?

Do you use pre-shave oil?

Poll closed Dec 30, 2015.
  1. Yes.

    29.9%
  2. I have tried, but don't use it regularly.

    25.4%
  3. No.

    40.3%
  4. What is pre-shave oil?

    1.5%
  5. I am just here for the cookies.

    3.0%
  1. I understand you completely, except that I'm a jeep driving, pipe smoking, overall wearing guy. I like dressing up but only if the occasion warrants it. My family used to do the chrismas party thing but we all cooked good food tossed it on the table and let it be a free for all as we caught up played around and had fun with each other. That feeling is why I miss and can't wait to go back home to where they all live in South Florida.

    I'll trade the overalls back for the shorts and flip flops I had when I lived there before. They just fit the weather better.
    RaZorBurn123, wmbjr, clint64 and 6 others like this.
  2. Been shaveless for the last few days. I've had some stomach bug and just didn't have the energy to devote to shaving. I don't have a reason to shave anymore except for myself so on my off days I choose not to. I'm hoping to get a shave in today but it won't be with the Chroma blade like I planned. I really don't like that blade its tuggy and terrible. I think I will drop my blades in a hat and after a good few shakes pull one out (carefully) to see what I'll be shaving with today.
    wmbjr, clint64, Bill_F and 5 others like this.
  3. Yes! That's how Christmas parties are supposed to work.
    wmbjr, clint64, Bill_F and 3 others like this.
  4. Hey at least you'd be entertained.
    clint64, Bill_F, Norcalnewb and 3 others like this.
  5. I've preformed at Christmas parties that sound like the one you went to as an oboe player in a smaller group back in highschool but it is a very different experiance as hired help. I didn't get to do anything but sip water and play my music. I was exhausted after the 3 hours they hired us for. Sitting in a chair and playing 30 min segments with 10 min breaks between is more tiring then it looks. It paid well so I don't regret it but I wouldn't to be on the guest list.
    clint64, Bill_F, wristwatchb and 3 others like this.
  6. wmbjr, clint64, Norcalnewb and 3 others like this.
  7. Boy does that bring back memories. I was glued to the TV back then. I actually liked the movie "Batman and Robin" that everyone hated. They all called it cheesy and overacted. It's the only Batman movie that actually mimics the original TV show. Talk about cheesy and overacted!
    wmbjr, clint64, Norcalnewb and 4 others like this.
  8. wmbjr, clint64, Norcalnewb and 4 others like this.
  9. +1 on cheese and overacting, classic stuff!
    wmbjr, Norcalnewb, Bill_F and 3 others like this.
  10. So help me, Penguin. If you've harmed one hair on Aunt Harriet's head.....
  11. I loved it as a kid too. It's still great material, but now in a different way (cheesy and overacted...much like the shenanigans here). :D
    wmbjr, clint64, Norcalnewb and 4 others like this.
  12. Welcome aboard Tom! We're glad you're here! :D

    I started my blade trials after 2 weeks with the Shark Stainless and 2 weeks with Derby. I'm glad I stuck with my first DE razor for a couple of months before starting to try all kinds of things. The 30 day rule/focus really helps develop technique. What I did with my blades is to shave for 3 days with each one and write down my impressions. That did two things: It gave me a better feel for each blade, and keeping a journal allowed me to go back and review my opinions when I tried to figure out my favorite. It was good to know which ones caused irritation and which ones gave BBS shaves without any drama. ;)
    Keithmax, wmbjr, clint64 and 7 others like this.
  13. Welcome! We are a dignified lot that will give you nothing but serious assistance.
    Bama Samurai, NCoxSTL, Bill_F and 5 others like this.
  14. I was at the antiques fair today and saw this very nice Geneva Cutlery Co. I bought it because I want the good cookies.
    [​IMG]
  15. I would say stop, but I had a pretty good weekend for finding straights on eBay.
    http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/accidentally-won-a-case-brothers-tested-xx.48540/
    http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/sheffield-i-think.48556/

    You have a good eye for which ones to get. Nice even hone wear, and overall good shape. And an American brand to boot!
    Bama Samurai, Bill_F, wmbjr and 3 others like this.
  16. December 14

    Z3 Gillette Super Speed
    Feather (3)
    Semogue 830
    Trumper's Coconut
    Two passes plus touch-ups
    Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Alt Innsbruck

    I enjoyed a nice and easy two-pass (WTG, ATG) near-BBS shave this morning. I'm almost finished with my Trumper's Coconut. It's a nice cream, but the MdC is better overall in terms of scent and slickness. The Super Speed is a fairly mild razor, and I've learned that more frequent rinsing of the blade results in a better overall shave. Pretty basic, but that's the kind of things these focus exercises help me understand. I'm sticking with two-pass shaves, even though I'm tempted to go for another pass or two because the razor is so mild. The shave would only marginally improve, but I'd surely get a few bumps from extra passes.

    Have a great Monday!

    SOTD_121415.jpg
  17. That's a beauty.
  18. image.jpeg

    Pain Stick Focus December 14:

    Homemade PS Oil
    VDH Boar Brush
    Stirling Frozen Tundra
    CJB Pain Stick
    Stirling Unscented PSB -- Mentholated
    Stirling Glacial Lemon Chill AS

    Another good shave this morning. I didnt really work at it too much this morning, so I got a CCS, but I had no irritation and it went very well. This was probably the least amount of effort I have put into a shave with this razor. It should be a good start to my final work week this year.
  19. 12/14/15

    Gillette New LC
    Rapira Super Stainless (1)
    Vulfix Super Badger (660)
    Stirling Margaritas in the Arctic
    Georgetown G12 Scuttle
    Pinaud Clubman Original

    Menthol Monday, and the first day with Stirling MTA and the Rapira Super Stainless in the New LC.
    I put a small amount of warm water on the top of the soap to soften it a bit while I soaked my brush. Afterwards, I poured the little that was left into my scuttle. I squeezed out the brush and loaded it for about 45 seconds and picked up plenty of product. Built the lather in the scuttle adding water from time to time as needed. After a bit I was rewarded with a mountain of slick and creamy lather.
    IMG_1897.JPG

    2 full passes: Pass 1 XTG. Very good reduction. Pass 2: ATG. I did small amount of touch up where I could feel stubble and this left my face near BBS. Did a cool water rinse and a small amount of touch up in my trouble spots and I thought I had the baby. The Pinaud Clubman stung today, but quieted down pretty quick. The brush still had enough lather for another couple of passes.
    IMG_1899.JPG

    A comfortable near BBS from the Stirling MTA and the Rapira Super Stainless in the New LC. The Stirling MTA lathered well and got colder after the first pass. Very nice fragrance. My first time with a menthol soap. I've used the C.O. Bigelow cream when traveling. It is nice and cool, but not nearly chilly as the MTA. I could see how this could grow on someone. ;)

    Have a wonderful Monday.
  20. Very nice! :drool: