September 2018 30 Day Rule/Focus Pix & Discussion

I'm familiar with your set up. Many stores stock a generic DE blade made in Israel. It's the very same Personna Red and I've used them in several razors.

That Weishi is one of the better clones of the work horse Gillette Flare Tip. A great mid level aggression tool. While there's no such thing as a "starter" or beginner razor, that's a good one to learn on. From there you could avoid the RAD (razor acquisition disorder), or like many of us begin exploring either more mild (with less effective performance & blade gap) or go hard core with more blade exposure.

Proraso products? Some folks have issues with the film left behind. It rinses of easily enough, especially with a drop of Dawn and a toothbrush at blade changing time. Are you changing every three shaves or so? That'll keep you in reasonably sharp standing. Plenty of time later to see how long you can stretch out blade use. Early on you want to always have a good blade so it won't be the cause of any problems.

Now that neck irritation... Cheeks are easy. I keep a mustache so I'm not going to presume to give instruction there. On my neck I've worked my shave into maybe three zones. Lowest area is vertical - from my collar up to where my jaw starts jutting out. Face mapping my beard tells me to go S to N for WTG 1st pass. So I go from ear to ear in that zone maintaining my Ride the Cap angle. Then I change angle covering the short area where neck meets jaw. Each swipe is a constant adjustment of angle to follow the curve. Some razors make this difficult so I'll pull the skin downward for my up swing 1st pass. That puts the skin nearly flat to avoid shaving around the curve. I finish the area between neck and cheeks by lifting my chin and turning my head away to tauten the skin and make my S to N 1st pass. Second pass is pretty much the same but ATG in a N to S direction. Sounds like a lot of work but after experimenting this gives me a close enough shave with little or no irritation. I don't even think about it any more. Empty my mind of distractions, enjoy the scent of the lather, commence Zen shave. While my procedure works for me, you'll have to develop your own.

Remember the three Techniques. Skin Stretching, No Pressure, & Ride the Cap.

 

Are you maybe reacting to the almond oil? It does bother some people.

 

My mom always frowned at people who "turn on" their percussion.

 

Gilligan looks good working his small guitar in the back.

 

I'd like to apply for the position of roadie. I can take care of emptying the jugs before each performance.

 

This was my thought. I am going to put it away for 2 weeks. See how my neck looks, then as soon as it is completely clear... Try the almond again. If I flare up, I know I'm having a reaction to the almond! Let the experiment begin!

 

The Scientific Method is very popular here on the 30DC thread...

 

Thanks Charlie! Its about time I came back. Life is slowing down a little bit...I have a student teacher this semester, so less time lesson planning and more time teaching the teacher. Somehow it works!

 

Thank you! It gets the job done is fine fashion and man that De Vergulde Hand is wonderful stuff!

 

Try pulling your skin left and right of your Adam's apple. In other words, move the shave area to either side of the actual cartilage.

 

Great Picture Jim.

Good to see you posting again Troy.

Your daughter did a wonderful job Jim.

I will be certain to order a sample of any glacial soaps before committing to that level of menthol.

Thanks taking the time to post such well written shave report. I am glad to hear that your mobility continues to improve.

Welcome to the 30DC.

Are you playing road warrior again this week Brian?

Love the photo Amigo.

Great post and photo Andrew. Stirling Vanilla Sandalwood was my first artisan soap.

You are making great progress. Doug offered the tip of stretching the skin to either side of the Adams apple. That works for me as well.

Could be the Almond soap. As you said, stopping for 2 weeks will answer the question. I should point out the other reason for the 30 day rule is to end up with a completely dialed in setup. I would revisit my notes from 2 weeks ago and go back to the same routine until my neck healed. Then only change one item at a time.

 

Stirling is so inexpensive, it's worth the risk.

 

Thank you, Clint!

 

Thank you, Clint.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

No, I’m actually working locally this week

 

After my shave today(total newb, 3rd shave with a shavette), here are a few things I noticed:

1. Figuring out how to stretch your skin is crucial.
2. Taking your time helps prevent nicks.
3. Being right-handed, shaving the left side of my face, particularly under my jaw bone is difficult. Practicing using both hands might be a good idea.
4. I shouldn't blame anything for my mistakes but Cremo shaving creme seems to dry out quickly.
5. Becoming proficient with a shavette is going to take a bit longer than I thought it would but I am determined to get better.

Items used:
Razor: Equinox Shavette
Blade: Derby Premium
Creme: Cremo
AS: Nivea Sensitive Post shave

That being said, this was my best/closest shave yet with only minor nicks. Finally, this is a fun/humbling experience and I hope to get better in the months to come.

 

I had a student teacher last Spring. It's a fun experience helping them get started and working with them to get experience. He was the third I've had and the best by far of those three.

 

It will definitely get better and easier. I noticed earlier that you aren't using a brush yet. We need to get you a brush so you can create some slick lathers with soaps and brushable creams. Are you in the United States?

 

It has been getting better and I look forward to shaving. It has been a fun process thus far and I know it will only get better. Correct, I am not using a brush yet and yes, I am in the United States.