Well, I had to bail out of the 30 day rule.
I was using a Cadet TTO-14, Voskhod, Arko, Semogue 1305. I had used the Cadet once before starting the 30 day rule using an Astra SP and didn't get good results. I figured I still needed to refine my technique. I started my 30 day rule on Dec 31 and used the Cadet a total of six times (including the one with Astra) and never got a comfortable shave with this combo. I was getting razor burn and it was getting worse and worse with each shave. In fact these were some of the worst shaves I've had using DE. I do have sensitive skin but I haven't been getting bad razor burn even learning to shave DE. I have only occasionally gotten minor razor burn and usually just in small areas like under my chin and around my Adam's apple, which have always been my problem areas.
I have been seeking the best shave I can get for a few years now. This started with improving my blades (cartridges), shaving soaps, creams, after shaves, and skin care. I have learned my beard growth patterns very well, I know my problem areas, and I know which areas can tolerate ATG vs XTG (all areas accepting WTG just fine). A few years of experimenting with my technique, products, pre and post care and still seeking to improve my shaves led me to DE shaving. I didn't have too much of a problem making the switch, although there are some differences.
After six shaves with this combo my neck was razor burned, full of bumps, irritated and my shaves were getting worse. On a couple of shaves I skipped a day to give my skin some time to heal, but I'd still end up nicking a lingering red bump. I have really enjoyed shaving, the ritual of the experience, but now it was becoming something to just endure. With my first DE razor, the Weishi 9306, came a pack of Dorco 300 and a pack of Super YingJiLi. Anyone tried YingJiLi? Or even heard of YingJiLi? Didn't think so. Even with these cheap Chinese blades I was not getting results this bad. I suspected it was the razor rather than anything else.
Cadets are known to be a fairly aggressive razors, and now I can attest to that fact. That's actually why I bought it. But perhaps aggressive razors don't suit me? I decided to do Friday's shave with the same combo but change the razor to my mildest, the Weishi 9306 with a fresh blade. I had skipped a day because my neck was so irritated it needed the extra time. With two days growth the Weishi/Voskhod was perfectly comfortable, but wasn't cutting as much on the first pass as I was expecting. I did one pass on half of my face before deciding to switch razors. I used the exact same Voskhod, but put it into my slightly more aggressive (but still mild) Merkur 34c for the other half of my face. It was comfortable and cut through my beard very well. I did my second pass and touch ups with the 34c/Voskhod combo with great results. Ahhhhhh... my face didn't feel raw after shaving.
Today's shave (Saturday) was again with Voskhod and Merkur 34c. And again it was comfortable and smooth, my face, and my neck especially, didn't burn for a few hours after shaving. My razor burn had gotten so bad it had lasted for days, but having my last Cadet shave on Wednesday has given it time to heal and it is almost unnoticeable now. I'll take Sunday off, and I'm sure that by Monday my skin will be back to looking clear and smooth.
So my take-away from this experience is that aggressive razors (or at least the Cadet) don't agree with me. The Voskhod blade however, has been working well in the 34c. In fact it is probably my number two blade behind Astra SP at this point. I'm going to use that blade for a couple of shaves next week, because I have always used two of the same blade in a row to make sure I didn't get a dud, and to gauge consistency of that blade. After that I will go back to trying different blades from my (large) sampler that I haven't gotten to yet. In the future I will try the Cadet again, but it may end up being just to remind myself that the Merkur 34c is excellent.
To everyone else still doing their own 30 day rule, I wish you great success and comfortable shaves!
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