April 2020 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix and Discussion | Page 378

brit · Apr 25, 2020

b1hart said: ↑

Going to try something....first video. With @jtface and @timabababaluka starting off in the open edge world, thought it may be interesting for them.

Also, wifey and the girls have been watching Barbie movies for 6+ hours straight this afternoon.....and I needed something else to do. First was a bike ride for 8.2 miles in 47 minutes, and while not overly impressive (for those who ride road bikes)...this was on a 4" fat tire mountain bike, weighs 37.5 pounds. I didn't want to dust off the road bike, the fat tire bike is more fun (and comfy). Got back....they are now mid way on Barbie movie #3....so off to the garage to listen to some jams.

Took 7 of my razors for a round through the pasted strop then linen leather progression. I only 'refreshed' the edges using the tools shown earlier today. About 40 laps on each pasted strop (14k/50k/100k/200k), then 30 on clean linen, finished with 20 on bridle leather.

Two razors everyone has seen before, the Toyo 777, a full hollow, and you'll see how easily (and lightly) it 'tree tops' arm hair. You can also hear it ping/sing as it cuts. The Drew Dick is more of a half hollow, very thick blade, and using the same technique for the 777, topped a few hairs (it was also the exact same spot I just used for the Toyo). So, went back for a second try, using more of a firm stroke and different area of hair. Hopefully, you'll see the difference...it topped more than the Toyo. Notice there is very little sound when the DD is cutting.

Why use tree topping as a test? Well, there's all sorts of open edge razor sharpness tests. Some are hard to work through (hanging hair test, for example). This test is super simple. I've seen it done in Glen's (gssixgun) videos, and videos with Lynn Abrams while they are demonstrating honing. Two professional straight razor restorers/honers (although Lynn has retired). Another super simple way is feeling how your straight razor works as you are shaving. In my shaving world, a slightly tugging or uncomfortable shaving straight just barely passes this test. I almost have to press it to my arm and shave like it's against my face. But...remember, in this test, if the razor passes (even against the skin)....the edge is still cutting, so it has a decent bevel set, and the edge would rarely need to see hone time. Tree topping is a stroke 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the skin line. At where these two razors are now, in my world....it's super smooth shaving again.

To see the video, you'll have to click the link below, which should open to Vimeo.com in a separate tab or window (hopefully). Enjoy!

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awesome video Blair..thank you for sharing....

timabababaluka · Apr 25, 2020

brit said: ↑

oh ok..we'll go with that....i have 3 favorite years,65,66,69..i owned a 71 and many other A bodies,mostly 65 -70 olds cutlass ,a 69 buick gs350 and a 65 GTO.
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My dad had a 68 GTO when I was a kid, and I often remember him saying, "Son. This car is yours when you're old enough to drive." Then we moved to Arizona and he had to sell it--we both regret that move

timabababaluka · Apr 25, 2020

NCoxSTL said: ↑

Arko Adjustable April

April 25
Razor - 1959 (E4) Gillette 195 Fatboy (9) [Head Shave - CJB Greager Pain Stick]
Blade - View attachment 224382 (1) View attachment 224384 [Head Shave] (1)
Soap - Arko
Brush - 30DC Meet-Up LE w/ TGN Grade A Silvertip [Head Shave - VDH Boar]
Post - Alum

Can you make out all my notations up there? I hadn't done a head shave in about 3 weeks and baby did I ever need one. My cap was actually leaving a ring in my hair - and THAT should never happen. So, the fastest and easiest way to get rid of that - pain stick time. The CJB with a fresh Feather Pro did a quick and efficient job of taking me down to cue-ball status. I did, however, get to revisit a key principle in technique. What are the two variables we must always control for the best and safest shave possible? Buehler?? Buehler??? Anyone else???? Yep, you're right....ANGLE AND PRESSURE. Control those and any razor can be your friend. I reminded myself that way when I set down too hard and added too much angle on the first stroke with the CJB. Bit of a bloody mess, but it's all cleaned up. Just that one spot. After that I set the angle and let the razor's weight carry the work. Much better. Thoroughly enjoyed the head shave.

As for the main event, I switched to my birth year and quarter Fatboy with a fresh Rapira SS blade and used the 30 Day Meet-Up handle with the great silvertip knot. Very close and comfortable shave. Need a bargain blade? Rapira SS. Can't be beat for the price. Three passes to a near-BBS and it only just failed to reach that because I chose to skip a bit of touchup. I look great and feel great. Good enough for me. Hope you have a great Sunday!

View attachment 224383
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Fantastic couple of shaves, Neal! Love that Pain Stick

timabababaluka · Apr 25, 2020

b1hart said: ↑

Going to try something....first video. With @jtface and @timabababaluka starting off in the open edge world, thought it may be interesting for them.

Also, wifey and the girls have been watching Barbie movies for 6+ hours straight this afternoon.....and I needed something else to do. First was a bike ride for 8.2 miles in 47 minutes, and while not overly impressive (for those who ride road bikes)...this was on a 4" fat tire mountain bike, weighs 37.5 pounds. I didn't want to dust off the road bike, the fat tire bike is more fun (and comfy). Got back....they are now mid way on Barbie movie #3....so off to the garage to listen to some jams.

Took 7 of my razors for a round through the pasted strop then linen leather progression. I only 'refreshed' the edges using the tools shown earlier today. About 40 laps on each pasted strop (14k/50k/100k/200k), then 30 on clean linen, finished with 20 on bridle leather.

