Short strokes but I couldn't ever really change the position of my fingers to get a better grip so I'm not that it mattered. There was a time or two I got enough lather off my face I could move my fingers down and actually hold the skin tight but it wasn't very often. Alum should help as we as just slowing things down and not getting so cocky.

Peaks and valleys, at first. Not all that uncommon when tackling the learning curve as some days will be great, others—not so much. Josh, when you begin to 'hit your stride' with the razor, you'll know and the results will become more predictable. Hang in there!

Day#24 of the 30-Day Focus
..and Day#4 of 7 with the J. A. Henckels Zwillingswerk #472 'Friodur' Straight Razor.

Speaking of 'predictable results,' using this Henckel has produced a consistent level of smooth shaving results with every shave.

Brush Focus: Day 25/30
Brush: WDC-1 (Grandfather's) (Whipped Dog Knot) Black Badger 20/65, set in 15mm.
Gillette - K-4 (1965) Slim Adjustable. (5).
Gillette Platinum Blade (4)
Soap: Arko
Bowl "Once a Marine, Always a Marine".
A/S: Lucky Tiger
Old Spice Coffee Mug.(soak brush)

If this isn't my favorite brush it's so close I would have to rate them 1a, & 1b. This brush is amazing, how it feels in my hand and how it delivers the lather to my face. Swirl the brush, paint with the brush it doesn't matter this brush just perform, and performs. It's almost like it talks to my hand and leaves me out of the picture, or is that my wife, never mind, better leave that alone. The razor is still great, the Arko soap is excellent, and if I have any doubt when I'm trying to pick a A/S, it's Lucky Tiger.
@PatrickA51 won the "Once a Marine, Always a Marine Memorial Day PIF.

Double Hang in there! Practice until you get automatic.

I think it's excellent that one of your fellow Marines was the winner!

May 25 - Day 25

30 Day Rule with a Schick!



Day three on this blade, and another good shave. Using stretching technique, with some pressure and XTG, I have been able to get to BBS on two passes. The key to this is probably my light beard, and the stiff sharp blades. I can positively say after using injectors for a while, they shave my face way closer than the DE razors I had tried before. My local grocer started carrying Florida Water, and I used it today. It's scent is largely orange blossom with nuances of clove and cinnamon. Very strangely interesting, and far less floral than I had imagined. I really enjoy the scent, and all alcohol AS products love my face, so it will take its place in the rotation. Now, if I can just get everyone to forget that I signed on to using Williams next month...

Have a great Monday night!
​

Recovery and play with soap week!
May 25, 2015
Prep - Hot shower and towel
Brush - VDH Boar
Soap - Mitchell's Wool Fat
Razor - EJ DE89L
Blade - (1)
Post - Alum, Aqua Velva Ice Blue

Another day of working the FAT! Changed from the Pro 48 to the VDH Boar brush today and went after the MWF. I again soaked the top of the puck while I showered then loaded with a well shook out brush. The VDH Boar is a favorite. It truly proves that price doesn't equal quality. The short loft and stiff bristles really loaded up well and I face lathered a very very nice lather. Wow! The slickness and cushion blew me away.

I got out the DE89L and tried a new blade for me, the Gillette 7 o'clock Super Platinum....blue wrapper made in St. Petersburg, Russia. I haven't found a 7 o'clock blade yet that I thought was anything more than average, and that one was the Super Platinum Black made in India. None of the St. Pete blades have made the cut. I've seen many on here mention that the Blue is a favorite. It is NOS but a bunch showed up not long ago so I grabbed a few. Went to work and man oh man....not at all what I expected. What a GREAT blade and shave today. The blade didn't show any signs of drag and I had near BBS after two passes. Skipped any clean up and couldn't believe how close and perfect it was. The MWF provided such an awesome glide and the blade was perfect. Doesn't get much better than this! I can't even think of anything funny or sarcastic to say about this shave!

