DEC 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

That makes sense thanks for the advice I will look into it

 

Neal is happy to not have arterial spray. You have been paying attention to what he shaves with and how he shaves right?

 

Welcome back Vince. Have a safe and fun trip to Vancouver.

 

Yes. I went back to back GSB using each twice and man they just don't seem as smooth as I've used in the past. I have one more shave on this blade tomorrow and I'll see if it's any better.

 

Merry Christmas, Vince! Nice to see you around!

 

Another great photo Doug. You're on a roll with the pics.

 

Dec 22 Shave 2.14.2

Due to an evening date I had to do a second shave of the day. AoS sandalwood cream and Cobra Classic. The lather was great and when I do a second shave in a day I only do 3 passes and skip the ATG. Smooth and no irritation.

Irritation A Closeness A

AoS sandalwood cream
Rooney beehive silver tip
Cobra Classic with a Feather Pro (3rd shave)
Lucky Tiger AS
L'Occitane ASB
Chanel Cuir d' Russie

 

Learning to shave with a straight was like learning a language: I would make little improvement then suddenly a big improvement and the little improvement. Keep at it and soon you will have a big improvement.

 

This is gonna sound a bit crazy but, my Gillette Flare Tip is quickly becoming my 2nd favorite razor. Since I've had my reintroduction with it recently I've had nothing but excellent shaves.
It's so crazy how things happen, this razor was basically put in the overstock box to never be seen again. After seeing so many of our members using Flare Tips I decided I'd give mine another try.
Next to my Mongoose the FT is the best of the best in my den.

 

Glad to hear you're getting great results from the SS! I've got a birth year SS on the way so I hope your success is contagious.

 

Straights to the Finish Line!

December 22

PART 2

Razor - W.B. Speed Rabbit
Soap - Tabac
Brush - Wolf Whiskers Custom Silvertip
Post - Cold Water, Witch Hazel

This morning I did a one pass with the '59 Super Speed and Ladas, just to look presentable enough to make it through a short day. Given the time I'm taking with the Rabbit I don't want to feel rushed while learning it. So, I moved the "real" shave to this evening. I'll be doing that for a few days until I'm more comfortable.

Tabac and the Silvertip to whip up a nice lather tonight, and I added a pre-shave oil prior to the face lather. Just to see if it makes a real difference. Got a really nice lather and was ready to go. Prior to starting I had given the razor 30 laps on poly and leather. Lather looks good, doing a half at a time still to avoid drying. I'm finding the first challenge is in getting that first stroke done. Having the scales and my hand blocking the view is a bit maddening but I did find a spot I could see enough and stretched the skin and started down the right side by my ear. Razor sounds great and I added a bit of angle from yesterday. Worked the right face and neck and definitely had a better result than yesterday. Getting comfortable with angle clearly made a difference. Lathered up the left side and finally got the view I wanted and started there. Again a nice smooth and effective pass with lots of velcro ripping. Nice!

The areas around my goatee were a bit easier to deal with tonight. The right side was on the money, and the left side was close. I went for a second pass, staying WTG except in areas that needed extra help, i.e. around the goatee. Went ATG there and checked. CCS and feels good. Decided to call it a night. No blood, no weepers, very nice and surprising at this point. I did a good rinse and splashed on the witch hazel. No burn. Nothing. Just felt good. I'll take it!

As for the oil, I'm not really ready to say it helped all that much. I did put it on lightly but honestly having the right amount of water seems to give me the same result. I'll keep playing with it though. All in all a great shave and my confidence is growing. Still funny how I'm so confident with the pain stick but feel out of my element with the traditional. Yeah, I know, different grip and the blades don't even compare. The TSR is absolutely easier on my face as well as easier to use without slashing and burning the whole way.

I have until Sunday to get this thing under my hands enough to try the red beast. I'll make it. And hey, @Drygulch survived a shave with his Soviet today? What's the worst that can possibly happen?

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I'm sure you will! I look forward to your shaves/comments.

 

Have you seen Lynn's video about straight shaveing? He suggests a shallower angle for the straight then he does for the shavettes. one spine width.

 

I watched that at one point. I'll watch it again. Doing a lot of reading/watching. I think I probably was about 1.5 spine widths from the look of it tonight. But it is still varying some too as I learn to control it.

 

This is what happened with my beat up and ugly Fat Handled Tech. Every time I pull it out now I get DFS plus shaves. Its my go to razor for important days.

 

Its a good video I skipped the first part since I got tired of him talking about the different razors. I've seen it before but I thought it would be useful to you guys so I watched it again to be sure.

 

I have to put a suit on tomorrow, and represent the company at a funeral, so I won't be shaving with the Russian can lid again tomorrow. Oh yeah, the shave was so bad I am not going to make it two days like I normally do. I will break out my old Tech and a new piece of hardware to show off tomorrow.

 

You mean that fine timepiece of impeccable Soviet technology failed to provide even a one day shave? I'm shocked!!!

 

Might have better luck with my beer can kamisori.

 

Glad to see you posting again Vince! I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas, a great Boxing Day, and a Happy New Year!