DEC 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

Well I can tell you, patience still hasn't found me and wisdom is just knowing when to shut up and let the other guy win. Or your wife, whichever applies.

 

You read it here first...

From the collection of @Keithmax



Last week I received a package containing a most generous offer to join the Dark Side. I accept.

Thanks Keith... I will be doing 90 days of SR, starting in January, and am really looking forward to the process.

 

The edge on a shavette is finer, harsher and more likely to cut,main and burn. At least that's the way it feels to me. It's probably a thicker sharper edge since I don't get any pulling feel with a straight but even with a feather I get a tug on my goatee area in a shavette.

 

Machine ground steel also has a harsher feel than hand honed steel. Or at least I've read that and I believe it after only two shaves. I think one thing putting me a bit on edge with the straight is really how "soft" it is compared to an Artist Club blade. With the AC I know the second the blade is on my face. With the straight, it seems, there's not that instant acknowledgement. Just a different feel to it.

 

Nice looking razor. If you'd like to join Adam and I just strop that on some rough sandpaper for an hour or two. Should match up to Soviet steel.

 

That is the same razor I have been using these past few shaves. I hope it works as well for you as it has been for me.

 

There has to be at least one.

 

Don't know if Ill be joining the dark side until I have a new hone. 6k isnt enough and my Arkie has defeated my sandpaper. I've been told that it is too much of a jump between them as well so I'm looking at an 8k and 12k. I may take a chance on a cheap amazon hone but want to hold out for Naniwas.

 

I have a 12k stone for maintenance and I just added a J Nat to test. Comparing these stones and different pastes will be my Jan focus.

 

OK, test shave #2, the French Faux Frameback.

WD 20mm synthetic
PdP
French straight
Fat Boy/GSB(2)
Alum
Lemongrass Menthol WH

I loaded the PdP like it owed me money and I was late on rent. I partially bowl lathered then perfected the lather on my face. I set the razor down and pulled it WTG from sideburn to the tip of my chin and. . .
Same level of sharp as yesterdays ??? Straight. It was a bit tuggy but removed a good amount of hair. The blade grind felt more dangerous and above my lip it ski down a tough hair and bit me. My other razors would have powered through but this one flexed and bit instead. I stopped the blood with cold water and pressure finished the pass and again picked up the Fat Boy. The PdP was great but I'm not fond of the scent. It's a soap I'll use up the tiny sample I have and not buy more of. I did 2.5 passes worth on the FatBoy. It was smooth and comfortable to the end. The half pass was the touch up on the neck. I ended with a solid DFS. Alum was quiet except for the cut on my lip. My fiance requested I use the lemongrass scent and when she is happy she makes sure I am too so I finished with my home mixed WH. The menthol was nice and the Lemongrass essential oil was amazing.

 

I'll get right on it!

 

Or, you could just hone it on this luxurious stone. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt it a bit!

​

 

2016 may be the year of the straight here on the 30 day thread.

 

I may be able to join in on the fun with Open Razor 2016. Remember I wear an XL shirt and prefer a wetter lather. Is red a good color for the shirts? Hide the blood stains of learning?

 

Red is certainly the preferred color when trying any new razor. Especially those that aren't "safety". If it's a Soviet then red is also appropriate as a sign of respect to the origin of the razor which, almost certainly, is about to rip you to ribbons. So, respectful color plus blood really equals a "win-win".

 

Do you have quik-clot ready for that soviet shave? Shipping delays have been happening so you might need to drive over to the Army base to get some to have on hand.

 

I'm counting on Ivan to stop the bleeding. He'll be there with lots of towels, gauze pads, and I've ground up styptic pencils so he can just generally douse my entire face with the powder. Should control it enough to let EMS take over.

 

If you are relying on Ivan then you may have a problem. Will he be drinking? Should he be? Is there enough vodka? These are important questions.

 

Dec 22 Shave 2.14

A new day and new cream, today it's AoS Sandalwood. After the failure with Cyril Salter I wanted a win today. Using my 7/8 Hart Steel SR fresh off the pasted strops I did four passes without issue just one small weeper. The AoS delivered a good lather, usually I use with AoS tallow soap for a super lather. I have to admit I prefer the super lather although the cream is good on it's own. The alum test gave a slight twinge and very very close to BBS but no cigar. Happy with the results.

Irritation A- Closeness A-

AoS sandalwood cream
Thater silver tip
Hart Steel 7/8 1/4 grind French point
Alt Innsbruck AS
L'Occitane ASB
Davidoff Silver Shadow