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Welcome to the July edition of the most popular thread in all of the known universe. It's here that like-minded wet-shavers gather from every corner of the globe to share shaving experiences, help and tutor new wet-shavers and support our wet-shaving brethren.

Thanks to our dear friend @wristwatchb for stepping in for June. He did an amazing job and the thread was really terrific for the month. Yours truly said he was out, but as Michael Corleone said so eloquently: "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in".

Now, to be clear, no one held a gun to my head. The fact is I love this forum and this thread especially. True, June was a difficult month for me. The thoughts and prayers for my dear mother were so appreciated. Other than my partner for the last 37 years, shaving afforded me some relaxing moments. If you had asked me 7 years ago, if shaving was relaxing, I would have scoffed. The truth is, shaving is zen-like for me. As I am sure it is for most of us here.

Let’s get to the subject of this post:
What is the 30DC “Rule”?

Take ONE razor, ONE blade, ONE brush, ONE soap/cream and use them EVERYDAY this month. Many of us have accomplished this rule and all of us are better shavers because of it. I highly encourage those shavers---especially new shavers to consider a rule. You'll thank me in the end.

There is an alternative to the "rule".
The 30 Day “Focus”.
Vary the gear for each shave, save, for perhaps, one or two elements.
This is also a challenge, but is more accessible to the average shaver.
I know of no better way to get through a soap than to use it every day for 30 days.

There are some general rules that must be observed, and for the sake of clarity, I hereby post them for all to read:

1. New Members always welcome. Start anytime.
2. Old Members always welcome.
3. Respect everyone.
4. Refrain from political conversation.**
** This includes, but is not limited to: Covid-19, treatments and/or advice.
Please keep these discussions off of this thread and indeed, off of TSD.

We celebrate our nation's birthday this month, so what could be more appropriate than name this month: "Freedom Month". Use whatever gear pleases you. Just consider one or two lines in your daily post that might educate another. Being specific is not boring, it's the point of this thread.

Happy Birthday America and here's wishing everyone here 31 days of terrific shaves.

"To Shave, Share, Support and Educate"©​

SOTD THURSDAY MORNING , JULY 1, 2021

My grandfather used to complain about getting old. Crap just happens after seven decades of walking this planet. After a two month absence from this forum in the hands of rehab pros, I’ve finally got the old carcass working again. I’ve needed to adapt my shaving routine a bit, but I’m back in the saddle. The question’s out as to whether I’ll be able to use my dominant left hand for straight shaving for a while, but I managed a one handed straight shave with my non-dominant right hand. The mug shave was acceptable with only two small nicks on my left side where I used to shave with my left hand. The dome shave was also a bit bumpy. The LeCoq Cagehead cleared away the dome stubble, but did take a great deal more focus to use my right hand. In any case It’s great to be back and looking forward to improving my shaves day by day again.

RAZOR: Riga Razor 7/8 (Mug), LeCoq Cagehead (Dome)
BLADE: Feather DE
PREP: Cold water rinse followed by a scrub with Argan Oil
BRUSH: MrEE Aluminum Handled Monster Tuxedo Synth
SOAP: Mitchell’s Wool Fat
POSTSHAVE: Cold water wash with brush squeezings followed by a rinse with Humphreys Lilac WH. Finished with Osage Rub.

AWESOME back in the saddle post Jeff. We've missed you !

Thursday July 1, 2021
Razor: Vintage Clauss Automatic Razor
Blade: Despined Gem
Brush: Scoville by Trotter Handcraft
Soap: 1508.5 Project - Haslinger Schafmilch Rasierseife
AS 1: Humphrey's Alcoholado Maravilla 70
AS 2: Proraso Green Splash
Fragrance: Guerlain Vetiver
Consecutive Daily Shaves - # 967
Brought out the Clauss Automatic safety razor for a 2nd spin. It's probably the earliest Twist To Open Razor. The 1st outing took more blood than I had spilled since starting this shaving methods back in 2007ish including some divots that took way too long to heal. Survived with just 2-3 weepers that sealed quickly by shaves end. Happy to get a close shave with this piece of history (1906 Patent) that ended successfully. I have a bunch of razors but don't keep them around if I can't at least get a shave in with them from time to time. This makes the cut and glad it does. Boring video with more concentration than talking so you are forewarned. Fluffy Safety Shirt was used to prevent massive carnage and was effective. Video posted and YES I know I forgot to flip the calendar to July Have a great day guys !

July Focus​

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Crabtree & Evelyn~~Simpson Rover~~George Wostenholm~~YSL M7
I am in for another great month and will "focus" on straight razors.
I have become a little lackadaisical with regard to wielding my steel, so I'll
shave everyday in July with a straight.
Today's lather was one I picked up a few months ago and had really high hopes for excellent lather.
This is the discontinued iteration of Crabtree & Evelyn. It's a triple-milled tallow soap.
You can see by the lather that there is too much air.

That's mos def© user error, so I will attempt a redo tomorrow.
Slickness was lacking, but funnily enough, post-shave was reasonable.
The scent is supposedly Mysore Sandalwood, but I am here to tell you, owning a bottle
of REAL, unadulterated Mysore Sandalwood Cologne by Meehan

The scent bears no resemblance to actual sandalwood.
Oh well.
The straight was my Wosty and the edge is quite keen.
I performed 3 passes, but eschewed an ATG pass on my neck. Not because I don't want the pass,
but I can't find the proper grip nor technique to make it happen.
FOTD is a western oud fragrance, one might say the FIRST western oud fragrance.
YSL's M7

This is a completely different animal than the oud scents from the middle east.
The notes are not barnyardy at all, indeed, there is a prominent cherry cough syrup accord.
I know, sounds weird, but it was groundbreaking in 2002.
I was fortunate to find a bottle on the Bay.​

Happy to continue on as a member of 30DC as we begin July. With the special holiday, as so well commented on by @Primotenore , I just took advantage of one of the "specials" listed(or sent to me as a member, that is). Course that's what many of us do anyway,right? And now I will try to finish out the year the way I began-as a "No-Buy".( I've been buying here and there since my NB21 fizzled, I should add). I think I can succeed here. I'm very pleased with my overall shave arsenal. So far in the spring&summer, I have used more shavesoap than in previous similar periods. Still the occasional "sophisticated goo" though. Let's all have a month of great shaves and reports.

GREAT shave and thanks for taking the reins again Joseph !

welcome "back in" Joseph....cool intro.

welcome back Jeff,glad you are here..awesome shave and pic..

awesome..

awesome shave and vid Dave..cool razor.

Great shave Dave!

You have got some of the coolest shave gizmos ever. And the background info is nice to hear.

Glad you’re still in Joseph.

Keep your head down and lay low when you need to.

the brit
new/tech hybrid
spoiler
simpson sunspot le
tobs tobacco leaf
burberry london





good day Gents.
after a brief interlude with some scorching weather i am back to my normal..
balmy 25 C today.
going to do themed by country type shaves this month,well best i can anyway..
today the brit new/tech hybrid with a spoiler on it's 4th wiped away the 3 days growth effortlessly.
with help from simpson and tobs.
capped it off with the newly arrived burberry london edt.
spicy tobacco scent,just plain lovely.
i love all the burberry scents so far.classy stuff.

awesome 2 passer in the usual manner.
fabulous.

have a fine rest of thursday everyone.

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Thanks Gary

Thanks Bill caught the end of your long one for the reader's digest version and the whole Tedalus shave. That's a cool razor !!!!

It is my calling, Dave.

Thanks, Dave!

Lovely shave, Dave!

Great fragrant shave, Joseph!

Thanks, Gary! I missed you guys!