Gentlemen, from my last shave... I learned the Rapira Swedish Supersteel delivers a smooth shave in a Phoenix Double OC. Shave before that, it was a Shark SC.
Since I wrote that in Novemeber, I have stopped switching so often. I pushed a Derby Green to twelve days straight. The blade angle tip is for real.
to stick with closed comb razors. I seem to have a lot of tugging and pulling with my Muhle R41 open comb razor.
Have you tried different blades? I've heard you can dramatically change the character of your razor just by changing the blade.
Gentlemen, from my last shave... I learned again that I enjoy shave sticks more than any other type of soap. TSD, Arko, and LA Toja are my faves.
OC razors (high gap/exposure) require careful attention to angle of attack. Try riding the cap of the razor as you shave.
This morning's shave taught me to listen to the audible feedback from the blade. As I have been told, sounds do not lie!
It's not the comb. R41 isn't even truly an open comb. It's a hybrid. The difference is in the blade exposure and effective cutting angles. Try a very sharp blade and experiment with angles. It took a couple of weeks of constant use before I could get past that tugging feeling too.
I learned that Feather blades are great for a shave, alright for a second, and extremely painful for the 3rd.
My heavy Colnel Conk's ceramic bowl, which I use just to lather, when placed in the hot water I fill the sink with will hold heat for a hot, or at least warm, lather on the third pass. Sweet!
I learned that Bay Rum AS should only be used with unscented(or light-scented)shaving cream. My Rise Super Foam cancelled out my Bay Rum AS. I like both products, though.
I learned I have to pay even more attention while traveling especially when shaving right before going to a wedding so that there is no chance of blood on a white shirt.
I learned the value of an inexpensive handle. My BBNY handle really rocks over the smooth handle that came with my DE89. I knew it would shave but feared dropping it. No problem now! Enough grip to be secure without feeling overdone.
I have recently learned the Gillette Canadian Heavy Tech razor with an Astra SP blade is the closest thing to shaving perfection. An absolutely awesome combination. I am now ready for the desert island.
