A couple hours ago I got my package from Vintage Blades. Based on recomendations already posted here I got a Merkur HD Kit. It came with Col. Conk's Lime gylcerin soap, and Rooney Pure Badger Brush, and a mug (with fancy sailing ship motiff). I used the supplied Merkur Platinum Super blade that came with he razor.
I read one of the posts on developing a good lather and I seemed to get a nice looking froth but perhaps it was a little thin on lubricity in use. My lather lasted long enough for 3 shaves so I figure I didn't do too bad on the lathering. I used up some "Christmas" after shave balm to soothe my dry face. In the past glycerin facial soaps dried the ever loving bejesus out of my skin so I wonder if the gylcerin shave soap does the same.
No nicks or cuts! I did get a small weep in an area below my chin where I often do.
Even with 3 shaves my face is not really as closely shaved as I'm used to. I normally use a hefty metal Atra razor with Atra blades. I had a bunch of Auto Plus cartridges for Atra that were junk, not near as close and dead in 3 shaves.
I think after my first use I could have gotten away with a more aggresive razor. I still have to try some other blades though and work on my technique before I blame the Merkur Platinum Super blades.
I'm leaning toward a longer handled Ikon razor if my final assessment is the HD is too mild a shaver for me. I found that the shorty handles feel less comfortable to me.
Anyway, I'm learning from my experiences and your discussion!
I read one of the posts on developing a good lather and I seemed to get a nice looking froth but perhaps it was a little thin on lubricity in use. My lather lasted long enough for 3 shaves so I figure I didn't do too bad on the lathering. I used up some "Christmas" after shave balm to soothe my dry face. In the past glycerin facial soaps dried the ever loving bejesus out of my skin so I wonder if the gylcerin shave soap does the same.
No nicks or cuts! I did get a small weep in an area below my chin where I often do.
Even with 3 shaves my face is not really as closely shaved as I'm used to. I normally use a hefty metal Atra razor with Atra blades. I had a bunch of Auto Plus cartridges for Atra that were junk, not near as close and dead in 3 shaves.
I think after my first use I could have gotten away with a more aggresive razor. I still have to try some other blades though and work on my technique before I blame the Merkur Platinum Super blades.
I'm leaning toward a longer handled Ikon razor if my final assessment is the HD is too mild a shaver for me. I found that the shorty handles feel less comfortable to me.
Anyway, I'm learning from my experiences and your discussion!