SEPT 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

September 14th SOTD (Shave 7 of this focus)
Three days’ growth
Preshave: Hot Shower
Razor: Case Red Imp 133
Strop: Drygulch Leatherworks Chromexcel Horse& Linen (20 laps linen/ 20 laps leather pre, 10 /10 post)
Brush: Handturned Maple Badger
Soap: Barrister & Mann Bay Rum
Postshave: Cold Water Rinse, Alum Block, Thayer’s Witch Hazel
Aftershave: Mandom

DFS today. Did two passes only with the Imp. I have heard several SR shavers mention an ear to chin pass. This is the one I need to work on, rather than my normal N/S, S/N pass. The other thing I want to mention is that the other two razors I have that I thought were Spike points are actually muted spike points. This razor is not muted even a little bit. I have yet to shave with it where I don’t cut myself. It makes it a little more stressful to shave with the Imp. Mandom is awesome.

 

You quickly learn the difference between a muted square point and a true spike point. I have learned I prefer muted square tips as I've received enough cheek gouges from spike-pointed razors—including that Imp.
Another lethal tip, I've discovered, is the forward-leading Spanish tip such as the one on the Mastro Livi I'm currently using. The tip shape is subtle, but more prominent as you navigate the blade. It is wonderful for the tight trim spaces around mustaches, the mouth, ears, etc—but easy to catch a cheek if one isn't careful.
I had my 6th and next-to-last shave with this fine razor today. It's been a unique and pleasurable experience using it. Going back to 'regular' sized straight razors is going to feel a bit weird!

 

I've been wanting/looking for one for a very long time.

 

He wanted $40.00 and I probably could have talked him down. I should have gone to the ATM.

 

The one I pass on was $19.99 on eBay. Next time you'll get it.

 

I missed doing a shave report yesterday. Here is the Reader's Digest version of Sunday's shave, "ER 1912, DFS".
Today I switched to my Gem G-Bar and a fresh blade. I like this razor. While it doesn't give me much feedback, it still gave me a very nice two pass shave with just a little cleanup. No weepers or irritation. I look forward to the rest of the week with this one.
SOTD for Menthol Monday
Gem G-Bar
Gem Stainless blade (1)
Proraso PS Balm
Proraso Green
Pinaud Lime Sec AS
Have a great week!

 

It's probably about time.

 

September 14, 2015

During Single Edge SEptember I've shaved with four different Schick injectors for the first time (Type E, G, I and J) and had very good to excellent two-pass shaves. Today I'll be trying my first shave with a PAL Adjustable.

Morning shave
Hot Shower
Soap: Arko stick
Brush: Omega Pro 48
Razor: PAL Adjustable
Blade: Schick Injector (China) (1)
Thayers Lemon & Aloe Witch Hazel
After Shave: Myrsol Limon

Three day growth, so I'll do a three-pass shave.

First shave - WTG - Since I've never used this razor before, I chose to ride the blade flat against my skin for most of the first pass. I had almost no feedback. Actually rechecked for a blade halfway through - it was there and cutting very efficiently.

Second pass - XTG - I chose to adjust the blade a few degrees from the first pass. Slightly more feedback, but pretty quiet. Good result, left me in a great position for a third pass.

Third pass -ATG - used same steep angle as last pass and was rewarded with excellent shave. Next best part - little or no irritation based on AS application. With the increased blade angle going ATG, I had even more feedback but not the velcro-ripping sound I was mostly accustomed to with the Schicks.

BBS in spots, but I did not chase. Looking forward to more experience with the razor first. The great first shave with the PAL makes me certain there will be many more to come!

Cheers!
RT

 

Welcome back. How was your time with the Mrs.?

 

Congratulations.

 

Welcome back!

 

Razor: Valet Auto Strop Model "C"- 1935-40/ Gillette 1958 TV Special(7) Feather blade)
Blade: Valet New Process (7)
Brush: Omega 10066 Boar
Soap: RazoRock Don Donato
A/S: Lucky Tiger
Day 14

Finish one week with the Valet Auto Strop Model "C". Two passes with the Valet, and 1958 TV Special cleanup. Learned how to use this razor and how to strop it. Have to admit I wasn't sure when I started a week ago how this would finish, but today I had a BBS shave. I don't use the BBS lightly and this may be only the second time I've used it. As the result of an earlier focus I'm now enjoying using a boar brush. These are two things I never thought I would use, a SE and a boar brush.

