April 2020 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix and Discussion

jgreenepa · Apr 8, 2020

Paul Turner said: ↑

Thank you Jeff. I'm almost 63, and I bet I'll still have the soap when I enter my 8th decade seven years from now. But that's a good thing.
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You’re optimistic! I’m 73 and 7 yrs away from my 8th decade! Given the way I feel now, I’m not so sure it’s a goal I’ll work towards.

timabababaluka · Apr 8, 2020

McCrae said: ↑

View attachment 222783
Hello, everyone. This month's focus had been going very well and I'm starting to quite like the Rex Ambassador now. Since I've been getting good shaves with it, I decided to begin sampling different blades, which were conveniently delivered last night.
I ordered about 15 different blades (2 of each) and I'll be putting them up against my current favorite blade in the Ambassador, the Rockwell.
I decided to load up a new Voskhod blade and get to work. The blade was very smooth, almost too smooth to even mow down my hair. The blade had a bit of trouble on my resistance area on the neck, leaving a bit more stubble than I'm used too after two passes.
The alum gave no feedback which is what's important to me, so good already. I'll keep these blades around and revisit them sometime in the future, for now, the Rockwell blades are still 1st place. I might try out one of the Personna blades next.
Finished off with some Zingari Man balm in their new Sego base, very nice stuff.

I see a lot of great shaves. Take care fellas!
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Fantastic photo, and awesome report, Dan!

I found the few Voskhod shaves that I have had to be comparable to the Personna Blue Labs. With the Personna's, I found the 2nd and 3rd shaves to be the sweet spot when it comes to balancing sharpness with smoothness. I'm curious to see how they work for you in the RA.

jtface · Apr 8, 2020

jgreenepa said: ↑

Beautiful pic! You probably already know that Mantic59 rated the Blackbird best razor in the high end category for 2020.
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Even though we're only in April?! Wowzer!

McCrae · Apr 8, 2020

timabababaluka said: ↑

Fantastic photo, and awesome report, Dan!

I found the few Voskhod shaves that I have had to be comparable to the Personna Blue Labs. With the Personna's, I found the 2nd and 3rd shaves to be the sweet spot when it comes to balancing sharpness with smoothness. I'm curious to see how they work for you in the RA.
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Thanks, Tim! I have about 15 blades to test, so hopefulyl at least one golden egg emerges.

clint64 · Apr 8, 2020

jgreenepa said: ↑

View attachment 222799
SOTD 04/08/2020

A man can definitely become addicted to the delightful velveteen feeling smooth skin arising from a barber close BBS shave. The truth underlying any safety razor is that it really is nothing more than a blade holder. The transition many make from safety razor to shavette to straight arises for a variety of reasons. There’s the danger coupled with the mastery of technique of straight edge open shaving. There’s the connection to our past and the history of shaving dating back to the Egyptians. Then there’s just the feeling of belonging to a small select club. But most importantly, it’s that feeling of shaving mastery, understanding shaving angle and the accompanying skin stretching required for a great shave that contributes to the improvement of safety razor shaving. In my case a neurological condition prohibits my joining the open edge family.

Safety razor designers can attempt to engineer blade angle and blade exposure into their blade holders, but technique still reigns supreme. The safety razor shavers’ acronym, “YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY (YMMV)”, exemplifies the role technique plays. But is that all there is to it? I own a variety of vintage and modern artisan safety razors, and can elicit a decent shave from all of them, but there are certain razors that that just seem to perform better for me within certain blade parameters. For example, my Rex Ambassador shaves beautifully with Wizamets or Voskhods, not so much with Feathers or Nacets. Whereas my AS-D2 and Occam’s DE reform best with Feathers or Nacets, and not so much with Voskhods or Wizamets. When it comes to my SE razors, of which I own many, my favorite DE SE, the G.E. Jones Shake Sharp performs best with any stacked DE blade, but the blades of choice for my smoothest and closest shave are Sunekos.

I can achieve a BBS shave with any of my razors, but have recently discovered that the closest barber-level BBS is best achieved with a Feather Super blade in any of my SE AC blade holders. Today’s one and a half pass BBS was delivered through my newest SE AC razor ordered back in December of 2019, the Colonial General V2. What I most love about this razor is the sense of effortless competence I experience when shaving with it. It truly feels like I’m just sweeping away the lather. The Feather Super blade is incredibly sharp, but the balance and weight of the razor in hand allows for old, shaky me to exert negative pressure with no effort. So much so, in fact, that there is no audible or tactile feel of the blade cutting. I will always insist on Feather Super Blades in future AC SE shaves. I truly enjoy shaving both face and noggin with this razor. I feel clean, velveteen smooth, and refreshed.

