OCT 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

Razor: 20's Old Type
Blade: 7oC SharpEdge (1), no shim

Two differences from the past 3 shaves: 1) I've moved on to the next blade in the sampler (7oC SharpEdge) and 2) I've ditched the shim.

This is the shave I remember this razor as being capable of- close, comfortable with minimal irritation. Clearly, while others feel it is necessary to shim their Old Types, something in my technique, face or specific razor does not do as well with the additional blade gap.

Anybody care to help me interpret what that means?

JR

 

Menthol Monday
October 5, 2015

Gillette Rocket
BIC Chrome Platinum #2
Simpson Classic 2
Palmolive Classic Shave Stick
Alum, Dickinson's +++Menthol, Gold Bond Green Lotion
TOBS Jermyn St. Aftershave
Brooks Brothers 1818

Today was the closest road shave I've had thanks to the Gillette Rocket. Taking a break from the 30 day OC focus. A BBS on a three pass shave. I'm refreshed and ready for a day with Southwest Airlines. Palmolive Classic Shave Stick is a travelers best friend. Face lathered with the Classic 2 is my favorite travel brush. The sun as made an appearance today for the first time on this trip. The Right Coast is wet and very soggy. Can't wait to get back to the Desert. Hope you all have a wonderful week.



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There are so many factors you can play with on a DE to dial it in. I never liked the shims because they are a PITA to get lined up correctly, and with most razors you can adjust the angle to get a different feel on your face. To me the shim make the blade feel less ridgid, which makes it harder to get a good shave. YMMV.

 

The more pictures I see of that razor, the more I like the finish. Who did you say did that, and what was the plating?

 

YMMV...of course.
I'm usually a 3 shaves and out guy by routine. I thought I'd just push this one to experiment. I'm also usually a 2-pass shaver, so less passes as well on each shave.

 

I am doing OK. Thank you for asking! Fortunately I am on higher ground. Still have about 4 inches of water in the back yard to deal with and about a foot of water in my crawlspace. Worst damage for me is part of my wooden fence collapsed. Neighborhood over has a creek running behind it and numerous people had to get evacuated from houses by boat. Definitely some bad spots around Columbia where I am and other parts of the state. Thanks again for asking and keep those really affected by it in your thoughts and prayers!

 

Glad you and your family are safe. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and those affected by the floods.

 

I think it's the old saying that technique trumps "tech" (or something like that). You've got your technique to a point where you can use the razor as it was designed. You don't have to resort to gimmicks (IMHO).

 

OK, I feel better. I normally do 3 passes. So, occasionally, I get 4-5 shave from a blade. But, the shave is similar to what I get out of a very mild razor...too many strokes with too little result.

 

Sweet looking tough, manly razor you got there.

 

IMHO, shims are used to compensate for lack of proper technique. No razor manufacturer intended for their razor heads to be shimmed. Your technique is responsible for your success.

 

It is super cool!

 

Sorry to hear of all that! Hang in there.

 

Hang in there William!
Positive thoughts to you and everyone affected by this/

 

Kerry,
Is that soap more rose or citrus? Love those Italian soaps.

 

Looks like OC is just great...

 

I just got into the 3-and-out routine for blades as a new shaver testing a variety of blades. For me, I find it a bit easier to judge a variety of blades that way.

I'd imagine that once I establish a group of brands I prefer, that I'll still use the 3-and-out routine for each blade but vary it under different circumstances since my confidence with a particular blade or razor/blade combination will have grown.

 

hmmm...calling something 'sweet' and then 'tough' and 'manly' in the same sentence?!!!

Herm (this is scary but) I think I actually get what you mean!

 

October 5, 2015

OC October - This month I'll introduce myself to my OCs.
Gillette New LC
Gillette Goodwill
Standard Safety Razor OC
Schick Type C1 OC

Hot Shower, Morning Shave
Soap: Razorock P160
Brush: Omega Pro 48
Razor: Gillette New LC
Blade: 7 o’clock (Blues) (5)
Thayer's Lemon Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Myrsol Limon

After the excellent Sunday shave (@9 a.m.) I took a step onto the high-wire.
At 8 a.m. Monday, I had just a minor amount of stubble that normally might make me skip a shave, but a business day to deal with caused me to shave.

ONE-pass shave (ATG).

Done and done! I'm very satisfied.

Though I’ve committed myself to experiment and experience as much as I can with this new-found passion (at such a late stage in life, comparatively) - this is the first razor and blade that unequivocally gets a spot in my rotation - if I ever develop one.

Everything about this shave combo is a delight. It adds up to a smooth, sharp, comfortable and trouble-free process on a consistent basis - if I can say that after just 5 shaves. (and I think I can because they were daily shaves, as well as a shave with a multi-day growth.) Feedback is nearly silent, but just enough to let me know it was working.

Every shave ends with a completely smooth, irritation free face.

Caveat, I do not mean to imply that each shave is automatic. I’ve got just enough experience under my belt now to know that I cannot take anything for granted when shaving. The minute I do, there’s a slip resulting in a weeper, cut or just plain irritation. Like I said when I first started, much of the draw for me to traditional wet shaving is the complete focus it requires, (that reminds me somewhat of meditation), and provides me a bit of ‘me’ time.

Cheers!
RT

 

Sorry to hear about the flooding. Glad you didn't get inundated and that your family is safe.