​

Sweet!

MWF can certainly try one's patience—especially since there exist many easy-to-lather pucks—but, like pretty much anything shave-related, if one is persistent and stick with it, you will eventually be rewarded!**



**Unless of course, we're talking about wearing The Veg until you're senses are numbed and immune. That's just crazy talk!

The way to go is wear the Veg until everyone else's senses are numbed...then it's no problem.

ho rah

Finished the 30 day challenge, shaved 3 times with each blade in the assortment. Same process except for the blade
In order of preference

1. Derby - forgiving, could use it 3 times through the grinder - WTG, XTG, ATG
2. Lord - also forgiving
3. Shark - meh, ok
4. 7AM - felt rough
5. Sharp - was not sharp
6. Astra - felt dull
7. BIC - Auugh! It burns!

I tried the BIC three separate times because it is considered good by others. I could not get through a full shave, it felt like my face was being shredded.

Things to try next month:
Other blades. Probably not Feather - it seems very sharp blades are not comfortable
Pre-shave oil
Arko stick

The only crazy thing about wearing the Veg is NOT wearing it.

You are correct sir. The 7 a.m. is rough and the Sharp is not sharp. The Bic works for me but, as we all know, we are all unique in our preferences and in what actually works. I will also agree with you on Feathers. I'm not a fan. Now Kai....that's a great blade in my opinion.

Very nice job finishing out the sampler! Good luck dialing it in next month, and I think you are in for a treat with a great soap!

May 25 - shave number... Unknown 13ish
Just got my fermatas custom back from Glen and after a quick shave test on my arm, I'm left with confidence and a balls streak on my arm. I've known down two other shaves with the whipped dog this past week, but have been too busy to post.

Preshave prep: hot towel
Preshave: stifling metha preshave oil
Soap: TSN bayrum (thanks @queenofblades)
Blade: gemstar custom square point 5/8 straight
Post: clubman bayrum, alum, cold water splash.
Growth: 3 days

Sorry I've been Mia lately. Missed you guys. Between business travel and holiday vacation, I've gotten two forgettable shave in with the whipped dog, but tonight, I must say THE BEST STRAIGHT SHAVE I'VE EVER GOT! I came back from vacation to find my freshly honed gemstar custom rehoned by Glen after my stropping error. Dare I say; "Best shave ever!" With the month of focus, and a sharp blade, I was able to get a three pass shave with no de clean up this evening. with, xtg, wtg.

I have to tell you, other than catching the mosquito bite for nice bleeder, the more comfortable straight shave ever!

While camping I found a couple of treasures, two Gillette and one gem, two straights. Week see what Glen can do with the straights. Fingers crossed.
Cheers,
Eric

May 26

MdC facial soap
Weber PH
Feather blade (day 2)
Kent BK4 silvertip
Kiss My Face shave cream
Two passes
Unrefined shea butter

A simple but very good shave to celebrate my return to work after a vacation with my Bride. KMF shave cream works really well for me, and I can get it at the local supermarket.

I hope you all have a great week.

I might just make a week on the Astra XP. Lat night was the sixth shave on the blade. I got some tugging, and a little irritation on the neck, but all in all, a DFS. I will use it to start with, tomorrow, just to say it did the week, not that I'm competitive or anything.......

Badger Brush Focus - Shave #27

Face or scalp lathering has become automatic with the badger brushes. I always have a slick and shiny coating that meets my needs. I have dialed in the TSD wheat cream and will enjoy it for the next week or so and then on to the next suspect. The mild New LC razor always provides a decent shave in an awesome package.

Have a great day!

Blade Focus Day 26:

Homemade PS Oil
WD High Mountain Badger 30 mm
La Toja Shave Stick
EJ Chatsworth Barley
Astra SS
Stirling Unscented PSB
Florida Water AS

Another good shave on the Astra. I am going to give it a fourth day tomorrow. This has become my favorite blade out of this sampler.