Last night I used a Feather blade (day 3) in a Merkur 34G. MWF soap lathered immediately after a shower and shampoo. Dominica Bay Rum followed by Neutrogena AS Balm. No significant sting upon application of the Bay Rum AS. I had one of my closest shaves ever with no blood or irritation.
I used a Merkur 23c with an Astra. Normally great, I got confident while shaving my head and got myself pretty good. Totally my fault. Great shave on the face though.