January 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

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.

 

What a beautiful collection

 

Thanks Keith! The Ralf Aust is both a joy to use and to photograph. I have nicked my ear and my cheekbone, exactly as you describe, but neither was that bad. I am having so much fun trying to just zone right out and shave...its been pretty cool on the couple of days where I was able to finish.

Could you describe the process or stroke pattern you use on your chin and jawbone? That's all that's holding me back each day. My cheeks are neck are fairly easy, but the chin is tripping me up bad.

Anyone who knows straights or shavette work please feel free to jump in as well.

 

For a guy who jumped in 900 posts late, at least he brought his shiny razors. Nice set @Herm2502 !

 

Always! Good to emphasize this.

 

I'm shifting the focus starting on January 9 as my Blackland Blackbird razor arrived today! I've given it the maiden run with a head shave tonight and can't wait to try this high quality razor for an extended run.

 

That looks really sleek, Troy! I hope it treats you right!

 

January 2016

Straight Feather Goose Focus

January 8



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 - Mongoose
Blade - Brush - BoS Omega 10066
Soap - Mitchell's Wool Fat
Post - Cold Water, Alum, Nivea, The Veg

I think I'm beginning to get the hang of using absolutely no pressure on this razor. Set up a great Fat lather with the BoS and took two passes to a very nice DFS. No nicks or other problems, but I let the razor do all the work. Clearly that's a key. Also, it helps that the Feather Pros tend to smooth out and mellow a bit with time. They did that with the Feather SS and they are doing the same with the Goose. I'm thinking two more shaves easy on the blade which is perfect. I will use the Rabbit Monday and then will be in Chicago for three days. I'll be taking along one of the DE's for that trip since I don't want to risk losing @Rufus T. 's razor, or the Rabbit either one. I'm thinking the Rimei to travel with since it costs a whole $2 and change. Plus it works well with a sharp blade. I finished with the Veg again today and.....again......exceeded sales budget today. Yep, it's the magical stuff. And, of course, I'm not superstitious.

Have a great weekend everyone!

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It was 2 months before I found a good way and the courage to deal with my chin. What I do is use and inverted grip with my right hand and hold the tip of the razor with my left. This gives me the extra control on the angle. Instead of moving my hands I move my face. Short movements and with both hands you can ensure no slippage and a flat angle. As you move of the edge of the chin it is easier to adjust the angle when using both hands. I think I found this on You Tube video but I don't remember how I found the video.

 

I also found it difficult to get a close shave with a mild razor. Like I you I did stroke after stroke to only end up with irritation and ingrown hairs and still not a close shave. Instead of blaming technique I decided to stick with aggressive razors.

My experience with mild razors is the window for an effective angle is very small while and aggressive razor has much wider window. This allowed me to customise my angle depending upon what part of my face I was shaving. With aggressive razors I get closer shaves with allot less irritation.

Sometimes the tools just don't suit you.

 

This is also my experience. I must shave so precisely with a mild razor that if not careful, I overdo it.