April 2015 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

Razor: Ever-Ready 1914
Brush: Silvertip/Black handle
Blade: Gem SE
PSO: Homemade
Soap: Jack's Soap.
AS: Lucky Tiger

Okay it all started when I opened Doug's Den cabinet to prepare for my nightly shave. Everything I needed was right in front of me. I saw my new GEM SE blades and pulled them out to open the pack and see how they would fit in my Ever-Ready 1914 razor. I opened the pack and inserted the blade. The next thing I know I was applying my PSO, and readying myself for a shave that I wasn't supposed to have that day. Long story short enjoyed a 3 pass shave with the ER-1914 razor. Forgot my shower and most everything else. It was like some kind of time warp that I entered into.2

 

Arko April Focus - CJB Kamisori
April 11, 2015 - Week 2 Day 7
Prep - Hot shower and towel
Brush - VDH Boar
Soap - Proraso
Razor - EJ89l
Blade - (6)
Post - Alum and A/V Ice Blue

Early Saturday again, as usual, so a quick two pass with the EJ89 and the Sharp Star on its sixth outstanding day! I'm definitely buying some of these in bulk. Hard to find but I have an inside source so I can get some to keep around. My face seems healed from the slice and dice routine a few days ago so back to the CJB tomorrow!

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Last night's shave (Saturday Night) was a very hurried affair, as I was off loading a boat anchor of a TV (free) to someone who did not have one, and could not shower and shave until just before I was to head off to work. I also decided to try the Lord platinum blades that came with my Lord L6, back in November. I don't know if I am just not aware enough, but I can't tell the difference between the Wilkinson Sword or the Lords. I do know that I like the hand feel of the Schick Krona better than the thin handle of the Lord, even though the Lord is a heavier razor. Other than hacking my mole again (twice this week), the shave was smooth, and basically irritation free. I am really enjoying my foray into DE shaving this month!

 

04/12/2015
Razor – Mongoose B2 with Dr. Bomber
Blade –Feather Pro (9)
Brush – Every-Ready with TGN Finest
Lather – Strop Shoppe Baker Street
Post - Witch Hazel and Dove AS Balm



Took my time and enjoyed a fantastic 3 pass BBS shave this morning. The blade is still going strong. I really like this soap. It's very slick and has a very nice scent. Not sure how it happened but this is the only tallow based soap I have at the moment. I'll need to correct that problem shortly.

 

Cold Water Shave - Day 5 -4/12/15

I can't say that cold water shaving is better, just yet, but I am discovering that I am not violently opposed to it anymore. The results can't be kicked at and I guess that is all that really matters. I will do a cold water head shave later today when it warms up a bit more. What? You don't find a way to shave twice in one day?

 

@Troy M when are you going to start cold showers for prep?

 

I don't think that will happen on purpose.

 

Arko April Focus - CJB Kamisori
April 12, 2015 - Week 3 Day 1
Prep - Hot shower and towel
Brush - Omega Pro 48
Soap - Arko
Razor - CJB, 1959 Superspeed
Blade - (2) (1)
Post - Alum, Styptic, Cold Towel, Dr. Carver's Magnanimous Post Shave

Back to the CJB. Two weeks left to master this thing. I think taking the short break was helpful as the first pass went very well. My left hand is still less effective than my right but that is just the curse I have to bear. Second pass was better, but my neck is really the problem area. I have learned that my beard grows up at an angle on my neck which is why the Gillette slide works so well with a DE. With the CJB, though.....another story. I decided to try a diagonal downward path on the neck, almost a Gillette slide maneuver. It actually worked fairly well except maintaining angle is difficult. Picked up a small weeper on the right side, one on the left side under the earlier cut, and three under my chin. My plan was to do a third pass S-N on my neck but I bailed on that, loaded a Bic Chrome Platinum in my SS and finished my neck with that. The Bic was in respnse to @Jasman during a chat we had last night. It was very smooth and effective for the pass I used it on.

I'm feeling confident I can get this down, at least to the point of a decent two pass shave. If I accomplish that I'll call it a successful month!

 

Yeah? Good question!

Heh...

 

Late post again!

Arko April!!



April 11, Day 11, (day 4, blade 2), the mighty mighty MTO!

Day four went pretty well! It seems like day 2 through five are the best on these blades. Headed out to Denver this afternoon with Mrs. Samurai. Will catch a shave later tonight and report on a sure to be great Day 5. Keep on keeping on! And have a great Sunday!
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I like shaving so much now I honestly wouldn't mind twice a day!

 

The value of sticking to a razor is paying off! Nice work!

 

I solved the problem already without resorting or is subjecting myself to Arko I have three Barrister & Mann tallow soaps on the way. I decided to check off some of my 2015 want to try list.

 

It's all your fault. I am afraid of the stuff.

 

FB focus day 12:

Homemade PS Oil
WD Silvertip
Stirling Barber Shop (sample)
FB w /Gillette Silver Blue set on 5
Clubman AS

A rushed shave as we were running late for church, but it wasn't to necessary after yesterday's shave. Got another one in with my son, though. Still good results with the FB.

 

@Norcalnewb that's an awesome looking table!

 

I haven't shaved in several days and I'm really thinking about using this shavett my dad let me barrow....temptations

 

Give it a try. You're braver than I am.

 

My goal is to be using a straight before next year....baby steps I tell myself

 

Ah just grab the shavette and dive in. What could possibly go wrong?