Third Shave With The Hone Type 15
As advised previously, I decided that I would use shave oil (and no shaving soap) tonight to see if that would suit the ultra mild nature of the Type 15 better.
In order to maintain some semblance of control, I used my normal prep of Dr. Squatch and I employed the same Lab Blue from last night.
After the prep, I massaged 4nr drops of
Mercer + James Classic Shaving Oil into the beard. As noted on TSR many times, it is impossible to overstate the importance of knowing your own beard especially the direction of growth. By massaging oil into the beard, you naturally receive a lot more information than with a shaving brush. So, fully lubed up, I commenced the shave.
And what an unbelievable difference replacing soap with oil made to the operation of the Type 15. As I suspected with the soap, given the inherent mildness of the Type 15, I felt a 'barrier' was being created so much so that it was preventing the blade getting
really close to the skin. With the cushion of the soap removed, and just using oil, the razor could get a lot closer and with only 2 passes I achieved as near as dammit a BBS. Again, there was absolutely no irritation or other adverse effects, just a great smooth shave. I had a feeling that the Type 15 was too mild for me but now, having used it with the shaving oil, I think it has found its place.
For anyone who has the Hone Type 15, or has yet to try it on this pass around, I would recommend giving shaving oil a try - for me, it definitely made a significant difference.
I think I'm going to have one final shave tomorrow and then pass it on - whoever is next on the list (
@MPH - it could be you), please PM your details to me.
Post Shave Note
There was more of a sting from the alum this time, so the shave was definitely closer...