RAZOR: Colonial General V2 in 316L SS
BLADE: Feather Super AC
PREP: Cold water rinse
BRUSH: Alpha Shaving T-400 with 26mm Silvertip Badger Knot
SOAP: Pannacrema Nuavia Blu
POSTSHAVE: Cold water wash with brush squeezings followed by Thayers Lavender WH and finished with Fine Fresh Vetiver AS Splash
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Wonderful shave and report Jeff. Feather Super Pro AC blades in my various AC razors give me some of my longest lasting shaves.

Norcalnewb · Apr 8, 2020

jluc said: ↑

April 8th
Razor: Carbon Shaving Cx-316L
Blade: Astra SP (2)
Brush: SOC Taj Mistura
Pre-shave: PAA The Cube
Soap: CF Ghost Town Barber
PAA Galactic witch hazel
PAA unscented Star Jelly
AS: CF Ghost Town Barber

Good morning

Fantastic shave to start the day! Three passes for near BBS. Silent alum.

Have a great day!
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Lovely picture, Jim!

clint64 · Apr 8, 2020

Primotenore said: ↑

Found this:
The OC 84 has 12 teeth, whilst the Jaws has 9.
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That's what I thought. Just the number and shape of the teeth are different between the two razors.

Norcalnewb · Apr 8, 2020

Terry said: ↑

Good morning everyone!
Got out a P4 Gillette Slim or Black Beauty loaded it with a new Feather blade, set on 9.
As with all of the slims, if you didn't know, turn the knob 1/8 to 1/4 turn more after you close the barn doors.
Be careful, don't go to far otherwise it could damage it.
A great 2 pass head and face shave with only one little bump on the head that's gone.
Not a real brush cutter, but on 9, a great shaver.
I like the slims and have no real issues with them other than they stopped making them.
View attachment 222771 Once more with the PAA Bay Rum, I feel and smell great.
Smooth and ready for the day.

Everyone stay safe.
ENJOY!
tp
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Great picture, Terry!

timabababaluka · Apr 8, 2020

jtspartan said: ↑

April 8th
RR .68 Gamechanger Jaws w Astra SP
Zenith boar/ BRM
Fine American Blend combo
Thayers
View attachment 222779
Broke up my run of neglected razors as I wanted to get a few days in with my JAWS that I used for several days when it came it last month, but hasn't had a run since. Whipped up a nice lather with the Zenith. Tbh, I like it more and more all the time. If you don't own a Zenith, what you have to realize is that you can't really compare it to an Omega. Yes, they are both boars, obviously, but the Zenith is much softer out of the box and stays softer. If you enjoy the scritchiness of an Omega, you have to be prepared for a different boar experience. I have found, though, that as it has broken in (a very quick process), lathering off of a hard puck is easier with it than it used to be. The handle is massive -easily the largest in my den- but I guess that is my fault.
The GC Jaws delivered 3 very nice passes this morning. A bit of talk about the Astra on here this month- I find it smoother than sharper, but a quality blade nonetheless. I'm completely smooth, seeing no red and smelling pretty good. I guess that makes it Epic on the Keith scale.
Have a great day all.
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Wow, that's a golden shave (photo-wise and results-wise)...

... or rather, Goldshaver!

I love it when you bust out that Zenith, btw

Norcalnewb · Apr 8, 2020

clint64 said: ↑

April 8, 2020
Blackbird Brass SB
Feather
Shavemac Synthetic
Cade Shave Soap
Small Batch Shave Tonic

We had a little rain last night which helped with the pollen which certainly made the morning walk with Mocha more enjoyable. I decided to go with the Cade shave soap this morning. I did but a couple of tablespoons off water on the soap before showering. This seems to make the soap easier to load. At any rate the Shavemac synthetic did a wonderful job loading and lathering the Cade. Over the last couple of days, I have found myself adding pressure to the Brassbird while shaving causing weepers. I made a determined effort to not add pressure today with much better results. A wonderful drama free BBS shave. A splash of Small Batch Shave Tonic and I am ready for the day ahead. I hope everyone has a great Wednesday.
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Wonderful picture, Clint!

Norcalnewb · Apr 8, 2020

Paul Turner said: ↑

I did well this morning, with the Jeeves Bay Rum soap(big puck), and Stephan Bay Rum for aftershave. Two healthy passes, just a tiny weeper. Neck continues to look great with my "Y formation"(yeah, I know....a feetball term, but I figure there's a lot of feetball talk in these threads anyway). Stoylin Pro-Handle brush did a nice job of soap administering on face and neck. Back again with same tomorrow. In the end it will be 4 of my last 6 shaves with Stephan Bay Rum Aftershave. Even with the weeper, this one gets a Most Excellent.
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Nice shave, Paul!

clint64 · Apr 8, 2020

jtspartan said: ↑

Thanks, Dan. I have a 2nd Zenith that I bashed out of the plastic handle and put in a green resin handle. If you want it, you can have it for the price of the knot. I had it on the buy/sell a few weeks ago.
View attachment 222805
It is unused.
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Are the Zenith boars comparable to the Pro 49 in size once removed? I am not happy with the way the 49 looks in your original 30DC LE handle.

