January 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

Thanks for 'liking' the razor Charlie, I love the way this razor looks and handles.

To put how often I touch in context I have a tough beard and when using a DE I use the blade twice then toss it. For straights after refreshing off a stone I get 2 - 3 shaves then I will use a pasted strop, then another 2 shaves. The first weekend of every month I take out my finishing stone and touch up all my razors with the stone and pasted strops, then midway through the month I will use the pasted strops again.

I have a loupe I use to check the edges before and after touching up and I check with the loupe when I use just the pasted strop. After using the pasted strops and a regular strop I check with the loupe and tree top some of the hair on my arm.

 

Welcome to the 30 Day crew! Sounds like a great plan! Good luck!

 

I'm talking to him about some copper 30mm. I may have to buy several to get the price down on the one. So stay tuned...

 

Thanks William!

 

Thanks Charlie! It's gonna be a breeze for you when you try.

 

Kerry,
That doesn't sound like fun. Praying that you recover quickly.

 

January 9

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

I enjoyed a late shave today (Friday), and I expect to do likewise on Saturday. I continue to focus on every step of my two-pass shave, hoping to reduce the need for touch-ups and still get near BBS results with no irritation. The DE shaves, day after day, have been the best ever with the Super Speed. For variety, I alternate between the Route 66 soap and the XPEC cream.

I hope everyone has a fun weekend!

 

Jan 9 Focus Shave 7

Saturday shaves are usually my best shaves, it's usually 27 hours since the last shave and I have allot of time. So I do not if that is why today's shave is such a success or was the edge? or was the stars?

Back to my roots, my first straight razor, a Whipped Dog sight unseen paired with a Whipped Dog 30mm silver tip. The razor was touched up on my J Nat then Dovo red/black pasted strop.

This razor is old, it's ugly but this old dog can hunt. It always seems to have a nice edge. I don't use it more because it is the smallest and lightest straight I have. I prefer larger and heavier. I alway seem to nick my nose and ears with this razor, I don't mean on the shaving surface but really nose and ears. It is just too light. Today was no difference, a small nick on my nose and just above the earlobe. The shaving surface was blood free.

The blade was smooth and sharp. The four passes went with easy and comfortably. BBS and the alum gave just slight feedback. Today was an excellent shave and the best shave to date when using the J Nat. Ironically the shave was similar to yesterdays, I can't really tell the difference between the Shapton and the J Nat.

Irritation A- Closeness A Smoothness A Keenness A

Vabobra Patchouli
Whipped Dog Silver Tip
Whipped Dog J Nat, Dovo red/black
Dry Gulch strop
Speick AS
L'Occitane Cade ASB
Dior Patchouli Impérial

 

Your first week was allot better than mine. Well done.

 

Keith, I admire your discipline and commitment, and I appreciate you taking the time to mentor me. I'm taking notes!! Thanks, and I hope you have a great weekend.

 

Thanks William.

 

I am still a beginner and many people helped me along the way. One of the reasons I enjoy The Shave Den so much. If I can learn to use a straight anyone can. Here about other's trials, tribulations and success was a big help to me. Looking forward to your joining the Dark Side.

 

Im glad I finally got one. Im finding with better technique and experience, a mild razor with a sharp blade can be a great shaver.

 

You guys have 900+ posts in this thread and I finally am just getting started.

I really struggle with mild razors and never seem to get a close shave. I find myself making stroke after stroke and only quit shaving when my face is screaming. I'm sure it's my technique. (Pretty obvious, huh?). So this month I'm using my the Techs and maybe my Merkur 1904. Here are my Techs: A 1957 nickel bar handle, a late 40's gold fat handle (first find in the wild) and a triangle slot nickel plated.

 

Thank you Brian! This really isn't any fun, I'm uncomfortable no matter what I do. I just started taking Prednisone today, I hope that will prevent me from catching pneumonia, and help me breathe a little easier.

 

Kerry, hope that rib gets better soon!

 

Something I've found is I don't go over an area "dry" I always put a dab of soap on the area to prevent irritation.

 

Thank you! Me too..

 

Everyone has really nice shaving gear! When I think what I was using a short time ago it's kind of a trip.