SOTD - November 2021

[Wchnu]

Cold Water Shave w/ Hot Water Lather
Pre: Aloe Vera Glycerin Soap Face Wash, Noxzema Cream as Pre Shave
Razor: Gem Junior w/ Baton Handle
Blade: Gem SS PTFE (1st Use)
Brush: Semogue SOC Boar in Taj Resin
Lather: Mitchell’s Wool Fat, Face Lathered
Post: Generic Reformed Alum Block, T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel, Clubman Pinaud After Shave, Nivea Sensitive Balm

So today was truly a successful two pass shave, compared to the previous three. I started with one foot in a hole as my face was still not happy with me about yesterday's shave. Combine that with a bit of harshness from a new PTFE blade and I drew a few weepers. I cannot give enough love to my Gem Jr. and it's wonderful baton handle. Overall I feel like I got back on the horse! (horse emoji here)

I noticed what might be an indicator that will help me know if I've hydrated my lather enough. I spent a good deal of time adding water to the lather by dipping the tips, painting it to my face and scrubbing it in with the splayed brush. When I started shaving and went to rinse my razor of lather/whiskers, the underside of the blade and tray cleared out easily. There have been times in the past where the lather/whiskers accumulate between the bottom of the blade and the tray to the point I had to remove the blade to clean it out. I think on those occasions I didn't properly hydrate the lather. Just a hunch that will become more obvious over time as I now have something to measure with.

If you haven't watched Wchnu's recent shave video, I highly recommend it. Particularly if you are a new/newer/newish shaver. He is speaking directly to us. I've heard it all before, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't revisit some of his preachings. While shaving today, I focused on the mantra of "pressure and angle" along with using short strokes. I also incorporated skin stretching more than I've done in the past. I could tell a noticeable improvement on one of my troublesome jawlines. I also got a much closer shave on my cheeks despite not going against the grain. Being a right handed shaver, it is natural to reach over my head with the left arm and stretch the right side of my head. A bit more difficult with the other side, but I made it mostly work.

As Bill Belichick famously said, "We're on to Cincinnati." And on to tomorrow's shave! 

Thanks for the shout out.

I agree that if your razor is clogging the lather is not wet enough. One point of the lather is to get the lather and cuttings to flow out so as to not clog things up. Sounds like you are coming along!!!! Keep at it!