Norcalnewb · Apr 8, 2020

b1hart said: ↑

View attachment 222772
April 8th

Cella PS Gel, Shaving Cream, AS Balm, After Shave - Almond
Ever Ready 100 Synthetic
Feather ProGuard
Feather AC DX - Kamisori Style

Couldn't resist a shave today, even with the blood letting from a shaved bump yesterday. Seriously thought about skipping, but the clean face feel & time spent is ingrained as part of the morning routine (with strong coffee and jamming tunes). The small self indulgence just helps start the day off 'right'.

So....dug out an oldie, but a favorite aroma. Cella 'Red' is a sweet almond fragrance. The Pre Shave Gel is clear and thin, very slick stuff. While the Shaving Cream is labeled as a cream...it's pretty dry...stiff in the container like Stirling or PAA, maybe even slightly denser than a couple blends. Cella's After Shave Balm is light tan, similar consistency to thin sunscreen, and the After Shave feels like many mass produced versions (ToBS, Proraso, Clubman). Great face feel after the shave, but slightly 'squeaky' while actually using the shaving cream.

Two pass shave with the Feather AC DX and the ProGuard blade, following with a little touch up for the right neck/jawline area. Easily a DFS+, if not BBS almost everywhere. Love using this razor, easy to maneuver, easy to hold. This morning the ProGuard blade saved a small set down 'correction'....was adjusting angle, hovering the blade barely above the skin, under nostril area, and the blade touched down before expectation...no nick, cut or issue for this slight misstep, nor for the entire shave. Awesome fragrant yogurty thick lather was accomplished, but...yeah, completely forgot to include the Ever Ready 100 brush in the setup. Small shame, it's completely matched in color! My images are done after every morning's shave....and guess coffee hadn't kicked in yet. Oops.

Hope everyone has a Wonderful Wednesday!
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Beautiful picture, Blair!

Norcalnewb · Apr 8, 2020

Edison Carter said: ↑

Unveiling the Awesome Stealth TAR

Thanks to the overwhelming response to recent revelations, the time has come for the proper preentation of the aluminum Stealth TAR, the big size without the weight.

On hand for the honoring festivities were:
The Colonel (although he smelled a bit like The Captain) with his very own bowl, never used for soup.
The tall and majestic Jayaruh 367 in dress blues
The Mighty Brass TAR
and.....
....... now what in the blazes is that..... Feather wrapper doing in there, glue dots and all.
....... Almost like he was a spy photo bombing my parade
........ probably a spy.

View attachment 222757

Keeping my test pattern, I dialed the minimum and went to work, buffing strokes all the way.

The Col. puffs an easy lather and is sufficient for light buffing work. A gentle and pleasant Bay Rum. The Col Conk is my economy fave.

A delightful, irritation free shave was finished with Stirling Bergamot Lavender AS which seems to be hanging better than I remembered.

No need to go middle of the road setting here. For me it is wide open for riding the blade or down all the way. Same result, different techniques. I've not used buffing on the lowest setting before but it worked well, I'll try it on my other adjustables in the future.

The tools got a soapy brush clean and are getting the Barbicide sanitation as I write. They will be off soon to that Shaver Extraordinaire, @jgreenepa who can in plague free times be found domiciled 50 stories above the City of Brotherly Love with his faithful friend Grommet.

In conclusion;
I count it a high privilege to be fortunate enough to have a test run at these World Class designed and meticulously fabricated tools so generously passed around by Tom White @twhite, an experience I won't forget.

Either tool would be a welcome addition to my stable, but I give the edge right now to the Stealth TAR for the great feel and handling in the buffing zone at bottom setting. Opened up and riding the cap I liked the Heavyweight better, but I could adjust....... or, if they were commercially available I'd just do what any decent shave fan would do..... Get Both!

I hope to have made a few of you, my friends, crack a smile in this turbulent time. It was educational for me and FUN.

Edison Carter reporting for Network 23
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Nice picture, Bill!