Two razors everyone has seen before, the Toyo 777, a full hollow, and you'll see how easily (and lightly) it 'tree tops' arm hair. You can also hear it ping/sing as it cuts. The Drew Dick is more of a half hollow, very thick blade, and using the same technique for the 777, topped a few hairs (it was also the exact same spot I just used for the Toyo). So, went back for a second try, using more of a firm stroke and different area of hair. Hopefully, you'll see the difference...it topped more than the Toyo. Notice there is very little sound when the DD is cutting.

Why use tree topping as a test? Well, there's all sorts of open edge razor sharpness tests. Some are hard to work through (hanging hair test, for example). This test is super simple. I've seen it done in Glen's (gssixgun) videos, and videos with Lynn Abrams while they are demonstrating honing. Two professional straight razor restorers/honers (although Lynn has retired). Another super simple way is feeling how your straight razor works as you are shaving. In my shaving world, a slightly tugging or uncomfortable shaving straight just barely passes this test. I almost have to press it to my arm and shave like it's against my face. But...remember, in this test, if the razor passes (even against the skin)....the edge is still cutting, so it has a decent bevel set, and the edge would rarely need to see hone time. Tree topping is a stroke 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the skin line. At where these two razors are now, in my world....it's super smooth shaving again.

To see the video, you'll have to click the link below, which should open to Vimeo.com in a separate tab or window (hopefully). Enjoy!

Click to expand...

Awesome video, Blair! It's almost therapeutic watching a razor that can top hair

b1hart · Apr 25, 2020

13 pages today? Catch up shavette fu....

Keithmax said: ↑

Saturday shave: This is my favorite combo, Dorko 6/8, Rooney best in butterscotch and Tabac shaving soap. An excellent shave as always with this combo. I went ahead with the Tabac EDC but then remembered, we do not have Piggly Wiggly in Korea.

View attachment 224260
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Very nice Keith! Love the Dorko.

BaylorGator said: ↑

Took advantage of waking up before the fam to do a little self buzzing of the hair and take my time with a straight shave. I feel as dapper as I’m gonna during the coronapocalypse (translation: I look less mangy). Usually I’m in such a rush I get small nicks and weepers with a straight blade. Today, I had time and a light touch on my side. This also helped me focus on a shallow angle, as my natural tendency is to keep the blade a tad too steep and “scrape’ a bit rather than stay shallow and cut. The Hart Steel I bought from @Keithmax is still one of my favorites. No nicks, no weepers, and I’m smooth and refreshed. Hope your Saturday is a good one.
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Super shave Randy!

Paul Turner said: ↑

I'm a little disappointed in today's shave. I should have just rubber-stamped by report from yesterday and put it in here....course now that I think of it, that wouldn't have worked, as I shaved with Stoylin(Sandpiper)today, and not yesterday. Once again I had two weepers in the exact same area as before(just west and east of my lips, and I'm no geographer). One of them was developing into a serious cut, but I took care of it before it was worse. I will construct a focus for strategy around this area for next month. I even considered growing a "Fu Manchu" to avoid shaving in those areas, but quickly replied to that with "Naaah, I'd probably blow it"(Redford's line at the end of the movie The Sting).
The rest of the shave was fine. Sandpiper is, and has been since I first "sampled" it, my favorite Stoylin scent. As I've said, I don't expect to buy another Stoylin shave soap for a long time, but only because I have more than enough to work with now. 5.8 of shave soap ain't Mickey Mouse. Wonderful feel in all areas(except the above described).
Stoylin's greatness made me feel better about my shave than I might have been. Mildly Excellent.
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A little oops there Paul....better will come!

jluc said: ↑

April 25th
Razor: RR Hawk V3 OC
Blade: Feather Professional (4)
Brush: Simpson Chubby 2 synthetic
Pre-shave: PAA The Cube
Soap: B&M Reserve Cool
PAA Galactic witch hazel
PAA unscented Star Jelly
AS: B&M Reserve Cool

Good morning!

Wonderful shave to start the day! Three passes for near BBS. Slightly warmer than usual alum along my jawline.

I took the Feather Professional out of my Vector to use in the Hawk V3 OC. I much prefer this blade in the Hawk. A more comfortable shave with the same results as the Feather Super. I know I always say I don't believe razor and blade pairings to be consequential in any way. The lone exception would be the Feather Super with its dimensional differences.

Have a great weekend!
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Really nice Jim! Love it all. And that is an awesome haircut and selfie! My wife trimmed mine last weekend. Of course, it's just buzzing a Wahl with a 1.5 adapter around the bottom inch. The rest....well, it's long enough for 18-24 months of proving my caffeine intake.

