I 'learned' two things today; a) I love my scuttle, especially when it's a bit cold outside, but I do not like the extra cleanup, and b) I still don't care for the GEM SE 1912 very much - especially when compared to the 1924's and OCMM's.
My skin can't handle a three-pass shave every day. A two-pass shave with a few touch-ups on most days works better for me.
I learned to stop trying out NOS blades. I tried a Gillette Thin this morning and should've just used a rasp on my cheek instead. On another note, Proraso still rocks!
I have learned it is better to shave every 2 days when using a straight razor....also don't bring the blade to your skin before your skin is properly streched...and always clear your head of thought and pay attention when that blade is cutting whiskers and it doesn't really matter that you can't do a proper xtg pass on your face with a straight just do what you can without cutting your face just. Use a DE shaver to get that DFS your chasing with a straight razor.
That I need to bring out and use my Mama Bear's soaps and products more often. 26 November Shave The Omega Pro 49 worked up a really good lather with the Mama Bear's Czar's Choice (initial batch 2011). This has a very strong Cilantro scent that will definitely arouse the senses. The fragrance of Czar's Choice works very well with the Mama Bear's Spicy Lime. The Short Handled SA with the Big Ben behaved flawlessly. Two pass BBS. A really good shave this morning.
I learned that conditioner in the shower works very well for me as a pre shave. Totally enjoying a irritation free smooth DFS.
I learned today that my SC101 can easily handle two days growth with no irritation or extra passes needed.
After my first DE razor shave in many, many weeks, I've learned how much easier it is to get a great shave from a good DE razor than with a straight razor. Although the whole shaving process is not nearly as enjoyable as using a straight razor to shave with, there's no arguing with how great the results are, and how quick!
That even if one encounters a technique issue resulting in a few weepers, the shave results and experience are still 99.9% better than using carts.
I've pondered that since getting BBS now. I don't believe I could get a better shave from a barber now and to be honest, I'm funny enough about letting people near me, let alone with a blade!