January 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

Huh. I've really liked the RazoRock soaps I've used. Just haven't tried P160. YMMV, right?

 

Facial hair does grow slower in the winter months, I'm hoping this is the problem. I would hate to think that my technique has gotten so good that I can get away without shaving for 48 hours..

 

January 16

Gillette Flare Tip Super Speed (Z3)
Feather (3)
Rudy Vey Shavemac two-band silver tip badger
Route 66 Lumberjack
Two passes plus touch-ups
Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Small Batch Shave Tonic

I've changed my mind about mild razors like the Super Speed. They can deliver a close shave with the proper technique, and they treat my skin well day after day. (I get close shaves with aggressive razors, but sometimes I also get a few shave bumps.) I consistently get a near-BBS shave with two passes and minimal touch-ups using the SS. My latest "breakthrough" consists of a first ATG pass on my neck followed by second XTG pass using careful j-hooking motions. I can hear the blade slicing the whiskers, and my neck shaves are as smooth as they've ever been -- with no irritation. The key for me on this second pass is to stretch my skin really well.

I've also been experimenting with some light ATG strokes on the second pass on my upper lip. My skin is fairly sensitive there, but it can tolerate a bit of ATG action. It leaves my upper lip super smooth all day long.

I'm finding that small tweaks in my routine reduce the need for touch-ups after the second pass. I still get a great shave, but it's easier overall on my skin.
I plan to experiment with some j-hooking and blade buffing on my jaw line next.

I've enjoyed following everyone's pursuits so far this month. I hope you all have a great weekend!

 

Mine is 44 miles each way. I would love yours.

 

Jan 16 Focus Shave 12

Up today is my newest straight, Feon 172, this is only my second shave with this razor. It was finished on a Suehiro Gokumyo 20K by someone with allot more experience than I. It is a good chance to check my edges. What a fantastic shave to today, why the blade didn't feel super smooth there was no irritation and finished with a BBS.

Irritation A Closeness A Smoothness A- Keenness A

MdC with liquid lanolin added
Rooney Super Badger
Feon 172
Dry Gulch strop
Santa Maria Novella Patchouli AS
Speick ASB
Jovan Sex Appeal for Man - I was not born with sex appeal so I just sprayed it on. The box says it was created for the sole purpose of attacking women. I am off the gym so we will see how popular I am at spinning class.

 

A long trek like that and I'd go insane. I've got no freeway, only 3 or 4 lights. And this is the longest commute I've ever had.

 

That commute is one reason I did not end up in Atlanta. Just couldn't do it. More power to you!

 

+1

I spend 2 hours in my commute every day.

 

It was definitely a good call. Hoping to get several really nice shaves out of it. I think using 6 and maybe even 5 will be best for the Bolzano. Will try those settings tomorrow.

 

Cheated a bit on today's shave.

WD unmarked 6/8
Fat Boy (5)
GSB(1)
Truefitt & Hill West Indian Lime cream
WD 30mm synthetic
Clubman original

I did a single ATG pass with the straight ending at a DFS. I wanted a BBS since I was going to my moms for a few days where i didn't want to shave. I did some buffing after an additional ATG pass with the FB. I had a firm BBS with no Clubman burn or redness.

 

01/16/2016
Razor – Cobra Classic
Blade – Kai Mild (1)
Brush – Olivewood with TGN Finest Fan
Lather – Chiseled Face Trade Winds
Post - Witch Hazel followed by Captain’s Choice Bay Rum



A very nice relaxing shave this morning. The CF Trade Winds easily whipped up a nice slick lather. Following @Boojum1 suggestion, I loaded the razor with a Kai Mild blade. In the Mongoose it performs ok but not up to the level of a Feather. Taking my time with a 3 pass shave I managed to catch the baby with just minor touch ups. The real revelation was how smooth and comfortable the Kai Mild blade was in the Cobra. By a wide margin this was my best shave with the Cobra. Finished off with a splash of Captain's Choice Bay Rum which is a nice choice for a chilly morning. Hope everyone has a great Saturday.

 

Saturday, January 16, 2015

Blackland Blackbird
Gillette Silver Blue #2
Malachite Alt. Ivory TGN Super
Palmolive Classic
Myrsol Metilsol, Whipped Shea Butter
Proraso Aftershave
BB Classic

 

SOTD January 16, 2016
Focus day 13

Prep: Shower
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (2)
Razor: 3-piece
Lather: Pacific caffeinated shave cream
Post: Nivea sensitive balm
WTG, touch-up

Traveling today so no picture! I hand lathered the Pacific cream. Produced a thin layer that I was a little hesitant about but forged ahead nonetheless. It actually turned into a very comfortable and efficient shave. I need to develop some travel gear for the future.

Where I am right now on my trip has very soft water compared to my water at home. Does that help provide extra slickness while shaving?

In any event I had a pleasant shave today with limited equipment. My razor skills are getting better each day. The GSB blade has also worked well for me the past two days.

I hope all of you have a relaxing and meaningful Saturday!

 

Congrats Clint! Great shave today and a beautiful setup. Have a great weekend.

 

Mark, that's the first non-coated BB I've seen. It's a looker. How does it shave compare to the KC and the Goose?

 

Perry, have a safe trip. I think soft water works better for building lather. Stop by the drugstore and ask for a large pill bottle. Drill some holes in the cap, and you have a travel tube for your brush. I also use one for blade disposal since it has a childproof cap.

 

SOTD
January 16, 2016
Prep: Hot Shower. Axe Energizing Face Wash Boost
Razor: Gillette British Rocket
Blade: Personna Lab Blue
Lather: Shaver Heaven Neroli
Brush: Oscar11 28mm Silvertip
Post: Thayers Cucumber WH. Gold Bond Ultimate
Aftershave: Folsom & Co. Shambala
Really nice smooth shave. The Gillette British Rocket is a great razor, I really enjoy using this one. Shaver Heaven seems to be missing something? I'm not sure what it is, it's an okay soap.
Never let the things you WANT
Make you forget the things you HAVE!

 

Funny you should ask Charlie. I'm trying to figure that out. It's a question of how does the DE blade compare to the Kai Captains, Feather Pro, Pro Sharp, ect.??? The end result is very similar. Two pass super close shaves, BBS or near BBS every time.

 

Sounds like you're gaining confidence in your technique. GSBs are great. Have fun on your trip.