January 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

Nice pic! You're nailing those black & whites.

 

Thank you! One blade.

 

Thanks Mark. Just trying to keep up with you guys.

 

Jan 10, day 9

Pils razor
Gillette Spoiler blade
Semogue badger brush
Tabula Rasa shaving soap
B&M aftershave

The NOS Gillette Spoiler blade performed very well in the Pils this morning. Today I limited my shave to 1 pass WTG, 1 pass ATG with no chasing. It forced me to slow down and contentrate on each pass, which really helped with the difficult areas (below the jaw line).
Im finding with a decent blade and quality shaving soap I can get an irritation free BBS from the Pils each day. The Pils gets a rest after today as I will be focusing on the Mongoose for a week.

 

I just do no pressure strokes, and no more than five or seven on the pasted strop. I follow it with about 20 laps on linen and 50-100 on leather also no pressure.

 

Just ask yourself, "What's the worst that could happen?" and go to work! Actually I sand the length of the blade, and use a piece of sponge or leather between my finger and the sand paper. Note that the sanding and polishing process will ruin your edge and you will have to re-honed.

 

I'm sure having such beautiful stuff helps when missing the baby.

 

I grade a BBS shave as one that would have passed a Drill Sergeant's inspection. So I only catch the baby every once in a while. The results today were typical but just a little rougher than usual.

 

I think in the past I've been guilty of awarding bbs when it's more of a dfs it's something I'm working on.

 

Sunday afternoon shave
I went back to proraso eucalyptus and menthol today. I'm so sick of the sweet smell of maca root. It performs really well but I'm not a sweet sort of guy. I forgot how good the proraso was but realised it dries up quick. Today is my favourite shave to date. The 1924 absolutely loves a brand new gem blade. My pressure was perfect throughout for the first time and what a difference. Less pressure definitely provides a closer shave. 3 passes 3 touch ups a perfect bbs. No sting from alum or snake bite. I just wish I could be consistent.

 

Congrats. Now you know exactly how to achieve the results you want. The consistency will come with practice.

 

Thanks clint.

 

Day 2 of the Blackbird focus. Another amazing and simple shave. 2 passes and as close to BBS as I ever get. This razor is very efficient and the act of shaving is nearly effortless. No weepers or even much feedback from the Ogallala Bay Rum aftershave.

I'm think I could get away with a single pass and a little touch up on the chin and jawline.

 

Glad you continue to be impressed. Do you plan on a head shave with the blackbird?

 

@TomJ89de Yes I do. My first shave with the BB was a head shave and I was suitably impressed. I will catch a head shave tonight. Have to spread the enjoyment out!

 

January 2016 Focus -- Blade search for the 1958 Executive

January 9

Razor: Gillette 1958 Executive adjustable
Blade: Ladas (2)
Brush: Stirling Kong
Soap: Tabac
Post: Cold water rinse, Witch Hazel, Fine Platinum


On the road visiting my fiancee so way way behind on posts but wanted to take a minute and post yesterday's travel shave. I love the Tabac stick as a travel soap. Convenient size, excellent soap, easy to lather. I have soft water she has hard water and I can lather it no problem either location.

An excellent shave yesterday. Two passes minimal touch up. BBS as declared by my fiancee. The best kind of BBS if you ask me. The Ladas blade did an excellent job again. Still my second favorite after the GSB. I have one more travel shave with the Ladas and then will pick a new blade when I get home.

Hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Sunday!

 

Razor: Gillette Super Speed No Date Code 1947 (Birth Year)
Blade: Personna SS (2)
Brush: Fendrihen Silver Tip Badger Black handle
Soap: TSD Iced Irish Spring Type
A/S: TSD Iced Irish Spring Type
Badger: After Shave Face Oil

Been fighting a cold and so frit is ahead. Starting to feel better today. Two passes today and ended up with a good shave. We've been a fair amount of rain here today, but I haven't started building an Arch yet. Might start thinking about that if the rain continues for a few days. Around here it will probably -20* tomorrow.

 

Your Executive sure does photograph well. Great pic!

 

As long as I have been on this thread, I still sometimes forget: "What's the worst that could happen?" I am asking as the local antique shop looks like they finally got some decent straights in. I am going to try to get back and check them out, but I am sure they will need some clean up. I knew I would have to send them in for honing, as I am not prepared to pick up that part of the hobby just yet, but I am really thinking I would like to try to clean one up at some point.

 

Thanks for the advice. I will work on it today and report on results tomorrow.