February '16 - 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion Thread

How do you like the larger blade?

 

I like larger heavier blades. When I first started it didn't really make a difference to me until I tried my first 7/8 with a 1/4 grind then my preference developed quickly. My preferred size is now 7/8 with a heavier grind. I haven't tried a 7/8 yet....

I have stopped using 5/8 blades, I find them to small and light making them hard to control. I also end up using to much pressure with the small blades but with a heavy blade I just let the weight do the work.

 

Hit me up if any of your larger heavier blades want to go to Camp Seabs for a week or two!

 

(I am probably leaving more than a couple out there, apologies! If you're not quoted, it's my oversight, no slight intended.)

Thanks guys!!!

Had a super busy Friday that kept me working until late. Our trip was a success, we spent time with my parents and siblings in Alabama, then a couple of days in Murray, KY visiting my greatest friend George. I delivered @Jayaruh 22 to my Dad, pictured below. He really liked the Plisson knot, and really thought it was cool that Jim turned that handle himself. I am the one labeled "Samurai", for clarity.




Mrs. Samurai and I are looking to do a total life change. We are looking for some acreage and/or a small family farm in the border area of Western KY and TN. After much prayerful consideration and thought, the time had come to simplify, and hopefully start the process to become a full time hog and tobacco farmer...stay tuned. The pictures I posted earlier in the thread were in the area where we'd like to end up. It's a leap of faith, but we're very excited.

Thanks for the warm welcome back, I shall return to all things razor asap!

 

Very cool razor, very 70s looking!

 

Day 50 - 90 Day Intro to SR
19 February 2016



Ralf Aust 5/8
L'Occitane Plisson Synthetic
Route 66 - Lumberjack
Alum
Pinaud Clubman


Have a wonderful weekend!
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Exciting changes ahead. Best of luck.

 

Thank you!

 

You're spot on when it comes to the decade

They even had this guy as the 'face' of the product in the mid-70's;

 

Next month's focus will be deciding what SR's to cull.... then maybe one could go on tour.

 

It used to by my dream I would buy 40 acres in AZ and rescue a bunch of dogs. I would sit on the porch smoking, drinking and training the dogs. I did want to buy a couple cows and a hearing dog so at least one dog was working.

That was my plan until I moved to the big city.

I am sure you fulfil your dream and destiny.

 

When I get it set up, you can borrow my porch and my dogs as needed.

 

I am looking forward to it. I will bring my Dunhill pipe too.

 

Great picture!! Dad definitely has a better head of hair I can see where you got your good looks!

 

Very exciting. Best of luck and success with achieving your dream.

 

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Soap: Savonniere du Moulin SS
Brush: Wolf Whiskers Spring Forth TGN Finest
Razor: AlumiGoose with Triad Aristocrat Ti
Blade: Kai Mild #3
Post: Barrister and Mann Night Music

 

Good luck with your plan.

 

02/20/2016
Cobra Classic
Feather Pro (6)
Olivewood with TGN Finest Fan
Chiseled Face Trade Winds
Witch Hazel
Captain’s Choice Bay Rum
Whipped Shea Butter


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The morning shave routine was a nice relaxing start to a busy Saturday. With each use, I am becoming more comfortable with the the Cobra. Taking my time and going with a 2 pass shave, ATG & XTG, followed by some minor touch ups along my jaw line and chine ended with a BBS shave. I did get one weeper likely due to my over confidence. Overall a great if not fantastic shave. I finished off with a splash of CC Bay Rum with menthol added. I hope everyone has a great Saturday.

 

SOTD February 20, 2016
Focus day 20
Day 5 of open comb use and comparison

Prep: Warm shower
Blade: Personna lab blue (5)
Razor: Maggard MR1 handle with V2 open comb
Brush: Omega 10049 boar
Lather: Mitchell's Wool Fat
Post: Witch hazel splash spritzed with Fine American Blend, Nivea sensitive balm
WTG, partial XTG, touch-up

Good morning, TSD! Nice shave again this morning with MWF and the Maggard V2 open comb. I think I have gotten better and closer shaves with the open comb this past week than with the closed comb heads I've used. Perhaps it can be due to improving technique, or maybe just coincidence. In any case, the open comb has been enjoyable to use. I'm glad I tried it because the teeth look daunting! I will continue to use it even after this focus is finished just because of the comfort level and the seemingly easy use that has resulted in nice shaves. The V2 closed comb that I have was really comfortable to use also - quite mild, easy to shave with, etc. But I think I can get closer with the open comb. It's been an interesting comparison so far.

The Omega brush whipped up amazing MWF lather. I went with one full pass, a partial XTG pass followed by a little touch-up. I had enough lather left in the brush to go another three or four passes at least. I only loaded for maybe 15 seconds. It's just amazing stuff.

I hope you all have a great Saturday!

 

Week Three Update: Derby Extra
I have completed my third week of blade trial shaves using the Derby Extra blade. I evaluate these blades in terms of sharpness and smoothness. I also tend to evaluate any blade in comparison to the Astra SP, since I am so familiar with this blade. I won't evaluate these blades in terms of cost, because as far as I am concerned they are roughly in the same ballpark, i.e. pennies per blade. In the grand scheme of things...very inexpensive.

My assessment: I like this blade…a true gem among blades! But as you will read, it has limitations. My first day with the Derby I found it a bit edgy, but nothing more than I would have expected first day with any new blade. I managed to pick up three micro-weepers on my first shave. In this instance I blame the archer, not the arrow. By the second shave and for the next 4 shaves the blade was smooth, sharp and very pleasant. I used the blade for 7 days as part of my trial but I would not recommend using it beyond 5 days. After the 5th day I could detect problems with sharpness.

Sharpness: 6/10
Smoothness: 8/10
Comparison to Astra SP in terms of overall performance and comfort: Very similar in terms of sharpness (at its peak) but one notch smoother than the Astra. The problem with this blade is it lacks staying power. I can easily get 7 sharp and smooth shaves with an Astra SP. This is why I give the Derby a 6 for sharpness. If someone is satisfied changing their blades every 3, 4 or 5 days then this is a wonderful blade. I do, however, like the Derby Extra and I will keep some in my stock to use once in a while. Based on this trial, however, it will not be crowned "King of the Blades."

This coming week I load up the Heavy Tech with a Gillette Silver Blue blade. I am anxious to give this one a try. I have read many good things about this blade. I consider it a serious contender for the Crown and I haven’t even loaded it in my razor yet! I will report again next week after my 7 days!