Norcalnewb · Apr 8, 2020

brit said: ↑

View attachment 222778
wednesday shave
#77 brit rfb/gsb
omega boar
stonefield bowl
stirling deep blue sea

good morning gents,fabulous bbs shave today with the rfb/gsb combo in 2+ smooth passes.the omega boar/stonefield bowl built a nice slick stirling lather..deep blue sea aftershave to finish.my favorite warmer weather stirling scent .sandpiper and gentleman race for colder weather,though i would use them all anytime..awesome..have a fine humpday everyone..
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Cool picture, Gary!

clint64 · Apr 8, 2020

jtspartan said: ↑

Excellent photo, Clint, and I’m glad to hear your allergies got a bit of a break today. That was my longest learnt lesson in wetshaving- what less pressure actually meant. I’m a slow learner...
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Thank you Jason.

timabababaluka · Apr 8, 2020

Primotenore said: ↑

April Focus

Chiseled Face Groomatorium Sherlock~~Simpson The "Duke"~~Barbasol Floating Head/Sharp Star
Moment of truth part two...
Brand, spankin' new puck of CFG Sherlock.
I didn't even do a test lather.
Varied my routine slightly, taking a very wet brush on the non-bloomed puck and
began to create the lather. CFG is a soft croap, easily molded. Not as gooey as B&M reserve, however.
As one might imagine, the lather started out fairly soupy.
View attachment 222784
But during the face-lathering, it tightened up and was pretty much at the correct hydration.
I did add a touch of H2O to the tips of the bristles, which always gets me that gorgeous,
sheen, which is universally coveted.
The Sharp Star blade was on its last leg, but I muddled through the shave nonetheless.
Because the blade had lost so much, I was compelled to do some buffing.
The issue of tingling is interesting.
Just as yesterday, after the first pass, some very slight, but noticeable reaction
on the skin begins to occur. It's similar to a numbing sensation.
Once again, I do NOT get this feeling with the Midnight Stag, so I must conclude,
that Ghost Town Barber and Sherlock share a particular ingredient which causes this effect.
So, in conclusion, while these two soaps are magnificent with regard to
facilitating a great shave; have unique and attractive scents;
they will not be repurchases.
I am happy, however, that my favorite, Midnight Stag, doesn't give my skin any issues.
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Beautiful photo (well, except for the one of Soupy Sales), and another excellent shave report, Joseph! Sorry to hear that GTB and Sherlock are still giving you that tingle--they sound like terrific scents, but I get it: why give room to items that don't deliver 100% satisfaction... every time? You've still got the Midnight Stag, though

clint64 · Apr 8, 2020

brit said: ↑

thursday sneak peak.. View attachment 222815
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Gorgeous Gary. But you are taking the matching things too far. The tabletop even matches.

Norcalnewb · Apr 8, 2020

Primotenore said: ↑

April Focus

Chiseled Face Groomatorium Sherlock~~Simpson The "Duke"~~Barbasol Floating Head/Sharp Star
Moment of truth part two...
Brand, spankin' new puck of CFG Sherlock.
I didn't even do a test lather.
Varied my routine slightly, taking a very wet brush on the non-bloomed puck and
began to create the lather. CFG is a soft croap, easily molded. Not as gooey as B&M reserve, however.
As one might imagine, the lather started out fairly soupy.
View attachment 222784
But during the face-lathering, it tightened up and was pretty much at the correct hydration.
I did add a touch of H2O to the tips of the bristles, which always gets me that gorgeous,
sheen, which is universally coveted.
The Sharp Star blade was on its last leg, but I muddled through the shave nonetheless.
Because the blade had lost so much, I was compelled to do some buffing.
The issue of tingling is interesting.
Just as yesterday, after the first pass, some very slight, but noticeable reaction
on the skin begins to occur. It's similar to a numbing sensation.
Once again, I do NOT get this feeling with the Midnight Stag, so I must conclude,
that Ghost Town Barber and Sherlock share a particular ingredient which causes this effect.
So, in conclusion, while these two soaps are magnificent with regard to
facilitating a great shave; have unique and attractive scents;
they will not be repurchases.
I am happy, however, that my favorite, Midnight Stag, doesn't give my skin any issues.
Click to expand...

Excellent picture, Joseph! I hope they didn't sneak some Slippery Elm Bark in the soap on you.

Paul Turner · Apr 8, 2020

Norcalnewb said: ↑

Nice shave, Paul!
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Thank you Jim...it's a refreshing combo, all right.

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April 2020 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix and Discussion

Is Arko the greatest value in all of shaving?

Yes

Yes

jgreenepa Nasal Barbarian

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

jtface Well-Known Member

McCrae Well-Known Member

clint64 Blind Squirrel

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

clint64 Blind Squirrel

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

clint64 Blind Squirrel

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

clint64 Blind Squirrel

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

clint64 Blind Squirrel

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Paul Turner outside the quote(s) now

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April 2020 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix and Discussion

Is Arko the greatest value in all of shaving?

Yes

Yes

jgreenepa Nasal Barbarian

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

jtface Well-Known Member

McCrae Well-Known Member

clint64 Blind Squirrel

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

clint64 Blind Squirrel

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

clint64 Blind Squirrel

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

clint64 Blind Squirrel

timabababaluka No exceptions. Except.....

clint64 Blind Squirrel

Norcalnewb Magnanimous Moos

Paul Turner outside the quote(s) now

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