Trigger said: ↑

April 25
Special Saturday Shave
Straight Razor Shave #161
7/8 Henckel Friodur Sq Point
C-Mon Heritage Super Badger HD Brush
Music City Suds Lavender SS and SS
Nivea ASB
It's Special Saturday and today's gear is special to me because each item has special significance to me. First, Music City Suds Lavender is my very first lavender soap and it smells nice. Second,the C-Mon brush is special because it matches my C-mon razors. Third, the Friodur is special because it was my first big blade straight razor. Finally, Nivea balm is always soecial. Now, let's get on with my report.
The C-Mon badger was loaded with this awesome smelling lavender shave. It really is enjoyable to use. Performed the dry brush method to facelather and got a very nice lather to start the shave. It$s been over 3 weeks since my Friodur did a nasty number in my finger. Although the blade was sharp, I decided to Crox it for the very first time since I owned this razor. After crox treatment, 20 on fabric and 40 + on the leather. On 48 hr growtn, I just did 2 passes to get a bloodless, irritation-free IBSS+/VBBS shave. Slapped on the matching aftershave with very little sting and finished with Nivea. I am happy with today's shave. Have a fantastic day be fellas! View attachment 224280 View attachment 224280
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Great report and shave Joe! Love the big Friodur.

jgreenepa said: ↑

View attachment 224287 View attachment 224281

SOTD Saturday, April 25, 2020

Great shave yesterday with the Fine Accoutrements’s ‘Marvel’ razor. In that same spirit I decided to work through the rest of my rotation through the end of the month! For today’s shave I selected a wonderful razor that I learned of through my shave brothers at TSD, Classic Shaving’s “Occam’s DE Razor”. I purchased the full kit of three baseplates and two top caps on the run up to the Christmas holidays this last December, supposedly for my son, but after a series of rave reviews at TSD and elsewhere decided to give it a shot. Classic Shaving recommended the use of a Feather blade for it’s use. I was not disappointed! I prefer the aggressive plate with the ridged top cap, which purportedly is designed to help newer shavers master the correct shave angle. I just like it’s looks. In fact I enjoyed the razor so much, that I purchased the heavier gold embossed handle, and swapped the original for the awful chrome handle that came with the ‘Marvel’.

Mainstream shave products are sometimes looked down upon by collectors of high end artisan soaps and matching aftershaves. Pacific Shaving Co.’s caffeinated shave cream and aftershave, however, can’t be compared to the canned, pressurized junk, with the exception of Barbasol, of course. After my shower, I began my shave with the regular cold water rinse. After salting the shave cream with 6 drops of M-Bomb, my Jayaruh #372 Boar brush whipped up a great cooling lather which was then applied to both head and noggin. This would have been a bloodless shave, until my canine companion, Gromit, decided to drop his cold rubber chicken on my right foot in the middle of an ATG upstroke below my Adam’s Apple, resulting in me reopening the healing weep from a few shaves ago. In any case, despite the “Grom”, I ended up with a very pleasant BBS after 2 1/2 passes (WTG, XTG, ATG). I feel cool, smooth, clean, and refreshed.

RAZOR: Occam’s 316L SS DE
BLADE: Feather (2)
PREP: Cold Water rinse
BRUSH: Jayaruh Custom #372 Boar
CREAM: Pacific Shaving Co.’s Caffeinated Shave Cream
POSTSHAVE: Cold water wash with Glyce Glycerin soap followed by Thayers Lavender WH and Pacific Shaving Co.’s Caffeinated AS. Finished with A&E Post-Shave Serum
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Very nice Jeff! Great report and awesome variety in your image!

jtface said: ↑

Straight Shave #2
Razor: John Watts (Sheffield) Service Razor
Brush: Yaqi Tuxedo
Soap: Body Shop's Maca Root & Aloe
After Shave: Body Shop's Maca Root & Aloe

After enjoying my re-entry yesterday, I figured I'd go all out and start MAYhem early! I performed 2 WTG passes with my straight razor and called it a day. I added more water to the lather today, but the slickness fell off a cliff. The razor wasn't gliding as well as yesterday. No cuts, no irritation and a SAS with a DFS on upper lip, cheeks and some parts of my neck!

I'm not sure if I'm imagining it, but my skin (particularly on my neck) feels smoother than when I use a DE.

All in all, I'm happy with this one. I'm going to keep the Fatip under the sink for now, but just in case!

Stay safe and enjoy your shaves gentlemen!
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Some great results there James! But...might want to rework a lather that doesn't meet expectations. It's worth the little extra time, imho.

MrEE said: ↑

April 25th

Razor: JS Holler & Co
Brush: DSCosmetic Galaxy
PS: Proraso Green
SS: Chiseled Face Bay Rum
AS: TABAC

I love my relaxing Saturday straight razor shaves. This 100 year old razor is very light in hand and is easy to maneuver around my face. I wanted a little more classic shave so Bay Rum seemed appropriate.

The 3 pass shave was excellent with a near BBS finish, no irritation, and no blood.

I admit I only purchased Tabac because @Keithmax teased/challenged me. Not liking Clubman and really only liking AV and OS for their place in shaving history, my expectations were somewhat low. Well, initially my wife said, "what's that?" In her sour, "I don't like it" voice. Then a few minutes later she said, "Okay it's growing on me." To which I had to ask, "Like athlete's foot or...?" But she admitted the scent was pleasant. My daughter (oldest) also said she liked it, but added that I smelled like Grandpa, meaning my wife's father.

So I have to say, TABAC is the best o̶l̶d̶ ̶m̶a̶n̶ classic scent I have tried. I like it.

