April 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Thank you Jason! It's been hot here lately. The Glacial and the Arctique put the brakes on the heat for awhile.

 

I missed most of the fun discussion yesterday. Here's my take on it:

1. I agree, every brand of blade is slightly different. This makes some work better for some people, because:
2. Everybody has a little different skin and hair properties. Some cut easier than others, some are very dense, some are not.
3. You are missing another variable: The razor makes a difference. Since blades in DEs are not held flat, they are curved. Each razor (or setting on an adjustable) creates a unique angle of the blade (in relation to the handle,) a unique blade gap, and a unique amount of tension on the curve of the blade.
4. How we use the razor makes a difference. (Technique.) The angle of the blade on the face is what is important. I don't look at the handle angle to the floor, I look at where it is on my skin. I find this by feel and sound, based on my experience. (We haven't even touched skin stretching or lather preparation.)
   
5. Experience is what allows me to make minor adjustments to my technique, lather, angle, pressure, and direction of passes to optimize my shave based on the tools I am using. This to me is why I can get a good shave with just about any blade or razor combo. It’s not that any piece of equipment is better per say, but that I am able to identify what adjustments are needed to maximize the performance. That's why I won't give anyone an answer on what blade is better. I know what my preferences are, but not everyone agrees.

I will also mention one perfectly functional razor I could not dial in was the Weishi razor. The range of angle is limited to a very narrow range on that razor, and I couldn't get the angle to my sweet spot that cuts cleanly with little irritation. I normally shave at a very shallow angle, (blade to face) and not all of the mild DE razors are engineered to allow me to do that. This is part of what moved me to injectors, an open comb razor with the comb removed, shavette (with and without bumps,) and straights. Safety razors are engineered to remove some of the variables in shaving. I personally enjoy the variables, and the skill of adjusting my technique to overcome them.

In conclusion: Driving a Studebaker, shooting a 911 with a Glock for back up, shaving with a straight, while listening to the Star Wars soundtrack. YMMV.

 

St. Louis is actually pretty cool with a lot of neat history.

- Voltron was born here. Created for local KPLR 11 way back when. Still based out at Westport.
- We have Forest Park, home to the 1904 World's Fair and Olympics, which is bigger than Central Park
- We have a #1 rated Zoo.... and its FREE!
- Art Museum, History Museum, Science Center, all free.
- Lots of great hiking within an hour of the city, and one of the best park systems in the nation
- Chess capital of the USA

We aren't perfect but I like where I live.

 

Just in the spirit of the game I will break out a adjustable and arko shave later in the week.

 

Don't hide. Go out and get one! if you ever find yourself in St. Louis look me up. We'll go shooting. ARs, 9mm, M1 Garands, loads of fun. Offer open to anyone else too.

 

I took my high school band to St. Louis a year ago. It was a fun trip! I could have spent the whole day in the zoo. We were there three hours and it wasn't near enough time. Day after tomorrow we are going to Chicago with the group. Fun times!

 

That is so great about the zoo. Since it is free, you can go for an hour or two, come back later. Yeah you have to pay for parking (if you do the lot), but it is worth it. They also do concerts during the summer.

 

Very nice summary! And, of course, the Cardinals and the Blues who are on their way to the Stanley Cup. (Ok, so it's first round but we'll get it....I have faith!)

 

We were on charter buses, so we got dropped off and picked up. I would definitely go to that zoo again.

 

Let's not talk about the Cardinals right now...

The Blues on the other hand, only first round but 3-0 lead. Fun game to watch, but they were playing defense too much in my opinion.

 

They do have a tendency to try and sit on a lead. They seem to be breaking out of that some though.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

Taking I-55? I grew up in a little town half way between Chicago & Joliet. Not Far from Argonne National Laboratory where Manhattan Project research happened.

 

BBQ and guns I'm on my way.

 

Not sure of the route! The bus drivers take care of that for me!

 

Better idea than my R41 with a Feather blade.

 

Did somebody say Joliet?

 

Razor: Gillette Executive Gold Adjustable Fat Boy (F 1) 1960
Blade: Personna 74 Tungsten Plus (17)
Brush: El Druida Te Vigilo w/Manchurian
Soap: Jeeves Soap Turkish Bath
Aftershave: Fine Platinum
Excellent 3 passes with a clean up. Everything working well together with this combination of tools. I also like Fine Platinum very much.

 

Judging by your photos you live in a beautiful area. Great photo as usual. The Executive looks mint.

 

Thank you Clint. I wouldn't say the Executive is mint, but it is in good shape. Lots of water this year in the Spring run off.

 

Great picture, Doug! I like how the brush stands out.