Yes, yes, yes ... and yes. I agree.
Noise, efficiency, pleasure of use ... and yes, it is highly likely that the alum wash gave you that sort of feedback since it's your first go with a more rigid blade than you're used to and perhaps pressed just a little too hard, too, for the blade.
Your next shave will be lovely.
I tend to find one WTG and one ATG pass is a better routine for single edge shaving. That's what I've found. If you don't usually go ATG, don't push it, ease in. If you do, one scrape down, one gentler scrape up should do you proud.
I'm beaming ... the 1912 is a shave I long for. Whatever else I shave with, my perfect, signature shave would be around a 1912. Yes, more so than the Streamline. I'd rather rip around the streets in a MK2 Escort than a Roller ... but a Roller is nice to own
Do follow on with your next 1912 shave ... I want to know how much improved the second shave is.