JUNE 2015 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

06/29/2015
Razor – Gillette Old Type with Jürgen Hempel Ti
Blade – Feather (1)
Brush – Rubberset 400 with Omega Boar
Lather – B&M Latha
Post - Witch Hazel & Floid Blue Sample



Great near BBS shave this morning but this razor is so mild it required a lot of work to get there. I'm going to finish out the June OC Focus with this razor since it's only one more shave. After this I am sure this head will be retired. Finished off with a splash of Floid Blue from my sample pack and I am ready for Monday. At least I think I am.

 

June 29th, SOTD (Shave 19 of this focus)
Two days’ growth
Prep: Hot shower
Razor: Cattaraugus Cutlery Co Green Lizard B45GL
Strop: Drygulch Chromexcel Horsehide/ Linen (Post Shave Only)
Soap: Maggard’s Orange Menthol
Brush: Eveready 100T re-knotted with 22mm TGN Synthetic
Post Shave: Cold Water Rinse, Alum Block, Thayer’s Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Maggard’s Orange Menthol Splash

First shave with my Lizard. Following @HolyRollah ‘s suggestion, I used a very light touch. This is a noisy razor, and it is very light weight with it’s plastic scales. . That actually made it more challenging, as some pressure was needed, but I still kept the touch light. Did two and a half passes, and the feedback with the razor was great. DFS plus shave. Alum was quiet today, and only a couple of the normal spots on my neck are keeping me from calling it a BBS. I am going to enjoy learning this razor more in July.

 

Good looking razor. Looks very hollow!

 

I'd better get my shopping done now. Where's that duck?

 

World Tournament of Blades - Russia vs. the World!!
June 29, 2015
Prep - Hot shower and towel
Brush - Omega Pro 48
Soap - Mitchell's Wool Fat
Razor - Edwin Jagger DE89L
Blade - (3)
Post - Alum, Nivea Balm

And here we are at the last blade before the finals! Ladas has its chance for Russian glory as it takes the field on a cloudy day following tornadoes. Fortunately, shaving is unaffected by the weather but that sounds so dramatic.

The 98 and Fat again did their part in providing excellent slick, cushiony lather for the blade. The Ladas is on its third shave and seemed fearless as the first pass began. Still sharp and still smooth. This is one stainless blade that I really like the feel of. First pass seemed a bit less productive than normal but it could be the crowd roar that makes it seem so. Second pass, XTG and just a hint of tug in areas. Enough to take note but not enough to dock the score. One more shave on the blade may be too many but for now it's doing well. Lathered for the third pass and went ATG face and XTG/Gillette Slide on the neck. Finished with a very nice DFS. Not quite as close to BBS as the Voskhod produced but it's DFS for sure so that won't hurt. The only question is irritation because it feels like it may be higher than normal. We'll find out.

Scoring - Sharpness - 1. The Ladas is a sharp blade that has some lasting power. Smoothness - 1. Hinting at some tug/drag but it's still smooth enough for the score. Finish - DFS for the 2. Irritation - This is either going to tie things up and force me to break the tie or it will end the suspense. Cold rinse, hit the alum and...............burn. Definitely more than yesterday, less than some blades but it persisted until the final rinse. Too much to avoid the 2.

Total - 6

And that, ladies and gentleman, means the winner is...........................

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After a great showing, the Ladas comes in second for the Russians. Still a great result! And, Voskhod moves on to take on the Bic starting tomorrow!! It's the finals! Enjoy your Monday!

 

Hollow' to the point of near-implosion.
Probably one the thinnest blades I've worked with, that Lizard does resonate mightily during the shave.
I found that razor a bit unnerving dragging it across my face, picturing in my head the fragile blade snapping in half...
A very light touch seemed to help mollify my concerns.[/quote]

 

30-days of June
Winding up by choosing my 'top three' over the past two months of razor use these final 3 days of June. Following yesterday's Friodur choice, I selected for today a razor I've had in my rotation for some time.
This large-bladed Wostenholm 'Pipe' razor was an antique stores gift from my wife that needed some restoration, including a new set of scales. I don't think I've ever had a bad shave off this razor and despite the large blade size, it has never felt awkward or cumbersome. I've used some nearly one-inch wide blades that were a challenge to use comfortably. So I suppose the lesson learned here is NOT all large bladed razors will shave the same nor feel the same in your hands. Sometimes you just need to try them before ruling them out of possible contention.
This one is a keeper!

 

Razor: Gillette Black Tip SS
Blade: Gillette, Platinum (5)
Brush: Omega Boar #10066
Soap: Les CocoNuts (test)
Bowl: Wife bought it for me in Montreal. $4.95
A/S: TSD Coconut
Day 29

Working with a new brush and shaving soap. This boar brush is working much better than the 1305 boar brush, for me, and it is new. As a result of being a new brush it did loose a few hairs tonight. Had a DFS tonight. TSD coconut A/S is a mighty fine A/S.

