WOW.
Best. Shave. Ever.
Had a shower, left the top off the wooden bowl of soap, dribbled a few drops of water on it.
Left the brush to soak for a couple of mins in warm water... worked up the soap lather.
First time I've jused a brush, don't think I got as much lather on it from the soap puck as I should have, but made sure I gave a good swirl in a lathering bowl (well, a large cappacino cup!) and worked the lather up. Felt lovely putting it on and made sure I gave a good swirl and paint on my face.
Used the Merkur with an Astra blade, just let the blade rest against my face and used the weight of the razor to shave downwards. Followed the grain and shaved in straight "panels" like all the good youtube vids show
Re-lathered my face then shaved across the grain, tidied up with a 3rd pass.
Washed face with cool water, splashed some cold water on to close up the pores, patted face dry. Applied Nivea sensitive aftershave balm.
Only 1 slight nick on the neck, used styptic pencil.
Result: Lovely smooth shave all round, only a few spots missed on the moustache area, neck area lovely and smooth.
The other half loves the smell of the sandalwood shaving soap and approved of the smoothness. I've been stroking my face all day haha :lol:
I am a very happy convert to traditional wet shaving with brush and lather!!!!