What did we learn from our last shaves?

I learnt that absence does make the heart grow fonder. For the past 5 shaves, I've been dialing in the Mongoose so today I picked up my King Cobra with custom UFO handle. It was like breaking the sound barrier with Charlotte McKinney in my lap. What a shave.

 

Lol nice illustration. Love it.

 

A Yuma cheapie, with good technique, can yield top 10 shave results. What a great shave.

 

After thinking about several elements of what makes a good shave (the journey is as important as the destination (... right?)), I may have to re-evaluate my whole collection. Yesterday I downgraded the Yuma. Today I reluctantly downgrade my Gillette FatBoy. <sigh>

The end was a 2 pass BBS(rf)**: first pass on 9 and second pass on 5. I just didn't enjoy the overall process as much as when using some of my other razors. If this is not a passing phase, I fear I may have to thin my herd!
**(rf=reasonable facsimile)

I don't see getting down to a single razor, but I really have to ask myself why would I choose a "low enjoyment" razor over a "high enjoyment" one? I would not consider dumping wholesale lots! I have experienced that thrill of re-discovering a razor that has been grazing on the south 40 for a month or three. ... but when you trot one out, like this morning's FatBoy, and the magic just isn't there...? Do you wait for the magic to return or accept it and soldier on?

I lament the passing of a shaving joy. I am glad when I focus on what has replaced it.

... and I have not decided what to do about my just-downgraded FatBoy!

 

As much as I want to love my NEW LC, it just can't compete with my Fatboy at 9. Even with 3 shims...

 

I've decided the Fatboy is my favorite razor now, so I could always use a backup if you decide to PIF.

 

It's a collector item so, don't move on from it. Keep it cuz once you don't have it anymore it's harder to get another for a lower price again.

 

I don't know if it is my particular FatBoy or if it is all of them... but.... (covering head in case I'm attacked) I think I get a better shave from a 1940's Super Speed.

 

Forget the shims.
Time to pick up a razor that goes beyond the wide-open 195 & an overly-shimmed LC....
No dialing nor shims necessary. Just proceed with caution.

 

What is that razor?

 

From Kevin? It has to be his coveted Muhle R41 2011 model! Right, Kev?

SO... is it more aggressive than the FaTip Grande? (<— One of my top 5!)

 

It's on the Christmas list (2013 Grande). If I don't get it, that's what I'm using any Christmas money to buy. I'm also sending the Fatboy over to Captain Murphy at B&B. He's gonna hook me up with some custom blade gaps so my 6 will be the same as a normal 9. He already did that to his own.

 

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.