What did we learn from our last shaves?

That CF Tradewinds is a nice soap. First time using

 

That the hype regarding the Rockets are accurate - at least for me. My HD500 and my newly aquired 1949 Rocket and flair tip Rocket used with a Rapira Super Stainless all give me a super comfortable and irritation free 3-pass BBS shave. These razors have surplanted my DE89 and NEW SC as my smoothest shavers (and that's saying alot). I've decided to add the Rocket Red and Blue tip to complete my group.

 

A vintage Gillette Platinum Plus really didn't work well with my red tip. I got slick, but at a cost...a few weepers & some irritation.

 

A vintage Schick G1 continues to give me really close shaves. They are great razors! Some day I'll try some other varieties, but for now the G1 is working quite well.

 

I learned today that going WTG doesn't really do anything, sure it reduces some but it's almost a wasted pass. Today I first went right to left across my face (my normal second pass) and my face felt the same as if I'd already done the WTG pass. I then went left to right and finally ATG. I finished much smoother and the ATG pass had a lot less growth to get through and was much more comfortable. I believe I have found my routine.

 

That going ATG just isn't worth the discomfort for me. Decided to go a little farther than normal for my brother in law's wedding. Pretty uncomfortable. I'll try again after a few laser treatments on the scalp.

 

That Nacets are crap blades...at least in my NEW, and followed up by massive touching up with the Slim on "4". My throat looked like raw hamburger.

 

That a Superspeed is an efficient, comfortable, and worthy razor. First shave with one was today. I'm glad to join the club!

 

That there is some common denominator in QCS Celestial Woods and Frederic Malle French Lover that I looooooooove. (It's something crisp, green and woody, but I can't pinpoint it. Both contain cedar, but that's not it. It's more like evergreens/leaves.)

 

I learned my left hand is controlled by some sadistic person who wants to do me harm. Maybe that's a little drastic but it felt so weird using it. I did draw a little blood but I'm not giving up on learning.

 

Today I learned that a Slim on 6 works great on my beard. Tomorrow I may try it on 7 and keep going until I find the sweet spot

 

The sweet spot is 9. You're welcome.

 

+1

 

Working my way there

 

So I absolutely butchered myself like a rookie today. Okay, no nicks or cuts, but seriously irritated neck, and some of those slow tiny weepers you never knew you had until a couple of hours later.

I had never tried a Schick Krona, but always heard what a smooth mild shave they are. I got a chance to pick up a really minty one for a good price, so I went for it.

I probably haven't shaved with anything lighter than a Shavecraft 102 on a stainless handle for at least a couple of months, so when I picked up that aluminum/plastic thing, it was like a toy. Oh for a smooth shaver. But it isn't especially efficient, and I don't often use TTO's anyway, so I found myself not only searching for the proper angle, but by the end of the three passes, downright whaling on my face with enough pressure inflate tires.

Guess I learned to pay attention to my tools, no matter how mild they seem.

 

Bring it on. Wide gap plus higher exposure makes that razor both effective and efficient. +1

You're so ready to pick up a straight.

 

Hopefully soon....

 

You need more time to become automatic and settled on your individual methodology and routine. Don't rush. Exploring soap and such can cause a major distraction when learning. Cutting yourself shaving with a straight can send you to the ER. There is more to master, your beard will grow forever.

 

I can see how exploring different soaps, brushes or blades can be distracting. I want to use the TSD samples up but then I'm picking one soap and only using it for the next focus. I think you're right, I need to slow down and work on techniques; face stretching, blade angles, lather building, etc. The darkside is calling me though but it can wait a little longer. Thank you for the advice, I appreciate it.

 

Never thought of soaking them. I might have to try that. Thanks for the tip.