January 2015 30 Day Rule/30 Day Focus Pic and Discussion Thread- All are Welcome

I thought I was going to give it a rest today but I feel so much better starting the day of with a wet shave. I'm taking a much closer interest in my appearance. Gives me a bit more confidence - as if someone that looks as good as me needs more confidence! Lol.
Light and easy strokes from the merkur progress along my neck produced a great result today. Finished off with cold water and Nivea sensitive post shave balm. Don't mind my random cat picture. She wanted back in the house. A little too cold out there today for her.

 

Well you are a handsome devil, but it takes one to know one.

 

Absolutely!

 

January 11th SOTD (Shave 10 of the challenge, forgot to post on shave 9)
Razor & Blade: '63 Gillette Slim and Gillette Platinum
One and Half Day's growth (On the weekends, I like to shave on Sat night, so I can shave again on Mon.)
First shave on this blade, stropped 30 times per edge on kangaroo
Setting 5 on the razor for pass 1, and 6 for pass 2 and buffing
Brush & Bowl: Semogue 1460 brush and soup bowl
Soap & Aftershave: Maggard Orange Menthol, alum block
Prep: Hot shower

Feel like am getting great results with this razor and blade now. Shaved in the evening, so had more time to work on it. Buffed most of my neck and Jaw. Very little feedback from the alum block, and a DFS.
What I have learned so far on this challenge:

1. Stropping a brand new or a used blade will make it much smoother.
2. Hold the razor with two fingers, right below the adjustment dial.
3. Settings will change the aggressiveness of the razor, but pressure and a smooth blade are more important
4. How to buff my neck, rather than chew it up with multiple passes

I am pretty happy with the results so far.

 

Shave 7 of 30 day BSG
Shower - Hot Shower/Axe Chilled Cooling Face Wash
Prep - Corn Huskers Lotion
Razor - Parker 99R
Blade - Wilkinson Swords Classic
Brush - Parker Rosewood Boar Brush
Soap - Proraso Eucalyptus and Menthol Soap
Post - Cold Water Rinse/Crystal Deodorant/Clubman AS/Real Shaving Co. Post Shave Soothing Balm

Just as I hopped in the shower I noticed just a bit of stubble on my chin coming in and grinned. Decided it was time for a 3 pass shave!!! Great advice on the water. I didnt shake my brush nearly as much and the Proraso wasn't gummy on first pass. Got a definite CCS today. Try to get some pics going for next shave. My technique is ever improving. Last two shaves the angle has been automatic. I'm BBS above the jaw and CCS on the neck. I think thats about as good as I'm gonna get. All that said... I cant wait to try another soap or cream lol. Great Shave today!

 

01/11 – Day 9 with the Weishi

Objective: Survive a month using low end entry level products.

• Growth: 1 day
• Prep: Hot shower; Corn Huskers Lotion
• Lather: Arko – Face lathered
• Brush: Escali Badger
• Razor: Weishi 9306/Microtouch One
• Blade: Derby Extra (1)
• Post: Alum; Dove Men’s Sensitive AS Balm

Today’s Results: I am getting used to this mild razor so much that I really don’t pay much attention to speed and accuracy. I was reminded that there is still a sharp blade in there today with a nice little nick on my chin. Good shave otherwise, but I am starting to feel the itch to try other razors out. But, I am going to see this through to the end!

 

1/11/2015 30 Day - Shave # 11

Prep - Hot Shower
Razor - Mongoose Satin B2
Blade - Kai Mild (4)
Brush - Rubberset 400 with WSP HMW
Lather - Soap Commander Confidence
Post - Witch Hazel and CC Bay Rum AS



Very nice 2 pass shave with touch ups. Not BBS but very close. Bay Rum splash gave nice warming feeling on a cold damp morning.

 

Day 9 - Thirty Days with Merkur 34c (Jan 1-Feb 4 [No shave on Saturdays]) BSG 1-11-2015

Hot Shower and Prep - Nivea Men Sensitive Skin Face Wash, Aussie conditioner on the whiskers & Wm. Neumann & Co. Peppermint Leaf Bar Soap
Razor Merkur 34c
Blade Astra SP (3)
Brush - Plisson Synthetic
Lather - Poraso Green
Post - Warm & cool water rinse, Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Post Shave Lotion, Gold Bond Men's Essential Lotion

3 Pass WTG, AXG (S-N), ATG just a few touch ups needed for a good BBS. I recalled that menthol can be drying so I have been adding some extra moisture after the shave and before bed. My acne breakout area seems to clearing up. Will still follow up with Doc soon to be sure something else is not going on.

 

Day 9 of 30
BSG
30 Day Rule with a Slim​

J2 Gillette Slim Adjustable
Kroger Israeli Personna
VDH Kit Badger
TSD Lanolin Shave Stick - Barber Shoppe Scent
Today's Great Cheap AS™ is Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue


Lab report later...still going strong! Hope everyone had a great Sunday!

 

I think the neck gives a lot of people a hard time. - It does me. If you haven't already, you may want to check out Manti59's video http://sharpologist.com/2014/08/better-neck-shave.html

 

Sounds like you learned quite a bit so I would count that as a success.

 

Sorry I haven't had a chance to check in for a week. I was out of town on family business. Even though I was incommunicado, I kept on the program. By this morning, I have been reducing the number of passes to two plus touch ups. N-S, XTG, and XTG touch ups at jaw line and just below the jaw line for DFS bordering on BBS. For example, I am at eight hours post shave, with very smooth cheeks, and only minor roughness against the grain. I am really liking the MMCP, 13 shaves into the program! oh, and PS, I think I am addicted to menthol!

 

Your thirty day rule was a success. Good luck on that next sampler...great shaves are out there waiting for you!

 

I am just counting thirty days on the calendar. The rule can be whatever suits you. Good luck with the new semester!

 

Day 9 Lab Report - 30 Day Rule with a Slim BSG

Day 9 in the books with a dial change.

Today I tried setting the dial to seven for both passes today. I believe the source of my neck irritation was too much pressure with mild settings. Setting 7 delivered BBS on the face and DFS on the neck in 2 passes with no significant touchup, but I am still wanting more out of this razor. I may consider advancing the dial to eight, but will maintain this setting for a couple days... Back to Denver on tues night...will just maintain the dial until then. The blades are just fine!

Loving all the pics and posts on the thread...a lot of good learning going on.

 

You are on to something...just shave and let the razor work...no overthinking needed. Sounds like you're doing great given the circumstances you endure with your hands.

 

Good luck on the new term at school!

 

I agree totally with 2,3,4! I have never tried 1. Number three is the real deal! I love the alum block, I am using one too, and it told me today that 7 is possibly better for me than six!

 

Great about your skin! An idea...after you wash your face in non shave situations, use WH and AS anyway for their astrigent properties. Stay hydrated and get a lot of sleep!

See,s like the actual shaving part is going well!

 

Day 10 of 30
BSG
30 Day Rule with a Slim​

J2 Gillette Slim Adjustable
Kroger Israeli Personna
VDH Kit Badger
TSD Lanolin Shave Stick - Barber Shoppe Scent
Today's Great Cheap AS™ is TSD 2x Iced Barber Shoppe

This is gonna be an all TSD Barber Shoppe Day! Mrs. Samurai approves ergo...it's Great Cheap AS™!

Hoping and praying for everyone to have a great week of learning and life in general! Happy Monday!