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

That about sums it up. Especially the parents part. My dad loves to save all of his electronic projects up for me to do when we visit. He still likes to remind me of the time, when I was still in school, and couldn't fix his fluorescent light (his blast was bad, and we couldn't get one that weekend). Over 20 years ago, and I hear it every time I visit him and he has some project for me.

 

Monday and Friday Shave report
I'm in the middle of moving and have sent three of my straights off to Camp Gemstarcustoms for some needed revamping. One is getting a new pair of shoes (scales) the the wade and badge and complete restoration while the big boy is getting a little pampering.

I'm left with a late (Monday) TSDS Sunday (wheat cream - vanilla burdon) and Friday afternoon of DR Harris cream and one straight.

Monday's shave a uneventful. Still finding the water cream ration on TSD cream. I love the scent so I'm able to overlook the too much agua issue I'm having. No nicks or cuts which is a bonus! 3 passes - WTG, XTG, and ATG with Merkur progress level 5.

Friday's shave - same hardware and software setup with one small change of cream.
Pre: Stirling preshave soap, hot shower
Blade: Gemstarcustom 5/8 square point Sheffield
Cream: DR Harris Windsor
Post: Alum, Cold Water, TSD Milk - vanilla burdon, Stirling Post shave blam (unscented) and a smile

I have to say that DR Harris is the finest cream I've come across. Easy to build a fluffy protective lather while face lathering. Scent is mild and is frankly and joy to shave with. Too bad my samples are almost out. I guess I'm going to have to drop a few bucks on stocking the creamery on the DR Harris line up - no rush since I have plenty of creams to get through including a bunch of TOBS and AoS which are also pretty nice as well. DOWN RAD DOWN! Good dog.

 

What timing @wristwatchb I just got home and found this in the mail. It's a Valentines gift from my lovely wife

 

well the shave is done. The feather drew some blood. I had a small cut at the left corner of my mouth and enough weepers to make me look like an extra in a red death movie. I also have a completely stubble free face. BBS if it hadn't been for the blood. I subbed out the Axe Shield for the milder Nivea Sensitive balm and then I splashed on some pinaud citrus musk just to teach myself a lesson in pain. The shorter blade works for the ears to chin pass I need to get ATG on my neck but the shavette and especially the day one feather blade were harsh and unforgiving. With a real shorty straight I think I could do this blood free. After the fires of hell subsided from my face I noticed that other then the weepers and scratch I didn't have any redness. My face boggles me.

 

Feb 18 Focus Shave 14

A new razor in the house. My favourite SR so far is my Portland Razor Co. Western grind kamisori. Last October I order a custom 7/8 Damascus round point from PRC. They are good about communication but it takes time. After a wait they contacted me and told me that the razor they made for me was 6/8 and did I want to the razor or should they restart the process and make a 7/8. I decided to wait and have they start again and make a 7/8 razor. They were very cooperative during the process.

Yesterday I came home and found the package from PRC. I knew it was coming but it takes time to make the journey across the Pacific. I am thrilled with both the look and the shave.

One of the positive characteristics about my PRC kamisori is that it takes a great edge. Fresh from PRC this razor had a fantastic edge, very smooth and very sharp. I decided to go for it, it's Saturday, I have time, hot lather so I went for epic shave.

No blood, no irritation, the alum test gave zero feedback.... so an epic shave is possible. Faceturbation test..... yes BBS. This is my best SR shave to date, getting very close to my goal which is to equal the shave I get with my 2011 R41... almost there.

Irritation A+ Closeness A Smoothness A+ Keenness A+

QCS Fougère
Simpson Polo 8 Super silver tip
Woodhead scuttle
PRC Damascus 7/8 horn scales
pre-stropped
Lucky Tiger AS
L'Occitane Cade ASB
Houbigant Fougère Royal

 

Awesome!

 

That is a fantastic looking razor. I'm very glad its everything you say it is.

 

I posted some different pics in the straight razor of the day thread. I am very happy how the razor turned out, worth the 4 months wait.

 

The moustache is really coming along nicely.

 

The correct statement is 'Hey y'all watch this.'

 

PRC looks like they make nice razors. I remember when you got the Kamisori, and I checked them out then. The way you talk about them, I will need to add them to "Future Purchase" list (which oddly enough never seems to get smaller).

 

February Focus - German blades

February 19

Razor - Schick Krona

Blade - (1)
Brush - Vie-Long 10601 The Pony
Soap - Tabac
Post - Cold rinse, Alum, The Veg

Final German blade of the month. It's the Schick Premium and I'm pairing it with the vintage Schick Krona razor. Let's see what an all Schick setup can do. This blade is coated with Chrome, Ceramic and Krytox. What, you ask, is Krytox? Well one definition states "Krytox oils are fluorocarbonether polymers of polyhexafluoropropylene oxide". Helpful, right? Essentially it's a non-soluble lubricant, basically liquid PTFE or teflon. Now that is promising, since I'm a fan of teflon coatings on blades.

Lather today is brought to you by the Pony and Tabac. The brush is Spanish but the soap at least is German as well. So, off we go.

First pass was very smooth and comfortable. The Krona is a mild razor so I expected a pretty smooth feel as long as the blade will allow it. And, it definitely did. The result of the first pass wasn't bad at all. Second pass produced a nice CCS and the third pass including G-slides got to a near BBS. Not quite but close. And, all three passes were extremely smooth and comfortable. Rinsed with cold water and hit the alum and had no burn or sting. Very, very nice. This combination of blade and razor work very well together. I'm interested to see if I can find the baby tomorrow by slowing down a bit and buffing a bit in some areas. Should be another great shave! As for today, just a half stein reduction for the missed baby. 4.5 isn't a bad start at all.

​

 

That's a beauty of a razor!

 

How do you like the larger blade?

 

I like larger heavier blades. When I first started it didn't really make a difference to me until I tried my first 7/8 with a 1/4 grind then my preference developed quickly. My preferred size is now 7/8 with a heavier grind. I haven't tried a 7/8 yet....

I have stopped using 5/8 blades, I find them to small and light making them hard to control. I also end up using to much pressure with the small blades but with a heavy blade I just let the weight do the work.

 

Hit me up if any of your larger heavier blades want to go to Camp Seabs for a week or two!

 

(I am probably leaving more than a couple out there, apologies! If you're not quoted, it's my oversight, no slight intended.)

Thanks guys!!!

Had a super busy Friday that kept me working until late. Our trip was a success, we spent time with my parents and siblings in Alabama, then a couple of days in Murray, KY visiting my greatest friend George. I delivered @Jayaruh 22 to my Dad, pictured below. He really liked the Plisson knot, and really thought it was cool that Jim turned that handle himself. I am the one labeled "Samurai", for clarity.




Mrs. Samurai and I are looking to do a total life change. We are looking for some acreage and/or a small family farm in the border area of Western KY and TN. After much prayerful consideration and thought, the time had come to simplify, and hopefully start the process to become a full time hog and tobacco farmer...stay tuned. The pictures I posted earlier in the thread were in the area where we'd like to end up. It's a leap of faith, but we're very excited.

Thanks for the warm welcome back, I shall return to all things razor asap!

 

Very cool razor, very 70s looking!

 

Day 50 - 90 Day Intro to SR
19 February 2016



Ralf Aust 5/8
L'Occitane Plisson Synthetic
Route 66 - Lumberjack
Alum
Pinaud Clubman


Have a wonderful weekend!
​