 

Monday's 2 + 2 shave:

Due to time and need for a BBS for Monday meetings I went with 2 passes with a straight and 2 passes with a DE. Using the Ralph Aust confirms that just like DE razors I prefer a heavier razor. 2 smooth passes with SR and the the ATT delivered the BBS. Almost no irritation.

Today I have a big meeting so I can't end the month with a straight razor shave. I used my 2011 R41 with a new Super Iridium blade. This was a good reminder that I still need allot of improvement with a straight. This is my goal to get as good a shave with a straight as with my R41.

Proraso Pre Shave
QCS Cubano Breeze
Woodheat scuttle
Kent BK8
Ralph Aust 5/8, 2011 R41
Dry Gulch strop
Alum block to keep my fingers dry
Speick AS
L'Occitane Cade ASB
SMN Acqua di Cuba

 

This was my identical goal when I started SR shaving. It took a while, but I can now get pretty darn close to a great R41 shave with my straights.
Early on, I always seemed to find a rough patch I had missed with the SR—usually after I had a final rinse…grrrrr!
I dont chase a BBS shave often—but when I have time for a more relaxed shave, I spend a few extra minutes touching up and getting that uber-smooth mug.

 

Nothing better than a fresh shave and a ball game!
And a hot dog....and a beer...........and sharing it with Dad!

 

Day 28 - 29 June 2015

30 Day Focus with Cadet OC!


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Day three on the Derby and another soap comparison. This is one thirsty soap! Good lather for a quick 2 Pass smoothness! The last three days have actually helped me evaluate Williams through comparison. More on that in my summary tomorrow. Hot day, muggy evening and another chance at it all Tuesday. Other than that...all is quiet in Colorado.

Have a terrific Tuesday!
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Monday's shave was another very nice 2-pass shave. I only hope it holds up because......

a 100-mile business road trip has gone overtime and I'm forced to overnight out-of-town - without my kit!!!
(no I was never a boy scout, another character flaw, so I didn't train in the "always be prepared" doctrine!)

What's worse is this business fiasco will require additional time on Tuesday before I leave town. So there will be no report on my Tuesday shave because I won't have one!!! - I pledged to not go back to cartridges and would rather have a mild shadow at work, then to succumb to the hotel disposable or a Rite-Aid/Walgreen's quick cartridge bailout.

(hmmmm....Brainstorm for more AD purchasing justifications...)

"Honey I had to buy that extra DE razor, blades, etc in order to pack an emergency kit in the car at all times in case I ever get stranded again on business!"

Cheers!
- RT

 

This is what a Weishi 9306 is for. It's a fifteen dollar copy of a Flare Tip SS, mid-late fifties style. Don't believe the haters. Keep the vintage fun for home.

Edit: a minimal kit in your desk is totally kosher. Tell her we approved it.

 

06/30/2015
Razor – Gillette Old Type with Jürgen Hempel Ti
Blade – Feather (2)
Brush – Rubberset 400 with Omega Boar
Lather – B&M Seville
Post - Witch Hazel & Myrsol F/Extra



Another great 3 pass shave this morning to finish off my June Focus on Open Comb razors. Sadly the Old Type didn't make the cut. I just find it too mild for me and I just prefer the New LC and New Deluxe. Just to show that everything has a silver lining, this razor head along with Hibco handle is on the way to Adam @Drygulch. He sent a PM yesterday inquiring about a trade and I made him an offer he couldn't refuse. It's cleaned up and on the way to him as a PIF as soon as I can make it to the post office.

I'll post up my thoughts for the month later today. I need to get ahead of Atlanta traffic if that is possible.

 

World Tournament of Blades - Russia vs. the World!! THE FINALS
June 30, 2015
Prep - Hot shower and towel
Brush - Omega Pro 48
Soap - Mitchell's Wool Fat
Razor - '59 Gillette Ball End Tech
Blade - (1)
Post - Alum, Nivea Balm

Welcome to the FINALS!!!!! It's Bic vs. Voskhod, Greece vs. Russia to determine the best blade in the world!!!!! Well, in my world anyway and today because, as we know, this can change quickly based on opinion. But....for now.....this is for THE BEST BLADE IN THE WORLD!!!!! Sort of.

The Bic is up first today and this is a blade I've come to admire. Since @Jasman suggested it I've had great shaves with it and it went through the competition like a hot blade through butter. So, loading up a fresh one for the finals and off we go. I stayed with the Omega Pro 48 and MWF for the lather. This is now a rock solid lather for me. And, I have chosen the '59 Ball End Tech. A mild razor, it should match up nicely with both blades as they are sharp.

