May 2017 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

What blade did you use?

 

I always use the PTFE coated blades in the Gem style razor. I decided to try the shim from last weekend and I could tell on the first pass that it was not a good idea. True to my nature I was stubborn and continued on with the XTG pass which left me with weepers everywhere. While the shim worked great in both the Damaskeene SB and Damaskeen OC last weekend, it did not work for me in this Gem 1912. Live and learn I guess.

 

Thank you, Clint!

 

Thank you, Randy! I'll look through the photos and put one up. I will have make sure all reflections are noted and approved.

 

Thank you, Doug!

 

I just ordered another 60 GEM Blue Stars. I've assumed that the Treet is the same blade given the company's long history of parallel marketing of its multiple brands but let us know what you think.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

 

You are describing my early straight shaves. Take your time and get comfortable shaving just your cheeks WTG before moving on to another part of your face. Get that pass down and then learn XTG, etc. it just takes time and practice but is well worth it.
Good luck and have fun.

 

May 13

Gillette New SC
Feather (1)
JR # 160
Eufros Oriental Breeze
Alum, Thayers Lavender witch hazel, & unrefined shea butter
Trumper Coral Skin Food

I enjoyed a two-pass shave this morning that's as good as it gets for me. The SC loaded with a Feather blade is my overall favorite of all my razors and blades. Feather blades demand more attention than my other DE blades, but they provide a slightly closer shave. After working on my two-pass shave focus for many months, I've concluded there is no significant difference between any of my DE blades. My criteria for picking a blade to try has resulted from seeing a pattern of positive reviews on a particular brand. I'm also a sucker for nice packaging. So far, this approach has worked, and I've got enough blades now to last a lifetime.

I'm using up the last of the Eufros soap with a bit of Tabac thrown into the tin. Both are fantastic performers, so the mix has to be good as well. If you enjoy a top performing soap with a nice, strong scent, you need to check out the Eufros soaps. And it's always good to have a stick of Tabac, LaToja, or Arko on hand for travel.

Have a great Saturday!

As an added bonus, here's @Paul Turner 's SOTD:



I'm joking, Paul. Please come to Kentucky. Old Codgers like me are pretty tame, and we tend to fall asleep if left in the same position for more than five minutes.

 

Thank you. I look back through this month's photos and submit one.

 

May 13, 2017- Dorco Prime

Razor: '48-'49 Gillette Milord
Blade: Dorco Prime Platinum STP-301 (3)
Brush: Razorock Plissoft 22
Cream: KMF fragrance-free
Post: Alum, Listerine

I ended up not shaving yesterday, so today was two day's growth. For today's shave, I decided to pull out the Milord as it has not gotten much use in a while. Sad, actually, since it's really one of my favorite razors. I have a '58 TV Special coming later this week, so I'm thinking that next month might be a good time for a SuperSpeed Focus.

As for today's shave... There was a bit of mild tugging on the first pass, but this is pretty normal when I skip a day, particularly if I'm not using a fresh blade. Two passes to a DFS+, no blood, and only a mild complaint from the Alum on a spot on my neck.

So, I'm now 3 shaves into the flagship Dorco DE blade, the Prime Platinum. I can honestly say that I like these blades though I'm not, so far, compelled to swap Russian for Korean steel. Still, I'm glad to have had the chance to try them. I find it interesting that of the three Dorco models, the only one I genuinely dislike are the "dollar store" STD-301's. I'd really love to know what's so different about that blade that it completely disagrees with me.

 

I would never have guessed that one of my best shaves in a long time would be with one of my MAYhem razors. I picked this razor up as part of a lot over a year ago. It was crusty and had the comb removed from one side. I shaved with it last May and forgot about it.
I built a wonderful face lather with the Ogallala soap and did my first pass. I was already DFS at that point and could have stopped there. I don't usually chase the baby, but lathered up for an XTG pass. I am absolutely smooth and the aftershave didn't sting at all. This razor is not going to be relegated to May only anymore.
I nominate this for smoothest MAYhem shave
Ogallala Bay Rum Shave Stick
Wolf Whiskers Brush
Modified Gillette New
Voskhod Blade (1)
Lucky Tiger
Ogallala Bay Rum
Have a great weekend!

 

SOTD May 13, 2017

Blade: Chinese Schick
Razor: Schick G1 injector
Brush: JR #142 black badger
Lather: Proraso Green
Post: Witch hazel, TSD Iced Ying Yang aftershave
WTG, touch-up

Pivoted away from the SE focus for a shave with my "home base" Schick G1. Returning to this razor always reminds me that going with injectors and SE razors has been a wise choice. This is a terrific, effortless, smooth, and easy razor. Today's shave was the same - effortless, smooth, and enjoyable. The Proraso is on its last legs and has become really soft. Loading it is more like loading a cream than soap. Ended up with terrific lather that painted the backdrop for a nice shave.

I used the GEM 1912 for several shaves the past week. The SE razors give me really close shaves but I think I need a mild injector change-up in the middle of a string of them. My face was a little raw one day last week after several 1912 shaves. But that is good to know and the focus this month has helped identify that.

Next week will feature the GEM Pushbutton for the most part, with an injector shave or two mixed in.

Have a great Saturday!

 

Tame worx for me. I know you've been joking about my "MAYhem" shaving adventure-sure was nice to be back in the john this morning.

 

A most vintage shave, Brian!

 

Like the setup. The CJB needs to go down in the record books as one of those huge value for the price razors. I know it would be the first one I would recommend to anyone looking for a kami style. I have even seen a couple of pretty cool customs where they have been converted into folders.

 

Fun fact about Kentucky. It's where the toothbrush was invented.

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If it was invented anywhere else they would have called it a teethbrush.

 

I've heard it said that if you're true to your teeth, they won't be false to you.

I'm gonna have to pick up a (tooth) brush sometime.

 

I agree, Jared. They are a great value, and are definitely capable of producing a great shave.