Ok, we all know YMMV when it comes to shaving, but I'm writing this to express a different perspective. I understand where the 30-day rule comes from. It's a sound method for developing technique and systematically learning about shaving. But that sounds too much like work and too much like piano lessons. For me, there are two issues: how to get an acceptable shave and how to have fun. There are no special rewards for a superfine technique other than self-knowledge. I've only been shaving for two months, but within the first week I was getting consistent DFS shaves with near BBS and little irritation. I could use most of the blades I tried. So from that point on, it was more important for me to experiment and enjoy myself than to do things systematically. I tried to stick to one combo for a week but gave up after three days. I'm gradually improving my technique as I do this, although probably not as systematically as with the 30-day rule. My opinions on blades are also impressionistic and not "scientifically valid." So what? For me it's like going to a restaurant and saying, Hey I like this and not that. Is it fair to the restaurant? Nope. But the goal is to please me first and foremost. I'm sure in a few months I'll revisit some blades or soaps and have totally different views than now. In the end however, jumping around between razors, blades, soaps and creams has kept me interested in this hobby and motivated me to keep on shaving. What more could one ask for?
I'd like to be proficient at what I endeavor to do. and if that requires a training period, so be it. learning anything takes time, willy nilly swapping negates your ability to make an opinion on what you even like. I think the thirty day rule is a brilliant nugget of advise. best iv seen for new shavers.
Your perspective is completely valid cournot. While I don't want to speak for GD, I don't think he intended the 30 day rule to be so hard and fast that it takes any fun out of learning to shave, rather it's more of a starting point for newbies in what can be in the beginning, to say the least, a VERY confusing and involved process. You should take from it what helps you and leave what doesn't, just like in that restaurant. Two things I've heard around the Den since day one, are YMMV and "it's your shave enjoy it your way".
Thank you Eddie. I fully understand where the rule came from and I just wanted to emphasize that it's about the best way to achieve our goals and not the path. And proficiency is determined by outcomes not effort. I'm blessed with light hair growth and few complications so I think it's easier for me than most. I also used to DE shave years ago, so in some sense I was "getting back on the bike." Above all, I wanted to emphasize that the biggest surprise for me is how much fun DE shaving has become and part of that fun is the chance to try new things.
You must eat three garlic cloves, bathe in tomato paste and rinse yourself with holy water in order to absolve yourself of your shaving sins. Seriously though, I'm glad it worked out for you. Happy shaving!
We. all have a different way of enjoying this shaving hobby. The only thing that is important is that you do enjoy it. How you choose to enjoy it is not important
I never could adhere to the 30 day rule, my first shaves were a frantic experimentation with anything I could get my hands on...although now that I think of it I was stuck on the Wilkinson Classic and Wilikie blades for some time before discovering the world of classic wet shaving. But when I got my hands on my first brush and a razor with a few different blades I was all over the place Every few days there was a new cream, bruh or razor in my hands...dirt cheap stuff that made great stuff for experimenting
That's great that you picked it up that quickly. I think the big thing to remember out of the 30-day rule is to be careful about changing lots of variables at once. Your technique is a big variable and the hardest to control so keeping other things the same while you improve technique helps a lot of folks. If your technique is improving every day while you're using all the same products, at least you know you're on the right track. After your technique is solid, whether that takes a week, a month, or longer, then you can start changing other variables. What I mean is if your technique is still changing or inconsistent, you can't really know if the blade caused a bad shave. 30 days is just a rule of thumb. Some folks may take less or more time to get to that point of solid technique. Personally, I still feel like my technique is getting better after a couple years.
Glad to hear it's come easy for you and that you're enjoying your shaves, but: There are rewards: even better shaves that are even more enjoyable.
Couldn't agree more cournot. Within a month of starting I had three razors, several blades and soaps but only one aftershave balm. Using those three razors actually shortened my learning curve as it forced me to focus on good technique with each one ... from a mild Aristocrat to a moderate DE89 to an aggressive Mergress. It only took a week to figure out what my technique flaws were as the errors were paid for with blood or razor burn. Others need a more methodical approach and that's fine for them. Ironically I'm down to basically one razor now (ATT R1) but it took several razors to arrive at that conclusion.
I know now why my work with a safety razor has been so spotty. With a straight I learned how to hold it, use no pressure and the right angle and go to town. With the DE shaves I do on SUnday mornings I change everything every week. I guess it is time to take a step back and focus on one razor, one blade, one soap
I'm too impatient to adhere to a 30 day rule. I'm always wanting to try new soaps or a vintage razor. It seems every day I'm using a different blade!
Looking back at my first month, I wished I knew about the 30 day rule, here's why. 1. Figure out what I needed to be successful 2. Not over spend in first month 3. Master the tools 4. Map out beard 5. Learn from mistakes and be able to correct. 6. Self control 7. Technique 8. Technique 9. Technique 10. Graduate of the 30 day rule!
We live in an instant gratification society. It's not surprising many people can't stick to the rule.
Think I'm working with a 40 year rule lol. One of the most frustrating realizations can come from something done once to total perfection and then not being able to repeat that wondrous moment. This trouble can occur with many other things not just shaving..cooking and parallel parking come to mind. I'm all for spontaneity and am glad it's working out for you, but putting some kind of disciplined and methodical approach like a 30 rule into the mix, can help many a newcomer to advance properly and avoid the dreaded got it perfect but why can't I get it that way agains...
@cournot , thanks for your post. Your points are well taken, and I can identify with them. I like variety. That's what makes shaving so fun. Although, for the brand new wet shaver, one soap, one razor, one blade (brand) for 30 days is not a bad idea.
I am currently wrapping up my "30day Rule". It has been beneficial for me. I didn't look at the endeavor as hard and fast, but rather a way to master one tool (primary razor) and find a blade worth bulk ordering. I have been able to accomplish both. When I joined the board in September, I had been shaving with my DE stuff for a few weeks, and was constantly changing everything and really unable to tell which element was causing an issue. GD's suggestion on my initial post allowed me a chance to step back and go at it methodically. I plan on using it when I try a new razor, but that's mostly because I learn best in a structured way. If one is able to go BBS(w/no issues) on any model/blade/soap they so choose, then a 30day rule is probably not necessary in any way. What I sought out of DE was relief from skin issues and such. Technique is a big part of this solution on my face. The path one chooses should be chosen by the goal they seek. If one is simply seeking acceptable shaves and fun, then choosing the 30day path could be a diversion from that goal. I would never want to imply that the 30day is some hard and fast thing people do to join a club...it's not. It's an exercise much like piano lessons, and for many, not fun sounding, though surely beneficial to anyone's technique. The way I benefit from this board is by taking the advice I like, ignoring the stuff I don't think I need and using it all to accomplish my goals. I really hope that's what everyone does. But, in the end, cournot nails it. He is enjoying his DE experience. So am I. That's the real deal. What more could you ask for? (edited for spelling)
I kinda looked at it as sound advice to keep people from getting discouraged by poor results at first. If you aren't really having poor results and that's not an issue, then I don't think there's anything wrong with experimenting early. But, if you find that you are suddenly having uncomfortable shaves, then go back and revisit the rule again until you get it straightened out.