View attachment 224301

During a "Social" conference call my boss informed me he's been DE shaving for about 6 months and even participating on forums. He's purchased 4 razors, but no vintage razors yet. This hobby is contagious.
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Great report shave and image Evan!

timabababaluka said: ↑

TLDR Warning!
Sorry for the insanely lengthy catch up! But because I love you all, here's a tip: pretend to read it, then just type "I laughed; I cried; It became a part of me," and we'll call it good

April 18
Shavette Shave #45

Gear

Razor: Max Headroom Focus R21 Shavette

Blade: Personna Blue (3)

Brush: Stirling Finest Badger

Soap: Stirling Iced Pineapple

Menthol: Stirling Frost Drops

AS: Pinaud Citrus Musk (1 Frost Drop)

Balm: Stirling Glacial Unscented

View attachment 224293

The Shave...

Lots to do last Saturday, but still wanted to do a very quick 2 pass shave. Both passes were WTG, the 1st to knock the stubble back a bit, and the 2nd to make things look presentable. It worked fine and netted me a CCS for all areas except parts of the neck and almost all of the chin.

No blood last Saturday (not even the smallest of weepers, and no issues with irritation either). I’d call this a decent enough work shave if the chin were just slightly better.

45 down, 55 to go!

April 19
Slim Sunday

Gear

Razor: Slim Jim (Gillette Slim)

Blade: Personna Blue (2)

Brush: Semogue Boar

Soap: Stirling Glastonbury (4 Frost Drops)

Menthol: Stirling Frost Drops

AS: Clubman Original (1 Frost Drop)

Balm: Stirling Glacial Unscented

View attachment 224294

The Shave...
Three no-nonsense passes (WTG, XTG, ATG). Since the Gillette Slim is an adjustable razor, I thought I’d play with the settings a bit: ‘9’ on the first pass, ‘7’ on the second, and ‘5’ on the third--I think I’m over that now. The ‘9’ setting is so smooth that there really isn’t any need to play with it further. Perhaps buffing and touch ups at ‘7’ but even then, I don’t know if that is necessary.

One way or the other, I am smooooth today with three passes, minimal chasing required, no blood, and no irritation. A month or two ago I would have considered that a rarity. I’ve got cotton balls lined up around the house waiting for a turn on the slide--no fear of snagging.

April 20
Shavette Shave #46

Gear

Razor: Max Headroom Focus R21 Shavette

Blade: Personna Blue (1)

Brush: Stirling Finest Badger

Soap: Stirling Texas on Fire (4 Frost Drops for Menthol Monday). “Wait!” you say, “Frost Drops? For Texas on FIRE!?!” What can I say… I’m a madman.

Menthol: Stirling Frost Drops

AS: Avon Wild Country (1 Frost Drop)--Okay. Now this actually does sound crazy, but when you add a drop of menthol to WC, there is a 45 second window where everything together smells like Robitussen cough syrup, then… it goes back to being WC.

Balm: Stirling Glacial Unscented

View attachment 224295

The Shave...
Another quick 2 pass shave (one WTG and one XTG) that got me between DFS and CCS. No irritation, but plenty of weepers--I really need to slow things down with a brand new Personna blade

46 down, 54 to go!

April 21
Shavette Shave #47

Gear

Razor: Max Headroom Focus R21 Shavette

Blade: Personna Blue (2)

Brush: Semogue Boar

Soap: Stirling Iced Pineapple

Menthol: Stirling Frost Drops

AS: Aqua Velva Ice Blue (2 Frost Drops--daaaang!)

Balm: Stirling Glacial Unscented

View attachment 224296

The Shave...
A 2 pass shave ( WTG and XTG) with some hefty touch ups that got me at DFS and CCS on the chin. The stars and planets were all aligned just so--no blood or irritation for Tuesday!

47 down, 53 to go!

April 22
Shavette Shave #48

Gear

Razor: Max Headroom Focus R21 Shavette

Blade: Lord Chromium Plated (1)--I… I don’t know where this blade came from--maybe my son’s Q-shave? I figured I’d take it out for a spin. Not awful. I found I had to steepen the blade angle a bit, but I’m not sore from it. Probably means it’s a mildish blade.

Brush: Semogue Boar

Soap: Stirling Glastonbury (4 Frost Drops)

Menthol: Stirling Frost Drops

AS: Clubman Original (1 Frost Drop)

Balm: Stirling Glacial Unscented

View attachment 224297

The Shave...
A 2 pass shave ( WTG and ATG) and some beefy touch ups. DFS and CCS on the chin. A repeat of yesterday’s comfort results--no blood or irritation!

48 down, 52 to go!

April 23
Shavette Shave #49

Gear

Razor: Utopia Care Shavette--I was kind of curious to see how I’d shave with this shavette after a month and a half of Focus R21 shaves. The slightly more exposed corners were not nearly as problematic as I thought they’d be; the overall design, however, has some definite pros and cons. Pro--this is a very thin shavette that lets you shave at incredibly shallow angles. Con--this same thinness makes shaving difficult. The tang is literally less than 1/16th of an inch, so if you aren’t on your game with the grip, it really wants to flip flat at a 90 degree angle. Kind of a dangerous ride. Also, I’m fumbling around a bit with scales. The R21’s scales popped off and I’ve been shaving kamisori style.

Blade: Derby Premium (1)--these came with the shavette, and I noticed that Gary used them recently, so that’s all I needed. It’s a decent blade in a shavette

Brush: Semogue Boar

Soap: Stirling Texas on Fire (3 Frost Drops)

Menthol: Stirling Frost Drops

AS: Avon Wild Country (1 Frost Drop)

Balm: Stirling Glacial Unscented

View attachment 224298

The Shave...
In spite of figuring out the scales and fighting the too-thin profile, there was no drama other than a disappearing weeper on my chin. 2 passes (WTG, then ATG), and some focused chin touch ups netted me a DFS and a CCS on my chin

49 down, 51 to go!

