wow- I think I am graduating from being a n00b

[Magnulus]

Today I shaved with a 3 day old derby blade and my Merkur HD(removed from my razor Tech razor, sorry if that's not kosher), Derby Normal shaving cream, Omega synthetic... and I got a perfectly smooth shave. I've still almost got that "Homer Simpson instant 5 O'clock", just due to the nature of my hairs and the pores in my skin, but my skin feels smooth.

The Merkur HD felt like an ackward razor compared to the Tech, big, bulky, heavy. The handle in particular felt too chunky and the grip wasn't as good as the little pommel on the tech. But I think that made me focus more on angle, and I got it right, I believe. I also got almost no irritation judging by running some alum over my face, and I followed up with some witch hazel/calendula/comfrey aftershave (homemade).

[boboakalfb]

Congrats on your shaves improving. With time your technique should improve until it becomes second nature, both in making lather and weilding the razor.

The Merkur HD felt like an ackward razor compared to the Tech, big, bulky, heavy.

I couldn't imagine your thoughts on a Vision if a HD is "bulky".