NO-Variation NOVember - one razor, one brush, one setup, one month. Can you do it?

14 November Shave

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Friday's Planned Shave. Still in.

 

Planned SOTD for Friday, still in it! NoVember rolls on....



I may be adding mousturizer to this... But have not wavered. This is in effect two 30day rules back to back. Thanks again to @GDCarrington for starting me out this way. I feel like it has really helped me focus and learn how to shave in a way that does not hurt my face!

Happy Friday Everybody!

Edited to credit @Jayaruh--cold water was a big step forward in post shave comfort!

 

... and some people claim it cannot be done or it is too hard to do! Congratulations Chris!

 

I really appreciate all you guys....it's been way easier than before I started reading TSD.

Started the process of acquiring some vintage gear today, will share pics when it arrives! Then probably more thirty day rules on each razor. It's how I plan to learn each new tool. I got time....

 

One of the things you will find is once your technique is firm the soap/cream and brush move to a position where you can change them daily and unless your run into a real dud of a soap or cream (which can happen) you can reduce the time to 15 days and eventually one week. Normally when you road test a razor unless you are under a borrow / pass around rule 7-14 days is the minimal amount of time to have a solid test. It allows for 3-4 blades to be used with a razor to really test it out fully.

I am alway leery of the person that can claim they have completely figured out a new razor in 3 days and write a very detailed report on it when only one blade was used. I know that sounds harsh, but I have seen too much of that over time.

So when you move into the next round of razor testing try each one for at least 2 weeks and keep documenting your supporting gear and the results. You are doing well!

 

OK I've had to "punt" due to the aforementioned demise of my one, and only, shaving bowl. So, here is my new setup for now, assuming I either face-lather or palm lather. May still get a bowl, that's what I'm used to. The Stirling Black Ice soap puck fits nicely in the old, empty RazorRock container. (Notice my new "bowl" comes in flesh tone!)



Shaves have been progressing very nicely. My "trouble spots" along the jaw line and under the chin still present a problem, but it seems to be diminishing. Still have a bad habit of going over the same spot too many times causing some light irritation. This month is all about technique!

 

Will do. My plan is just to learn a new razor one at a time. I shave 3-5x weekly, so I don't get as much practice as some other people. I seek to master things, not just "try" or "experience" things. I am sure I will mess around with one-off switch ups, or a new razor out of the blue. I am attempting to learn DE shaving the same way I learned other tedious skilled tasks. That is...I consult the experts and emulate their ways, then drill the techniques into proficiency. If it works in athletics or music, it will work on this subject! I appreciate you guys a ton!

Resist the urge to do multiple passes. Focus on nice smooth, short and precise strokes. Remove the beard methodically. I love the way you approach this!

SOTD 14 November...

No Variation November for me! Blade is still Voskhod. No complaints here!

Adding a post care moisturizer due to weather, but kit is unchanged.

Happy Friday!

Yes. The razor gets an alcohol bath after playing in the snow!

 

A freaky picture for freaky Friday. One of the best shaves I have had in No variation November. Really enjoying the DR Harris soap. Easy to use and a great scent.

 

Heck, I've been doing this all year.

 

Saturday's Planned Shave (half way there)

 

November 15th

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Still in and going strong. Started new blade this morning after five shaves on the the last blade. This does take me back to a time that all I used was one of each. The only exception would be the aftershave. Usually had one for special occasions (like weddings and funerals). Also, could not count on the drugstore (Bizer Drugstore if any one is from the area) always having Wilkerson Sword blades. Sometimes had to use something different.

Dave

 

This is so true! I'm 2 weeks in with my iKon SC102, haven't used anything else, it takes atleast this long to get the feel for the razor, angle, blade combination.

 

I was getting bored with no variation November, until i had an absolutely brilliant shave today.
I am also learning i didn't know my razor as well as i thought i did, and this time has really helped me find the best way to use this razor

Razor - Pils DE
Brush - Whipped Dog 22mm Silvertip
Aftershave - Nivea moisturising balm for men
Blade - Wilkinson Sword
Lather - D.R Harris Windsor scent

 

16 November Shave

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Given this has been a No Change November in terms of products for me, I decided to use the Slim that I used in the DE Blade Challenge some time ago as shown below:

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/de-blade-challenge-ii.28223/
This Slim has always been slightly more aggressive than my other Slims so a 5 setting on it is equal to about a 6 or 7 on the others.

This Personna 74* blade will have gone through sixteen 2 pass face shaves and 2 pass head shaves and is needing to be retired. Another blade is at the ready to complete the remainder of the month of November.

I wish the Personna made these blades again not only because they last so long but are so well behaved in doing so. Well the P74s, and this Slim that has come out of long term storage for this month only, are truly treats indeed.

I received a surprise today. When I set the SLIM up to #6 setting the blade delivered a good solid 2 pass DFS almost BBS shave. When I started on 1 November it was set on #1 setting and I so I will increase it to #7 tomorrow and see how it goes on the last expected day on this blade.

That is another good point of the exercise, learning more about the equipment.

 

Sunday's Line-up

 

Thanks Bama. I figure if we've taken the equipment out of the equation all that's left is technique. Been really concentrating on handling the razor and lathering.

 

Still in. Monday's setup. This C.O. Bigelow is very cold with cold water. The water seems to be getting colder, too. I will try to make it through NOVember without adding warm water, but there are no guarantees.

 

After seeing earlier comments on cold water shaving I tried it. Face was a bit sore most of the day. I think that's another variable I want to add this month.