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

Exciting changes ahead. Best of luck.

 

Thank you!

 

You're spot on when it comes to the decade

They even had this guy as the 'face' of the product in the mid-70's;

 

Next month's focus will be deciding what SR's to cull.... then maybe one could go on tour.

 

It used to by my dream I would buy 40 acres in AZ and rescue a bunch of dogs. I would sit on the porch smoking, drinking and training the dogs. I did want to buy a couple cows and a hearing dog so at least one dog was working.

That was my plan until I moved to the big city.

I am sure you fulfil your dream and destiny.

 

When I get it set up, you can borrow my porch and my dogs as needed.

 

I am looking forward to it. I will bring my Dunhill pipe too.

 

Great picture!! Dad definitely has a better head of hair I can see where you got your good looks!

 

Very exciting. Best of luck and success with achieving your dream.

 

February 20

Weber Polished Head DE
Feather (2)
Kent BK4 silvertip badger
Route 66 Lumberjack
Alum, Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Pinaud Clubman

I skipped yesterday's shave, so I had two days of growth this morning. Every other day shaves were the norm this week. I'm not used to having so much to mow down, but it's very satisfying. WTG/ATG (north to south for me) on the first pass, XTG (right to left for me) on the second pass, and I'm flirting, dangerously of course, with BBS. I'm surprised how well the XTG second pass cleans everything up so nicely. The two things I like most about the Weber razor are the weight and the grippy handle.

I had a perfect lather, once again, with the Route 66 soap, and I decided to finish with Pinaud Clubman. For some reason, I like to use Clubman on Saturdays when I'm just knocking around here at home.

We are expecting 69 degrees and sunshine today, which is fantastic February weather here in my neck of the woods. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

 

Welcome home Chris. We missed you, and It's good to have you back.

Neal didn't act up too much while you were away. I'll rate his good behavior at 3 steins.

 

Congrats Keith! Your new PRC razor is a beauty.

 

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Soap: Savonniere du Moulin SS
Brush: Wolf Whiskers Spring Forth TGN Finest
Razor: AlumiGoose with Triad Aristocrat Ti
Blade: Kai Mild #3
Post: Barrister and Mann Night Music

 

Good luck with your plan.

 

Chris, that's a wonderful photo of you and your dad. I'm glad you both got to spend some time together.

I'm so happy for you and your Bride. My prayers are with you as you make this exciting life change.

So will you become a Kentucky or Tennessee fan?

 

02/20/2016
Cobra Classic
Feather Pro (6)
Olivewood with TGN Finest Fan
Chiseled Face Trade Winds
Witch Hazel
Captain’s Choice Bay Rum
Whipped Shea Butter


​

The morning shave routine was a nice relaxing start to a busy Saturday. With each use, I am becoming more comfortable with the the Cobra. Taking my time and going with a 2 pass shave, ATG & XTG, followed by some minor touch ups along my jaw line and chine ended with a BBS shave. I did get one weeper likely due to my over confidence. Overall a great if not fantastic shave. I finished off with a splash of CC Bay Rum with menthol added. I hope everyone has a great Saturday.

 

SOTD February 20, 2016
Focus day 20
Day 5 of open comb use and comparison

Prep: Warm shower
Blade: Personna lab blue (5)
Razor: Maggard MR1 handle with V2 open comb
Brush: Omega 10049 boar
Lather: Mitchell's Wool Fat
Post: Witch hazel splash spritzed with Fine American Blend, Nivea sensitive balm
WTG, partial XTG, touch-up

Good morning, TSD! Nice shave again this morning with MWF and the Maggard V2 open comb. I think I have gotten better and closer shaves with the open comb this past week than with the closed comb heads I've used. Perhaps it can be due to improving technique, or maybe just coincidence. In any case, the open comb has been enjoyable to use. I'm glad I tried it because the teeth look daunting! I will continue to use it even after this focus is finished just because of the comfort level and the seemingly easy use that has resulted in nice shaves. The V2 closed comb that I have was really comfortable to use also - quite mild, easy to shave with, etc. But I think I can get closer with the open comb. It's been an interesting comparison so far.

The Omega brush whipped up amazing MWF lather. I went with one full pass, a partial XTG pass followed by a little touch-up. I had enough lather left in the brush to go another three or four passes at least. I only loaded for maybe 15 seconds. It's just amazing stuff.

I hope you all have a great Saturday!

 

Week Three Update: Derby Extra
I have completed my third week of blade trial shaves using the Derby Extra blade. I evaluate these blades in terms of sharpness and smoothness. I also tend to evaluate any blade in comparison to the Astra SP, since I am so familiar with this blade. I won't evaluate these blades in terms of cost, because as far as I am concerned they are roughly in the same ballpark, i.e. pennies per blade. In the grand scheme of things...very inexpensive.

My assessment: I like this blade…a true gem among blades! But as you will read, it has limitations. My first day with the Derby I found it a bit edgy, but nothing more than I would have expected first day with any new blade. I managed to pick up three micro-weepers on my first shave. In this instance I blame the archer, not the arrow. By the second shave and for the next 4 shaves the blade was smooth, sharp and very pleasant. I used the blade for 7 days as part of my trial but I would not recommend using it beyond 5 days. After the 5th day I could detect problems with sharpness.

Sharpness: 6/10
Smoothness: 8/10
Comparison to Astra SP in terms of overall performance and comfort: Very similar in terms of sharpness (at its peak) but one notch smoother than the Astra. The problem with this blade is it lacks staying power. I can easily get 7 sharp and smooth shaves with an Astra SP. This is why I give the Derby a 6 for sharpness. If someone is satisfied changing their blades every 3, 4 or 5 days then this is a wonderful blade. I do, however, like the Derby Extra and I will keep some in my stock to use once in a while. Based on this trial, however, it will not be crowned "King of the Blades."

This coming week I load up the Heavy Tech with a Gillette Silver Blue blade. I am anxious to give this one a try. I have read many good things about this blade. I consider it a serious contender for the Crown and I haven’t even loaded it in my razor yet! I will report again next week after my 7 days!

 

Chris, my wife and I have had similar thoughts in our life. I am excited for you and praying it all works out!

Great picture of you and your dad, BTW. I can definitely see the resemblance.

 

SOTD
February 20, 2016
Prep: Hot Shower. Noxzema
Razor: Blackland Blackbird
Blade: Voskhod
Lather: Mitchell's Wool Fat
Brush: RazoRock Natural Boar 26x64mm
Post: Thayers Cucumber WH. Gold Bond Ultimate
Aftershave: Pitralon Pure
Sweet shave. This RR boar is a lather monster! It whipped up a pile of MWF in no time. The Blackbird just gets it done with ease.
Never let the things you WANT
Make you forget the things you HAVE!