DEC 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

And the advice already begins! Thanks. I think I'm going to have to take caution as I've read the shovel head is quite aggressive, whereas my 34c is renowned for being mild but that's all part the fun I guess. Who knows this time next year I may be doing soviet steel pt 2.

 

SE razors have a loyal following due to their aggressive nature. It's not uncommon for new shavers to seek more aggressive razors as their skill at controlling angle and pressure increases. Just take your time and it will all work out great! I bet you'll really enjoy the differences.

 

I'm sure I will. I'm assuming in terms of muscle memory nothing changes? For me this took the most time to master it would be nice not to have to re learn in that sense.

 

The grip position and angles will be a bit different, but I am confident that you know enough at this point for the switch to be intuitive. You'll know when the razor feels right against your face.

 

I might be abit biased with my interest in vintage ERs. But that's a lovely razor and it looks in outstanding condition. Even the case I've looked around and not seen a case in such condition

 

Thank you. It really is in fantastic condition. The case does show some wear but that is to be expected. It even includes a full set of NOS Damaskeene blades. I did trade a mint Schick J3 Golden 500 injector that was NOS before I used it 5 times. I like the Gem Razors better and the other TSD member was looking for a Golden 500. I think we both made out pretty good on the trade.

I look forward to following your progress with the 1924. These SE razors are capable of giving an exceptionally close shave

 

I don't doubt you both got a great trade in this forum full of gentleman. It's hard to find the qualities each and every den member seems to have

 

I have a thick beard, I use DE blades 2 times and toss. I usually go to a pasted strop after 2 or 3 shaves, then another 2 shaves and back to the finishing stone. Some people go much longer. I have not had to re-hone a razor yet. If you do your maintenance it should be a long time before it needs to be honed.
Stroking is like shaving, using to much pressure is bad, just keep the blade flat and let the weight of blade do the work.

If I can figure this out you can too. I am not handy with tools nor do I have good coordination.

 

I'll be honest, I change razors so often that I don't have a solid count of exactly how many shaves before the edge needs attention. On my first razor, while learning to strop, I think I got about ten shaves before the pasted strop. Typically, it gets five to ten laps on chrome oxide paste when it starts to tug. You can do this multiple times, until the paste doesn't bring the edge back as well, then it's time for honing. I have skipped right to a finishing stone rather than a pasted strop. I have also taken a freshly homed blade that felt harsh to me to a pasted strop to mellow the edge. This is actually what my focus will be next month. How different treatments make the edge feel.

 

December 28

Gillette Flare Tip Super Speed (Z3)
Feather (2)
Rudy Vey Custom Shavemac two-band silvertip *
Route 66 Lumberjack
Two passes
Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Fine L'Orange

We've made to the last week of the December focus, and 2015 is almost in the books! I've had three surprises so far this month. First, the Super Speed is a terrific all around razor. It's a well-made piece of history, fun to use, and it delivers a fine shave. Second, the Route 66 Soap is a joy to use in terms of performance, slickness, and protection. And third, the knot popped right out of my RV brush handle this morning while I was rinsing it out. I'll secure it with some silicone some tomorrow. In the meantime, one of my trusty Kent brushes will pinch-hit.

I'm on a Blues kick, so I included a tune from Eric Clapton's Unplugged album.

Happy Monday!

 

And note, a finishing stone is what I was referring to for honing. None of my razors have had to go back to bevel set.

 

Thank you, Keith. Your comments are most helpful and encouraging. As with most everything in the wet shaving hobby, there's a lot of individual technique involved. Once I get the razor, it will start coming together. I'm sure I will have more questions! Thanks again!

 

Wowza, thanks Bama!

 

Thanks Adam! This is helpful, and I will follow your January focus with great interest. I'm glad that you vary the use of pasted strop and finishing stone to retouch the blade, depending on what you hope to accomplish. It's intriguing to think you can have such control over the blade's edge, but I'm sure this comes with a lot of practice. I'll also pay close attention to Keith's posts because he indicates when and how his blades are retouched. Thanks again!

 

I'm blushing here!

 

i just clicked the link to Route 66 and it came up with a restaurant and shake shop no mention of shaving?

 

Paul, I do believe it's time for a avatar, going into 2016 it's time for change..,
Kerry :hooray:

 

Retro shave shop. <<<<<-----Click

 

He even moved from Alabama to Colorado to be closer to Route 66. And he uses The Veg because the road crews use it to melt ice on I-70.

 

Thank you Kerry! I'm so tired of looking at the artist formerly known as "Prince" sign