February 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

1. For me, that depends on which area. For cheeks, I tend to use longer strokes because the hair there grows in the same direction and I can keep angle consistent. Lip, chin, jaw-line get shorter strokes to adjust to angle change and smaller real estate. Neck gets shorter strokes because of varying growth patterns. I get better results that way.

2. Blades matter. Technique matters more. Angle, pressure and direction are the 3 biggest factors as I see it.

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It's the Russian word for Feather.

 

Would you say the Merkur Plats to be less smooth but sharper than the Wilkie Classics?
Being a newbie, I cannot say yet but if I had to make a first newbie guess, I think, at the moment, the Merkur are sharper but the WC are sharp enough for a good( but not great) shave for me but much smoother. I have 3 days on the WC and they almost feel better than new. The Merkur was showing signs of use at this point.


Thanks Linuxguile and Andrew

 

I agree Andrew. Not putting too much is the big key. Also I dip the end of the shave stick in warm water periodically as I apply the soap to my face. I started using shave sticks with Mystic Water since I found it easier to get them to lather.

 

I honestly have never used the Merkur blade. I can tell you that my impression of the Sword was that it was higher on the sharpness scale and lower on the smoothness scale. Since you have no other point of reference Its hard to compare with other blades for you. When are you expecting your sampler ? And are you in the US ?

 

If you got a glossy lather that held up during your shave, you have a good baseline to work from, and now everything is just variations on a theme.

I think the rest is likely technique; being only a week in, it sounds as if you are doing great. One of the hardest parts is to not chase that perfect shave too hard at first. If your goal is comfortable, the rest will eventually fall into place.

It is very hard to offer advice about length of stroke, as there are so many variables. How thick is your beard, how fast does your razor clog up, how slick did your lather turn out today, how aggressive is your razor, on and on... Again, go with what feels comfortable. Just be careful of too short. This can lead to working the same spot over and over (buffing), which can lead to irritated skin.

Good job. You get a unicorn.

 

Thank you Charlie. The lower back is really in pretty good shape considering everything. I've been having issues since last May with my neck and throat. After countless tests it turns out to be a muscle issue in my upper back in neck. The muscles just tighten up to the point it is difficult to breath. I started working with a new Dr/Physical Therapist that specializes in the difficult cases. The treatment yesterday was helpful so I am hopeful that over the coming month I will see some real improvement.

 

Congratulations! I see you're doing it all wrong also!

 

You've suffered a long time, Clint. The good news, I suppose, is that it's a muscle issue and not something more serious. I'm praying for your healing and relief.

 

You'll fit in well here, Paul.

 

Story of my life!

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I have heard. It will be my own little Technique Trumps Tools test.

 

Length of stroke won't make a huge difference. I use both short strokes and long, depending on how it's working. Using short strokes more often does tend to raise the risk of irritation, but if you keep the pressure off/light it shouldn't be a problem as you go along. It's all technique, my friend. Well, not all, but 99%. That Wilkinson blade is a nice sharp blade and it's all about learning how to wield it. Keep working on it. You're doing great! And at the end of 30 days you'll be amazed at the progress you will make.

 

I have found some soaps are temperamental on when the water is added. Mitchell's Wool Fat is one of these, if I add too much water too early, the lather breaks down and won't recover. Because of this, I usually like to start with a fairly dry brush if I am using a natural hair brush or even a completely dry Synthetic. Sounds like you are getting there with the lather, though.

I use short strokes, and I would keep focusing on your technique and angles. Maintaining the proper angle throughout your shave is key.

 

My sample pack should arrive by Monday or so they say. 'Sinsei' Chris (bama samurai) has been very kind to send me some Voskhod and GSB blades that should arrive soon. I am in NY.

Jared

I'm Italian so pretty thick. Wife won't let me grow one but I have refrained from shaving and had really good growth within a week. I am threatened with withholding certain 'privileges' if I grow one.
Razor doesn't seem to get clogged so far. I have been rinsing just about every stroke. Seems to make the razor glide nicely. Also I need to shave daily. Again Italian.
Since new to lathering, Hard to say. I think it feels slick but last two days it has been thin. I would say think of a lightweight oil feel as compared to a medium grease. Before, I was making my lather firm to the feel. It had real cushion but drier, low sheen but still had some. Now, I have more water thinner in feel and I think slipperier. In all cases, bubbles are very fine such that it is almost hard to say it was whipped.
Razor is a Merkur 34c HD so not aggressive. I wanted to get my technique down before pulling out the Fatboy and Slim.

 

well I had my eye on that Russian Leather A.S. and soap from TSD long before joining.

 

Rofl! You get a unicorn for that one.

 

Feb 7, 2016

'54 SS w Astra SP (3)
Stirling Baker Street sample
TGN Finest Fan with my own handle
Thayer's Unscented



Day 6 of the 40s SS Focus. Have used the Baker Street sample a couple of times now. Man, Stirling given nice, big samples! Lots of nice lather and a refreshing scent. This badger is nicely bloomed now as well. Decent 3 pass shave today. A little left on the neck, but I didn't go ATG on the neck so that is to be expected. DFS.
Have a great day all.

 

I was just throwing out variables that could change how you do things from day to day.

I am Italian and Portuguese mainly, so I hear you on the thick beard thing. Used to think it was a PITA, but now I kind of enjoy it.