January 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

I promise not to make a big deal about getting samples of all her soaps so you won't feel too bad about the NB16. I am thrilled she is planning to do samples though!

 

I am going to go with "me not making sense".

 

January 2016

Straight Feather Goose Focus

January 6



For January I'm focusing on two razors, the W.B. Speed Rabbit TSR and the Mongoose, on loan from @Rufus T. Since the Goose uses AC blades I'm using the Feather Pros.

Razor - W.B. Speed Rabbit
Brush - Wolf Whiskers Custom Silvertip
Soap - Tabac
Post - Cold Water, Alum, Nivea, The Veg

Another day on the Rabbit. Changed the brush to the WW Silvertip and the soap to Tabac. I've had this puck for longer than I remember at this point and don't use it in a tight rotation but man it seems like it's almost brand new. When does this soap run out? Never? Not complaining, it's just one of the traits that keeps this soap in the slot just below MWF.

Two passes was the plan and I got a good shave on those passes. Went ahead and did a third that was mostly finishing up around the goatee and some other touchup. Decent DFS so calling it a very nice shave. No blood or other problems. A bit faster than normal so the speed is getting there. Not giving myself too much credit lest the next time turns the tide in the favor of pain. I'll take this one and move on. Back to the Goose tomorrow.

 

Another great example of how those of us around here count "good versus bad". Apart from the severed artery it was a good shave. Except for the part where my nose was cut in half it was a DFS all the way. Well, other than dropping the razor and performing an unplanned circumcision, I'd say it was a delightful shave. Nothing wrong with this bunch!

 

Those set downs can be tough to take. I think that's the one lesson the pain stick taught and taught well.....just the tiniest extra angle and/or pressure can really start the shave off wrong. Sounds like you're definitely making great progress. Awesome stuff!

 

Any difference in razor behavior with a change in soap?

 

I have a confession:

I was greatly frightened by straight razors. Even though I am a guy who has spent many hours doing tedious/dangerous/tricky things by hand, the thought of an SR shave always ended the same. This always being mental image of a nice-looking, bespectacled resident surgeon manipulating cat gut floss and a horseshoe needle in my peripheral vision. However, at this point, 6 days into trying, it's turned into proper healthy respect and a doable activity. Note that I said doable, I am far from being good at it, yet doable all the same. Today's cut was actually good in retrospect, I really calmed down afterward. It was almost like getting hit big early in a game, yet popping right up and realizing that everything is ok, and beginning to play without worry.

 

@Jorvaljr

What's up?

 

Bbs shave tonight but severe burn and bumps.. Ugh!

 

Welcome to the 30 day crew! We are the technique guys. You can have a great shave with either razor. Stop buying stuff and let's get the fundamentals in place for automatic success. Need some info:

How long since the switch from carts?
How often do you need to shave?
How do you prep?

 

New bar just set for "What's the worst that could happen?"

 

I switched from cart about several months ago
I probably need to shave every couple of days.
My prep is hot shower, badger soaking , pre shave oil , pre shave cream or neither.
My shave is either weishi razor or newly acquired red tip or merkur long handle. Blades were dorco but now Astra. Since Christmas I've been using either proraso croap or trader joes shaving cream from their kit. Post shave is witch hazel and was using preshave oil as an after shave oil.
I've been shaving daily for two weeks

 

I also been doing three pass shaves plus clean up passes. I don't put pressure. I basically just guide the razor .

 

Ok. Very good.

In order to straighten this out let's break it down. Like @mrchick already said, pick one razor, and I say proraso. The bumps on your neck are most often caused by shaving against the grain. For now, skip ATG on your neck and let that heal. Concentrate on keeping the cap of the razor slightly in contact with your skin as you shave, this gives best blade alignment and angle. If the blade angle is too high, it is the number one source of shaving irritation. I also suggest skipping preshave oil. Let's remove variables for now.

 

Wow! Ten pages since my last post already!! Hard to keep up with you guys!

Very late report on Wednesday's shave. Much like Tuesday's but even better - another 1-pass (ATG) shave with very smooth results all the way around - and lasting over 12 hours - technique improving!

Will switch to a new brand of blades for Thursday.
Cheers!
RT

 

What do you mean cap? Do you mean the head of the razor?

So I'm gonna go back to basics then.
Razor - weishi
Blade - Astra ( since wife bought 100 pack)
Soap - proraso
Brush- synthetic from traders joes ( I like the stiffness because badger is too floppy)
Post - witch hazel

 

Exactly, the head of the razor, or the doors of a TTO like the Weishi. The Weishi is a fine shaver. I used one for a month earlier this summer. The Basics is where this all starts. On your three passes, are you going with or against the grain of your beard?

 

Wtg
Xtg
Atg
I've tried beard mapping but I couldn't tell it looked like it all grew the same

 

I suggest that for now, you limit to two passes. WTG then XTG. Focus on good angles for a few shaves, and see if it improves. It could take a few days.

 

I like the Jedi ATG shaves. Good stuff.