This morning I decided to put my newly aquired products to the test. I also decided to try the bowl method for the first time.
I loaded a Feather blade into my Futur for the first time. I soaked my new Simpsons Duke #2 in hot water while also letting hot water heat up my ceramic bowl.
When ready I used some nice hot water to soak my face. I deliberately skipped the Proraso preshave this time as I wanted to experience the scent of the new Truefitt &Hill West Indian Lime shave cream on it's own without being affected by the Proraso scent.
I drained the water from the bowl and squirted in an almond sized dollop of the Lime cream. I allowed the brush to drain and then set to work whipping up some lather in the bowl. Wow! Between the bowl, the great badger brush, and that T&H cream I found myself with the best lather I have ever managed. I couldn't believe it.
I rewet my face and started applying the lather. That T&H Limes smells fantastic! After allowing the cream to set for a couple of minutes to soften the beard a bit I set to work with the Feather blade. After everything I have read about the sharpness of the Feather I really took it slow and concentrated on angle and pressure. I was amazed at how easily that blade sliced through two days of growth of my tough beard.
I made four passes. The results were quite satisfactory. While I could feel some slight skin irritation from that Feather, overall I'd say that it's an excellent blade and will be buying some more of them. I'm sure the irritation will improve as my technique with this blade improves. A bit of Aqua Velva Balm took care of the irritation.
Although I had my doubts about how much better the slightly more expensive products really were, they have been assuaged this morning. The "good stuff" really is. And that T&H Limes is sublime. The cost of the T&H cream may be slightly higher than the canned goo, but a little bit goes a long way and in the end the cost per shave actually turns out to be cheaper. Especially when combined with a double edged razor, the blades for which are far less expensive than cartridges.
If nothing else, get a good brush and try out the T&H Indian Limes cream. What a terrific scent and luxurious lather. You'll never want to use that crappy canned goo again.