NOV 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

All pain stick brothers rise for the Pain Stick Fight Song

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November 30

Razor – 1974 Gillette SS
Blade – GSB
Brush – AOS Badger
Soap – Gada Cool Mint shave cream
Post - Cold water splash, Witch Hazel and TSD ISZ

Decided I needed to get one more shave in for November before switching over to the December thread, mainly because it is menthol Monday and I love using the mentholated products. Another good near BBS shave with the birth year and quarter razor. I have to work harder with this razor than I do the Cadet OC or the L6 to get a BBS shave, but it can deliver them. I have learned some new techniques because they were necessary with this razor to get a BBS shave. The J hooking around the adam's apple has been especially good for getting what has always been (from electric to cartridge to DE) a problem area for me. It is a technique I will likely use for touch-up in the future.

My other main conclusion is that I am not sold at all on the AOS brush. I am going to be using the Stirling Kong for the next month and so the AOS and the Stirling will get some direct comparisons. I also have a handle that I need to set a knot in and so will be looking at either an Ubersoft knot or one from AMack4Shaving on Etsy.

As others have said, thank you Chris (@Bama Samurai) for getting these threads going and for your dedication to the 30DC! Thank you to everyone for a good November! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the experiences of the Brotherhood with the pain sticks. Maybe if Boris finds me I will end up using one in the future.

Looking forward to all the fun and frivolity on the December 30 Day Thread!

 

Hai!!!!

 

I believe that's what they use? I would love a Silvertip for my Switchback 400 but I don't have the confidence to do it.

 

Don't look over your shoulder.

 

I would like a painstick someday. I'll console myself with straights this coming month.

 

Neal, you're the best! The things you are willing to try amazes me.

 

You found last year's Cartel Christmas Card! Awesome!

I appreciate your comment. My natural curiosity is probably not always a good thing to let run free but then again it keeps life interesting. I will admit a real fascination with vintage gear and some of the oddities really intrigue me. They say the Durham Duplex had a third of the market in 1920 which I find, well, perhaps over statement. However, given the fact you could finally use a straight without risk of throat cutting may have made it that popular for awhile. Again, a blast from the past that works, albeit not well. The three piece version I was trying to buy eluded me. Actually a few guys got in a bidding war and took it a bit higher than I was willing to pay. Anything over five bucks is probably too much. I'll find another one and give it a try.

A bit of foreshadowing - I have a plan in the works with the help of a co-conspirator to try something that, for the first time, has me a bit nervous. More to come.

 

Kerry, let me get through the holiday season and I'll help you with getting a Silvertip installed. I've done enough on the real 400s so it shouldn't be that much different.

 

Big update for the day is not shave related. My second daughter, Juliet arrived today. Both she and mom are heathy, and my heart is happy.

 

Congratulations. I am happy that both mom and baby are healthy.

 

Parallel Universe Clint!
I'm a December birth as well and had also decided to do a Focus on just my birth quarter razors (A4). (yes...old for a newb!)

In the past 6 months I've found two - a Red Tip and a Ball Tech. Cant wait!

 

Congrats Pops! Nothing like it!
(though I could make some witty connection with "catching the baby!" I think, this time, I'll use a little discretion and keep my mouth shut. I know, I know - first time for everything!)

 

Angle and pressure. Angle and pressure. I just keep repeating to myself. Angle and pressure.

 

Congrats! Beautiful little baby girl! Glad everyone is healthy.

 

November 30, 2015

(as posted on the SOTD thread)

SOTD - No Variation NoVember
This month is perfect for me to learn skills with new-to-me equipment.

60 yo newbie’s intro to traditional shaving. (Week 29 AC*)

Razor: Mongoose B3
Blades: Feather Artist Club Professional (5)
Soap: Saponificio Varesino Manna
Brush: Omega 31025 Scarlatti Boar
AS: Changes at will. Today: Myrsol Plastic Shave



My mid-morning shave yesterday (Sunday) was so close that I decided that I would do a one-pass ATG shave this morning. Face-lather.

This was the last day of my month-long intro to the Mongoose - my first use of a non-vintage razor. Between a design totally different than what I was used to and the sharpest most unforgiving blade I’ve ever used - this month challenged and ultimately further developed my skills.

Simply, this combo is capable of incredibly close shaves that requires sharp focus at all times (for me). Whereas I can get away with a mental lapse now and then with other razors without needing a transfusion!

It will definitely find a place in my rotation, though with so many razors yet to try - getting to a set rotation may take awhile!
Why oh why did I wait sooooo long to dump my carts!

Added for 30DC
I'll echo many here who have already said great things about this thread. I've been on this thread since I first started this type of shaving in May of this year.) It is amazing to look back on some of my old posts and progress since. Could not have done it without Chris, and without the feedback from all of you - experienced shavers to newcomers as well. Chris makes this all work so fine and you all have responded to it amazingly!

See you all again in December!
Cheers!
RT

*AC = After Carts

 

Gorgeous! Congratulations. Glad that all are happy and healthy.

 

Congrats on the new family member - she's cute

 

Congratulations! She's beautiful.

 

This is weird. I had the same thought last night. Brotherhood of December Birth has formed