DEC 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

No shave today. I just woke back up from my nap? I'm not sure if it was a nap...well, I'm going back to bed. Still have a horrific cough.

 

Feel better soon, Kerry.

 

Get well soon.

 

The Mongoose and Feather Pro blade positively changed my perception of Feather DE blades. I now prefer them in all my razors.

 

I hope you feel better soon!

 

Kerry, take care of yourself and get plenty of rest. You can wash the chicken grease off your head tomorrow.

 

December 3

Feather Artist Club SS
Feather Super Professional (4)
Semogue 830
MdC scented
Two passes plus touch-ups
Thayer's Lavender witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, and Fine L'Orange Noir

A late post of yesterday's automatic two-pass shave. One more shave with the Feather AC tomorrow, and I'll move into my December focus.

Have a great weekend!

 

Hope your feeling better soon.

 

Razor: Merkur 38C Barber Pole
Blade: Wilkinson (5)
Brush: Omega 10066 Boar
Soap: Route 66 Barbershop Hop
A/S: TSD Iced Barber Shoppe

Great shave tonight. Getting great shaves with the 38C but still don't like how it feels to the hand.

 

Hope you get to feeling better soon.

 

What is the benefits of the Alum block?

Im also stumped on the diferences between AS splash, balm, and milk. Some clarification would be awesome y'all.

 

Clint, you have a nice looking Super Speed. How does it shave compared to your other DEs? I plan to break out a Super Speed for the first time for my Sunday morning shave.

 

Alum is an astringent, antibacterial, coagulant and learning aid. I feel that it makes my skin "tighter" and helps seal up any stray weepers. It also causes a burning sensation in areas that have been scraped up by the razor blade, providing instant and tangible feedback with regard to blade angle and pressure.

Splash- alcohol based, traditional
Milk- thicker and more moisturizing
Balm- gel-like and smoothed onto face

 

The alum is an astringent and has some antibacterial quantities. It also provides some nice, instant feedback in the form of a sting for when you over exfoliate your skin.

AS splashes really do much of the same, but most of the have some scent. If they contain alcohol, they will also provide some feedback. They can be moisturizing as well. Most of the balms I have tried do not contain alcohol, and often have something like bees wax to act as an emulsifier. They usually have some specific skin moisturizers. I haven't used any milks, so I'll let someone else chime in on these.

 

Adam, congratulations on your milestone - 100 straight razor shaves! I've enjoyed following your progress, and I look forward to joining you when my PRC razor arrives in a few weeks. I think I will use mine mostly for weekend shaves.

 

Appreciate the info, I'm currently using the Nivea AS Balm for this 30 day focus but debating on trying something diferent next month. Whatever I choose it has to have a lotion/moisterizing form to it. My skin dries out bad.

 

Barbus: Obscure Slovenian AS

 

Also you can use an Alum Block if you have a razor that has a slippery handle, rub your finger tips on the block and it will add some grip.

 

Thank you all for the well wishes!! I slept the entire day away, and I don't feel guilty.

 

Charlie, thank you. The Super Speed is pretty cool razor. It was my first vintage razor after starting out with a Merkur 34c. I find the SS to be on the mild side sort of like a Slim on 3. It's not nearly as efficient as your New LC. I just enjoy it for a smooth and comfortable drama free shave.