Box #4 in the pass around showed up, so my
Review of 60+ Soaps
thread is going into overdrive before MAYhem starts.

Thanks for doing The Science! For my own YOMV knowledge I should do a half & half shave to confirm the incremental improvement.

Doesn't having a positive outlook improve your life? I am a fan of Marcus's thoughts myself, saw your signature, and adjusted mine.

I'm going to do a little shameless bragging on my son. The end of the season awards for the youth bowling league were held today and Connor picked up the awards for high game of the season (279), highest average in the league (200.1), and was named bowler of the year.

Today was shave 3.
SOTD
Razor - Merkur Progress (setting 2)
Blade - Astra Superior Platinum
Brush - 24 mm Fendrihan black and white synthetic
Shave soap - Fendrihan Sandalwood and Lavender
After Shave - Dove Hydrate + Post Shave Balm
Rexal Styptic Stick

Today was a bit of a struggle on my neck on the right side. Tried to keep the pressure light and ride the cap but still ended up red in some spots. I used my styptic stick on a big part of my neck on that side. I have an alum block on its way that I am guessing will replace using the styptic after my shave.
All in all I think it was a success. It's going to be awfully hard to keep using the Progress with a baby smooth and a game changer on their way but in order to make sure I actually learn to shave I will do my best.


Cheers
Montie

Congrats. Great job on your son being recognized.


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Awesome!!! Future Williams and LC shaver I am sure.

Shooter Jennings is just such a good time. His old man is/one of my all time favorites. Apple from the tree type of things.

That’s really cool.

Being a parent is hard, even just putting food on the plate, let alone time for sharing and growing. We all work hard at it. I know how much a kid’s triumphs mean to me, so it makes me really excited when others can feel the same. Thanks for sharing.

Very well said.


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Keep at it... You will get there.
Comments:
1) I only used a styptic for cuts, to stop bleeding
2) When you get alum, you may find a light rinse with water will help avoid irritation
3) There are a lot of fans of cold water shaving here. They converted me and I find it reduced irritation.
4) Double check your growth direction. I was astounded to find that exact area grows north to south (exactly the opposite of my middle to upper neck. And it grows so sharply in that direction, ONLY an Against The Grain (ATG) pass would cut it smooth. It took me forever to learn how to do that, so I stayed mostly WTG.
4) Don't try to extend blade life.... For my 30 Day, it was 2 uses.

Thanks for the info.
After my shave I always rince in cold water to close the pores.
I'm going to check the grain on my neck. If my first pass is against the grain that could explain some of the redness.
For my blade I have had 3 uses so will switch to a new blade.
That being said I did get a nice smooth shave for the most part.
I guess that's the whole point of this is to figure out what actually works for us.


Cheers
Montie

And as always... use less pressure. Also, witch hazel can help with redness and irritation after the fact.

Just a quick note. Pores do not open and close. Grain on the neck can be tricky.

Oh yeah!

Yes. Witch hazel is on the list thanks.

After laying out today’s shave, it dawned on me that it was sort of the epitome of the modern traditionalist’s lineup.



-Until we “laser-ize” our razors, this one is getting close: Feather AC blades, 316 SS, and resin impregnated laminate wood like fiber material. If George Jetson used a straight razor, this would be it.

-A very traditional English shaving brush, please appreciate the artificial “butterscotched” patina. However, Simpson’s modern synthetic take on badger certainly beats the Hell out of the over lofted badger brushes one could have expected to find coming from Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, or even into today as far as that goes.

-Electric Sheep is after all, a space aged take on an old classic. It is Williams on steroids. With a little bug candle mixed in. And since we all hope for improvement over time, @ezlovan stepped up when the modern Williams fell short.

He is an awesome artist in his own right, with his own record label. He is quite a bit more blues/rock/punk influenced than Waylon, but he has done some awesome stuff.

Congrats to Connor, Chris!

This is another of my faves. Ramones cover:

Great pictures and shaves, gentlemen!

I am going to pass on the shave today, as I have been doing yard work all day. Still a a little to go. I hope everyone has a great day.