Welcome to MAYhem 2017!!! Two years ago I decided to try all of the worst blades I could find in a month. I chose May. I called my focus “Mayhem or Mercy” after modifying it to allow for decent gear the second half of the month. Still horrible blades, but instead of using the worst razors and software all month I split it in half. For the morbidly curious, here’s the
LINK to my plan for that first MAYhem. From there things have evolved until MAYhem is a month we seem to rush headlong into with a desire to try the dumbest, most unique, and just plain weird stuff as part of our shaves. As has been mentioned, we’ve even been challenged to shave with a blade on a finger! Whaaaaattttt? Surely nobody would be dumb enough to try that, right? Hey
@Drygulch I'm looking at you! Nobody is that dumb, right?
With this crew anything is possible, the sky is the limit and the shenanigans flow naturally from the bizarre way our minds work.
Now, the following is important. First of all, if you are not one who wants to try out the strange, weird and just plain stupid, that’s perfectly fine! Decide what your Rule or Focus is and let’s have a great month doing what we do! If you want to join in the MAYhem either as a group project or something unique yourself, feel free to do so! But remember……….
Any use of objects not designed for shaving, or the use of shaving products in ways for which they are not designed, or any such use or misuse is NOT RECOMMENDED by The Shave Den and all such shaves and actions are AT YOUR OWN RISK! Officially, it should be stated that such acts are unwise and potentially dangerous.
Now that that’s out of the way – LET MAYHEM COMMENCE!
Welcome back or welcome for the first time!! Wondering what the heck a 30 Day Rule or Focus is? Well, let’s let the one, the only, the legendary and mystical
@Bama Samurai remind us. Please rise and remove your hats and hold your favorite razor aloft in tribute. We’ll pause for a moment of revered silence.
HEY! I said pause for revered silence! Ok, now you can proceed.
The 30 Day Rule (designed to build solid technique or learn new technique)
1 brush, 1 soap, 1 brand of blades, 1 razor, 30 Days. The rule is really that simple. It seems boring, but this is probably the most straightforward way to learn for a brand new shaver. This is the exercise that really allowed me to clearly see the interplay between the four elements. It is highly recommended for newly converted shavers and more experienced shavers who have a problem that defies resolution. This exercise eliminates variables and will likely solve any problem you may have, with a strict scientific approach.Any thing that strays from these simple guidelines is not a rule, but rather a focus (not that there's anything wrong with that!)
The 30 Day Focus (more flexible, for exploring and comparing)
This is a less rigorous exercise, designed for exploration and comparison of gear and technique. This is the most common exercise on the thread. Generally the elements are rotated one by one to allow clear observation. Examples of focus areas include brush types, blades, soaps, razor variants, or technique foci as a standalone.
These are the suggested guidelines, and serve as a starting point for the discussion each month. Again, if you want to follow the theme in some way feel free. But if you are on a Rule or Focus that doesn’t include the theme we’re totally fine with that. Most of all remember – this is about learning to use the tools and improving our skills so that TECHNIQUE TRUMPS TOOLS!!
Here are the rules. Those not following the rules will be subject to penalties to include a visit from Ivan or Igor to correct that stinkin’ thinkin’!
1. New Members always welcome. Start anytime.
2. Experienced Members also always welcome. Notice I stopped calling us “old”?
3. Respect everyone
4. Follow the rules of the forum
5. All razor types and styles welcome
6. Any criticism of Russian steel of any kind will be met with swift and ferocious retribution. Ok, so maybe not so swift. The guys have to sober up first. And ferocious? Well, at least slightly uncomfortable to listen to. Plus their breath can kill charging bears.
7. Any criticism of Feather blades is also subject to the same kind of almost uncomfortable retribution. The Yakuza has started mixing their sake with the vodka from the Cartel boys. Let’s just say it seems to have calmed them down.
Let's have some great shaves people! Arko Adjustable April!! Group hug people!
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