April 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix&Discussion Thread

I'm in.

 

ArkoApril in Russia!

April 18


Razor - 1959 Gillette Super Speed
Blade - (1)
Brush - Wolf Whiskers Custom Silvertip
Soap - Arko
Post - Cold water rinse, Alum, The Veg

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It is most glorious day in Russian shave den. The most decadent Voskhod is in the razor and the crowd is on the square saluting most glorious blade. It brings tears to my eyes and a few vodka toasts to such a testament to such luxury.

Wolf Whiskers to the front of the line for lather with Arko today. This brush has never failed to turn the soap into lather in record time and record amounts. Unfortunately, it also feeds my BAD thinking of ordering another one. Shake it off, there's a shave to be done. First pass and man oh man I've missed this. I'll be honest, I was a bit nervous after how well the Rapira SS performed. Thought the Voskhod might have to share first place or take second but no, it still is the smoothest. The only reason I knew there was a blade in was the sound. The feedback was incredible and the effectiveness top notch. Second pass XTG and I was so near the baby I could smell its diaper. Did a full third pass......because I wasn't done yet and wanted to play.....and the baby showed up and brought a friend. Fantastic feel and finish. A big sigh of relief that, barring a disaster, the mighty Voskhod will remain in the lead.

Good news on the Russian travel front - I got the guys headed further East to make it out through Siberia. Booked them into a luxury Siberian resort last night. It only cost a couple of rubles which was an amazing price for all of the luxuries they advertised for it. If you're looking to vacation in Siberia you might want to check it out!

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Gold Dollar 208
Razorock 2 Band 24mm Finest Badger
Razorock Santa Maria Del Fiore Firenze Shaving Soap
Maggard Alum Block
Fine American Blend AS Splash


What an amazing shave I had today! Used my new brush and soap and oh man am I in love! The SMDF lathered up so easily that just a pea sized amount made enough lather for a 6 pass shave. Did 3 passes today (WTG,XTG,ATG) and I am BBS. This brush and soap are both killer products and I recommend them both!

 

Razor: Gillette Gold Tech 1940's
Blade: Derby Extra (2)
Brush: WDC-7 Olivewood Silvertip
Soap: Route 66 Frozen Margarita
A/S: Booster Iced Lime
Bowl: 3D printed

I still have work to do with this razor. I'm not getting the angle correct just yet.
The Route 66 Frozen Margarita has juicy notes of Mexican lime and sea salt, light hints of plum, berries and apple over mid notes of rose and jasmine; anchored with earthy, freshly cut hay, topped with a dash of cooling menthol. Long lasting, slick lather. It also has a protective cushion and glide soothing post shave conditioning. Works well with any of my brushes.

 

New dispatch from the Motherland today. Shipping was record time once it hit the Russian Post. Five days total from the time it exported to the notice being in my mailbox. Apparently the Cartel has express shipping privileges now.
This arrived barely in time for me to avoid running out of blades. I was down to only 1040!!!!! Too close for comfort!

 

Great picture Mark.

 

Excellent black & white.

 

Awesome! I've tried all of those except Sputnik and Ladas, though I have some Sputniks in the wings and will get one out soon. Great haul!

 

They do have females in Russia correct?

 

Nice stuff!

 

SOTD
Menthol Monday, April 18, 2016
The One Blade
Feather FHS-10 #2
Druida Robo
Route 66 Frozen Margarita
Witch Hazel, Whipped Shea Butter, Chilled Proraso Aftershave


Today's shave was outstanding. Changed blades after the first pass since the Feather started to tug. Used a GEM SS Coated blade for the second pass. Two passes + clean up = BBS all over. Another close, comfortable, and efficient shave. The One Blade makes repeated J Hooks, Slide Strokes, and Buffing easy, with never a cut.
The Robo I had no problem delivering a super lather today. Route 66 Soaps are easy to lather, have great lubrication, with good skin care, and smell really great. Frozen Margarita has a pleasant scent and a nice icy chill, perfect for MM. Finished off with some chilled Proraso Aftershave. Have a Marvelous Monday all!

 

Excellent photo.

 

Why yes, yes they do.

 

Ladas are one of the best. A number of members here use and like it. I consider Sputnik the "poor man's Voskhod". It's a Teflon blade and works well, just not quite as well as the big "V" for me. Or the GSB. Still a pretty good blade.

 

30 Day Focus
My 30 Day focus continues...still working with my Cella! Fortunately this is a wonderful soap to spend some serious time with. I am on my "use it until its empty" approach to my soap/cream herd/hoard and Cella makes that an easy road to travel.
Interesting side-bar...I am using all my brushes and this is a great way to learn about a soap. I am learning how each brush works with this soap and the correct amount of water to bring the lather to life!

 

I like it. I haven't tried Cella but using all your brushes on that one soap is a great way to figure things out as you said. I've learned the hard way this month that getting the water right between a horse and everything else is a bit tricky, even with Arko. You have me wanting some Cella now!

 

Cella rocks. If you really like it you can even buy a 1kg brick of the stuff.

 

Thanks Doug. Have a great day!