January 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

I added a real update

 

Pushing the Astra in the name of science, perhaps? Why not? You're not changing gear!

I am very glad to read that you are benefitting from focusing on the technique.

 

So many barristers running around this thread, you knew eventually I'd learn a new trick or three....

 

Mine said I was a triple threat...I could slip, stumble and fumble, sometimes all in the same play!

 

I am kind of putting DE aside for a bit. However, seeing you post about Blackbird, I know the opinions mean something, because I've read so much of your razor posts. A reccomendation from you deserves an automatic spot on my "good item to consider" list! Purchasing another DE would only make sense if I decide to upgrade to stainless, and Blackbird is topping that category at the present time.

 

Charlie,

Have you tried Gillette blades in the SS? For science?

 

Also @clint64

Shave "longevity", for lack of better descriptor, has become one of three main criteria.

1. Longevity
2. Irritation, or lack thereof, in terms of skinfeel.
3. Irritation, or lack thereof, in terms of visual appearance.

 

In the summer, I become less slow than in winter!

 

Is that razor markedly different in performance compared to a sixties era Slim Adjustable?

 

January 17 - shave 5 of the month
Blade: Wade and Butcher 5/8 square point
Brush: Wsp silver tip
Soap: Strling Apple cider soap
Prep/preshave: hot shower, Stirling Preshave soap, Stirling Mentha Preshave oil
DE: ikon slant
Post: cold water, alum, Stirling apple cider post shave balm
Strop: @Drygulch

I'm in love with this blade. After 5 shaves with it, it's easily become one of the best shavers in my collection. N/s and e/W with w and b for first two passes. The third was ATG with th ikon for a clean up. I credit @Drygulch Strop for epic blade prep.
Cheers,
Eric

 

Not even for fun!

 

Straights Focus January 18:

Homemade PS Oil
Stirling Synthetic Brush
Stirling Cool SS
Frederick's Celebrated Razor
Stirling Unscented PSB -- Mentholated
Barbasol Pacific Rush AS

A nice, simple one pass shave with a little clean up this morning. I was amazed at how smooth my face was after my first pass. It wasn't quite DFS level but close. My jaw line was a little rough, so I did a little extra work there. Overall I would rate this as a CCS with an extra emphasis on the Comfortable part. Of my three straight razors, this is my favorite.

Off to tackle Monday, and I hope everyone has a good day.

 

In my opinion it is very different than a 60's Slim Adjustable. I am not a big fan of the Slim Adjustable. The Black Beauty feels much better in my hand IMO. I'll have to weigh them and see if there is a difference.
The Slim Adjustable weighs 70.7 grams. The Black Beauty weighs 69.4 grams. The Black Beauty is slightly longer than the Slim Adjustable. So there isn't much difference between the two razors, however, I prefer the Black Beauty over the Slim Adjustable.
Good question, thanks for asking.

 

01/18/2016
Razor – Cobra Classic
Blade – Kai Mild (3)
Brush – Rubberset 400 #3 with WSP HMW
Lather – Route 66 Lumberjack
Post - Witch Hazel followed by Fine Platinum



A very good shave this morning. The Route 66 soap is a real winner being very easy to lather and providing very good post shave feel. If you have not tried it, you should consider adding it to your soap rotation. I just went with a normal 3 pass shave with minor touch ups ending in a near BBS. Not paying attention, I ended up nicking myself. Even with a Kai Mild blade the Cobra can and will bite if you fail to pay attention. Finished up with a splash of Fine Platinum. I hope everyone has a great Monday.

 

SOTD
January 18, 2016
Prep: Hot Shower. Axe Energizing Face Wash Boost
Razor: Gillette Milord
Blade: Personna Lab Blue
Lather: MWF
Brush: RazoRock Plissoft
Post: Thayers Cucumber WH. Gold Bond Ultimate
Aftershave: Royall Vetiver
Great shave. Since I started to only do one pass WTG on my neck, multiple passes ATG my shaves have been awesome!! I've had zero issues on my hot spots (lower neck) and no irritation what so ever. If it's not working change things up.
The Gillette Milord is a razor you should consider if you don't have one, very nice shaver. I'll be using my Mongoose for the next few days, I haven't used it in a while.
Never let the things you WANT
Make you forget the things you HAVE!

 

Excellent picture @clint64. Good looking combination of excellent products. Route 66 Lumberjack and your good looking brush can't help but provide a good start to a shave. Fine Platinum is an outstanding finish. Have a good Monday. hope you commute goes well.

 

Morning @RaZorBurn123. What year is your Milord? I have a puck of the Wool Fat shave soap which I haven't tried yet. What is your opinion of this soap?

 

1/18/16
The Blackbird continues to impress me with its efficiency and smoothness. 2 simple top to bottom passes and near BBS again. The Astra SP blade isn't quite as smooth in this razor, but still does a fine job. Shave 5 on this blade and it shows no signs of slowing down at all.

Prep: warm wash with bath bar
Lather: The Soap Exchange tallow
Brush: TGN finest
Razor: Blackland Blackbird
Blade: Astra SP (5)
Post: Ogallala Bay Rum
Smelly stuff - John Varvatos cologne

 

Very clean picture. Both the razor and brush look to be good performers.

 

I played baseball. My coach said "You run like a tank!". I didn't tell him I was built for comfort, not for speed.