September 2019 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

Thank you for that link. It was very informative. Interesting conclusions it drew. I have highlighted a few of them:

• "Razors blades in the range of 50 [g[grams of cutting force]ill begin to pull and tug, and may require multiple passes – with subsequent irritation – to fully clean up those areas if they clean up at all.
• Blades in the region of low 30’s will be so sharp that you will tend to get irritation, spots and weepers, especially with sensitive skin, when shaving while or directly after showering, hacking away your neckbeard, or shaving against-the-grain finish passes."

What is interesting is that it talks of blades that are in the range of 50 or above, but lists exactly one (Treet Black Beauty) as having an average range of being above 50. The two Derby blades are close, though. It lists blades in the region of the low 30's (lower # is sharper) as being too sharp, etc. How many have an average sharpness below 35? None. Bic Chromes, Permasharps, Nacets and Feathers are there on initial sharpness or after first shave, though.
Here's their chart:

I guess we can take from data what we want, but basically it is kind of confirming what I mean. Virtually everything on here is between 35 to 45 on their 'cutting range' for average sharpness. Based on their evidence, all in that range should cut optimally, which was kind of what I was trying to say...

 

If you're up for a challenge show me what you can make of Williams or MWF. I'm still not in love with The Fat, I'm actually considering using The Fat exclusively next month to really try to dial it in.

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Hump Day! Love the shave pics and the report as well, Andrew. Congrats on the new razor- what a great sounding project.
BTW- where are the swings on that large play set?

 

Wonderful shave photo and report Andrew.

It is hot enough here that I am willing to Declan's approach. He is growing up so fast. Thank you for sharing.

 

Thanks Jason! That swing set it's at Grandma's house.

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Thanks Clint!

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Hump day!! Great pictures, Andrew! Glad the TNNSER was a hit on its first use.

 

Great shave with your new razor, Andrew!
Past the midpoint of September and still able to play outside in the water. Great picture of Declan! Thanks for sharing.

I'll whip up a bowl of the Fat!

 

Thanks Perry!

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Thanks Jim! Grandma lives in Pueblo so it's usually about 10-15 degrees warmer down there then it is in Colorado Springs. Still plenty warm to play in the water!

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His second graph shows 4 blades in the 50's and they are as one would expect, Derby blades and Carbons. The super sharp blades of Bic and Chrome at also correctly, at the lower end of the graph. I take from this that the numbers match the user experience. Consistency is his buzz word and i think that is spot on. Feathers are notorious for changing character and Yellows for not which matches his findings. This tells you that blades are different and exhibit different characters and styles. My point is that people have different skin and can suit different blades accordingly. I have soft, thin skin which does not tolerate very sharp blades (something born out in this study). For me, i have to be selective in what i use. For you (excuse me for assumptions lol) perhaps you have more robust skin and are able to tolerate a wider range of blades which reflects in your experience that given some minor adjustments, you can shave with anything. I struggle with Feathers, Astras, WS etc, but like Rapira's and Derbys. and to some degree, Gillette yellows. This experience is in line with the study.

To quote: "All blades in that range should cut optimally" I would add, " All blades in that range have the potential to cut optimally if the users skin type is compatible".

 

Not with this type of injector.
The other type might be more difficult.



Pictures best I could.
tp

 

Thanks for the confidence vote Jason! I think....

Applying Glen's wisdom to the guy in my mirror. I absolutely have to concentrate to use less pressure on pulling the blade back to me. While honing straight razors is a relatively new skill, I've been honing knives since the late 70s, usually one handed, and picked up that bad habit along the way. Also have and use a Lansky system (which hides the pressure issue to a degree). The pressure issue on a bigger thicker EDC knife blade (or other) never revealed itself, as those are usually harder steels, and a higher angle (for durability). Straight razor honing is quite the OCD (as Keithmax has mentioned) process to perfection.

I started 2 handed honing a couple months ago....can't remember which hone master's video convinced me to try it. I've spent many idle hours watching honing videos from Glen, Lynn Abrams, and recently Charlie Lewis. Now, two handed honing feels very natural, and don't know if I'll ever work straight razors with one handed honing. I'd probably drop back to the muscle memory of an EDC type knife.

Awesome write up, gear and images Andrew! Looks like DeClan is eyeing the next target for dunking. Great fun!

 

Thanks Andrew
tp

 

@jluc and @jtspartan - I just ordered a tub of Stirling Gentleman.

Found a crazy sale at Blue Ridge Bath and Body Company. Got a tub with shipping for $12.21.

 

Sigh...

 

Thanks Blair!

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It's only the soap. They didn't offer the splash. I've realized that I PIFed away Haverford a while back and now don't have a Stirling tobacco soap, so I needed to fill that void. I can use the Jeeves splash and perhaps all will be right with the world. The Jeeves splash is SWMBO approved.

 

Congrats!
Have you tried Gentleman before? It could be a love or hate it scent. Jason could comment further on this.