...and I'm happy to report a smooth transition! My 30-year old Atra has been retired (although may still be called up for away trips), and has been replaced by the rotation noted below: a '58 SS, a Krona, and a Tech. The SS arrived first, along with a couple of Lord platinum blades. After showering, I broke out a fresh puck of Body Time Sage shave soap. Using the new techniques I've picked up here, I whipped up of a fine bowl of lather, carefully set the SS at the proper angle, and made my first stroke down my left cheek. Hmmmm, the lather's gone, but it didn't feel like I got anything. Was my angle off? I felt with my free hand, and, lo and behold, my skin was smooth! Having only known the tug and pull of the Atra cart all these years, it was a revelation to have a sharp, single blade slice off my whiskers so cleanly. (Those old Trac II ads, showing the first blade pulling the whisker out for the second one to cut really meant it!) I continued around my face, taking care while navigating the curves of the jaw and chin, going WTG on both passes. There were a couple of rough spots along the jawline, but I avoided any nicks or weepers. Overall, I was very pleased with the results.

I've continued on with the Krona and Tech, both of which I've enjoyed using even more than the SS. Neither of them have as large of a TTO bulge, which I am finding more to my liking. An ATG pass now follows the WTG, plus some minor touchups as I map my beard. I'm definitely achieving a DFS, and feel close to a BBS. Iridium and Bluebird blades, sent with the other razors, have joined the fray, and I just got my sampler pack from West Coast Shaving. I look forward to discovering which of those work best for me. I am enjoying the act/art of shaving more than I thought possible. It's no longer a rushed, last-minute morning chore. Whenever possible, I've switched my shaving time to the evening, when I can relax and do it more at my leisure.

Thank you to everyone here who has helped me start this journey.