What did we learn from our last shaves?

Learned that I really like an aggressive razor (59'fatboy on 8) but I either have to dial it down or exercise more caution around the upper lip area as I nicked myself pretty good this morning.

 

I learned a half-teaspoon or so of jojoba oil (from Whole Foods) makes for a fantastic pre-shave on my scalp! Seems to have cut way down on my weeper/nick frequency.. Especially in the back of my head where most of my mistakes seem to occur.

 

Love my '41 Ranger Tech(s) and '40 Milord. Easily my #1 of the vintage razors, and for me, they generally beat out most of my modern razors too. Just something extraordinary about the '40/'41s that makes them just a hair (pun intended) better than other Super Speed style models, or any other TTO I have tried.

 

The Gem Clog Pruf must be respected. I'm not sure I will make it 30 days with it. No pressure, no pressure, no pressure...

 

I learned that even though I tore myself up with a saftey razor, being the first time I've used one, I'm more anxious for tomorrow just so I can try again

 

I agree. I just can't figure out what the magical element is that makes is so good.

 

Two things I've learned recently:

1. Don't use a spike-point razor when you're sleep-deprived! (I actually learned this several shaves ago and my face is still healing.)
2. Don't rely soley on the HHT** to gauge razor sharpness or shaving comfort. I had a razor fail miserably the test yet provide an outstandingly-comfy 3-pass shave!

**Hanging Hair Test​

 

With new hardware don't let excitement take over, take your time inspecting thoroughly. Only good technique and a lot of luck prevented me from seriously injuring myself.

 

Elven brass.

 

Or dwarven Mithril.
" It could be beaten like copper, and polished like glass; and the Dwarves could make of it a metal, light and yet harder than tempered steel. Its beauty was like to that of common silver, but the beauty of mithril did not tarnish or grow dim"

 

I learned that I can leave the safety of cartridges for a traditional shave and get a close (closer) shave. Discovering my technique isn't too bad, but still a long way to go. 4 passes is one too many!
Seabs

 

hang in there! You are not alone. I'm coming from using Shick injectors, to the clog pruf. Quite the learning curve for the MMCP..WE CAN DO IT

 

As I work through my blade samples I started with Astra SS and they worked well then to Astra SP where better and finally I tried blue Persona and received my first razor burn today. I will give them a chance tomorrow and if I get the same results I will move on. I will rotate back in a week or two when hopefully my technique has improved. Very enjoyable experience so far. No cuts and minor burn only today

 

I also learned that "The Art of Shaving" store is greatly marked up. I like my product...but feel a little duped.

 

I learned that an allergy to coconut oil may very much be a possibility.

 

That was my first week or two as well...lots of bloodshed and such. But I promise, once you get it figured out you will wonder why you did not switch to DE long ago...pretty soon, it will just click. Part of what is going on...you are having not only to learn the new technique, but "unlearning" the techniques you acquired with carts at the same time.

I read on your 30 Day post that your head gave you issues. Just a thought...If carts worked well on your head, keep using them on your scalp (but with real lather) until you have mastered all the DE skills on your face. If your scalp could take the carts, don't fix something that isn't broken. After you are a natural with DE face shaving, I can only imagine using it on your head will be easier then. No shame in that waiting game at all. Just my 2 cents. Take your time, be slow and deliberate...take time to enjoy/master each part, like prep, lather, shave...they are all different skills. I think you are rapidly realizing that it is a completely different way to have than canned foam and carts, and am really glad you are having a little fun too!

 

I actually used the DE on my head before my face. I think the trick with head shaving using the DE is that the angle is far less intuitive than the cart, and if the angle isn't right, you'll be tempted to apply pressure because you'll feel and hear that it isn't cutting well.

 

I don't literally shave my head...I go about as far as I can with electric clippers every week. Let my hairline recede a few more years and I will give it a try.

 

Gentlemen, from my last shave...

Bolzano is fine for my skin. It yielded a very nice, smooth and easy shave.

Another little nice thing that happened along the way on TSD...when I got the PIF Ladas sample, the letter also included 2 unmentioned Bolzano blades. Bolzano seems to adequately sharp and really really smooth over 2 shaves. No irritation or anything noteworthy, face still felt great 12 hours later.

Lately I have gotten 2pass+ DFS results from Derby, Ladas, Rapira, Kroger generics, GSB and Bolzano...and have really liked the 53 Tech razor head with Ladas.

YMMV, but I am amazed at how much better the blade manufacturers have gotten at making blades since I started DE shaving in 2014!

 

I learned that in a very mild razor, Feather blades are fantastic. I'm working through my trial blades again because my beard has changed a lot since starting with DE. My shave this evening with my Fat Handled Tech was nothing short of sublime.