Lathered up and here comes the first pass. Yep, the Bic feels great. Sharp, cutting well and smooth. No issues at all on the first pass. Second lather and away we go with XTG. Smooth with no issues. Finished well, felt good. This is a great blade doing a great job. Just need to do the XTG/G-slide on the neck. Lathered up the last time, neck only, picked up the razor, looked in the mirror and...........hold on......what the.......yes we have a foul! There is a red spot low on my neck coming through the lather. I didn't feel it, didn't see it, no idea it had even happened but there is a problem. Checked it and found a small nick. Whipped up a bit more lather after the delay and finished the shave to a DFS. The nick had stopped bleeding. All that's left is the alum. Did a cold rinse, applied the alum and said a few bad words. Wow, that is hot and persistent on my neck. The crowd was silent.

Scoring - Sharpness is a 1. Bic has that part down. Smoothness would be a 1, except for that nick. Wow. That's the first time a Bic has taken a bite of me. So, smoothness goes to 2. Irritation - I'm going to be generous and say 2. The level of burn may have been a bit higher but I'm only counting off for persistency. Result is a DFS for the 2.

Total - 7

Well, a great blade seemed to lack the killer instinct on the biggest stage. Not the score I expected but it is still not the worst of the tournament. The Voskhod is up tomorrow to try and claim the crown and that nick by the Bic may have given the Russian too much help. Only the final shave will tell.

 

I did this a few months ago, and purchased some stuff on the road. SWMBO was not impressed, and didn't agree with the completly logical argument I laid out. Let us know how it works for you.

 

30-Days of June Finalé
The final day of June today, and with it, my last posting in this thread. This is also the last selection for my 'top three' razors from the past 60 days of razor testing. Along with the previous days J. A. Henckel Friodur and the large Wostenholm Pipe razors, I selected this Dubl Duck Goldedge to round out the top three. This wasn't a surprise choice for me as this razor has always been a exceptionally a smooth, consistent performer. Choosing just these three razors was not an easy as there were other razors that rivaled the great shaves this trio delivered.

Overall, these past 60 days of 'focus & discussion' were quite enjoyable. I learned a considerable amount about the performance of many SR models—the strengths and weaknesses, and clarified my own personal preferences when it comes to choosing a type of razor. Plus, in these threads, I've learned more about DE razor blades than I really needed to. I've also enjoyed watching several of you guys having success in your initial journeys into the world of straight razor shaving with amazing progress!

I want to thank you all for allowing me to share the ride with you, and a big thanks to Chris @Bama Samurai for getting this all started! Good fun and thoroughly enjoyable!

 

Drygulch's Wrap up for June:

For the most part, did a two pass shave with touch up all month. This is the point where I was on my DEs, so I am happy to be here on my straights. Now I just need to get better about the effectiveness of the touch ups. The synthetic brush worked great, and is an easy brush to use. A little tricky figuring out how to load the right amount of water, but it worked well.

Yup, RAD is still a little crazy, but I am participating in No Buy July, so that should help. The three razors I mentioned getting fixed up in my kick off post for this month are back, in in fantastic shape. They will be the razors I use in next month’s focus. I have five more than when I posted at the beginning of June, and will be trying to learn to hone a razor with those.

I did a seven day stretch of shaving daily. Honestly, it wasn’t that comfortable. The skin right under my chin was particularly irritated, and I ended up with ingrown hairs and bumps. Its good to know I can do it, but I don’t have to do it.

Overall, I would say I learned a lot this month on techniques with the razor and skin stretching. I also started playing a bit with my stropping routine. I have enjoyed reading about everyone else’s journeys, and have learned a ton from you all.

 

Well this month was my 6th straight 30 day Rule/Focus month having shaved 180 days out of 181 since the first of the year. I used this month to focus on OC DE razors. I rotated thru 5 different razors over the past month. The Gillette New LC, Gillette New Deluxe, ATT M2, ATT R2 and Gillette Old Type. I learned that I truly like my New LC and New Deluxe. They will maintain permanent spot in my collection. The ATT heads were on loan from a friend. The M2 is just too mild for my taste and is not something I would care to own. The R2 is a very nice razor and I could see myself owning one but I had ordered a Wolfman OC back in May. The Old Type for me was also very mild. I learned a great deal this month. For DE razors, I have solidified my preference for OC razors. I just like the shave much better than the SB DE razors I have used.

I have enjoyed following the progress of the participants in developing there skills, test blades and mastering their SR shaves. Thanks @Bama Samurai for putting this together and thanks @HolyRollah for participating the last 2 months. I am not ready to take the SR plunge but I have learned a great deal from your posts should I decided to give it a try.