What's new
The Shaving Cadre

Welcome to The Shaving Cadre, a forum dedicated to gentlemanly discourse about wet shaving and other topics of common interests. Membership is always free so register today and join in the fun

Charlie's Shaves & Shenanigans (not necessarily in that order)

Thanks, gentlemen, for the kind words. I hope you all are having a fantastic Christmas.

Well-adjusted is most definitely a relative term. ;)
 
Today is no shave day since I'm still fairly close from yesterday. I've been working on my skin stretching this year, and this has been a game changer. I'm down to less than two passes most days. I shoot for a close, comfortable shave rather than going for broke and sometimes ending up with irritation and weepers.

Nonetheless, I still performed my pre-shave prep this morning, which included a warm MWF face wash, rinse, pat dry with a towel, witch hazel, unrefined shea butter, a splash of alcohol-based aftershave. It feels good and is a nice wake up call. Keeping my facial skin in good condition also helps with the quality of my shaves, IMO.

I'm coming up on my 10th year of traditional wet shaving in 2022. I'm still learning new things, and I have a lot more to learn. That keeps things fun and interesting for me. Truthfully, no one besides me can tell the difference between a good or bad shave...or even whether I skip a day. It's more about the personal challenge.

All good on the home front. Spent time yesterday getting things in order after Christmas. Have a few more things to do today....according to Kathy. :)

I'm back on my healthy eating / exercising game plan. I had fallen off the bandwagon these past few months. We have some travel planned for next year that involves a great deal of physical activity. I want to be in my best shape for it.

I hope you all have a fantastic day!
 
Graybeard57 said:
Same here. And I still haven't fallen into every rabbit hole I could, though temptations present themselves every day.
Click to expand...
Every time I think I'm safe, Bruce, I find something new. Most recently, I thought my razor rotation was fine until I saw Ed's cool razors. I keep a den inventory for no other reason to remind myself that I already have plenty. It even helps sometimes. :)

I have the most fun these days learning new things that help me improve my technique. I also get a kick out of helping new guys get started. I've got some items lined up now for my next victim.

Happy New Year!
 
woodpusher said:
2 passes are enough for me as well, Charlie. If my scruff was slow growing then it might make sense to go for more, but I can 2-a-day shave if I want, so chasing a BBS just isn't worth it to me.
Click to expand...
Agreed, Sam. My beard is relatively light, so usually one pass plus touch-ups usually suffices. Anything more, especially if I'm shaving daily, eventually starts causing some irritation. Sometimes, for kicks, I'll sneak in a three- or four-passer just because I enjoy the process.
 
January 31

Weber polished SS head w/Bulldog handle
GSB (3)
Rudy Vey Chubby handle w/24 mm Shavemac Silvertip two-band bulb knot
Stirling Executive Man
Alum, Witch hazel, USB, Stetson AS & Aramis​

I apologize for long hiatus, gentlemen. January has been eventful.

Monthly highlights include a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where my Bride received a great report from her doc. We enjoyed sub-zero temps, wind, and significant snow accumulation there as well. I also 3017'd a jar of MdC Original and a fruitcake! Yes, gentlemen, this was truly significant. January also brought more sickness to family and friends, but everyone has or is recovering OK. We're very thankful. We've generally been laying low, as much as possible, to stay healthy. It has worked so far. Yesterday, my Bride's aunt broke her hip, and we're waiting for her to come out of surgery today.

Did I mention that January has been eventful?

Every other day shaves continue to be the norm. Today, I enjoyed a nice one pass shave with a few touch ups on 2-3 days of growth. It was super close and comfortable. I was more than ready for it.

I'm in the process of using up this nearly full puck of Stirling, Stetson AS, Aramis cologne, and even the last few Gillette Silver Blue Blades. I usually toss blades after 3 or 4 shaves, and I'm focusing on using up odds and ends over the next few months to consolidate my strategic stockpile. I've got a bit more unrefined shea butter left, and I may eventually replace it with argan oil as a facial moisturizer on the recommendation of @jgreenepa and others.

I hope you all have a a fantastic Monday. Grace and Peace.

SOTD_013122.jpg
 
February 2

Muhle 41 with w/SS (Mongoose) Big Bomber handle
Gillette Silver Blue (1)
Rudy Vey Chubby handle w/24 mm Shavemac Silvertip two-band bulb knot
Stirling Executive Man
Alum, Witch hazel and USB​

I'm up early for my Bride's doctor's appointment and a grocery store run before the predicted ice storm tomorrow. Weather forecasting in the Ohio Valley can be tricky, and we appear to be on the fringe of this storm system. I hope it passes us by as power outages sometimes accompany ice storms. The weather has been warm and mostly sunny the last few days. I've been using this opportunity to walk and break in a new pair of Oboz hiking shoes...really like the shoes so far.

I'm using a different razor today and holding most everything else in my lineup constant. I decided to skip the foo-foo since we're going to see the doc. The R41 combined with a solid stainless steel handle taken from my Mongoose SE weighs in at 163 g. It's heavy, but it feels good in hand and requires a light touch. It's a fun tool to use and mows down anything in its path.

Enjoy your day, gentlemen. Grace and Peace.

SOTD_020221.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top