OCtober 2016 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

My trick on finding that info on the Gillette site was simply to Google "Gillette Platinum Plus image". And yes, that graphic is quite interesting in how they're trying to promote it. How many younger guys have even seen a DE blade before? I did notice the razor they show in it looks like a modern Muhle/Merkur/Edwin Jagger head so they're obviously trying to promote to those who are newer to the process. And yes, the "wet environment". Had me laughing.

The price they show on the page is anywhere from $2.99 to $6.99 per 3 pack, I believe. Clearly there's some room for retailers to work with the price.

 

October 22, 2016- Reset

Razor: H2 Slim Adjustable (4)
Blade: German Wilkie (4)
Brush: VdH Boar
Soap: VdH Luxury

I skipped yesterday's shave, so today was two day's growth. Since I'd been having mixed luck with the Goodwill and the Wilkinson Sword blade, I decided a bit of a reset was needed, so I decided to go with my favorite razor, the Slim Adjustable. (Oddly enough, between the last couple of focuses, I really haven't used a Slim much in a while.) Specifically, I went with my backup one; this is the heavily brassed one that I recently swapped the doors on, so I was also curious to see if it still shaved as well as always.

In a word- yes, it did. Two passes to something pretty close to a BBS. I did reopen the cut on my chin (again!), but it stopped bleeding with cold water and Alum.

 

The next blade up in the Grand Blade Trial is the Wilkinson - the Indian one. Probably get to that around the middle of next week.

 

Using Google is cheating... to find it on their own site, you have to do something like search "Replacement Blades".

The "wet environment" part is especially odd since it's not something mentioned with their other blades. If I was young and sarcastic, I'd be tempted to write them saying that I normally shave in a very wet environment and ask if I would be better served by the Platinum Plus over the Fusion ProShield since the former specifically says it is designed for wet environments.

As for the prices, I suspect that part of that latitude may also have to do with blade count/package. I've heard that there are a few supermarkets which also stock the Platinum Plus and may actually sell them in a pack containing one tuck of 3 blades.

 

Week of October 17

Hello everyone. I apologize for being AWOL the past few days. I'm back at work after vacation, and it has been busy.

I remained on focus with my New LC all week...except for one morning when I was really short on time and used the Braun electric. For variety, I replaced the smaller Kent BK4 silvertip badger brush with my larger BK8. I'm also rotating through my aftershaves, which have included Captain's Choice Bay Rum, Fine L’Orange Noir, Fine Platinum, Floid Vigoroso, and Pinaud Clubman. Shaves have been good to great all week.

Out of curiosity, I ordered a few (400 ) Astra SP's today. I look forward to giving them a try. As you all know, these blades generally get great reviews, and they are bargain-priced. I will keep you updated. I still have "more than a few" Feathers around here somewhere if the Astra's don't work out.

It's 55 and beautiful here today. I hope you all are having a great weekend.

 

So, do I win if I have 29 staples?

 

October 22 SOTD:

Stirling Synthetic Brush
Stirling Bay Rum SS
EJ Chatsworth Barley
Stirling Unscented PSB
Stirling Bay Rum AS
Ogallala Bay Rum Cologne

I honestly don't remember when I last used this razor, but I think it was long before I saw the light on riding the cap. I paired it with a Gillette Platinum Plus blade, which was a pleasant surprise. After some great lather, I did two easy and smooth passes. I had a couple of little spots on my neck that need some clean up, but got a nice DFS from this set up. My wife scheduled a family photo session a while ago, and so I had to try to look my best, so the shave is a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, I have lost 10 lbs after my ordeal last week, so it is probably a lost cause. Well, at least the Bay Rum has me smelling good. I hope everyone has a great day!

 

Grand prize baby!

 

Congrats, Neal, on your sales award!

 

It was nothing. Just me being totally honest with some fine people about the best possible product at the best possible price.

 

For anyone who is interested, I obtained the best price at the time on my Feather blades here: http://www.doubleedgeshavingplace.com/product/feather-double-edge-razor-blades-200-blades The vendor even gave me an 8% discount code to use at the time (BB101).

I also see them on Amazon now for $25 per 100 blades: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RWTQTS/?tag=thshde-20

 

Razor: Timeless Stainless Steel Open Comb w/Timeless Knurled Handle
Blade: Gillette Platinum (2)
Brush: Shavemac Zebra, Honeycomb 2 Band
Soap: Route 66 Rum Runner
Aftershave: Fine American Blend

Definitely a 3 pass BBS shave this evening. One weeper around the chin, but that was user error. Because the blade in the Timeless OC is beveled when tightened down you don't have the same angle of attack as you do with other DE razors. I believe @clint64 mentioned this in a previous post. Sometimes you just forget.
A excellent shave with these tools. Route 66 soaps never provide a poor lather. The Rum Runner always provides a slick lather, protective cushion and glide and a soothing post shave conditioning. Can't say enough about Fine American, it is an excellent aftershave IMHO. I'll change handles tomorrow and use Timeless TRH2 Pineapple design handle.

 

Another great shot, Doug!

 

Beautiful pictures and products amigos. Two amazing brushes.

 

Thanks very much @Norcalnewb. Cold wet rainy day here today. Got the wood stove rocking.

 

That sounds like a fun project. I've passed up several TTO's with issues. If this is a doable thing I might start lowball offering folks for their obviously "damaged" vintage gear. Did you go in blind, or find a tutorial, or better yet photo document the repair?

 

Shave 13

Had a very nice snd relaxing 3 pass shave. As usual the only area not cleaning up is the neck. My face and jaw are very clean. I am trying to get a grip on doing a diagonal pass on my neck. I think this will be easer than a try W to E.

TOM



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Congratulations!

 

Last day for the P160 and time for the hot scuttle test. So I got out the tea kettle and fully expected the P160 to fall apart. Just like most soaps in the beginning it looks bubble and very very runny but as soon as it hits my face it turns into creamy hot lather.

Using an ATT H1 loaded with a fresh GSB the test began. The heat seemed to improve the performance of the P160, still just a hair below my top performers. Did the full four passes and applied the alum..... just a little bit of feedback. Not sure if it from the disaster a couple days ago or today's shave. I did get the long lasting BBS, all in all a marvellous shave. I with my round of golf was at the same level.

Irritation A- Closeness A+ Smoothness A Sharpness A

 

It is fall now so it is time to switch out some of the software. Next up for the soap focus is Cade cream.

I have not used this since spring, now I remember why this is one my favourites. Great scent, great performance. I bowled lathered with a Shavemac silver tip and built lot's of lather. Four passes with Dovo Bismarck 2 (first shave after refreshing) and the edge felt very smoooooth. Just a tickle from the alum and BBS, Sunday is off to a good start.