January 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

I'm glad your improving on the hard soaps. I plan to buy a few next month. Am I right in thinking you are to soak the soap in the container for 5 mins before use?

 

Classy looking pic!

 

Love the Black Beauty Doug. Looks new!

 

Thank you. It is very clean.

 

I can get about 6 shaves with the Gem Carbon blade. I haven't used the stainless or the PTFE coated enough to know if its the same.

 

Thanks Herm.

 

Ive had my futur for awhile and used it periodically, just not 7 days in a row, which I plan to do using Russian blades (Voskhod, Ladas, Rapira, Polsilver)

 

I was struggling with the shave sticks like you see in my pic. I was originally not putting enough soap on my face prior to using the brush. Today I got my face wet with hot water and then rubbed the stick on my beard until I could see the soap building up. I then lightly shook out a badger brush, that had been soaking in hot water, and started swirling the brush on my face until a lather started. I occasionally dipped the brush in the water until I got a good lather. This soap takes a little more water than Arko, that is why I had struggled with it before. I'm starting to like the TSD soap a lot. I have three sticks with great smells.

 

That's a great looking straight razor! How is it treating you?

 

Bulova watches hold a special place in my heart. I have a 1961 (birth year) Bulova worn my Bride's dear uncle. I'll include it in an upcoming SOTD photo. Exhibition (crystal) case backs are often used to display decorated movements, and I love seeing them too. Post some photos of your timepieces when you can.

I think I've seen every watchmaking video on YouTube. I'm amazed at the skill and precision that's involved in disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling a mechanical watch movement. This is what's done when the movement is serviced. The Rolex Cal 3135 is a common mechanical "workhorse" movement, and this short video shows what's done at service.



OK, back to shaving and shenanigans!

 

Keith, congrats on a great shave. That's a gorgeous razor!

 

I would enjoy seeing them too!

 

Roger, that's a beautiful photo and a great set up!

 

It is giving me nice shaves. I'm learning to strop with it. So far I haven't injured myself which is good for a rookie

 

January 18

Gillette Flare Tip Super Speed (Z3)
Feather (2)
Kent BK8 silvertip badger
TSD unscented
Two passes
Alum, Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Small Batch Shave Tonic

I brought in one of my first badger brushes, the Kent BK8, for the remainder of this month's focus with the beloved Super Speed. I'm looking forward to Shave Den Monday. I hope you all have a great week!

 

Yes we have all sorts of cookies.

 

Thanks Charlie. I just line em up and shoot.....

 

Cool vid. I will put a Bulova in tomorrow's photo.

 

Day 17 - 90 Day Intro to SR
17 January 2016​

WD "Sight Unseen" 5/8
L'Occitane Plisson Synthetic
TSD Barber Shoppe Shave Stick
Alum
TSD 2x iced Florida Water AS Splash​

Seventeen days of SR. I may have arrived a little. After a couple of rough days, I have found the right angle on this blade! @mrchick is right, TSD smells great and can really hold some water! Nice slick lather. As @NCoxSTL noted several days ago, today was the first day that felt like shaving and not trying to avoid injury with a straight. Now, normally the 59 FB Danger model (@wristwatchb ), sits loaded and ready, but today I decided that it was SR or bust. I lathered my face, closed my eyes and took five meditative breaths, then opened my eyes, grasped the blade, and performed a precise WTG pass. Caught the tiniest nick on my ear from the blade tip, so small in fact I didn't even stop to do anything about it. Key differences between my two straights, the WD has more smile, and a pointier tip than the Aust. Two days ago I out a red line on my cheek in much the same way. Pass two has become something of a hybrid pass with ATG on the cheeks and jaw, XTG everywhere else. I feel like now that the really steep part of the learning curve has passed, though it's now clear that the last 5-7% to get automatic daily near BBS is easier said than done. It's been interesting, scary and exhilarating all at the same time. the daily routine is something I like. SR shaving is much more simple than DE. I find the lack of bathroom counter clutter very appealing as well. So far, my practice has been 25-30 laps on leather with the WD. It's seems to be working good. My Aust has arrived in the north of Idahio, where Glen (@gssixgun ) is gonna tune it up for me, so it'll be this razor until then. I am glad I tried both though, I learned a bit about how shape affects the way the blade should be presented to the skin. But anyhow, that's what's been up with me and straights for the past few days. Thanks for reading, I know some of the above contains more run-ons than a Faulkner novel, but I wanted to post a real update! Back in the freezer here near Denver. @Salty Belle is probably more satisfied with the NFL playoffs than me, and gets to enjoy sunny Arizona to boot! Epic playoff game between AZ and GB. That's why we watch! Other than that...all is quiet in Colorado.​

Have a Sterling Monday!
​

 

Shave Seven of my january focus.
Merkur 37C
Astra SP blades
Stirling shave soap
Omega 11047 mixed bristle brush

Another great shave. It's actually been about two and a half days since my last, and I have to confess a minor deviance from my stated focus; I'm pushing my Astra blade beyond my normal 4 shaves per blade. This whole focus idea is a real winner for me! I'm finding that I'm paying a lot more attention to my angle and the results are all good.

Still, I'm already planning february's first shave!