Yes. Either by me in post 1915 of your journal or in a rough translation of the Prose Etta.
I've put a sample of Wickhams 1912 Irish Fern out in the bathroom, though I've still left it in the packet for now. That will be the first Wickhams I've tried, though there are a couple more in the samples box.
I hope you like it Al. When I first tried Irish Fern I wasn't all that keen on the smell, either from the bowl or when it was on my face. I found it a bit sharp and cologne-y for me. Three or four shaves in and I loved it. There's a moreish, savoury aroma that starts off in the background but becomes more pronounced as the top notes settle over time. It's a kind of biscuity, oaty smell. The performance for me was very good, the best I've used so far.
@thombrogan
@comis
I'll mention this here, as both of you seem to be considering grips at the moment. Apologies if the pics are poor, I can't always see if a pic is in focus or not.
So, grips, and controlling angles and pressure. I've mentioned to you both that lightly gripping means only lightly controlling the razor. I prefer a secure grip, and light touch. Here's a few pics of my approach. This isn't rigid, and varies between razors, but will hopefully be helpful.
First, find the balance point of the razor. That's where you're going to have most control. I've heard/read many people saying the weight of the razor is enough pressure. That gives me the shivers! Are these people holding the end of the handle, and letting the razor just lean on the face?
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I then put my thumb around that balance point, index finger above, middle finger below.
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The grip isn't tight, but it is secure. This picture isn't entirely accurate, as I tend to put my ring finger behind the handle. This lets me pull with the middle finger, or push with the ring finger, and control the angle.
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I still raise and lower the elbow as well, and would encourage favouring the elbow over digital dexterity for newer shavers. However, this is what I personally do, so feel free to pick and choose whatever works best for you.
For upstrokes, I use a reverse, pen type grip. This again gives me scope for angle control
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For detail work, such as edging up a beard, or setting sideburn height. I don't want variables. I want the razor set. I get a proper grip on it.
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If I'm shaving heavier stubble with a closed comb razor, I'll use I firmer grip like this too (or somewhere between this, and those shown above). With a closed comb razor (my daily preference), the comb will be riding on stubble, and the height and direction of that stubble will try to deflect the razor head. On that first "weed whacking" pass, I need to ship to a more secure grip to control blade height, stop the stubble kicking the razor head off kilter, and therefore stop it tugging. Once the density of stubble has been knocked down, I can switch to the more nimble grips again.
This secure control is essential for shaving with a light touch, yet is still gentle enough to be able to read the tactile feedback, and adjust things as required. That includes putting on the brakes when the razor head hits a speedbump, like the start of a deep spot, or a bit of a shaving bump, without just ploughing the top off. Same if I happen to snag on skin in a moment of fleeting ineptitude, feeling the change in the blade action, and stopping before causing leakage.
This is also, I believe, why I had issue with the hexagonal handle of the Merkur 41C. With a blade in, I'm gripping on the points of the hexagon, instead of the flat. So if I ever have to fall back on that handle, I'll need to completely rethink my grip/control. None of this helps with the Razorine either, although putting a leather wrap on it has helped get a more secure purchase on it.
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Hopefully, something in this post may be helpful to one or both of you.
I think there is some merit in letting the razor's weight do the job--depending on the weight of the razor. I had been using heavier razor with full Stainless solid construction, and the weight is very noticeably more than that of DE89 or some of the Gillettes.