Sorry for derailing. I'll open a separate thread about the handle when/if I know I can get an order in. Back to Mongoose discussion
Love the mug Dark! First shave with the Mongoose today, it's going to take time to get used to the width, I felt like I could get a good cut with the edges but not the middle of the blade. Maybe it was the Kai Captain or maybe the Contour of my face, but it felt like it kept loading up and I had to unscrew to get it cleaned out(every other day shaver) but it was a bit later in the day than normal.
It takes a couple of times to get used to the width. For me, I have found the Mongoose works best with a very slick lather somewhat thinner than normal.
I'm using my Mongoose for the first time, doing a 30-day Rule with it. Thought I'd post my 30-day Thread report from today's shave as I'm experiencing things similar to @Jvanis . Advice welcome, perhaps even on a lighter handle to use. I've also already used the lather advice from @clint64 and can report that it works for me now as well. ----------------------------- November 20, 2015 No Variation NoVember This month is perfect for me to learn skills with new-to-me equipment. Razor: Mongoose B3 Blades: Feather Artist Club Professional (7) Soap: Saponificio Varesino Manna Brush: Omega 31025 Scarlatti Boar AS: Changes at will. Today: Saponificio Varesino Manna AS Two-pass shave. (XTG, ATG) Face-lather. I think I’m reaching a point where my technique application is approaching the level needed to properly use this razor. What I mean is - the unique attributes of this razor have caused me to seriously adapt my approach in order to apply proper technique. This is mostly due to the weight and size of the razor head. For instance, the increased width of the shaving head requires me to adjust my line of sight in order to view my shaving angle…because if I am even slightly off with the angle, the scalpel-like Feather Pro slits my skin immediately - most unlike the “early warning system” associated with the coated blades of a DE. In time of course, I will just be able to use the angle of the handle to guide me. But it’s taking time to build that muscle/eye memory. Another challenge is the razor weight. Its heft is most welcome on the “down” stroke (WTG/XTG) where gravity works quite nicely to provide all the downward force necessary to just hold it against the skin, to where I just have to guide the razor. However, the ease of that stroke totally flips to something I’m struggling with on the “up” stroke (ATG). On the upstroke, the head weight works against gravity and my fingers/hand, due to the angle of the handle. The required blade/handle angle is such that the head’s weight will make it fall away from my face, unless my fingers/hand apply more muscle to keep it against my skin. The more muscle, the more pressure, the more likelihood of blood! The force necessary is so much different than I am used to applying with DEs or ultra-light injectors. I have found it to be quite off-putting and I am experimenting with different grips on the handle to compensate. This is what I mean by having to adapt my approach in order to apply proper shaving technique. It’s just taking me longer with the Mongoose than I’ve experience with the dozens of vintage razors I’ve used this past 6 months. Keep in mind, and don’t get me wrong - this razor provides a fantastic outcome. Five hours after my shave, my skin is still incredibly smooth - as though I’ve just now finished the shave…and growth is minimal the next day. But - the price of that outcome is much more work than I’ve experienced with other razors with nearly similar results. So for now, the shave outcome will keep me working at this through the end of the month and possibly into a second 30-day Focus Rule* into December.
All I can say is please don't overthink it. The razor is fairly intuitive and easy to get the hang of. Go by feel and as long as you don't get caught up in your thoughts about how you "should be doing this" and just let it do what it was designed to do you should be pleased.
Where do I apply to get into this pretigious club. I have a goose on the way. Im researching blades and handles during the wait.
Good morning. I received an invoice and paid. Does that mean I'm on the waiting list or the shipping list? I hope to be a member of this club soon.
I received my invoice on 24th November and paid the same day. Still no shipping notification or any further correspondence from them. I suppose they are away for thanksgiving.