No..I stand on my head and whistle Dixie..or in my case the maple leaf rag..

Sean, the 2011 R41 model is, in my experience with both razors, more aggressive than the FaTip, better constructed, but as likely to bite as the FaTip if one isn't paying attention.
The newer model R41 is more user (face) friendly than the 2011, comparable or equal to the Fatip in aggressiveness, but the quality of the fit & finish far exceeds the FaTip.

I've said it before...and I'll say it again - the R41, 2011 Grande is probably the only modern razor out there I'd like to buy some day.

I learned that I am perfectly ok with using after shave without shaving.
Splashed on some Stirling's Bay Laurel A/S splash this morning...just because.
It kinda smells like christmas.

I like splashing on Stetson a/s on non shave days. It just smells great.

I learned that going back for a little touch up work above the upper lip without any shave cream leads to a nasty razor burn.

The Gem flat top razor is just not for me. I have tried it several times now and my face just feels raw afterwards. I have only used Gem blades but they work for me in the Jr. just fine. I love the look of it, but not the results.

I learned that Tabac is really easy to face lather, and I really like face lathering Tabac.

I am learning my technique isn't as good as I thought. I've been using styptic pencil after every shave past few weeks and on some occasions I have a little burn, but on others, I have a lot. Sooo.

I need to pay better attention to what I am doing and slow down.

With the proper angle of attack on a Slim Adjustable (or any razor actually), provides results that make you rub your face a lot.

Ride that cap....

From my last shave...

I learned decided that my face can tolerate a 2pass shave on a 24 hour interval. I wanted to blame my sensitive skin for not being able to pull it off, but it was probably poor technique in the beginning that held me back.

Dude...You've got a newborn...It's called sleep deprivation.

Used my Burma Shave brush for maybe the second time ever today.
It's a bit stiff and scratchy. Far from a great experience but very passable.
The blacktip delivered exactly what I wanted today: smooth and mild yet efficient.

I guess I learned that...my Burma brush is pretty, to me, but not really a serious contender as an every-day brush.

Embarrassingly, after two and a half weeks, yesterday I made my first good lather...

Congrats! Generating lather was tricky for me as well, no reason to be embarrassed. Hang in there you'll get it down.

HUZZAH!

Celebrate (and build upon) your successes.

Good on yer!
arty:

I was reminded that the Super Adjustable on 9 can sometimes make for a smoother pass than when set on 4. Counterintuitive, but true.

Old school...

You ain't kidding. Mommy takes the Squirrel to Wendy's and all eden does is cry. As soon as mommy gets home. she's quiet. Of course, mommy has the goods.