January 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

Just an FYI...

@NCoxSTL wrote me. Neil has been hospitalized since Saturday with an illness, but should be home late today. He says he's good, but prayers of comfort and healing never hurt.

 

Kerry,

Does the Semogue split at the tips like an Omega does?

 

Oh yeah. If you think an Omega is good (and I do) you'll love a Semogue, pretty much soft out of the box.

 

Thank you Chris for the info and update. Prayers for Neil.

 

I am doing no buy for me, but always want to know about the higher quality options. The NB16 knocks me out off the market, but your post made me change something...will use the 48 today for fun.

 

The only problem I have is I don't stick with one natural hair brush long enough for it to really reach its potential, I could see myself using the 830 for a month straight to really get it right.

 

Prayer lamp is lit for Neil. Thanks for the heads up Chris.

 

I've been on Plisson forever now.

 

Razor: Gillette Black Handle Flare Tip (P1) 1970
Blade: Feather Hi Stainless (1)
Brush: Ever-Ready 100T 1950's Boar
Soap: Route 66 Bourbon Jungle
A:S Fine Platinum
Excellent 3 pass shave today. This is not a very aggressive razor, but performs very well when the right angles are used.

 

Yesterdays shave went very well. Williams lathered up into a creamy yogurt like lather in no time with the Semogue 1438. The Our leader straight pulled a bit on the toughest hair in M goatee area so Ill take it back to a pasted strop before I use it again. I'm not sure I like the hollower design, it seems like I have to pay way more attention for less of a shave and some redness. I ended up with a near bbs in 2 1/2 passes with redness and irritation around the corners of my mouth. Don't know if I need a shave today.

 

Throughout this January focus, I have been using Voskhod blades and getting to know them better. I really enjoy them for daily shaving because they are pretty sharp but very smooth. I usually use Personna Lab Blues, however I actually prefer Voskhod's for daily shaving. The Personna's are slightly sharper, and therefore not quite as smooth (still incredibly smooth overall). Voskhods are not as sharp, but for daily shaves work fantastically. They are super smooth. I have been mainly pairing them with my Merkur 1906 razor and it works well. I'm glad I got a 100 pack. They are also a few bucks cheaper than Lab Blues. Overall very happy with the January focus!

 

Nothing wrong with the Plisson. Use the 48 for a month you'll be pleasantly surprised how soft it'll get.

 

Sorry to hear that. I am definitely praying for his recovery.

 

January 22

Gillette Flare Tip Super Speed (Z3)
Feather (3)
Kent BK8 silvertip badger
Route 66 Lumberjack
Alum, Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Floid Vigoroso

I enjoy using this set up, but I'm about ready to move on. I've experimented quite a bit this month on my lower neck. I can tolerate ATG more than I thought. I can also use some careful blade buffing and j-hooking for even better results. I'm starting to try some Gillette slide strokes on my cheeks. I'm doing all this to get the best possible shave in two passes with minimal touch-ups.

I've switched up my soaps, creams, and aftershaves more than I usually do. I'm on a Floid Vigoroso kick this week. I detect powder and menthol notes in it, and it has decent longevity for an AS. I was a bit heavy-handed with Clubman earlier this week, and my Bride said that I smelled like gasoline. Live and learn, I say. Just be careful not to spontaneously combust.

My February focus will either include my Weber PH or my Mongoose. Hopefully, I'll receive my PRC straight razor soon. (I don't plan to shave my arms and legs with it like Adam is apparently doing. ) If so, I plan to use it on the weekends when I have more time.

We're expecting 4" of snow tonight, so winter has finally arrived. Stay warm, and have great shaves!

 

Let's see what she says about Clubman if you ease off some. I thought about doing more frequent switching of my aftershaves-you say "live and learn"; my lesson from this is to not get anything in bulk. I'm getting tired of my 16 oz. Clubman AS....perhaps from here on out, I'll just get 6's at CVS.

 

Hi Paul. I think you're right about the Clubman. When I apply it very lightly, my Bride tells me it's OK. I was in in a hurry the other morning, and I just applied too much. I also think you're right on the container sizes. Large containers last for a very long time, and it's nice to switch up more often. The smaller bottles pack easier for travel as well. Have a great evening, my friend.

 

Jan 22 Focus Shave 16

Today's razor is a Dovo Bismarck 2, on it's 3rd shave after being refreshed with a Shapton 12k followed by Dovo red/black paste.

This razor almost always gives me a nice shave and today was no exception. The smooth bad not as smooth as the last shaves from the razors finished with Shapton 16k. Even though the shave was not as smooth the alum produced no reaction, no irritation and just a slight hint when I applied the AS. Missed the BBS but a solid DFS. I think this razor needs to hit the pasted strops before it's next use.

Irritation A Closeness B+ Smoothness A- Keenness B+

LASS Topanga Fougère
M&F silver tip
Whitehead scuttle
Dove Bismark 2
PRC strop
Speick AS
L'Occitane Cade ASB
Guerlain Habit Rouge

 

Thank you for the update and I am wishing Neil a speedy recovery.

 

Jim, that's a great set up and a beautiful photo! You're one of my straight razor mentors. Shave on!

 

I really admire the quality of your photos. If you get a chance, please share photos of your light boxes. I'm curious to see how you have everything set up and to learn more about how you get such great photos.

I've used this light box, and I'm currently using a small section of a bookshelf to get some photos. I have much to learn, and I would appreciate any tips.