January 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic&Discussion Thread

Ive had my futur for awhile and used it periodically, just not 7 days in a row, which I plan to do using Russian blades (Voskhod, Ladas, Rapira, Polsilver)

 

I was struggling with the shave sticks like you see in my pic. I was originally not putting enough soap on my face prior to using the brush. Today I got my face wet with hot water and then rubbed the stick on my beard until I could see the soap building up. I then lightly shook out a badger brush, that had been soaking in hot water, and started swirling the brush on my face until a lather started. I occasionally dipped the brush in the water until I got a good lather. This soap takes a little more water than Arko, that is why I had struggled with it before. I'm starting to like the TSD soap a lot. I have three sticks with great smells.

 

It is giving me nice shaves. I'm learning to strop with it. So far I haven't injured myself which is good for a rookie

 

Yes we have all sorts of cookies.

 

Thanks Charlie. I just line em up and shoot.....

 

Cool vid. I will put a Bulova in tomorrow's photo.

 

Day 17 - 90 Day Intro to SR
17 January 2016​

WD "Sight Unseen" 5/8
L'Occitane Plisson Synthetic
TSD Barber Shoppe Shave Stick
Alum
TSD 2x iced Florida Water AS Splash​

Seventeen days of SR. I may have arrived a little. After a couple of rough days, I have found the right angle on this blade! @mrchick is right, TSD smells great and can really hold some water! Nice slick lather. As @NCoxSTL noted several days ago, today was the first day that felt like shaving and not trying to avoid injury with a straight. Now, normally the 59 FB Danger model (@wristwatchb ), sits loaded and ready, but today I decided that it was SR or bust. I lathered my face, closed my eyes and took five meditative breaths, then opened my eyes, grasped the blade, and performed a precise WTG pass. Caught the tiniest nick on my ear from the blade tip, so small in fact I didn't even stop to do anything about it. Key differences between my two straights, the WD has more smile, and a pointier tip than the Aust. Two days ago I out a red line on my cheek in much the same way. Pass two has become something of a hybrid pass with ATG on the cheeks and jaw, XTG everywhere else. I feel like now that the really steep part of the learning curve has passed, though it's now clear that the last 5-7% to get automatic daily near BBS is easier said than done. It's been interesting, scary and exhilarating all at the same time. the daily routine is something I like. SR shaving is much more simple than DE. I find the lack of bathroom counter clutter very appealing as well. So far, my practice has been 25-30 laps on leather with the WD. It's seems to be working good. My Aust has arrived in the north of Idahio, where Glen (@gssixgun ) is gonna tune it up for me, so it'll be this razor until then. I am glad I tried both though, I learned a bit about how shape affects the way the blade should be presented to the skin. But anyhow, that's what's been up with me and straights for the past few days. Thanks for reading, I know some of the above contains more run-ons than a Faulkner novel, but I wanted to post a real update! Back in the freezer here near Denver. @Salty Belle is probably more satisfied with the NFL playoffs than me, and gets to enjoy sunny Arizona to boot! Epic playoff game between AZ and GB. That's why we watch! Other than that...all is quiet in Colorado.​

Have a Sterling Monday!
​

 

Shave Seven of my january focus.
Merkur 37C
Astra SP blades
Stirling shave soap
Omega 11047 mixed bristle brush

Another great shave. It's actually been about two and a half days since my last, and I have to confess a minor deviance from my stated focus; I'm pushing my Astra blade beyond my normal 4 shaves per blade. This whole focus idea is a real winner for me! I'm finding that I'm paying a lot more attention to my angle and the results are all good.

Still, I'm already planning february's first shave!

 

I added a real update

 

Pushing the Astra in the name of science, perhaps? Why not? You're not changing gear!

I am very glad to read that you are benefitting from focusing on the technique.

 

So many barristers running around this thread, you knew eventually I'd learn a new trick or three....

 

Mine said I was a triple threat...I could slip, stumble and fumble, sometimes all in the same play!

 

I am kind of putting DE aside for a bit. However, seeing you post about Blackbird, I know the opinions mean something, because I've read so much of your razor posts. A reccomendation from you deserves an automatic spot on my "good item to consider" list! Purchasing another DE would only make sense if I decide to upgrade to stainless, and Blackbird is topping that category at the present time.

 

Charlie,

Have you tried Gillette blades in the SS? For science?

 

Also @clint64

Shave "longevity", for lack of better descriptor, has become one of three main criteria.

1. Longevity
2. Irritation, or lack thereof, in terms of skinfeel.
3. Irritation, or lack thereof, in terms of visual appearance.

 

In the summer, I become less slow than in winter!

 

Is that razor markedly different in performance compared to a sixties era Slim Adjustable?

 

January 17 - shave 5 of the month
Blade: Wade and Butcher 5/8 square point
Brush: Wsp silver tip
Soap: Strling Apple cider soap
Prep/preshave: hot shower, Stirling Preshave soap, Stirling Mentha Preshave oil
DE: ikon slant
Post: cold water, alum, Stirling apple cider post shave balm
Strop: @Drygulch

I'm in love with this blade. After 5 shaves with it, it's easily become one of the best shavers in my collection. N/s and e/W with w and b for first two passes. The third was ATG with th ikon for a clean up. I credit @Drygulch Strop for epic blade prep.
Cheers,
Eric

 

Straights Focus January 18:

Homemade PS Oil
Stirling Synthetic Brush
Stirling Cool SS
Frederick's Celebrated Razor
Stirling Unscented PSB -- Mentholated
Barbasol Pacific Rush AS

A nice, simple one pass shave with a little clean up this morning. I was amazed at how smooth my face was after my first pass. It wasn't quite DFS level but close. My jaw line was a little rough, so I did a little extra work there. Overall I would rate this as a CCS with an extra emphasis on the Comfortable part. Of my three straight razors, this is my favorite.

Off to tackle Monday, and I hope everyone has a good day.

 

In my opinion it is very different than a 60's Slim Adjustable. I am not a big fan of the Slim Adjustable. The Black Beauty feels much better in my hand IMO. I'll have to weigh them and see if there is a difference.
The Slim Adjustable weighs 70.7 grams. The Black Beauty weighs 69.4 grams. The Black Beauty is slightly longer than the Slim Adjustable. So there isn't much difference between the two razors, however, I prefer the Black Beauty over the Slim Adjustable.
Good question, thanks for asking.