Hi all,
Ever since posting my experience here http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=131722 a couple of months ago, I haven't posted much, preferring to read and absorb info by osmosis. I acquired a Dovo shavette, hoping to remove the sharp blade variable, and have used it exclusively for the last several weeks, with excellent success. I also acquired a shave ready GD from KenRup, with which I didn't have as much success as I'd hoped, although it worked fairly well. Given that I improved my shaving technique sufficiently with the shavette, I sent out my TI to be honed by rayman, and also bought a Bismarck from SRD.
Today I broke out the Bismarck. Lathered up with AoS unscented cream, and went to work. Did 1 pass WTG, and now clearly understand what a "shave ready" blade honed by a pro is supposed to feel like. I felt like the whiskers were cut without much protest, except for the area on and around the chin, which is where I have the toughest growth. In this respect, the blade was as sharp as a disposable DE blade. In terms of comfort, it wasn't as smooth as I would have liked - I'm comparing this to a buttery smooth CrOX edge I experienced on my TI earlier. Not sure whether this is due to Lynn's honing technique, or the fact that my shaving technique is still evolving, and coming from a shavette, I may have needed to lighten up on the pressure even more.
Then, I proceeded to do 1 pass XTG. Comfort was increased somewhat, because of the larger blade and increased heft, I could remove more growth with the same stroke. As well, was able to maintain the blade angle following the curves of the jawline. I ended up with the closest 2-pass shave I've had yet. Alum block still revealed some irritation, marginally less than the shavette, and no stings.
All in all, I'm very satisfied with the shave, and with the Bismarck.
Ever since posting my experience here http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=131722 a couple of months ago, I haven't posted much, preferring to read and absorb info by osmosis. I acquired a Dovo shavette, hoping to remove the sharp blade variable, and have used it exclusively for the last several weeks, with excellent success. I also acquired a shave ready GD from KenRup, with which I didn't have as much success as I'd hoped, although it worked fairly well. Given that I improved my shaving technique sufficiently with the shavette, I sent out my TI to be honed by rayman, and also bought a Bismarck from SRD.
Today I broke out the Bismarck. Lathered up with AoS unscented cream, and went to work. Did 1 pass WTG, and now clearly understand what a "shave ready" blade honed by a pro is supposed to feel like. I felt like the whiskers were cut without much protest, except for the area on and around the chin, which is where I have the toughest growth. In this respect, the blade was as sharp as a disposable DE blade. In terms of comfort, it wasn't as smooth as I would have liked - I'm comparing this to a buttery smooth CrOX edge I experienced on my TI earlier. Not sure whether this is due to Lynn's honing technique, or the fact that my shaving technique is still evolving, and coming from a shavette, I may have needed to lighten up on the pressure even more.
Then, I proceeded to do 1 pass XTG. Comfort was increased somewhat, because of the larger blade and increased heft, I could remove more growth with the same stroke. As well, was able to maintain the blade angle following the curves of the jawline. I ended up with the closest 2-pass shave I've had yet. Alum block still revealed some irritation, marginally less than the shavette, and no stings.
All in all, I'm very satisfied with the shave, and with the Bismarck.
I am happy that you are enjoying the experience..... 