April 24
Shavette Shave #50--”Past the Point of No Return”

Gear

Razor: Max Headroom Focus R21 Shavette

Blade: Lord Chromium Plated (2)

Brush: Stirling Finest Badger

Soap: Stirling Iced Pineapple (2 Frost Drops)--next time I’ll go with 4 for the full Glacial effect.

Menthol: Stirling Frost Drops

AS: Aqua Velva Ice Blue (1 Frost Drop)

Balm: Stirling Glacial Unscented

View attachment 224299

The Shave...
2 pass shave ( WTG and ATG) and once again, I spent some major touch up time on the goat zone. DFS and CCS on the chin. No irritation, I thought I saw a weeper on my chin as I was going over it, but the blade wiped through it, and no blood returned to the scene of the crime. Could it have been a trick of the light? It was probably blood.

50 down, 50 to go!

In honor of the halfway mark... some topical 80's pop!

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TLDR...not. Great, awesome, incredible catch up details and images Tim! Wow! Congrats on the halfway point.

brit said: ↑

View attachment 224291
saturday shave
new french market new rfb/solid french tech thin handle
platinum
semogue 830
williams-transplanted and soaked overnight
fine santal absolut

good morning gents.after a friday of cleaning,sorting and refining some shave gear i have come to realise,(yes i have too much.thank you gents) that gillette made some fantastic razors during the 30s and 40s,but did't always pair them with their best handles.thankfully i can solve this....honestly i find the handles too light or not grippy enough-ie-new common bars especially.so i have 3 handles that fit the bill perfectly.. View attachment 224302
left to right.1949 french thin tech handle,1948 french tech fat handle,1953 canadian tech military handle.

now these are all heavy and solid,the fat handle is hollow but with heavy tubing..these handles work with all my 3 piece gillette razors-new sc,rfb,flat bottom techs and news,and the new/tech hybrid,and give them great heft,balance and dexterity (poor word).i love vintage gillettes but not a purist per say.let me go deeper..
when i used to build early 80s volvo 240s i used their best high performance parts from different models on them,and built some very quick,well handling sleepers..turbo conversions,gear swaps,handling package upgrades.cars volvo rarely built....but they were all "genuine" volvo parts..back to gillettes..
while my vintage gillettes look cool in their cases,they are lacking in certain areas.so i threw all the cases in a drawer and picked out their best bits....sorry purists..i also purchased a Razor Emporium replica solid brass/nickel old type handle to fix up those early gillettes with those crap split handles.my point you ask?..well..
gillette early 2 piece-single ring,new deluxe,rfb and like,open comb and safety bar tto razors are decently built with good balance and weight.now my 3 piece razors do....so from here on in i will enjoy these beauties with handles that i think they should have came with or as options at least.something many tinkerers did in the days these razor sets were abundant...
So if you see my beloved brits with the "wrong for the set" handles on them....know you know..
So,today i paired the solid french thin tech handle with the french market new rfb.craving an open comb...loaded the platinum.afters transplanting my modern williams from my ford coffee mug to this awesome "gifted to me" burmashave mug i soaked it overnight.yes "bloomed" if you will..got a easy load with the semogue 830 boar and face lathered a fantastically slick,dense lather.2+ smooth combination passes later i was in bbs whisker free land.zero issues..this razor is efficient and nimble to say the least.fine santal absolut sealed the deal..awesome..all i have to say?
hot rodding isn't just for cars....have a fab weekend everyone....and thanks for listening..
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Gary, dude....awesome image and report! Love the posts on the cars and the case! Very nice sir!

Primotenore said: ↑

April Focus

Vintage Williams~~Simpson Milk Churn~~Heljestrand MK32~~Derby City SBST
The urge to use a more "blade forward" razor was great this morning.
I have spent the better part of this month dabbling in the Gillette Tech.
While these razors are easy to use, get the job done, they don't allow for much
variation, regarding the angle. But, isn't that the aim of MOST DE razors?
Today's shave was a horse of a different color.
No room for error when you wield a straight.
Prep must be good. Edge must be waaaaaay more than good and, of course,
technique must be spot on.
The Williams soap was a little selfish, giving up part of itself to the Simpson Milk Churn.
The knot is soft, but backbone is slightly below average, especially with a very hard soap.
Even with a bloom, I had to load much longer today, than I did with my boar brushes.
I was successful and the resulting lather was excellent.
The Swedish steel has a very keen edge, although I did choose
to CrOx before stropping.
Two passes and some touch up and the results were excellent.
Once again I chose the Derby City aftershave.
Have a great weekend.
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Great report and love the Titanic'ing going on til you finish that soap and aftershave Joseph!

clint64 said: ↑

April 25, 2020
OneBlade Genesis
Feather FHS
Stuga Sandalwood Silvertip
TOBS Mr Taylors Shave Cream
Fine Italian Citrus

Maya and I have spent the morning trimming and weeding the islands. I sprayed weed killer so we can get some pine straw next week before the HOA sends me a nasty note. @MrEE inspired me to pull out my OneBlade Genesis V2 for a run this week. I reached in the back of the cabinet and pulled out the Stuga Sandalwood Silvertip brush. My wife brought the brush and some soap back from Australia as a gift. The brush is really soft with medium backbone serving for a change of pace to what I normal prefer. Two passes and touch ups caught the baby with ease. The Genesis works easier and better on my neck than anything I have tried. A splash of Fine Italian Citrus and I done for the day. I hope everyone has a fantastic Saturday.
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Great image Clint, really like that Stuga. And I'm dense....still can't tell what you're gonna do on next Saturday about the Blackland Tradere. Got Jim figured out though.....

