What did we learn from our last shaves?

After a careful inspection, I learned that the whiskers on my cheeks and just below
the jaw line (on both sides) have changed in direction of growth when compared to
my map of 6 months ago. (weird...???)

So, what was WTG, is now XTG,
and what was XTG is now ATG.

 

I learned I should keep showering before every shave, it helps the prep. I also won't be shaving every other day. I'll stick to every three days as there really wasn't that much after two days, and the shave itself wasn't as comfortable as it normally is.

 

That a pre shave is needed with certain soap/croaps specifically RR XXX for me.

 

That Every Man Jack Shave Cream is not a great standalone product. I could see using it as pre shave or with soaps for superlather though.

 

I tried the peppermint scented shave cream I think. I broke out in a rash. So far I have had reactions to Speick, Every Man Jack , and Aubreys (The Sandalwood scented shave cream).

 

Just because the blade feels super smooth doesn't mean it is.

 

Gentlemen, from my last shave...

I learned that the Cadet OC three piece is a great little aggressive razor.

 

I learned that as much as I try to like shaving creams I still prefer pucks of soap.
The only exception might be Nancy Boys cream as I found that to be exceptional - but apart from that I think I'll just succumb to the fact that I'm a soap-puck-kinda-guy.

I also furthered my love for the Provence Sante after shave

 

I learned that 25¢ bowls for the dollar store (4 for $1) make perfect soap bowls.

 

I've learned that some of the most profound and useful bits of shaving wisdom
emanate from this thread, and usually in 25 words or less.

Many thanks to @youngunn !

 

A decent lather can really impact a shave. I thought I was previously getting a decent lather but these last two days have totally changed my shave quality.

 

For my last 2-3 shaves, I learned that while face lathering, if I use my index finger to open up or aerate the badger hairs on top, the lather I build is much better. Go fish.

 

I learned that the much maligned and feared Muhle R41 is not as scary as some make it out to be. My first run with the R41 = a bbs 3 pass. Could have been a better shave with the R41 if I had not of been pussy-footing around due to the hype. Summary I find it just a touch more aggressive than my slant next shave full out run.

 

Yeah, I don't get the whole Razorock thing. I have XXX and P 160 and...meh.
Well, they were inexpensive...

 

That modern Williams SS works exceptionally well with the Plisson/L'Occitane synthetic brush. Fantastic lather today!

 

I learned that consistent use of my '59 Fatboy for "Fatboy February" has given me a newfound respect for the razor. I'm enjoying it very much so far. I'm thinking about having it replated in Rhodium now... but I might miss it while it's gone. Perhaps I'll get another Fatboy to keep me company while my current one is being replated. Yeah... that's the ticket!

 

Agreed, I got caught up in the hype for XXX, now Zi Peppino I enjoy a lot in both scent and performance, enough to dig deeper to find who actually makes it, apparently TFS and I just ordered their Tobacco Verde hard puck not the croap version (thanks to @Slow Joe for helping in finding from a supplier in the USA). I am on a mission to finish the XXX tub and won't replace it or any RazoRock soap.

 

I would agree with that - I got two Razorock soaps but can't see myself buying any other as they both felt lacking in many ways.

 

Unlike @Darkbulb I learned that maybe I do like creams, as long as I get them loaded properly. I had been scooping a dollop directly onto the brush, then going to my head to lather it up. today I threw caution to the wind and just took the brush to the tub and loaded it up like a croap. I ended up with way too much lather left over, but I enjoyed it much more than I had in the past.

I also confirmed that I don't mind the DORCO ST300 blades. As a head shaver, they are a one and done blade for me, but they perform just fine. A touch rougher feeling than some of my others, but I can't complain about the results.

 

Gentlemen, from my last shave...

I learned that my Dad's Schick injector is a joy to use. Easiest, most intuitve feeling razor I heave tried to date.

++++1 kudos to @youngunn on a great thread!