I guess this can be a message to newb's but it also applies to anything, everyone, and myself. I sample and experiment/test many things shaving and non. At the moment I am testing Astra blades. I have been using Derby blades for the past 5 years and I have no problem with them. However, no problem doesn't mean there isn't something better out there. Then again, there is always the old "leave well enough alone." Right?
Well, I ordered some Feathers and some Astra's to sample as I figured it may be time for a change. The Feathers haven't arrived yet. The Astra's arrived to I have had two shaves with them thus far. As soon as the razor started to glide across my face I immediately thought "this is it!" But then again, I am new to soap and had just got a particularly good lather that day. Soap or blade? hmmmm.
I am going to assume it was the blade. I'm experienced enough to break things down and estimate. I also went and lowered the music so I could "listen' to the shave. All around it was a great shave. I shaved again today and had pretty much the same results. However, on both shaves; as good as they were, later after clean up and aftershave etc, I noticed missed spots. My first thought is "user error." And, today I wasn't trying hard. I normally don't shave on Sunday but did today because I was testing the new blade as well as a new soap. So I didn't go for a BBS. But normally with my Derby, when I don't try for a BBS it usually gets me an automatic DFS. But wow, the Astra shave felt so much nicer. Feeling my face now I have a lot of missed spots. That's unusual for me.
My point here is that I'm not attributing this to the blade. I'm not making a judgement yet. And I think many beginners would at this point, and even some non beginners. I am taking into consideration that I have been using the same blades for a long time. I have grown with them as they have been my blade of choice since finishing my sample pack as a beginner. I have no fear of Derby's. I can practically juggle while shaving, using them.
On the other hand Astras are new to me and have been said to be pretty sharp. I think I have been cautious with these blades even if it was only subconsciously. I think the missed areas are areas where I didn't want to push it for fear of nicks. I may be too light. Babying my shave.
I often J-hook during touch ups but attempted to do one with the Astra but it just kind of felt "different." So I stopped. No buffing either. But then again, when I skip these things with the Derby's I still get a DFS.
So maybe there is always a learning curve. I will give this more time. It will be interesting to see what happens when the Feathers arrive! I am perfectly happy with the Derby as they have served me well for quite some time. Same for my Merkur HD. The more I read the internet the more I want to change. Sometimes there is nothing wrong but you look really hard to find something wrong just so you can change to the new popular whatever.
I sometimes think I have to stick to what keeps me, "me." And why I don't even have a smart phone, and Ipad, or any other new fangled contraption. I am patiently waiting for a T.V to come back where you have to get up and change the channel! Hahhaha makes no sense right? Since I am writing this on an "internet" forum.
Well, I ordered some Feathers and some Astra's to sample as I figured it may be time for a change. The Feathers haven't arrived yet. The Astra's arrived to I have had two shaves with them thus far. As soon as the razor started to glide across my face I immediately thought "this is it!" But then again, I am new to soap and had just got a particularly good lather that day. Soap or blade? hmmmm.
I am going to assume it was the blade. I'm experienced enough to break things down and estimate. I also went and lowered the music so I could "listen' to the shave. All around it was a great shave. I shaved again today and had pretty much the same results. However, on both shaves; as good as they were, later after clean up and aftershave etc, I noticed missed spots. My first thought is "user error." And, today I wasn't trying hard. I normally don't shave on Sunday but did today because I was testing the new blade as well as a new soap. So I didn't go for a BBS. But normally with my Derby, when I don't try for a BBS it usually gets me an automatic DFS. But wow, the Astra shave felt so much nicer. Feeling my face now I have a lot of missed spots. That's unusual for me.
My point here is that I'm not attributing this to the blade. I'm not making a judgement yet. And I think many beginners would at this point, and even some non beginners. I am taking into consideration that I have been using the same blades for a long time. I have grown with them as they have been my blade of choice since finishing my sample pack as a beginner. I have no fear of Derby's. I can practically juggle while shaving, using them.
On the other hand Astras are new to me and have been said to be pretty sharp. I think I have been cautious with these blades even if it was only subconsciously. I think the missed areas are areas where I didn't want to push it for fear of nicks. I may be too light. Babying my shave.
I often J-hook during touch ups but attempted to do one with the Astra but it just kind of felt "different." So I stopped. No buffing either. But then again, when I skip these things with the Derby's I still get a DFS.
So maybe there is always a learning curve. I will give this more time. It will be interesting to see what happens when the Feathers arrive! I am perfectly happy with the Derby as they have served me well for quite some time. Same for my Merkur HD. The more I read the internet the more I want to change. Sometimes there is nothing wrong but you look really hard to find something wrong just so you can change to the new popular whatever.
I sometimes think I have to stick to what keeps me, "me." And why I don't even have a smart phone, and Ipad, or any other new fangled contraption. I am patiently waiting for a T.V to come back where you have to get up and change the channel! Hahhaha makes no sense right? Since I am writing this on an "internet" forum.