Simon Smailus said: ↑

It has been a long few weeks. Busy busy busy. I've been shaving every day and it has been a great stress reliever!

Today I used my merkur futur
Personna platinum
Proraso anti-irritation
Trumper skin food

I broke the stop on my futur a few years ago and so never really know what stop it's actually on. However, it was on 1.

3 Passes and DFS
No cuts or weepers
I bit of bite with the Alum
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Very nice Simon!

NCoxSTL said: ↑

Arko Adjustable April

April 25
Razor - 1959 (E4) Gillette 195 Fatboy (9) [Head Shave - CJB Greager Pain Stick]
Blade - View attachment 224382 (1) View attachment 224384 [Head Shave] (1)
Soap - Arko
Brush - 30DC Meet-Up LE w/ TGN Grade A Silvertip [Head Shave - VDH Boar]
Post - Alum

Can you make out all my notations up there? I hadn't done a head shave in about 3 weeks and baby did I ever need one. My cap was actually leaving a ring in my hair - and THAT should never happen. So, the fastest and easiest way to get rid of that - pain stick time. The CJB with a fresh Feather Pro did a quick and efficient job of taking me down to cue-ball status. I did, however, get to revisit a key principle in technique. What are the two variables we must always control for the best and safest shave possible? Buehler?? Buehler??? Anyone else???? Yep, you're right....ANGLE AND PRESSURE. Control those and any razor can be your friend. I reminded myself that way when I set down too hard and added too much angle on the first stroke with the CJB. Bit of a bloody mess, but it's all cleaned up. Just that one spot. After that I set the angle and let the razor's weight carry the work. Much better. Thoroughly enjoyed the head shave.

As for the main event, I switched to my birth year and quarter Fatboy with a fresh Rapira SS blade and used the 30 Day Meet-Up handle with the great silvertip knot. Very close and comfortable shave. Need a bargain blade? Rapira SS. Can't be beat for the price. Three passes to a near-BBS and it only just failed to reach that because I chose to skip a bit of touchup. I look great and feel great. Good enough for me. Hope you have a great Sunday!

View attachment 224383
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You's guys and open edge shaving your noggin. Awesome variable control it is (even with the mishap). Great setup for both shaves Neal!

And....I think I got them all. If I missed anyone, sincerely sorry!

Trigger · Apr 25, 2020

timabababaluka said: ↑

Awesome video, Blair! It's almost therapeutic watching a razor that can top hair
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I wish my top had hair.

Trigger · Apr 25, 2020

b1hart said: ↑

13 pages today? Catch up shavette fu....

Very nice Keith! Love the Dorko.

Super shave Randy!

A little oops there Paul....better will come!

Really nice Jim! Love it all. And that is an awesome haircut and selfie! My wife trimmed mine last weekend. Of course, it's just buzzing a Wahl with a 1.5 adapter around the bottom inch. The rest....well, it's long enough for 18-24 months of proving my caffeine intake.

Great report and shave Joe! Love the big Friodur.

Very nice Jeff! Great report and awesome variety in your image!

Some great results there James! But...might want to rework a lather that doesn't meet expectations. It's worth the little extra time, imho.

Great report shave and image Evan!

TLDR...not. Great, awesome, incredible catch up details and images Tim! Wow! Congrats on the halfway point.

Gary, dude....awesome image and report! Love the posts on the cars and the case! Very nice sir!

Great report and love the Titanic'ing going on til you finish that soap and aftershave Joseph!

Great image Clint, really like that Stuga. And I'm dense....still can't tell what you're gonna do on next Saturday about the Blackland Tradere. Got Jim figured out though.....

Very nice Simon!

You's guys and open edge shaving your noggin. Awesome variable control it is (even with the mishap). Great setup for both shaves Neal!

And....I think I got them all. If I missed anyone, sincerely sorry!
Click to expand...

Thanks Blair!

b1hart · Apr 26, 2020

Talking about cars while growing up....lots of cool ones mentioned today. Us....1965 Plymouth Barracuda w/273 HEMI in it. Automatic unfortunately, but that didn't slow it down much.

Funny story. Once I started working......I paid to put 4 tires on it. Had to go straight from the tire shop to pick Dad up. Stickers still on the tires. He....said he wanted to drive. Okaaaayyyy.....then proceeded to leave a 100 foot 2 trail skid out of his office parking lot, me mad and making all sorts of comments about just putting new tires on, and him burning a couple thousand miles off of them..... His comment, 'See how it feels'......

brit · Apr 26, 2020

timabababaluka said: ↑

My dad had a 68 GTO when I was a kid, and I often remember him saying, "Son. This car is yours when you're old enough to drive." Then we moved to Arizona and he had to sell it--we both regret that move
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i bet..i had a 68 442 i bought for parts sight unseen.it was mint ,but no registration..real shame to scrap it.very valuable car today.back in the day it was common to wreck nice cars for desirable parts..many regrets but ..my 65 gto went the same way.got more $$ in parts than as a complete car. mine was missing it's tri power set up when i got it..winters here killed a lot of fine cars as well..

brit · Apr 26, 2020

b1hart said: ↑

Talking about cars while growing up....lots of cool ones mentioned today. Us....1965 Plymouth Barracuda w/273 HEMI in it. Automatic unfortunately, but that didn't slow it down much.

