Absolutely fabulous shave Eric.

This is my setup for tomorrow's shave.

Perfect

very cool Brian.i like your group pic.

awesome start to the month gents.

I am back and have shaved twice now. On July 1st and second.

I cut too harshly on the 1st, but I actually like the Derby Xtra blade. I am also doing a bit better with the brush and I got a shave bowl, but it is a lot of work to get a good shave cream with peaks. I find that I am making enough only for maybe one side and not even a neck. I have to make lather about three times if I am making good lather.

This is the equipment. I need to include a picture of the bowl.

Thanks Joe. It will be my tribute shave to Jeff because his very first straight was a Dovo Special just like mine was.

Thank Gary!

This morning's shave was headed for a top grade until I had a cut at N. Cactus Nation, just below the jawline. I really was feeling good about it, and I think the brush(Stoylin li'l brudder)was key. I got great later from the Rocky Mtn. Barber Co (Barbershop)and I think I have that small brush to thank. In fact, it got a nomination at the last Stoylin Tony Awards(last month). Everywhere checked in as great except for the red thing. I weakened it some with the cold-water rinse and the Aqua Velva. Finished off again with Mutamayez cologne(House of Swiss Arabia). Very Excellent.

And...yet ANOTHER artisan shave co. to look up.

Welcome to the 30 DC thread!

I have a VDH twist to open razor. It does a great job. It is a mild razor that needs the angle to be a little more steeper than your average razor to be more efficient. However, that's my experience and your mileage may vary. I did recommend Stirling Barbershop and glad that you got it. Stirling is very easy to lather so you should have no problems getting a nice, slick and creamy lather. It seems to me that you did not have enough soap because you should have had enough for at least 3 passes. You will figure it out. The key to bowl lathering is to wet the bowl and then place the almond sized soap in the center of the bowl. Slowly swirl the damp brush until the lather starts to firm. Add droplets of water as you continue swirling and repeat the process until your lather looks like whipped cream.
Here's a picture of my bowl lather as an example:


Heres a YouTube tutorial on bowl lathering by IAMCDB. Please watch it to the end.

Finally, I just want to say that I am glad you are here and hope that your experience with this thread will be educational and fun at the same time. Btw, we usually go by first names here because it helps with the comrades. My name is Joe and again, I welcome you.

Fine shave Paul.

I have been using this soap for almost 2 yrs Paul! I am surprised that it is new to you because I have been singing the praises of this lavender scent.

Well, I like lavender scents in general, but just never heard of that company. Course that's what happens here on TSD.....we learn things.

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Thanks Joe...Doggone cut.

I love Carlin's thing on radios. He impersonates someone switching real fast from station to station. Classic fella.

New month, new focus. This month, straight razors. First up, my favorite razor, Iwasaki Tamahagane. Been about 5 yrs since I used a straight so I’ll start slow. For this shave, I shaved about 98% of my face (all but the very tip of my chin) with the Iwasaki. Then I relathered and did a 2nd pass XTG with my Heljestrand lather catcher to clean things up. Awesome shave. No blood, ran alum block over my whole face and no sting. Baby steps. I’m committing straight razor shaves for the month and hopefully more.

Wow! That's an excellent start in getting back to straight shaving after a 5 yr hiatus Ken. I will try to video tomorrow's shave or another straight shave later in the week.

saturday
brit #27 fh tech
nacet
ever-ready 100
hssc



good afternoon gents
late post of the morning shave.
been dealing with a mild dose of the dreaded plague,but on the mend.
back to work when the test goes green.
lovely shave all the same,nice lather,smooth results.
the a/s is a bit sticky-non alcohol-but eventually dries.
won't repurchase,but won't toss either.
awesome.
***
will be using my brit 3 piece set for the next month.
1940s-1970
the basic head design types
they were never called "techs" in england
i was born in england and moved to canada around 1974.
other than a brief 2 year visit in '78 i haven't seen mother england since 1980.
the place i knew is long gone.
lot's of brit,canadian,u.s,european stuff up this month.
"just about anything july" is my theme.
but i'll stick to the 4 razors.



have a good one gents..
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