January 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

You could also put a drop or two of mineral oil down the handle and let it sit for a while.

 

I suspect this is the case, as I don't have much left third pass. I tried to load it more today, and it helped. I planned to play around tomorrow when I have extra time. Thanks!

 

I now feel all my photos are somehow inadequate. Do I have light box envy? Nice setup.

 

JR, follow Kerry's advise and you'll be making great lather in a short while. One additional suggestion, start with well shaken brush and add water slowly.

 

It was the glue holding the door back, it's smooth as silk. I have used mineral oil on a number of razors, don't tell anyone but sometimes when my OCD kicks in I'll oil up all of my razors.

 

Welcome to the 30 day thread! You have already gotten some good advice here, but one thing that helped me a bunch. Don't chase the BBS. Focus on two or three passes, using your technique to get the best shave possible. Unlike cartridges, don't go over the same place unless you have re-lathered. You will have a much better gauge of your technique and what you need to work on this way, and the baby will show up when you aren't expecting it. I don't even try for BBS anymore, specifically on my neck. DFS with minimal irritation is my target, when I get a BBS its a good thing.

My lather was always too dry when I started. I did some practice lathers in a bowl. I would start to build the lather, than dip just the tips of the brush in water cupped in my hand, and go back to working the lather. Keep doing this until you add so much water the lather collapses. It will give you a great idea of how much water the lather can hold. Like Kerry mentioned, load the brush more than you think you need, then work the lather like it owes you money.

 

That sounds like a plan, I'm probably not adding enough water either.

I know I shouldn't chase the BBS, still new and excited I guess. Discipline grasshopper.

 

I bought it for my wife so she could take photos for her Etsy sight. Little did she know I would use it as much or more than she does.

 

Friday, January 22

Prep: shower
Lather: The Soap Exchange tallow
Brush: Vie-Long 13061M
Razor: Blackland Blackbird
Blade: Persona (5)
Post: Ogallala bay rum

I've not used my horse brush lately. I'd forgotten how much I like it. It was my first "nice" brush and it never lets me down. I soaked it while I showered so it was nice and soft when I face lathered. A @Bobcat 20 second load was sufficient for a slick and shiny 2 pass shave. The results are near BBS again...

 

Stunning photo. I really like the brush. It might be my favorite of the brushes you have posted. I might need to get Druida's info to order one next year as a reward for NB 2016.

 

Troy, your photos of the BB razor could be used as in a product catalog.

 

Thanks Clint. I just have an iphone 5s and use Aviary for a little post processing. I'm no pro and have a pretty weak eye for composition...But I sure get a nice shave every day!

 

I basically do the same thing. I use my iphone 6 and Aviary as well. The other app I use is PhotoToaster on the phone.

Since you received the Blackbird your photos have been one hit after the next.

 

Thank you!

 

I've been bugged by OCD for years...a nuisance of an anxiety issue

 

Great picture! The chrome and aluminum looks great against the colors of the background.

 

That blackbird is photogenic!

 

Clint, thanks for sharing! Nice and compact, and it works well!

 

Focus - Soaps
I am learning so much about soaps this month. I had been using creams because I wasn't using the right amount of water with soaps. I was always getting poor performance. Now that I'm figuring out the water to soap ratios I'm getting great performance. I just might become a soap guy Very nice two pass BBS today. I did have a small weeper on my neck, it has been a while since I've seen one of those.
SOTD
The Drunken Goat
Rubberset 400
Stahly/Weber Bulldog handle
GSB (2)
Alum
Ogallala Bay Rum AS

Happy Friday!

 

I have the same light box, for my Etsy store. I don't keep it set up due to pets and kids, but I should take it out at some point and try for a good photo. I use a pair of clamp on lights with Daylight bulbs instead of the little LED ones that came with the light box.