What did we learn from our last shaves?

Today I learned that the right blade depends on the right razor. I've got about 36 different types of blade on hand, and I've only gotten through 7 of them. I got to Astra SP last week and thought it could be my new go to blade. It did well in my Merkur 34C and my Weishi 9603. Today I used a fresh Astra SP in my brand new Cadet TTO-14, and was underwhelmed. I'm not sure yet whether it was the blade, the razor, my technique or something else.

 

Today I learned again that pressure is a no-no in wetshaving, including head shaving. Using my VDH with an Astra SP and had a trouble spot where I normally do, so instead of slowly doing another pass over the area I just pressed down......like I always did with a cart. The red trickle that soon ran down the back of my head reminded me of the proper technique for next time.

 

You have no idea....lol. Amen

 

With the Merkur 34c I got for Christmas and my regular Asta SP blade I can get a DFS with just two passes + a few touch ups

 

Awaiting 2 Ebay purchases (vintage razors) to arrive and putting final touches or several online orders (soaps and AS) I'd have to say yes it is addictive....

 

Find a red dot version. It's not a half inch, but they are just a touch longer.

 

Learned that not allowing time for a cut/razor burn on the upper lip to heal before shaving over it was a painful experience.

 

Learned the value of moisturizing in the winter. I was getting weepers with every shave on my neck. Even with my most trusty razors. Two days of moisturizing = back in business.

 

That I don't need to actually shave in order to splash some Men's Stock North Woods a/s on and feel great.

 

I was once again reminded "It's all about the shave" (used the Fusion Proglide with excellent results).

 

Gentlemen, from my last shave...

I learned that a fine 40's SS shaves poorly if the blade is too loose.

Check those TTO doors and snug them up!

 

Been there. I've had that happen with a SS and with the Fatboy I previously owned.

 

The SS is a good one...I am liking it. Have plans for it.

 

Well.... That technique is essential with straight razor shaves. If I don't have the best possible conditions a good shave will be hard to achieve.

 

Good: That I love lather catchers and that Zirh Erase is still my favorite a/s tonic
Bad: That I still don't care much for the VieLong horse hair brush

 

I learned I need to get something styptic. Had nicks and weepers before that alum worked on but caught my chin today and had a spurter!

 

Thanks to wet shaving, I learned that I can shave everyday now wihout any type of irritation.

 

I learned that Cold River Soap Works makes a darn fine product, and that I could be happy using only my Aristocrat everyday.

 

I learned what an aggressive razor is. I mean, I knew what it was from reading and researching, but now I've really learned from experience. I just picked up a Cadet TTO and it is so much more aggressive than my Merkur 34c and Weishi 9306f. The difference in aggressiveness from the Weishi to the Merkur is just a small step, noticeable, but not drastic. I've realized they're much closer to one another. Moving from the 34c to the Cadet felt like a very big step up in aggressiveness. I've started the January 30 Day Rule with this razor, it'll be a test of my technique.

 

I went from Utopia (r89) type head straight to Cadet OC. I was not ready...