February 2020 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

https://galleri.watchwallpapers.com/#collections

 

Man, don't know how to feel about that. I love the bright, crisp tones of Arkadia. But on the other hand, I do love me some smokiness as well. I'd be willing to bet the L'Orange Noir is probably more sophisticated, though.

 

Yeah... tired of being awesome

 

You are too kind, Tim. Thank you.

 

Fantastic pic Gary!

Another beautiful pic Mark!

And another fabulous pic Jason! I know I know ...bad lighting you say but it sure is working. Does your E have the blue case? I have and E head with a white G handle and blue case . Doesn't add up when I looked it up in the guide .

Thanks Joe!

Awesome report Evan! Just took a couple of my watches in today for batteries . When my father was alive it was a sin to not have your watch running. Since I inherited a couple of his I felt I better not let it sit long with a dead battery. I asked the jeweler if he can get Dads work watch going again and he said can look at it and let me know . Most employers dont give nice watches out like they used to.

You know something Tim? You sure have a way with words !!! Live reading your posts .

Thanks Perry! They grow way way to fast !

I agree the hot lather is a real treat. The Stirling disappointed me even though it saved face once on the face . The Proraso had me in a new world and made my day today! Those guys have been in the barbering business forever so I assume they tried this cream under heat before.

The good with the bad eh? Hope the twisters dont head your way! Stay safe!

Thanks Clint! I was impressed.

Another wonderful entertaining report Tim!

Thanks Gary! Had a wonderful day so far.

Thanks Tim! Never say never I guess. The tub didn't fare as good from what I read in another report on here this morning.

 

Ohhhhh, boy! My life has no meaning if I don't get to use that phrase at least twice this week. If I had my way, that question would have been your CT

 

Niiiiice!

 

You are far to kind, El Scratcho.

 

thank you Patrick..

 

I admit I wondered who lived near a port. I also admit, everyone on here has a style that works. I'll stop being overly self conscious if everyone else will too.

I'm really surprised Gary didn't post a picture already.

 

February Favorites

February 5

Razor - El-Cheapo Chinese Pain Stick Thingy
Blade - (1)
Soap - Stirling Sheep
Brush - @Jayaruh #54
Post - Alum

So it's February Favorites. Time to pick a favorite or two that isn't perhaps obvious. Well, ok, so maybe a bit obvious at some point. One of my favorites - that isn't a specific razor or other item - is trying new shaving tools that may or may not perform the way we expect them to. For the newbs, I spent many many shaves using questionable blades, razors, soaps etc. Why would I do something like that, you ask? Why, because testing our motto - Technique Trumps Tools - is the real motivation. If the theory is correct, then if the right technique is learned and used, any tool that isn't defective should provide a legitimate shave. Doesn't mean it has to be perfect, but something that we'd say "good enough, I can go to work now". Got it?

I picked up a super cheap "pain stick" a couple months back after someone on here posted a link. Yep, I'm that easily influenced. I say "pain stick" in quotes, because while it does feature the look and features of a true pain stick (otherwise known as an Artist Club razor) it uses half DE blades like a shavette. Intriguing. I'm a big fan of pain sticks so I couldn't pass this up. It's from China and cost less than $10 bucks. I'm actually surprised to say it fits together well and appears to be decent quality. Here's a picture of it in the box it came in along with 10 Dorco ST-300 blades.

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I'd normally toss the Dorcos into my shaving box where all of the "in case the world ever runs out of Russian Steel I'll use these" blades reside but....it came with the razor so I'll use one. I'm not a big fan of Dorco. South Korean company, blades made in Vietnam. They aren't horrible, but they're not the top line blade either. Think Derby without the smoothness. Or as much smoothness. Here is a comparison between this cheapy and the real Kai AC razor.

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The Kai is a bit longer and definitely heavier. The handle on the Kai is also rubber where the handle on the cheapy is what I'd call rubber feel plastic. My biggest issue when setting this razor up was simply getting the blade in it. I snapped a Dorco in half and spent probably 20 minutes getting it inserted in the razor. Like every real pain stick it has a sliding door on the back side and is hinged to hold the blade. The problem is getting the half blade to sit in the right place while you slide the door back on after loading. You can't really put the blade in just by squeezing the top of the razor to open the holder like you can with an AC. The blade tends to ride over the stops and disappear into the handle. It's also possible to get the blade inserted and have it on an angle - or missing a stop so that it retreats in from pressure. Really a pain in the behind, this one. Finally got it in and then thought about lather.

Time to pick an absolute favorite. Stirling Sheep. Yep. Mutton tallow. Slickest and most protective lather out there. I may need it. The JR54 is an excellent choice to make that lather so it got the call. Finally, ready to go.

I was actually quite surprised at how much it handles like a true pain stick. The blade is shorter, of course, but once you get the angle right it's easy to keep going. If you are good with a pain stick you'll be good with this one as well. I made three full passes and reached DFS. Not bad for a Dorco in this setting. I'll take it. And.......no blood whatsoever. Nice finish. The alum was pretty warm but not to the point of being a problem. Clearly the blade exposure in this setup created a bit of irritation but nothing that would stop me trying again. All in all I'd say it was a success. And.....most importantly......it proves Technique Trumps Tools is still a thing!! Nice shave.

Have a fantastic Thursday tomorrow. We got bombed by sleet then snow today so it's a winter wonderland after the warmest weekend on record. Yep. Living the good life.

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well if you insist..hello from malwart..

 

sounds like a different season day..cool shave and pics..

 

See the quotes below, it is worth it for me but many soaps can’t handle the high heat.

My top performer is Queen Charlotte Soaps cream, but alas long out of production. In my test last month these performed well for me, Fine, DR Harris, ToBS and Castle Forbes.

I understand completely and yes it is acceptable. Congratulations on the new time piece.

 

I would say that was an adventurous and quite decent shave, Neal!

 

Awesome technique, Neal, and fantastic report. Gonna learn me how to use a shavette this coming summer--should be a bloody mess

 

Shavettes can definitely provide opportunities for first aid treatment when you are first learning them. And they can also remind you in their own bloody ways when you disrespect them. On the other hand, they can provide some of the closest and smoothest shaves you've ever had. Our glorious founder, @Bama Samurai , prefers the shavettes to anything else. Definitely the main expert around here on their use.

 

Yes, yes, ok. Wrong spelling- Navel, not Naval. Touche, my friend.

 

Thank you, Patrick. Alas, no case with this E3. I did have a bakelite Canadian case with my E2, but I moved it along.

 

Feb 6

Qshave adjustable
Remei stainless 4. A keeper
Svoboda Sc and ASB
Omega. Boar




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