Thanks, Jim!
It’s surprising that I’m just now trying either of these brands. Both are fantabulous. To be fair, I *have* tried B&M before, but in sample sizes. For me, I struggle to bring the best out of samples. Loading from a full sized puck always works better.

I recall seeing that post

Thank you Joe

Wonderful shave Bill.

Thank you Joe

Thank you Andrew. I seem to always have phenomenal shaves with this razor.

I hadn't t seen that recommendation - now I know. I probably could have added even more water than I did, but I just thought this can't be right. It was very slick though.

Thank you Blair. Shoulder did not like it.

Copy and paste from B&M’s website:
Wet your shaving brush well, then swirl it around the jar for roughly thirty seconds or until a rich, creamy lather is formed. Continue building the lather by adding water (lots and lots of it) and swirling your brush either on your face or in a lathering bowl. Shave, rinse, and spend your day feeling great.

It would be a chore to break the lather with Excelsior. Same holds true of A&E Kaizen. Some of the Grooming Dept. bases are similar. Usually, I’ll add water until it seems “right” then add water two or three times more. Most likely they’d take way more without issue.

Operator error.

I have a very mild technical-mechanical razor (Focus Dynamic R48 1/2 DE Single Edge pivoting) that yields incredible irritation free shaves, as long as you load the blade correctly and make enough passes with enough pressure to properly engage the pivot. I know that sounds like a lot, but it is candy easy. I never get ingrowns with it.

I have very, very, very rarely experienced an ingrown hair open edge..... and I can't really say it didn't start using a DE.

At both ends of the spectrum I always finish with ATG passes.

I think something is off on my technique with DE safety razors when I am working ATG. It is why I chose the to do a focus with one.

I have read others use the same solution that I did. Don't press for the closeness that is requiring ATG work. I don't want to accept that position, and I don't want to blame gear.

Both Astra and Voskhod never rang the same bells for me that they did for others. Nothing bad, nothing special.

I chose Astra on this focus, for that reason. So far, so good.

Feather is still my fave though.

Trying to keep up with the posts here is a daunting task.
I give... uncle!

So I'll make this short.

The razors I have used so far this month.

The brushes I've used this month.

The soap I've used this month.

Right! No bay rum!
The first couple days I think I had the DT's or something like that.
But I made it ok so far.
I've been experimenting with shave styles and 3 pass shaves.
I think I've concurred it.
More on that later.

All
Have a great day!

tp

Thanks Joe! The great thing is that I get to use it 6 more times.

Thanks Blair! I try to keep it in tip-top shape. My hard water easily stains my blades so I have to use MAAS to keep Mad Max and my other razors looking their best.

Thanks Joe!

It is a nice scent, but it doesn't come off strong from the puck as has been suggested by others in the shaving community. However, I didn't have a problem with Stirling Spice this morning so I am scratching my head as to why.

It is great to see you posting Bruce. Sounds like you had some nice shaves.

Thanks, Blair. I don't know. It's listed on their "Club" Brand section...whatever that refers to, I don't know that either.

Thanks Blair!