Welcome to July 2019!!! And what’s special about July? Why, CINCO DE JULIO!!!!!!!!! Our old pal Slash McCoy shows off his popsicle stick razor shave that inspired a number of us two years ago to make our own and declare July 5th as the day we’d all give it a shot. If memory serves, nine or us tried it out the first year and all nine did survive and with no blood that I remember. Or can dig out of the history. Last year was equally successful so, for those who are so inclined, get a couple of popsicle sticks, a DE blade, a stapler and join us on Cinco de Julio for the second annual celebration of semi-insanity and shenanigans!! Now, as always, there is no need to participate in that particular event. And, if you have no straight razor experience I might even discourage it. And, as always, any use of items not normally used in shaving to try and perform a stunt shave is not advised, suggested, nor approved by The Shave Den or any of those affiliated in it in an official capacity. Having said that, let us know if you’re joining in on the 5th! As for the remainder of July? Why we’re in the middle of summer. Vacation time. Relaxation time. So it’s Just July. You decide on a theme for yourself or just enjoy your shaves your way. We are a month away from Adjustable (Arko) August so enjoy the 31 days to shave however you want without guilt or remorse. Alright, with that out of the way, let’s proceed to the business of July 2019!!! 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. Anything 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 monthMost 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. Experienced can mean the old guys. Or not. 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! And let’s get it started with a group hug!
hello fello shavers, had a fantastic june..so july will be something a little different.. rockets.. rockets gentlemen..a few of them ..canada day tomorrow, independence day on the 4th..rockets it is, with the usual array of software and stuff ..see you here..gary
Of course I'm in. I'll continue with my daily themed shaves. I think I'll join Blair @b1hart in a No Buy July. I do have a new brush handle, knot and razor blades on the way that'll arrive in July but the purchases were made in June, really, they were made in June. I'm looking forward to another month of fun and camaraderie! Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Looks like you're planning a great month of "rocket-ing" it out! Sorry, best I can do on a tired and overheated brain today.
thank you sir..they have been getting dusty with my 2 month or so go with the oc's..will be throwing in a british crat or 2 as well..
thank you Clint .the red cased canadian flat plate aristocrat jr is my favorite one..1948.. my first real delve into british gillettes..
I'm in for July . I'm going to focus on the I word....Instruction. Why do I say that. Well, that's part of why we're here as a group in the first place, to throw in some tips here and there as we shave, but what led me to this focus was a couple reviews of triple-milled soaps, where they say to load the brush for 40-45 seconds, twice more than what I'm accustomed to seeing here ("20 seconds to load"). Makes sense to go 40, with the hardened soap. Well, that's just an example, but it's just to try strategies a little different than my current form(s). As we're now pretty much settled into the warm/hot months, I still expect to do more "can" shaving than with soaps, but I think I'll do a little more soap shaving than I did in past summers. That's what my "Judgement June" was all about-which soaps could work in the hot months. Course the Glacial SDM(Stoylin)is a nice addition. Anyway-with some great soaps/A.S. to look forward to as we get into fall&winter, I want to be sure to honor those products by doing a little better in the "instruction" department. Oh, and we can't forget the 3rd Nomination Day of the 2020 Stoylin Tony Awards. That's July 4....comin up. Happy July and happy shaving, everyone!!
I'm in for Just Shave July. I'll just shave with whatever strikes my fancy that particular day (except Cinco de Julio).
Keeping with the Enders-Proline and Stahly-BIC (mostly) for July. Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
I am in also for July. I’ll be continuing my open blade obsession. The 30DC group is a great bunch of gentlemen, happy to be here. I’ll be out on vacation for a bit, starting on Cinco de Julio, so I’m out on those shenanigans (phew!). Although...kind wanted to do something for MAYhem, maybe...Cinco De later (for me)? And, for full disclosure similar to @jluc, I have 3 items I’m expecting in July. One will be here this week (Kamisori ordered in May), and the other two (western style straights) will be mid July, as they’ll get held at USPS until we return. Back for more after tomorrow’s shave!
I will be primarily shaving with my Dovo shavette and my straights this month. I will intersperse the shaves with my Rocky T, and my Fatboys. This is the month that I will commence honing some of my straights for the very first time and will be reporting on my progress.
I will be travelling for two weeks but while I am home I will focus on cold water shaves, well as cold as it comes out of the tap in July. July 1 shave: It is Monday and no pic today. I used my Joris which is one of my keeper DE razors, loaded it with a Super Iridium and had an excellent and chilly shave. The Stirling Iced Lemon was a perfect choice for this hot muggy day. Razor: Joris Brush: Etsy silver tip Soap: Stirling Iced Lemon AS: Fine Vetiver AS, Stirling ASB Scent: Chanel Platinum Egoïst
