With all the good reports, and since I missed the passaround, I decided to order a Hone 15, despite the discount code no longer working. It arrived yesterday, and I have two shaves with it so far.
Yesterday's shave was with a Feather blade which had been used for 2 days in my ASD2. Today's shave was with a fresh Polsilver SI, which is usually my favourite blade.
Personally, I love the weight. Of course the build is superb, and the design is really gorgeous. I generally like shorter handles, so it was fine with me on this front as well.
I was expecting it to shave a bit like my ASD2, as it's meant to be quite mild, so I'd been having a few practice shaves with the Feather razor beforehand. My technique has improved a lot since I bought the ASD2, and I was really surprised to find I could get a closer shave with the ASD2 than even with my Wolfman OC. Not something you usually read!
So, on to the Hone. Well the shave is definitely comfortable. No nicks, no cuts, no problems, but I don't generally cut myself these days, apart from abortive attempts to use a Feather Artist Club. Both shaves ended up being 4 pass. On both occasions, I was disappointed with the amount of beard reduction on each pass. I *thought* I was getting really good feedback from the sound of the blade, as to whether I had the angle right, but based on my results, I can only say that I must surely need more practice. I have patches of my face which aren't really shaved as close as they should be. I do however have patches of my face which are pretty smooth, so I reckon it's technique.
I will persevere, because I love the razor as an object, and really want it to work well. I plan to use it as my daily razor until the Blackbird arrives.
On a side note, does anyone else find they think they got a BBS, and then apply the balm and realise it's not actually that close after all?
many thanks Andrew. EDIT: found it hiding, thank you so much.
