January 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

I'm not sure of the exact date. I will, however, take your advice and switch to a sharper blade, and pay more attention to my angles. Thanks for your help.

 

One pass ATG. Did you get ever think you'd write that? Nice!

 

I find that if I am not super-disciplined with angle and pressure, I can't easily use a Tech. I do ride the cap.

 

If you look at the holes on the base plate, are they oval shaped or triangular? The triangular holes would make it a pre-war Tech, which is slightly more aggressive than the post war ones. Still a mild razor, but I would put it between my SuperSpeed and my Red Tip for aggressiveness.

Part of what made this razor click for me was after I switched to pain sticks and straights, it became almost effortless to find the sweet spot for the angle on it. Its also very hard to make this razor bite, so you change the angle for a more aggressive shave than I would do with a New or Old.

 

Great picture. glad you had a good shave. sounds like your cracking the straights

 

Nope!
TTT confirmed once again!

and what's interesting is that it was set up by the first shave of the focus. I had read a bit about the preferred angle of the blade with this razor. But there's so many variables in play, especially when first starting out with a new razor...well they don't call it the "simplified" razor for nothing!

 

Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936)
The Betrothed

“You must choose between me and your cigar.” Breach of Promise Case, circa, 1885

Open the old cigar-box—let me consider anew—
Old friends, and who is Maggie that I should abandon you?

A million surplus Maggies are willing to bear the yoke;
And a woman is only a woman, but a good Cigar is a Smoke.

Light me another Cuba—I hold to my first-sworn vows.
If Maggie will have no rival, I’ll have no Maggie for Spouse!

 

Hello Michael! Welcome to the 30 Day Focus.

 

I used the 'fat-handle' Tech as my two-month training razor. I learned to love it. My New LC has become my fave DE...so far. I ride the cap on both razors in order to find the best angle for me. I've used Wilkies, GSBs and 7 o'clock Blues with both razors. I got into a habit of ditching blades after three shaves, until I became comfortable with technique using that blade and razor. Once I did, it was easier to tell whether discomfort was my technique or the blade.

Stick with it Douglas!

 

Smart man. Actually Kipling is one of my favorite writers and poets.

 

He is now for me with that one!

 

hahaha if Seth didn't warn you he should have. Yup I'm relatively new to wetshaving but have about 4 months experience. Always willing to try new things and refine my technique because it can always get better. Used the Merkur 1906 last night with an Astra SP that was already in there. Worked great i love that razor and am glad I'm focusing on it this month. I just got my wisdom teeth out this morning so am a little loopy from the pain meds so not sure if I will shave tonight. I will keep you posted on if I shave or not tonight but mostly likely will the next day. Hope you all had great shaves today!

 

Neal, congrats on your progress with straight razor shaving! Great result today! Happy Birthday to your baby daughter. Looks like one very proud and hairy dad in the photo.

 

Reminds you of Woodstock, doesn't it? Boy, those were the days.

 

...and with that, I just noticed this as I was contemplating my Profile Page...



that's a lot of lip-flapping over the past 8 months!
also proof that 'bribes-for-Likes' does pay off!

 

Thanks for this. I appreciate it.

 

January 6

Gillette Flare Tip Super Speed (Z3)
Feather (2)
Rudy Vey Shavemac two-band silver tip
XPEC unscented
Two passes plus touch-ups
Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Small Batch Shave Tonic

My shaves with the Super Speed have been fantastic. I'm rethinking my preference on a daily use razor. A mild razor loaded with a Feather blade and coupled with solid technique usually results in a near-BBS shave. TTT! I continue with the first pass mostly WTG face/ATG neck, second pass ATG, and a few touch-ups around the jawline and mouth area. The only exception is my upper lip, as I can only tolerate WTG and XTG passes in that area.

My lather is usually "good," but I've gotten lazy over the past few weeks. I've been inspired by Bill and my straight razor mentors to work harder on my lather. I still face lather, and for the last few shaves, I've spent more time adding water and working the lather. The end result is a closer shave and a more enjoyable experience. The Shavemac brush is an absolute lather monster and a joy to use.

XPEC is good shaving cream, but I don't see myself restocking it once it's gone. It's not worth the extra money compared to some of the better soaps in my rotation. Currents faves are MdC and Route 66.

I don't have a lot of experience with Bay Rum aftershaves, but I really enjoy the Small Batch Shave Tonic. It's a nice finish to a winter morning shave. The bottle is dated, numbered, and corked! It's definitely some of Kentucky's finest.

I hope you all are having a great week. I'm very encouraged by all the participation and sharing in this month's focus.

 

Great post and picture. That small batch shave tonic is grabbing my attention, strangely based purely on looks. Is it nice?

 

Congrats Vince on 2000+ posts. Here's to the next 2000!

 

Thanks Tom. I appreciate the kind words. The Shave Tonic is a very nice aftershave. I think it has a light, slightly sweet bay rum scent. For me, it makes a great wintertime choice. Strangely enough, I learned about it here on The Shave Den. Most guys buy it on-line, but the shop where it is made is located close to my home. I snagged a bottle on a recent Saturday when it was in stock. They had eight bottles in the shop when I called that morning. I saw three bottles on the counter when I arrived, and the guy in line in front of me was buying one of those.

Here is the shop, definitely a guy's hangout with some cool shaving tools for sale as well.