January 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

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!

​

 

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.

 

I'll figure out something, I'll be trying this method. It's tough.

 

Day 8 - 90 Day Intro to SR

​

Day 8. Add one little nick to the box score, but all in all a good day. I decided to take it easy, 1 and 1/2 passes then some FB cleanup. Practicing good grip, stretch and angle. I finally have the lather down, it needs to be wetter than with my DE shaves. The razor felt good today, and the shave was more relaxed. Digging out from under some more snow, had a quiet night with Mrs. Samurai and the dogs. Other than that...all is quiet in Colorado.​

Have a great weekend!
​

 

Herm's back in the house!

 

Have shaved 3 times since my last post.

Our Leader 5/8
Semogue boar
Mystic Waters Lime
Citrus Musk AS

I take my razors to ChrOx and FeOx on balsa at least every week and before this shave it got 20 laps each plus 40 on leather. Did some good too. Near BBS with no after shave burn.

Our Leader 5/8
Semogue Boar
Proraso Green
Nivia Sensitive post shave balm

I was feeling shaky this day so I did 2 poorly done passes and ended with something good enough but not amazing. Irritation was rampent and that one stiff hair caused a bite again.

Our Leader 5/8
Semogue Boar
Arko
Lilac Witch Hazel

I used the Arko today. As always a great lather but It drys my skin some. I managed a DFS+ with only a little burn in the crease between my mouth and chin. The cold water rinse and WH fixed that right up but my face feels dry still. German steel CAN hold up to Arko, its safe to try @Bama Samurai and @NCoxSTL. If I had any Veg I would have used it but I haven't got any yet so I used the closest thing I had.

 

Brother I feel your pain.
You know I cracked two ribs in November. The pain was excruciating. Couldn't sleep without painkillers for a week. Had to sleep sitting up. Moving in bed was the worst.

Actually the worst was reading this thread! These clowns made it all the worse, what with the shenanigans and laughing and all. Take leave from this thread for a bit and heal up. It gets better in time.
Best,
Vince

 

Hey, the Goose has never been to Chicago!
After the way I spoiled your Aristocrat this summer with a trip to Canada, you could spoil the Goose as well!
Go on, you know you want to!
Cheers!
RT

 

Thanks, Vince! It's 2:16 am and I've been up for almost an hour because I couldn't get comfortable, I'm going to try to sleep in my chair for a bit. If I take a couple of pain pills I can sleep a little but not enough to where I'm rested.
Kerry

 

Wowzer!! Enjoy the ride! On my razors to buy in 2017!! Congrats!!

 

I've never cracked my ribs, I'm sounds very painful. Hope you get to sleep soon and recover quickly.

 

Congrats Troy! The Blackbird is one nice looking razor.