 

I've only tried the Personna Reds from Israel for 3 shaves in my Fat Boy, but they were so nice they earned themselves a spot in my top 6. They gave me 3 BBS shaves with no irritation. I'll be going to them Saturday for 6 shaves. Three days apiece in each of my Techs to (mostly) confirm they shave the same. Of course, having more time with these blades has nothing to do with it...

 

Welcome back. Hope you had a good time.

 

Welcome back to the Den! Our posting count has suffered while you've been away. Glad to see you enjoyed the Pal, but I'm not going to get sucked into any singe edge razors until I've picked a blade for what I have now... err, I mean, no RAD for me... err, at least that's what I intend.

 

For September 14th:
Razor - Schick J3 – “Golden 500”
Stainless Soap - Mentolated Vintage Willams
Blade - 1960s Vintage Personna Vydax Coated
Brush - TSD Russian Leather 2X Menthol




It's Now Or Never (O Sole Mio) - Elvis Presley 1960


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For September 15th:
Razor - Schick L – “The Grip”
Brush - Ever Ready C40 w/TGN 3 Band Synthetic 24/53 mm Brush
Blade - 1960s Vintage Personna Vydax Coated
Stainless Soap - TSD Russian Leather 2X Menthol



Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In - The 5th Dimension 1969




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Day 14 - SEptember 2015

30 Days with a Schick G


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Keeping on keeping on with the G. After two weeks, I have finally arrived at the point where it's a breeze every day. The first week on this razor was really rough, but now that I've figured out the angles it has become one of my top performers. Back on the La Toja, the detour through Soap Exchange was fun, but did not yield a favorite for me. I feel like I just don't like Shea butter, or more precisely the smell of Shea butter. It makes me want to take a shower and start over, kind of a shame, her soap base performs well and yields good lather. It's just not my thing. I had an early shave today, slow day out on the prairie. Other than that...all is quiet in Colorado.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

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Back!

 

The Crazy Ivan in SEptember!
September 14

Razor - Feather SS Artist Club/1959 Gillette Ball End Tech
Blade - (3)
Brush - The Pony Vie Long 12061
Soap - TSD Lanolin Bay Rum
Post - Cold Water, Alum, Clubman

Third and final shave with the Tech and Vietnamese Gillette. I have to say I was a bit surprised by this blade's performance though not shocked. Gillette usually protects the integrity of the name by controlling quality so I didn't expect a Chinese experience. Definitely a workable blade that I could turn to if needed and not be terribly upset.

Went with the pony today to work with the TSD Lanolin. The BoS yesterday did a fantastic job once I got the water right so I wanted to try the horse and see what it would do. Didn't shake the brush as much before lathering but noticed it was a bit dry and lackluster while loading for the first pass. Dipped the brush tips in water and went back to load and yep, that did it just like yesterday. Great lather to work with so all set to go.

First pass was great, no issues, the blade is performing through the third shave, actually with a couple of extra passes on it from yesterday, as well as it did day one. I didn't notice any particular difference in feel. Result was good for the first pass as well. Went for DFS on the second pass XTG then G-slide on the neck. Got DFS and called it good. I'm noticing tonight that it feels a bit rougher than days I do the third pass but still a great result overall. Great performance by this setup. As I said, a blade I could use without any issues but it's not something I'll order in bulk with the other better (Russian) (Bic) (Kai) choices out there.

Crazy Ivan spins back to SEptember in the morning to the 1914 Lather Catcher and a PAL Blue Carbon blade. Halfway through the month already!

 

So I got the Ladas and some Gillette Rubies in the mail today along with a bottle of The Veg. Shout out to @Drygulch for being the man! Anyways which should I try tomorrow? Also I think I may be one of the chosen. Chosen by The Veg that is.