Hello everyone!
We are halfway through the Fall season and for our Australian members, the same can be said for your Spring. Everyone has picked the appropriate seasonal shaving software so as to continue to enjoy your shaves. 
I have to say that there were many different razors used last month that were not shown before. I could be wrong because there are too many setups to remember and I am getting older. Lol! In any event, there weren't many mishaps last month and that just illustrates how you all are progressing in your techniques. As always, I appreciate the posts that you all bring forth. Ok, let's get down to business.
Monthly Themes
I will say that the first 3 themes were the same as Nov.'23. The first is No Theme November. It's quite self-explanatory. Shave with whatever you fancy. It's that simple. The other 2 themes were suggested by Neal Fox, a few years back when he was at the helm of this thread. They are No Variant November and No Repeat November. No Variant November is basically doing a 30 Day Rule which means using only one setup for the entire month. It means just using the same razor, blade, soap, brush and aftershave products. Of course, you have to change blades because they aren't going to last the entire month, but you have to use the same brand. So, if you are using Gillette Perma-Sharp blades, stick with those blades. Don't switch to a Gillette Blue. Well, you get the idea.
No Repeat November seems like it is the same as No Rule November, but it's not. Like the title suggests, you change your setup every day, even if it's just one item change such as a brush whereas a No Rule theme will allow you to keep the same setup for consecutive shaves if that is your wish.
My new November theme is No De/SE razors. Let me clarify. You must exclusively use DE razors for the entire month or SE razors exclusively for the entire month. In other words, if you decide to use a DE razor, then you need to stick to a DE razor for the entire month. If you decide to use an SE razor, then you can't use a DE razor for the entire month. You choose what type of razor and stick with it for the whole month.
Ok, let's continue with the basic tenets of this thread!
I want to welcome all the veterans of the 30 DC and all the newcomers. This thread is for the purposes of improving your shave technique so that you will consistently get great shaves. There are a number of ways to do it. These are suggestions so feel free to do whatever you want in regards to your shave.
The 30 Day Rule
Take ONE razor, ONE blade, ONE brush, ONE soap/cream and use them EVERYDAY this month. Yes, everyday. But Trigger, I want variety! I know you do, but until you perfect your technique, it makes little sense to constantly change the variables of your shave.
The Focus
For you out there that are not up to the rigors of the Rule, there is this alternative:
Vary the gear for each shave, save for perhaps one or two elements.
This is a more accessible challenge for the majority of shavers. I like to pick a particular aspect of the shave, be it the lather, a certain blade or a new razor, that needs breaking in, and not change it daily, until I have mastered those tools.
Ok, to keep the thread on a nice even keel, I ask everyone to follow the thread etiquette as listed below:
1. New Members always welcome. Start anytime.
2. Old Members always welcome.
3. Respect everyone.
4. Refrain from political conversation.
I also want to suggest that we should try to assess our shaves as to why it was good or why it was not up to your standards and express these reasons in your comments. The spirit of this thread is to improve our shaves and if we share the reasons why a shave was good or bad, then we are giving our experiences to encourage good technique and discourage bad technique so that we have great info to get better shaves. I am not suggesting that we do it for every post, but I think it would make for a healthier thread if we start to do it more than we have in the past years.
Moreover, you don't have to do a rule or a focus. You are free to change your setup on a shave to shave basis.
Finally, I want this thread to continue to be a friendly place. It is ok to disagree because that is how we learn from each other, but let's encourage and respect every member. Yes, even if you think they are off the wall. Let's face it! We all are a little off because of our different Aquisition Disorders. Lol!
Let's have a group hug!
Also, let's have great shaves and fellowship in November!
Sincerely,
Joe (Trigger)
Last[/B]
Click to expand...