November 2018 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Discussion in 'Shave School' started by NCoxSTL, Oct 31, 2018.

?

So what is your "NO" plan for this NOVember?

  1. No Variation. Gonna RULE like a BOSS!!

    5 vote(s)
    13.2%
  2. No Repeat. Gonna run through gear like it's my last month to ever shave!

    9 vote(s)
    23.7%
  3. No Plan. Gonna wing it big time. Just do what seems right!

    22 vote(s)
    57.9%
  4. No shaves for me. Gonna be heretical and follow the rest of the world.

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  5. No clue. Seriously. I don't know, and won't know until it happens.

    9 vote(s)
    23.7%
  6. I'm just excited to have Donuts!!!!! Yummmmmmmmmmm!!!!

    7 vote(s)
    18.4%
  7. I'm just going to say NO to anything you ask. NO! NO, I say!

    3 vote(s)
    7.9%
Multiple votes are allowed.
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  1. NCoxSTL

    NCoxSTL AAACK!

    Welcome to NOVember!

    But, you ask....what does NOVember really stand for? Well, for some in the world it’s “no-shave November.” Yeah, that’s not us. We have traditionally called it No Variation November – meaning we choose one setup and work with it the entire month. Kind of like a Rule. Well, it is a Rule but we call it something else in November. However, through the normal daily discussions and brainstorming that goes on around here (granted, there are some storms smaller than others) the idea of a “No Repeat November” has been suggested and I say, why in the world not? So.....we have two possible themes for 2018. If you want to use one razor, one soap, one brush, one blade etc. and set up a hard and fast Rule for the month – it's No Variation for you. If, instead, you have more razors, soaps, etc. than you can safely store and want to use a totally different setup every day then it’s No Repeat November for you! Obviously, if neither of these themes appeals to you there is always the “unfocused focus” option available, or, in keeping with the NOV of the NOVember we could call that.....No Thank You to your silly themes.....I’ll just shave my way, thank you very much. And that, my friends, sums up NOVember 2018!!!

    And now that that’s out of the way, let’s begin with our formal intruduction.


    The Cartel is proud to welcome you to the November 2018 edition of the 30 Day Rule and Focus Discussion.

    If you're new to traditional shaving, or to TSD, WELCOME!!! If you’ve been here awhile you know the drill so jump in and help the new guys get their feet wet. Well, not really, that would mean they have a serious problem with how to shave around a sink…..or the shower….or else their plumbing is just really bad.

    So, what is this group about? A couple of things, really. First and fore most this is a TECHNIQUE focused group. All the fancy and shiny shave toys in the world won’t give you a great shave if you don’t know how to use them. That applies to any type of razor from DE safety razor to injector to traditional straights, kamisori, pain sticks, popsicle stick razors, sharp can lids and all the rest. Second, it’s a COMMUNITY focused group. Everyone here is supportive of the new people learning, the old timers learning new stuff or just working with a new razor or trying to adjust to fix an issue. We support each other and learn together. Third, it’s about SHENANIGANS. Yep, we sometimes drift off topic around here just because we can and it’s fun. As @Bama_Samurai stated in the inaugural edition back in January 2015, this is an un-hijackable thread.

    As one of the charter members of this thread, from January 2015, I can attest to the ability of the 30 Day Rule to build basic technique. I can also attest to the ability of the 30 Day Focus to adjust one or more areas of the shave, or to open doors to new methods and tools. This month we celebrate NO Variation November. In other words, we encourage you to pick one razor, blade, soap, brush, and use it the entire month. Or mix and match soaps and brushes with that one razor and blade. Or use one straight. Or two…..get the idea? And yes, a true “no variation” is really just a rule, but you might want to use it to learn a new razor. Or just do what you want…it’s your shave and you are more than welcome to freelance around here and enjoy the shenanigans and cookies! Show off your best and favorite gear and make the rest of us run out and buy it because they it’s so awesome! It’s called enabling, remember? And, this is an un-hijackable thread, remember? You won’t throw us off. Much.

