I began blade shaving for the 2nd time last February, the first time was in '70. I consider myself fairly accomplished with SE and DE razors now and it's rare that I get a weeper and I get a BBS every morning that I want one w/o irritation or anything. OK, so today I was testing a new blade in the second test razor for that blade, a Gillette Black handle SS. This very razor was my first razor in '70 that 'caused me so many problems, and one of my first this time around. As I was shaving I wondered at the razor that caused me so much blood and now I was handling it almost as though it didn't have a blade. Yet I got a BBS and no blood. I can't be alone in experiencing this, have you?
Could be the blade/razor combo. Most blades handle very differently in different razors. Also, you might have improved your technique or prep since the last time you used it.
also skin might have changed . I dislike the 70s SS... too mild for me. I need a nice aggressive one to do less passes as well as less irritation. Best of both worlds for me .
If you get bit trying to tongue kiss a rattlesnake and decide to repeat the experience again, the second time around you probably will tend to be more gentle.
I wonder also, if it is because DE blades are made so much better than they were 30 years ago. The technology used in sharpening, hardening, coating, polishing, etc... has greatly improved sine 1970. Also, is it just me, or are shaving creams and soaps much better these days too?
Not really, quality control has increased only slightly, but remember DEs are very mature technology and all the major innovations were made by 1970. When you observe the way that blades are made, it is only computer controls that have reduced the number of people involved in manufacturing and quality control. By far the very best blade ever manufactured was the Personna 74 (1970-1975) and these blades far and away exceed any current blade. Titanium coated Tungsten Steel was used in these blades. They are the blade that Feathers bow to in reverence! Most of the improvements actually come from technique improvements by the user. When you realize that through the internet the level of information provided to the user concerning techinque is the greatest improvement of all. http://www.theshaveden.com/forums/threads/de-blade-challenge.24881/
It may be my imagination but the blades now seem thinner. Like they said and I know this. Your face has changed with age. The combo could be it. The blades are more high tech I think. You have changed. I bet you take more care now. I would love to see a microscopic cross section of blades now and then. I bet we could spot changes. Oh also I never used a shave oil. I used the ill fated hot lather dispenser with out a shave oil or any kind of prep. I still get nicks on my Adam's Apple and near an on a surgical scar but I don't get those spots like I use to. Man I use to get a patch of them like someone got me with a magic marker and put little dots over a 1" x 2" - 4" patch on my lower chin and neck. I remember doing the after shave dance every time almost. LOL Probably because I was in to much of a hurry.