Funny story. Once I started working......I paid to put 4 tires on it. Had to go straight from the tire shop to pick Dad up. Stickers still on the tires. He....said he wanted to drive. Okaaaayyyy.....then proceeded to leave a 100 foot 2 trail skid out of his office parking lot, me mad and making all sorts of comments about just putting new tires on, and him burning a couple thousand miles off of them..... His comment, 'See how it feels'......
Click to expand...

yes sir..the 273 inch commando engine was a high rev,solid lifter engine in th 65 cuda..very cool lightweight car..not a hemi..but not the point..they would wear tires out really quickly....ton's o fun..Dodge and Plymouth A body cars were a blast..i had a few Darts over the years.. .in the 80s they were near free.want a duster,come get it..was the norm..

timabababaluka · Apr 26, 2020

b1hart said: ↑

13 pages today? Catch up shavette fu....

Very nice Keith! Love the Dorko.

Super shave Randy!

A little oops there Paul....better will come!

Really nice Jim! Love it all. And that is an awesome haircut and selfie! My wife trimmed mine last weekend. Of course, it's just buzzing a Wahl with a 1.5 adapter around the bottom inch. The rest....well, it's long enough for 18-24 months of proving my caffeine intake.

Great report and shave Joe! Love the big Friodur.

Very nice Jeff! Great report and awesome variety in your image!

Some great results there James! But...might want to rework a lather that doesn't meet expectations. It's worth the little extra time, imho.

Great report shave and image Evan!

TLDR...not. Great, awesome, incredible catch up details and images Tim! Wow! Congrats on the halfway point.

Gary, dude....awesome image and report! Love the posts on the cars and the case! Very nice sir!

Great report and love the Titanic'ing going on til you finish that soap and aftershave Joseph!

Great image Clint, really like that Stuga. And I'm dense....still can't tell what you're gonna do on next Saturday about the Blackland Tradere. Got Jim figured out though.....

Very nice Simon!

You's guys and open edge shaving your noggin. Awesome variable control it is (even with the mishap). Great setup for both shaves Neal!

And....I think I got them all. If I missed anyone, sincerely sorry!
Click to expand...

Thanks, Blair!

timabababaluka · Apr 26, 2020

b1hart said: ↑

Talking about cars while growing up....lots of cool ones mentioned today. Us....1965 Plymouth Barracuda w/273 HEMI in it. Automatic unfortunately, but that didn't slow it down much.

Funny story. Once I started working......I paid to put 4 tires on it. Had to go straight from the tire shop to pick Dad up. Stickers still on the tires. He....said he wanted to drive. Okaaaayyyy.....then proceeded to leave a 100 foot 2 trail skid out of his office parking lot, me mad and making all sorts of comments about just putting new tires on, and him burning a couple thousand miles off of them..... His comment, 'See how it feels'......
Click to expand...

Your dad is awesome

timabababaluka · Apr 26, 2020

brit said: ↑

i bet..i had a 68 442 i bought for parts sight unseen.it was mint ,but no registration..real shame to scrap it.very valuable car today.back in the day it was common to wreck nice cars for desirable parts..many regrets but ..my 65 gto went the same way.got more $$ in parts than as a complete car. mine was missing it's tri power set up when i got it..winters here killed a lot of fine cars as well..
Click to expand...

Winter and my mom killed my dad's '69 Stingray. Idaho winter, and she hit some black ice going into a gas station, maybe... 5-10 mph? Hit the car in front of her, and the fiberglass body just shattered. In those days my dad prided himself on always being able to sell a car for more than he paid for it--the Stingray was his one failure

brit · Apr 26, 2020

timabababaluka said: ↑

Winter and my mom killed my dad's '69 Stingray. Idaho winter, and she hit some black ice going into a gas station, maybe... 5-10 mph? Hit the car in front of her, and the fiberglass body just shattered. In those days my dad prided himself on always being able to sell a car for more than he paid for it--the Stingray was his one failure
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sorry to hear, fab car,love the c3 body style,68- 72 especially..they were the corvette's with the big ponies ..but yes, glass shatters..i would love a tuxedo black 68 427 car.. ....funn....

b1hart · Apr 26, 2020

brit said: ↑

yes sir..the 273 inch commando engine was a high rev,solid lifter engine in th 65 cuda..very cool lightweight car..not a hemi..but not the point..they would wear tires out really quickly....ton's o fun..Dodge and Plymouth A body cars were a blast..i had a few Darts over the years.. .in the 80s they were near free.want a duster,come get it..was the norm..
Click to expand...

Oops. Didn’t know that much detail on the motor. Just regurgitating what I heard/thought. It was so much fun in the wet. Tires lasted longer, and was good for learning drifting....err, car control, yeah car control.

brit · Apr 26, 2020

b1hart said: ↑

13 pages today? Catch up shavette fu....

Very nice Keith! Love the Dorko.

Super shave Randy!

