I learned (or was reminded) that Proraso lather can be really fantastic, and that a Schick G1 mows through a 2-day growth with no problems. I'm also learning that cold water shaving seems to work well for me.
I learned that I need to return to the ritual of dunking my Barbasol in the warm/hot sink water just prior to the shave. Better yet, just spin it around under the tap. Helps to warm up the lather. I find I don't need to do that with Rise as there's already enough moisture in the cream to begin with
I learned that a wild-sided Fatip may be a little too aggressive, which is saying a lot coming from me.
I advocate TSD, Arko and Proraso for new converts. The are all very easy to work, foolproof, and provide enough glide to get through a bad angle day. Nice skinfeel from Proraso. I always liked the way the green made my skin feel.
Gentlemen, from my last shave... I learned that my techniques were adequate for dfs+ with a CJB loaded with Kai Captain. You heard it here first.
I learned that in a Derby Extra blade is a FANTASTIC blade, and for now in my #1 spot after 4 shaves with it. (Haven't used a GSB or Astra since I first started in January, so I need to revisit with improved technique)
That the Feather blade is not the "one". Maybe there isn't one for this razor. Maybe I'm trying to talk myself into a straight
I learned from my last shave that no matter what I tell myself my Gillette New LC is becoming my favorite razor. It's not that I don't like the fact that I have found what seems to be my perfect razor it's just I was hoping my prized (expensive) razors such as my R41,Futur, and Fatboy would be my favorite (probably just so I can justify spending the money I did) but alas I can not find a single thing to complain about my New. With the Futur, R41, and Fatboy I can find things I don't like about them even though I love them all (R41-must pay super close attention and make sure everything is perfect or I am paying in blood, Futur-Same as the R41 and as an added irritant it is a pain to adjust and has cost me a few cuts on my fingers, And my Fatboy- Even on 9 it is just a little to mild for me and 9 times out of 10 only delivers a DFS (No complaints on DFS its just the New and others deliever BBS shaves almost effortlessly).... I have a feeling the Futur and R41 may find themselves on the WTT/WTS thread eventually but I will keep the Fatboy no matter what (finally got my hands on it after 3 years of being outbidded or not having the money for the cased ones) or I may just revisit them later on down the road and reassess how I feel about them then.
I wholeheartedly agree with you about the new...it just delivers every time and you don't have to be in a zen-like state to get there like with the R41. That being said I'm challenged by challenges...it's where I excel. If I had to keep two razors these would be the ones.
You should really look into getting a Deluxe. I finally picked one up via PIF. I didn't have very high hopes, as I find my LC to be far too mild. I'm an R41, Adjustable wide-open kinda shaver myself. I was pleasantly surprised. Just a little more aggressive than the LC, but seemed to be WAY more efficient. I've only used it a couple of times, but so far I really like it.