Day 5 - Shave 4
- Calani Iberische Sonne soap
- MÜHLE 25mm synthetic brush
- Rocnel SE-G
- Ever-Ready 1912 with 96mm stainless steel handle
- GEM blade (2)
- Alum block
- 4711 Portugal ASL
- 4711 Portugal EdC
The plan:
Use the same GEM blade in the Rocnel and the 1912 on alternating passes.
Reality:
Excellent lather with a lovely orange grove scent. The GEM blade on its second outing in the Rocnel felt rather aggressive again. Is there something wrong with the blade or is it the blade exposure?
After the first pass I tried to remove the blade from the Rocnel, making sure that I have dry hands, but the razor is fighting back. I found it very difficult to move the blade at all. After a long struggle, whacking the blade on the side of the spine and finally using some small pliers the Rocnel finally let go of the blade. I like the blade change malarkey less and less.
I put the blade in my trusty 1912, expecting the worst. Sharp, yet smooth as butter - exactly the type of shave I'm used to from a 1912 with a GEM blade. The second pass was pure joy. Nothing at all wrong with that blade.
For the third pass I took the blade out of the 1912 and tried to put it back into the Rocnel. The blade went in halfway, then it became a struggle again. I had enough, pulled the blade out of the Rocnel, put it back into the 1912 and finished my shave without so much as looking at the Rocnel.
Third and fourth pass were wonderful.
So far, I have used my own GEM blades. I'll try one of those
@Paul has included in the pass around. Maybe they are a fraction of a millimetre thinner and actually work properly with this razor. Mine are from Connaught as well, though.
Right now, I don't care anymore how wonderful the first shave with the Rocnel was. Changing the blade is a pain in the derriere and completely spoils the fun for me.
I shall persevere though.
To be continued…