A little oops there Paul....better will come!

Really nice Jim! Love it all. And that is an awesome haircut and selfie! My wife trimmed mine last weekend. Of course, it's just buzzing a Wahl with a 1.5 adapter around the bottom inch. The rest....well, it's long enough for 18-24 months of proving my caffeine intake.

Great report and shave Joe! Love the big Friodur.

Very nice Jeff! Great report and awesome variety in your image!

Some great results there James! But...might want to rework a lather that doesn't meet expectations. It's worth the little extra time, imho.

Great report shave and image Evan!

TLDR...not. Great, awesome, incredible catch up details and images Tim! Wow! Congrats on the halfway point.

Gary, dude....awesome image and report! Love the posts on the cars and the case! Very nice sir!

Great report and love the Titanic'ing going on til you finish that soap and aftershave Joseph!

Great image Clint, really like that Stuga. And I'm dense....still can't tell what you're gonna do on next Saturday about the Blackland Tradere. Got Jim figured out though.....

Very nice Simon!

You's guys and open edge shaving your noggin. Awesome variable control it is (even with the mishap). Great setup for both shaves Neal!

And....I think I got them all. If I missed anyone, sincerely sorry!
Click to expand...

thank you Blair....have a fine sunday..

brit · Apr 26, 2020

b1hart said: ↑

Oops. Didn’t know that much detail on the motor. Just regurgitating what I heard/thought. It was so much fun in the wet. Tires lasted longer, and was good for learning drifting....err, car control, yeah car control.
Click to expand...

all good,sorry to auto correct. habit.that's it..car control,.in my young years i worked at auto wrecking yards..thankfully used tires were abundant..i would have gone broke....

Keithmax · Apr 26, 2020

jluc said: ↑

Wow. Mighty Christian of you, Joe.

I was impressed with the job Mrs. jluc did on my hair. Now I'm kinda sorry I posted anything.
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haters are going to hate (he he) just ignore it, the Mrs. did a great job

jluc said: ↑

My hair is pretty thick. The first time I had it buzzed with a #4 a coworker said my head looked like it was carpeted.
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There is going to be some more haten’

Keithmax · Apr 26, 2020

b1hart said: ↑

Going to try something....first video. With @jtface and @timabababaluka starting off in the open edge world, thought it may be interesting for them.

Also, wifey and the girls have been watching Barbie movies for 6+ hours straight this afternoon.....and I needed something else to do. First was a bike ride for 8.2 miles in 47 minutes, and while not overly impressive (for those who ride road bikes)...this was on a 4" fat tire mountain bike, weighs 37.5 pounds. I didn't want to dust off the road bike, the fat tire bike is more fun (and comfy). Got back....they are now mid way on Barbie movie #3....so off to the garage to listen to some jams.

Took 7 of my razors for a round through the pasted strop then linen leather progression. I only 'refreshed' the edges using the tools shown earlier today. About 40 laps on each pasted strop (14k/50k/100k/200k), then 30 on clean linen, finished with 20 on bridle leather.

Two razors everyone has seen before, the Toyo 777, a full hollow, and you'll see how easily (and lightly) it 'tree tops' arm hair. You can also hear it ping/sing as it cuts. The Drew Dick is more of a half hollow, very thick blade, and using the same technique for the 777, topped a few hairs (it was also the exact same spot I just used for the Toyo). So, went back for a second try, using more of a firm stroke and different area of hair. Hopefully, you'll see the difference...it topped more than the Toyo. Notice there is very little sound when the DD is cutting.

Why use tree topping as a test? Well, there's all sorts of open edge razor sharpness tests. Some are hard to work through (hanging hair test, for example). This test is super simple. I've seen it done in Glen's (gssixgun) videos, and videos with Lynn Abrams while they are demonstrating honing. Two professional straight razor restorers/honers (although Lynn has retired). Another super simple way is feeling how your straight razor works as you are shaving. In my shaving world, a slightly tugging or uncomfortable shaving straight just barely passes this test. I almost have to press it to my arm and shave like it's against my face. But...remember, in this test, if the razor passes (even against the skin)....the edge is still cutting, so it has a decent bevel set, and the edge would rarely need to see hone time. Tree topping is a stroke 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the skin line. At where these two razors are now, in my world....it's super smooth shaving again.

To see the video, you'll have to click the link below, which should open to Vimeo.com in a separate tab or window (hopefully). Enjoy!

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Great video, sharp is sharp and those razors are sharp. You can hear the hair screaming as they gets severed. It is the same test are use when sharpening razors.

brit said: ↑

yes sir..the 273 inch commando engine was a high rev,solid lifter engine in th 65 cuda..very cool lightweight car..not a hemi..but not the point..they would wear tires out really quickly....ton's o fun..Dodge and Plymouth A body cars were a blast..i had a few Darts over the years.. .in the 80s they were near free.want a duster,come get it..was the norm..
Click to expand...

My first car was a 72 dodge challenger with a 318 engine. By the time I was done the engine was burned up and the transmission fell out I had a lot of fun with that car and happy memories. If they sold them here in Korea I would definitely buy one and relive my youth. Hopefully I will treat the car better this time around.

Keithmax · Apr 26, 2020

Keep up the car talk, I have to live my dreams to you guys now. We don’t have any fun cars like that here.

Is Arko the greatest value in all of shaving?

Yes

Yes