NOV 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

oh - it's a she? how did you figure that out?

 

This is what makes the den different from the rest.

 

I understand how that goes. I am thinking of doing a "Brush A Week" (BAW) rotation next year. All in all, having several very nice brushes is a good problem to have.

 

I use an app on my phone and keep all my shaves with notes. Short and simple.

 

I like this.

 

Great pic. Shave. Mark you have awesome gear. Awesome.

 

November Wrap Up:

This month was like a squirrel with ADHD, and kind of all over the place. I used three different razors that all had different techniques. My DE choice was a Pre-War Fat Handled Tech. And I got a BBS every time I touched it. It’s a great razor. Second razor was a pain stick, CJB handle with KAI Original blade. I got a few low grade DFS shaves from this, but at the cost of irritation. I got a few cuts, but not really bad ones. The last razor I used was a straight I had purchased on the bay and honed from bevel set up to done. I was attempting an advanced shave method with this, a scything cut, which is similar to a Gillette slide, but with a straight. It gave me the worst cut I have ever had with a straight. I don’t shave every day, so I ended up using each of these razors five times in the month. Between the cuts I gave myself and changing razors, I really didn’t get to focus on anything, and didn’t see an improvement.

I also added three new soaps this month. The only area I did feel improvement was with the brush. My conclusion is that I may be looking to put this brush up for adoption. (I only keep brushes I love. I am down to four now.) I might have to track down another handle like this one, because I love the handle. Bought a new soap and aftershave from Jabonman in Spain. It’s awesome. Traded a pain stick for two Sterling soaps, and have used each once. Need to play with them some more to determine if they are going to stay in the rotation or not. That puts me up to 15 soaps, which means everyone gets used once per month. Now I just need to work out matching aftershaves for each of them.

Thank you to everyone for participating, especially @Bama Samurai for hosting the thread. My two main take aways from November are that if you don’t narrow down what you are trying to focus on, you won’t get improvement, and menthol doesn’t always feel nice.

 

Thank you Kerry.

 

SOTD
November 30,2015
Prep: Hot Shower. Axe Energizing Face Wash Boost
Razor: Gillette British Rocket
Blade: Personna Lab Blue
Lather: Stirling Bay Rum
Brush: Stirling Synthetic
Post: Thayers Cucumber WH. Gold Bond Ultimate
Aftershave: Layrite No. 9 Bay Rum
Really fun shave. I love this Bay Rum! Man is this soap moisturizing. The British Rocket got it done. I woke up to 17 Cyber Monday emails.
Never let the things you WANT
Make you forget the things you HAVE

 

Adam, what kind of knot is in the brush? If you like the handle, you could consider just getting a knot you prefer and replacing the one in the brush.

 

It is a TGN Gen 3 Synthetic. I put it in the handle last year, and did it with silicone, so I can change it if I need to. I need to see if I can find a synthetic knot of the Gen 4 variety. I also have another vintage handle ready for a badger knot to play with.

 

I usually use the same razor, blade, and brush for a week. I change soaps and A/S everyday. I think I will add the same soap and A/S to my weekly shave. I will still do Shave Den Sunday with TSD products.
With the new boar brushes I have on order I may use them for more than one week.
Any idea what the rule and/or focus will be for December? I missed November as I was busy with the calendar.

 

I put in a really nice Gen 4 synthetic in a Ever-Ready 100t for Mark @Boojum1. Maybe he can chime in on where he got his.

 

My 30 DC wrap up.
I discovered that if I only do one pass WTG my neck will not suffer from any irritation, I can do 2-3 passes ATG and achieve outstanding results. This has been a game changer for me.
I've enjoyed watching everyone try new things this month, especially the pain stick crew. Bravo!
Thank you Chris for your dedication to not only the 30 DC but also to the forum!

 

I am not sure if there will be a forum focus like OC October or No Variation November. Since my birthday is this month, I am going to use my vintage razors paying particular attention to my Birth Year / Quarter Super Speed and my Birth Year Slim.

 

FYI regarding Gen 4.

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/the-four-generations-of-synthetic-fibers-clarifications.37568/

 

My birthday isn't that far away and I want to use my birth razors in January. I also want to use more boar brushes next year.

 

Silicone is a great idea ... never thought about that actually. I guess I have to try that with the blank head for the Switchback 400

 

The last daily shave with the Feather AC was a good one. Since that was the point of this focus, I would call it a success. I can't say I ever got a BBS this month, but I'm happy with consistent two pass DFS. This has been quite a learning experience and I am happy to finish the month with no scars or scabs. Thanks for the support and encouragement. I don't know that I could have finished the month without it. I actually grew to like this razor over the month and will keep it in my rotation.
SOTD
TOBS Grapefruit
Rubberset 400
Feather AC SS
Feather Professional (7)
Witch Hazel
Old Spice AS
Enjoy your week!

 

Thank you. That is the thread I was looking for. Not sure if I can find a Gen 4 knot only, but i will keep searching.