February '16 - 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion Thread

Glad to see join in!

 

That is a puzzling question. That and if the blade is carbon/stainless/coated/not coated. However, I'm assuming stainless by the feel and performance as well as no rust apparent. And I've left it in a humid environment on purpose to test that.

 

I find myself not surprised at all at your choice of pain stick. Or the opportunity for me to injure myself twice. Hmmmmmm. Maybe tape both the Kai and Feather onto the blade of the Russian straight.....oh wait....that would only tend to improve its performance. Never mind.

 

I've used the Kai Guard and Mild as well as the Pro Guard and Mild from Feather. I just didn't pay a lot of attention to comparing them. I don't think I'd go back to the guards, just compare the Kai and Feather directly. Maybe even the regular Kai as well.

 

I have been inspired by Neal's recent posts (@NCoxSTL) about German blades. I'm going to try a Wilkinson Sword tomorrow and the next few days. I have Wilkinson Sword (India) blades as well as Wilkinson Sword blades from tryablade.com. I assume the German blades are in the white wrapper? The India blades also say Gillette on the wrappers.

 

SOTD February 9, 2016
Focus day 9

Prep: Warm shower
Blade: Wilkinson Sword (1)
Razor: Maggard MR1
Brush: Satin Tip 'The Purest' synthetic
Lather: Proraso Red
Post: Witch hazel splash, Nivea sensitive balm
WTG, touch-up

This was an easy, smooth, efficient CCS. Some thoughts:

Lather - First time with Proraso Red. It lathered up nicely similar to the White and Green varieties that I've used. Good protection and perhaps better slickness and post-shave feel than the other varieties. I enjoyed the scent as well.

Blade - First time using a Wilkinson Sword blade. Wow! It felt smooth and sharp. It worked quite well and contributed to only needing one pass with a tiny amount of touch-up. I am pleasantly surprised with the Wilkinson Sword blade! The 5 beer steins from @NCoxSTL are not an error; this blade seems to be the real deal.

Technique - My razor skills continue to improve. I had one small weeper yesterday but none today. Irritation is almost nonexistent. The path of cutting the hairs combined with light pressure is working well. Plus I stay committed to the one pass with touch-up approach for my weekday shaves. That has contributed to almost irritation-free shaves.

I'll use this combination again tomorrow and Thursday before changing it up. Hope you all have a great day!

 

The German ones I have just say Wilkinson Sword on them. No mention of Gillette. The Indian ones have a sticker saying India that Jason put on them. I think you'll love the German ones. I haven't tried the Indian ones but will at some point. If you do post up what you find!

 

Yes, that's what I thought. The Indian blades have a sticker on them. The German blades have a white wrapper that just says Wilkinson Sword. That is the blade I'll use tomorrow at least.

 

Feb 9 Focus Shave 6

Today's razor is Hart Steel 6/8 round point touched up on Shapton 12/16k followed by Dovo red/black paste.

The razor felt smooth and the shave went smoothly. I had to be careful where I cut myself 2 days ago but was able to avoid any further damage. Four uneventful passes expect for a small nick. Alum test gave only the faintest tickle, I thought I nailed the BBS but I fell just short.

Irritation A Closeness A- Smoothness A Keenness A-

QCS Fogére
Simpson Polo 12 super badger
Large Woodhead scuttle
Hart Steel 6/8 round point
Speick AS
L'Occitane Cade ASB
MDCI Invasion Barbare

 

Pain stick! Pain stick! Pain stick!

 

I thought it was a condom in anticipate of the side effects of a great shave.

 

The force is strong in you it is, it appears you a natural for the dark side. You making fast progress.

 

Another Dark Sith Lord is born. You are getting good!

 

I did a double take as well.

 

After Glen honed it, that Aust could shave the white off of rice!

 

Practice those skin stretches, they will be your main move pretty soon! Arko is in the building....

 

Another great friend advocating for my best interests........yeah, that's it.

 

Gorgeous Clint. Do I see you in that mirrored brush handle???

 

I had an Avon Beetle 45 years ago. My memory is actually triggering the scent. Nice.

 

Day 39 - 90 Day Intro to SR

8 February 2016



Whipped Dog "Sight Unseen" 5/8
L'Occitane Plisson Synthetic
Route 66 - Lumberjack
Alum
Osage Rub
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Today was surely the best yet! I am writing this 6hrs post-shave, and still feel nearly BBS, except for a bit on the jaw corners. Focused again on a replicable two pass pattern, lots of stretch and super wet lather. It paid off! @Drygulch made a comment on another thread about razor grip, and it caused me to go kamisori style in a couple of areas along the jaw and lower cheek, and it's been a big improvement. Also really trying to get familiar with the motions necessary to strop well, that's still a bit awkward, but improving each day. The biggest quantum leap today was lack of irritation. Zero alum feedback. I do believe that means I had a good day on angle and pressure. I heard a local ball team had a game yesterday. Other than that...all is quiet in Colorado!

Have a terrific Tuesday!
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