WARNING: The following observations and experiences are those of a novice safety razor user, returning to the art of safety razors from a 45 years interlude with a cartridge razor.
I am not new here. I already received my fair share of generous welcomes. It was you all who got me this far. Thank you!
This morning was tabbed for a first shave with The Winning Razor (WTR). As a beginner and new to this razor, I hadn't the slightest clue about blade matchups for this razor. I guessed that it, being categorized as a mild razor, might do best with a "sharper," highly-regarded blade. Ergo, Gillette Silver Blue GSB. Maybe, I think.
First few passes were very satisfying. The razor found its own angle quickly - I had to perform very few angle adjustments, even around my problem areas (chin, lips, base of nose). Good start. I seem to be very lucky at finding correct angles for a variety of razors, or there still is some ghost of experience from my young man-years. (I'm pretty sure I had some.) I'd rather be lucky than skillful. It happens more often. The angle held true for all maneuvers, all passes.
Absolutely no tugging or cutting feelings were observed throughout the two (2) pass + buff stages. I did notice what others have reported: There is a sucking, vacuuming, adhesive feel as the razor progresses along the skin. Almost certain it wasn't blade or bar drag. I was not bothered at all by this "slowing" or lack of glide. As a novice, it actually helps me to slow and shorten the strokes, especially with first-time razor and blade. I suspect (but do not know) that the effect is caused by the amount of contact between the metal surface of the razor face and the skin when held at a proper angle.
The GSB blade? Hell if I know. Been doing much practicing with SE razors so, with the exception of some Qshave blades (supplied with razor), I have no benchmark. I will say that I did achieve a DFS+ (always my goal), had only blemish weepers and had no irritation. The only important conclusion? The blade, razor and operator were in synchronicity.
Wow, this stuff is FUN!
I am not new here. I already received my fair share of generous welcomes. It was you all who got me this far. Thank you!
This morning was tabbed for a first shave with The Winning Razor (WTR). As a beginner and new to this razor, I hadn't the slightest clue about blade matchups for this razor. I guessed that it, being categorized as a mild razor, might do best with a "sharper," highly-regarded blade. Ergo, Gillette Silver Blue GSB. Maybe, I think.
First few passes were very satisfying. The razor found its own angle quickly - I had to perform very few angle adjustments, even around my problem areas (chin, lips, base of nose). Good start. I seem to be very lucky at finding correct angles for a variety of razors, or there still is some ghost of experience from my young man-years. (I'm pretty sure I had some.) I'd rather be lucky than skillful. It happens more often. The angle held true for all maneuvers, all passes.
Absolutely no tugging or cutting feelings were observed throughout the two (2) pass + buff stages. I did notice what others have reported: There is a sucking, vacuuming, adhesive feel as the razor progresses along the skin. Almost certain it wasn't blade or bar drag. I was not bothered at all by this "slowing" or lack of glide. As a novice, it actually helps me to slow and shorten the strokes, especially with first-time razor and blade. I suspect (but do not know) that the effect is caused by the amount of contact between the metal surface of the razor face and the skin when held at a proper angle.
The GSB blade? Hell if I know. Been doing much practicing with SE razors so, with the exception of some Qshave blades (supplied with razor), I have no benchmark. I will say that I did achieve a DFS+ (always my goal), had only blemish weepers and had no irritation. The only important conclusion? The blade, razor and operator were in synchronicity.
Wow, this stuff is FUN!