    Well, that’s my introduction for the month. 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.

    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. Any thematic elements are up to each individual. We believe that if you've ever sought a great shave, you have something to offer. And if you're searching for great shaves, we will definitely try to help. If you are new to TSD, I believe you've landed in a great place. Everyone here participating would love to answer your questions and help you get the most from your shaving. We are very glad you're here! So, if you're new, stop in for a cookie and meet the crew. If this is old hat, welcome back, and let's rock another month out!

    Rules are the same people.
    1. New Members always welcome. Start anytime.
    2. Old Members always welcome. (Don’t like being considered “old”? Too bad, I know your birthdate.)
    3. Respect everyone
    4. Follow the rules of the forum
    5. All razor types and styles welcome

    And now, in a major announcement and in honor of your votes from OCtober – there will be no cookies this month. We’re having DONUTS!!!!! Enjoy the glorious goodness that is fried sugar! Mmmmmm....mmmmm....good! (Apple Fritters are the Czar’s weakness)

    Alright boys and girls. Let's have some great shaves and good times. Group hug!!!



    30 day crew portrait.jpg
     
    Drygulch, clint64, jtface and 12 others like this.
  2. LevelupShaves

    LevelupShaves Well-Known Member

    Variety is the spice of life isn't it I'm definitely in for the no repeat November it'll give me a chance to go through some product.

    Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk
     
  3. RyX

    RyX DoH!

    I don't like doing inventories so I'm not sure if I have enough of each shaving related item to avoid repeating. Considering my possible 15-16 (every other day) shaves that's not so impressive. Might get to January with soaps and AS, but no way considering razors and brushes. That puts me firmly in between Wing It and No Clue. Hey! I just Ruled on face lathering and a single brush last month.
     
  4. Screwtape

    Screwtape A Shaving Butterfly

    Well, I have enough razors to do a month of no repeats and the same for soaps. Aftershaves, I am not quite there yet, and the best I can do with brushes is a change every third shave. So I could do No Repeat November. It sounds like a great deal of work though, and I am feeling terminally lazy this month. Plus I just ran through a whole pile of new-to-me OC razors for OCtober and changed off fair amount in SEptember before that.

    So I think I am in the mood for a Rule this month. One of my Gillette adjustables, one brand of blade - maybe Sharks because I haven't used them at all before, a badger brush and a lather bowl, and my Fendrihan Lavender Sandalwood soap sample until it finally dies. If I kill off the soap before the month ends, then a replacement.

    Should be relaxing. Also easy to photograph - one picture then recycle it for a month :). Unless I get bored of course... Then No Variation November goes out the window and No Plan November sneaks in the back door...
     
  5. Norcalnewb

    Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

    No Plan November sounds like a winner for me. I certainly have enough razors, soaps, and AS to do a no repeat, but I am not sure I want to keep track of things like that.
     
  6. wristwatchb

    wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

    I'm in with my '54 SS, my Kent BK8, and any other item I want to use. That's my version of No Plan November. I look forward to riding along with everyone.
    SOTD_110118.JPG
     
  7. PLAla

    PLAla Bit Shy of a Full Puck

    Like @RyX I am firmly positioned between No Clue and No Plan. Great place to be! I'll figure out some kind of focus as I go along. Happy to be here again!
     
  8. brit

    brit in a box

    no repeat NOvember sounds good to me.just completed an OCtober oc focus and found a favorite, a british new rfb.i could do a rule with this razor and enjoy it.however all my other "favourites"
    sat in the box and i missed using them.
    i shave every other day for the most part and have just enough brushes to do a no repeat.plus one on the way..thanks keith.i have enough vintage gillettes ,and soaps/creams/aftershaves so a no repeat it is..i am also going to experiment a little with the displays a bit as i myself am not a show off type of person,but these crats and such love the spotlight ..a couple of new arrivals soon and an awesome 54 superspeed as well,should be a fun month,thanks ,gary
     
  9. jluc

    jluc smelling pretty

    I'm in. Looking forward to another month!

    Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
     
  10. Primotenore

    Primotenore missed opera tunity

    Article Team
    "No Plan" is my middle name, so that's a "No-Brainer". I would like to finish off some (a) soap(s) (who wouldn't?). "No Repeat" is possible, except for razors. :signs002: Truth is...I have "No Idea". Other than that, I am fully committed. (Spare me the snide comments, thank you) :signs097:
     
  11. Keithmax

    Keithmax Breeds Pet Rocks

    I am in for no repeat November put only for razors and brushes(not sure I have enough to make the month) but I am continuing to work on finishing off soaps. I am getting near the bottom of a tub AoS cream then next up to be 86'ed is Crowne and Crane tallow puck this a little past half way finished.
     
  12. jtspartan

    jtspartan appropriately stimulated, via Netflix

    In in for a modified no repeat November. I say modified as I’m going to focus on a Supply Injector with 3 baseplates loaned to me by @Screwtape for a week . After that week, I will rotate razors every day. Should get through the month with using each razor once after that first week.
    I can get through the full month with soaps (with samples) but will have to reuse post shave products somewhere around the end of week 3. Brushes will get rotated a few times, as I have about 10.
    Reading your plans for November, it sounds like another great month with the 30DC!
     
  13. John Ruschmeyer

    John Ruschmeyer Well-Known Member

    I'm in. I've been considering a "No repeat November" on razors. The other day, however, I got what, by rough count, is my 20th Tech. Given that I usually only shave one day on the weekend and usually skip a few during the month, I'm wondering if I could pull off a "NOthing But Techs" November. I figure that the worst case would be having to pull in a few Tech-alikes (e.g., Star, Razorock Teck II, Bailie, etc.).
     
  14. Linuxguile

    Linuxguile dating an unusual aristocrat

    For November I will start off by comparing the Blackbird SB to a few other SB razors and then a member on another forum is sending me an Ikon Tech and a Muhle R41 to see if they can dethrone the Dart as the most Aggressive/efficient razor I've ever used. After that, I'd like to use some razors that haven't gotten any attention in a very long time.
     
  15. jluc

    jluc smelling pretty

    I think I figured out my No Variance November, kinda. Blackland razors, Stirling samples, maybe finish one or two, and the PAA Switchback/TGN boar brush. Sticking to one maker for the razors makes it close to No Variance.
    Happy Halloween and have a great day, fellas.

    Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
     
  16. Linuxguile

    Linuxguile dating an unusual aristocrat

    I cant wait to see how that Vector Performs!
     
  17. RyX

    RyX DoH!

    I'll be watching that comparison. I'm developing an interest in the R41. It sounds like a challenge - especially the 2011 version. Someone or two folks were using an adjustable slant that might have been an Ikon...
     
  18. Bama Samurai

    Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

    Magic
    Derby Saloon
    Palmolive Stick
    L'Occitane Plisson Synthetic

    No Variation


     
  19. Bama Samurai

    Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

    Also @NCoxSTL

     
  20. jtface

    jtface Well-Known Member

    I have a sort of 'plan' - I will be Schicking to the theme of injectors (see what I did there? guffaw guffaw).
    I will be using the Schick Proline blades in my Schick G and the Adjustable Schick (wide open) that is heading my way as part of a pass around. I am really enjoying the injectors and want to spend some real time learning to get the best out of them (particularly my G).

    Razor(s): Schick G / Shick Adjustable
    Blade: Personna PTFE (to start with) / Schick Proline B20 (as soon as they arrive)
    Brush: Ever Ready handle w/ 24mm tuxedo knot.
    Soap: Palmolive (Duhhh)
    Aftershave: Nivea Sensitive
     
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