March 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Then a few years in you are giving it away, scooping by the tablespoon into salad bowls to make lather, and and buying ridiculous cartoon sized Kent brushes to load more soap.

 

First time with this razor and got a very nice shave. I like it
Stubble Trubble Pirate Cowboy Soap
B-400 Brush by Tom
Joh. Engstrom Frame Back Razor
Lucky Tiger
Ogallala Bay Rum, Sage & Cedar AS
Have fun!

 

From that picture Charlie, you can almost see how dense that knot is. Tens of thousands of hairs. So cool.

 

Makes me wonder if you can have much blade exposure without any flex. Not stiff enough? Just thinking out loud.

 

Thank you.

 

I would like to see it. This might sound stupid, but unless somebody else started making a new blade for it, I would be out.

I just never felt like I was shaving with a really sharp blade when I used the old SEs. I know a lot of it is perception too, but the one test for me is ATG on my lower neck. The hair grows straight flat to the north. With a really sharp blade and some care, I can go ATG with no irritation or weepers, with any razor. I never once, not one time was able to shave comfortably there with a Gem style.

 

I can only use the coated Gem blades. I can get excellent shaves that rival even my Cobra from the Gem razors. I would like to see a piece that held the blade more rigid. I would consider buying one if he makes it in the Aluminum line and drops the price.

 

Thank you, Jim.

 

March 9 - Day 5 of 34C/Astra

Today I again used The Phoenix brush but was more successful. I did not soak the brush the entire duration of the shower. Instead, I opted to wet it just before starting my shave routine. I ran it under water and shook it out well squeezing out as much as I could. It was damp but not soaking wet and had nothing to yield. I used Stirling Piacenza today. I do like this scent and it falls right up there with the other popular cologne scents (not that it is one). It is just pleasant to me. Worked the puck to the same amount as I always do and started dribbling in water, little at a time. Once I got the soap on the brush dissolved into a consistency like slightly watered down white glue, the lather started up nicely. Each addition increased volume of lather until I had a nicely blooming brush full of lather and the bowl containing extra.

I wasn't ready to give up on the Fendrihan Scientist razor. I wanted to verify that the blade was indeed done. I lathered up and , DAMN! I forgot my PSO!!! OK, today would be a comparison of what it is like for me to not use PSO. I lathered up and worked the soap on my face well. The Scientist was chosen and it was louder and pulled more than the day before. I was able to finish my entire side of the face WTG including upper lip and chin but the blade was singing its desire to quit. I put it out of its misery depositing in the blade repository and finished today with the Merkur 34C. Immediately it was obvious how light the 34C is compared to the Scientist. Weight might help in shaving but I think my level ends no higher than the Scientist. The 34C is more appreciated in weight. Since the Scientist is more aggressive, I found myself continuing the soft gentle strokes I used now with the 34C. I continued a XTG pass without PSO. Even the 34C with a Astra SP now on its 5th shave seemed louder and not cutting as well as before.

I decided to apply PSO just before the ATG. Oddly, the blade acted as if it sprang back to life. It cut much better with the PSO than without. I also felt less skin friction than before. For me, PSO helps it seems. It might even aid in blade life. After all 3 passes WTG, XTG and ATG (with PSO) needed a little more touch up but BBS was achieved. Alum was again biting but calmed down quickly. TWH was quiet. Nivea S-PSB finished an excellent shave. No blood from either shaver and a super close result. there was enough lather left after the 3 passes and touch ups to fully cover my face and neck with a 4th lathering and there was still more in the brush. I think my issue with the brush is largely too much water retention. The amount of soap being grabbed is perfect for my shaving requirements.

I am surprised that the Astra SP will be meeting the longevity of the Voskhod blade. I also think the Astra are a bit more smooth. Will need to see if a Voskhod goes back in to verify technique isn't to blame for these slight differences. If I had to buy a bulk pack, either would be candidates and I would be happy. Both appear to be nice and sharp, smooth with excellent longevity. But of course, there are still some heavy hitters to come.

 

Thank you Charlie. The Flat Top is a beast for sure. It is up for next weeks soap destroying duty.

 

Piacenza is actually based on Acqua Di Parma Colonia, so it is indeed a cologne scent. And if you were wondering it is the same scent as RazoRock XXX and Fine Italian Citrus.

 

Great news that the lathering is working out better. I know it is unsolicited advise but I would suggest you just go 3 shaves and out on blades until you are rock solid and dialed in with the your technique. Then you'll know for certain how long a blade can last in each razor.

 

I would but on the 4th pass of the Astra SP and Voskhod, I felt no difference in the blade. I mean nothing at all. Still smooth as day 1. Otherwise I agree with you.

 

Sounds like the Scientist is going to work out for you. If you want to see how it would do with a lighter handle, you might try seeing if you can switch handles between the Scientist and the 34C. There's a good chance they will be threaded the same and can interchange.

 

Razor: AlumiGoose V1
Blade: Kai Titan Mild (11)
Brush: H.L. Thater Funf TSN LE Butterscotch Beehive 2 Band 5th Anniversary
Soap: Captain's Choice Bay Rum
Aftershave: Captain's Choice Bay Rum

Very good 3 passes with a minor cleanup for a near BBS.

 

Again with Kung Fu?

 

Friday's shave is same as today's, except with the WSP Pure Badger. Speaking of WSP, Lee may be hearing from me as part of my "Springfest Purchase Package", to celebrate my big Six-OH.

 

I will probably regret asking this question.... Mark how does the razor shave?

 

Anyone want to start a board on how soon one of these shows up in a South Korean SOTD? Dollar a number. I have 17 days.

 

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