp. I noticed today that when I was perspiring in the unusually mild weather that several blemishes showed up on my face where the blade has nicked but not enough to bleed, apparently and.....the cut from yesterday was puffy and actually looks like I took a chunk out. A small chunk, but a chunk. Quite rough looking overall actually when I checked it out. Things look better tonight now that I'm cooled back off and all, but I'm debating a blade change. Yes, I know, No Variation, but I'm not going to make a month on the Feathers if I keep this rate up. Better to make an early change and allow technique to develop, then go back to the sharper blade once I have it down.

I think the appeal of the AC razors is partly the lack of hassle. No honing, no stropping, no extra gear as you said. Just buy blades and it provides similar use to a straight. The kamisori style is unique as well and I think offers extra challenges. I need to get my Henkotsu honed and a strop on board so I can do an actual comparison. Overall, though, I can live with the extra "danger" to have the experience. At least until I sever an artery. And at that point, I will be a martyr for the cause and go down in a bloody haze of glory. It's a win no matter how it ends up, right?

 

Did I hear somone call my name?

 

Something like this Im thinking.

 

Tabac Tuesday, November 3, 2015


RazoRock Black Mamba
Feather HS #3
Rubberset 400 #3 Omega 1066 Boar
Tabac Shave Soap
Alum, Witch Hazel +++Menthol, Cucumber Melon Whipped Shea Butter
Tabac After Shave

 

November 1

Razor – !974 Gillette SS
Blade – GSB
Brush – AOS Badger
Soap – Mystic Waters Lime
Post - Cold water splash, Witch Hazel and Aqua Velva Ice Blue

First shave off the month with the bulk of my setup and also first shave to sample product from the Nationwide tour box. The mystic waters soap was one of few soaps in the box that I liked the scent of so figured I would give it a go.

Using a new soap and a brush I have only used a couple times I was a little worried about the lather. The soap performed very well. Was able to generate a bunch of lather. The brush is VERY DIFFERENT from my boar. The boar has lots of backbone a little scritch and very little floppiness (I am sure that is a word). The fine badger has very little backbone, soft as can be, and is very floppy. So it was more difficult than I thought it would be getting it onto and worked into my face the way I like. Will take some getting used to.

The shave took me a little while to get going. The head geometry of the SS is definitely different from the cadet and the L6. Tried riding the cap. Nope not really what this razor wanted. Had to slowly lower the handle and finally got it to a decent spot. First pass went OK but the spot was only decent not correct.

Second pass lather still looking and feeling good. Trying to find the angle and listen to feedback. After a rough time on my chin I think I finally found the right angle. Unfortunately a couple weepers were the result of not finding it sooner.

The razor seems fairly aggressive like the cadet but definitely takes a different angle from the open comb. Shave ended up pretty good minus the two weepers. I think it ended up just short of DFS.

 

Second night on the GSB

I ended up rushing. I had a lot on my mind tonight. I received an awesome box from JR Reyes today. I had the opportunity to use a Maggard soap tonight, London Barbershop specifically. I love the scent. It makes an awesome lather, I probably should have added more water though. I ended up just short of a DFS tonight. Just rushed and wasn't fully focused. I hope I can get back in the game tomorrow. Overall, Irritation C, Closeness B. Still a much better shave than what I started with a month ago.

 

November 2

Razor – !974 Gillette SS
Blade – GSB
Brush – AOS Badger
Soap – Gada Cool Mint shave cream
Post - Cold water splash, Witch Hazel and Aqua Velva Ice Blue

Second shave with the birth razor SS. This time using Gada Cool Mint shave cream out of Lebanon. Has a definite Mint scent with just a touch of menthol to cool the cream a bit. Accidentally squeezed a little more than almond size amount into my bowl. Got the AOS brush out from soaking, shook it off good, and went to work. Wow the lather this stuff produced. It went everywhere. Super thick and tons of it. Put it on my face (did a little better with the badger but it still will take time) and it really felt good. Cream is super slick, smelled great, and that touch of menthol was perfect.

Started the shave really trying hard to find that right angle. Started on the cap lowered until got a little feedback, lowered more and more of a scratching than a cutting so backed it back off a bit. The feedback was significantly better now than yesterday.

Two passes both fairly smooth. No weepers tonight which is always good. Found I really had to concentrate on my neck and chin getting the angle right because moving off a little definitely caused more scraping than slicing. This razor like the cadet has a small sweet spot for the angle especially compared to the L6.

Shave ended up DFS with very little irritation except on my chin and lower lip. Definitely lost angle a little there and got scraping so had a little more spark than usual in the aftershave. Overall a good shave and a cream I will have to try again.

 

I am in awe of the Four Brothers of the Apocalypse!

My DNA has cursed me with a nervous disorder that barely allows me to do some traditional wetshaving, but will never allow what you guys are doing. ( perhaps its a blessing after seeing the aftermath of your shaves!)

But I live vicariously through your adventures! Go forth and conquer!!
(btw - I have type A+ if slip ups require transfusions!)

Vaya con Dios!

 

Do you employ a "skin-stretching"technique on the jawline? What is your general technique for the jaw?

 

OMG, Medic!

 

Feather! Murica's best! ATG! ATG! ATG!

 

Cool!
Can I be Tonto?

 

I am sure the Klingons used Veg.