NOV 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

You can do it. It gets easier and less bloody as you go

 

November 6, 2015

No Variation NoVember
This No Variation month is perfect for me to learn skills with new-to-me equipment.



Razor: Mongoose B3
Blades: Feather Artist Club Professional (4 and 5)
Soap: Saponificio Varesino Manna
Brush: Omega 31025 Scarlatti Boar
AS: Changes at will. Today: Myrsol Blue

Reporting on my Thursday and Friday shaves. My first week with this razor/blade resulted in a week of excellent shaves.

The razor/blade is a great shaving combination, which I think can provide BBS shaves on a regular basis. The shaving angle is easily found, however, care is needed with each shave. After two or three shaves I began to think this was a foolproof razor. It is not. This is not a shave to be rushed, nor do I think one can master it after a few shaves.

I began to lose focus during my shaves later in the week while rushing to work. I quickly realized that while some hardware is forgiving - this combo is not one of them. I had more weepers / nicks in my latter shaves this week than in my initial ones - due primarily to losing focus.

In addition to patience and focus, lather is very important too. Through the advise of others and this week of initial shaves, I’ve learned that cushion and slickness is critical with this razor as well.

Learning a new soap and brush on it’s own is one thing, but going from face-lathering to bowl-lathering as well - was a bit more than I should have taken on. The cold and damp Seattle weather has begun, so I thought I should break out my new scuttle and bowl-lather...even though I had never really bowl-lathered before - WRONG!

In my second week I will go back to face-lathering and develop a technique with this soap and brush to give me the lather required for this razor. I’ll put the scuttle on the side for now.

I really like every one of the four core elements of this week’s shave. I just have to get them all working together to get the best that they can deliver.

Cheers!
RT

 

That one brings back some great memories of me and me my dad listening to it. It was one of our favorites too. It's hilarious. Thanks for sharing it.

 

I love it. There's a lot of similarity between wrestlin' a lynx and shaving with Russian steel.

 

Once nerve damage sets in, it's downhill from there.

 

11/7/15

Gillette Super Speed Y3
Vulfix Super Badger (660)
Arco shaving soap
Pinaud Clubman Original

Shave #4 with the Gillette Silver Blue in my Birth Quarter Super Speed.
First shave with Arco. I rubbed the puck on my face and then lathered up. Did 1 pass XTG. Great reduction. Just like the last couple of days, instead of doing a second pass, I used the lather remaining on my face and neck to do a small amount of touch up where I could easily feel stubble. I almost had a DFS at that point. Did a cold water rinse followed by moderate amount of touch up and wound up with the BBS. The Pinaud Clubman was mild.

A great, very comfortable one pass BBS from the Gillette Silver Blue in my Birth Quarter Super Speed. I was trying to duplicate the results of yesterday's shave which turned out to be one the closest and long lasting shaves I've ever had. At the same time, I wanted to try the Arco soap and use the Pinaud Clubman. I also decided to stay with the GSB for a 4th shave. Why give up on a blade that just gave you one of your best shaves? I know, a lot of variables when trying to duplicate yesterday's results. It felt like I had to work a little harder on my final touch up, but I had no irritation or bleeding and my face feels smooth and nice, so all is well.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

11/07/2015
Razor – Mongoose B2 with Triad Ti
Blade – Feather Super Pro (2)
Brush – Rudy Vey with Shavemac Finest
Lather – B&M Seville
Post - Witch Hazel and Fine L’Orange



With a lazy Saturday morning, I decided to go with a 3 pass shave this morning. I do not usually do 3 passes with the Feather Super Pro since it's just too much on a daily basis. Knowing this I wanted a super slick soap so I used Barrister and Mann Seville in a shave stick. The Shavemac Finest whipped up enough lather for 4 or more passes. After touching up my chin, I ended up with a BBS+ shave. Even 30 minutes later my face still has that tingly feeling which tells me that I almost went too far.

The witch hazel with menthol was a welcome cooling relief. Finished off with a splash of Fine L'Orange. Hope everyone has a great Saturday.

 

I know for a lot of you cooler weather is approaching or may have already arrived. Today I'm expecting near 90 degrees so I went for the full freeze. The type G gave a fantastic shave with the Chick blade. This razor is light as a feather and the feedback from it is great. Enjoy the weekend everyone!

 

I absolutely love the Doobie Brothers! I've seen them live more times than I can remember, San Jose based.

 

SOTD
November 7, 2015
Prep: Hot Shower. Axe Energizing Face Wash Boost
Razor: Grafco-Merkur 3-Piece Open Comb
Blade: Personna Lab Blue
Lather: PAA Dirt
Brush: CK Switchback 400 24mm #1 Suave Knot
Post: Thayers Cucumber WH. Gold Bond Ultimate
Aftershave: PAA FU Fougère
Fantastic shave. I really like this razor, smooth 3 pass shave. Dirt. I likey. It's been cold at night, not good. Rain is coming tomorrow and Monday. Later today I need to shave my head, I'll use my Gillette Arta and La Toja sensitive cream.
Never let the things you WANT
Make you forget the things you HAVE

 

I agree Neal.

 

Aristocrat Focus Day 7:

Homemade PS Oil
Frank Shaving Pur-Tech Brush
Stirling Gatlinburg SS
Gillette Aristocrat
Stirling Unscented PSB -- Mentholated
Stirling Gatlinburg AS

Another great two pass this morning. The Gatlinburg is really growing on me. It is a terrific outdoors scent and does well for the fall.

 

So I'm thinking I might still qualify for this thread since this has been my kit throughout November EXCEPT... What's up with the two blades? OK, I'm going to focus on blades throughout November, OK? And no one can make me shave with that Lord Super Stainless again... probably not ever. I also just experimented with cold water shaving yesterday so maybe I am too much of a flake for this thread. Oh well. I took the picture. That ought to count for something.

 

Welcome aboard!

 

last nights shave was a 2 pass XTG ATG with no touch up to a new DFS. Very little irritation. I used this months standard, WD synthetic, Proraso white, GSB(day 4), and Y2 super speed. Finished with nivia sensitive post shave and off to bed. Even on day 4 this setup feels effortless. I already want to cheat with something exciting like my <$3 shavette or my rolls or a straight. Something more challenging. Or even whip up Williams with a very poor quality badger. Maybe a flying eagle blade or something to liven it up.

My insurance isn't up to that many blood transfusions so maybe I should stick with my rule this month.

 

You have demonstrated an amazing amount of focus for this group
Welcome!

 

Welcome aboard. No worries, you'll fit right in with this group.

 

Welcome! You're in the right place!

 

Oh no, since I was away from TSD, I missed the finish of the race between Menthol and ..er...I forgot the competitor. Who won, and by how much?

 

Osage by about 3%