Equipment used:
Carbon Ti handle with ++ on right side and + on left side
Arko soap and Mango shaving cream (forgot name)
New PLB blade
GFT Coral Skin food
Alum
I got delayed in shaving for longer than I wanted to and had at least a week's worth of scruff to shave off. Since I won't be able to test the + by itself with such growth I decided to dedicate the ++ to my right side and the + to my left side. The results were interesting. Both blades had some effort in taking down the amount of growth that I had, but have to say that they both performed very smoothly in doing so. I have experienced razors that pull and tug when trying to remove so much hair with several razors, but didn't have this problem at all.
In the first pass it seemed like the + baseplate was doing slightly better somehow, even though I could feel I was getting more removed at once with the ++ baseplate. I'm not quite sure what it was I was experiencing, but I was noticing something different. Nothing bad mind you, just different from what I am used to. The lightness of the entire razor is something that is a shock as I usually use stainless steel razors and am used to the weight. I kept trying to grab in the middle of the razor where there is no knurling at first, but overtime I became more accustomed to gripping closer to the top of the razor for a secure grip. It is just something different to get used to, but actually felt quite natural by the end of the shave.
My second pass was easier after having cleared so much stubble from the first round. With my second pass I could feel the increased efficiency of the ++ baseplate easier and found it quite pleasing with no problems. In fact the smoothness of going across the grain and even against the grain was very pleasing which is a compliment as I rarely go against the grain and across it sparingly. I was able to do this more easily than with most other razors. The + baseplate did a good job on the other size, but it just felt like it was doing nothing. The smoothness was there, but I could barely discern any cutting. Stranger still after applying my alum and GFT I would have to say that my left side feels like it was cut closer than my right side. I could feel on the second pass the increased efficiency and I believe more blade feel with the ++ baseplate, and had a few moments notably below my lower lip and at the base of my neck on my right side where the ++ baseplate was getting a bit too close for comfort, but again in another twist I had more razor burn from the left side.
Overall I can't say I have any complaints with my first shave. I'm going to have to see what the ++ and + feel like with less growth to contend with, and intrigued with the differences I experienced. One thing I forgot to mention earlier is that the Carbon razor has an excellent fit and tightens the razor down to a degree I'm not accustomed to. I had to use a wash cloth just to be able to grip the razor safely to change the baseplates during my shave. I believe this is part of the reason I noticed an increased smoothness that again I'm not accustomed to.
Carbon Ti handle with ++ on right side and + on left side
Arko soap and Mango shaving cream (forgot name)
New PLB blade
GFT Coral Skin food
Alum
I got delayed in shaving for longer than I wanted to and had at least a week's worth of scruff to shave off. Since I won't be able to test the + by itself with such growth I decided to dedicate the ++ to my right side and the + to my left side. The results were interesting. Both blades had some effort in taking down the amount of growth that I had, but have to say that they both performed very smoothly in doing so. I have experienced razors that pull and tug when trying to remove so much hair with several razors, but didn't have this problem at all.
In the first pass it seemed like the + baseplate was doing slightly better somehow, even though I could feel I was getting more removed at once with the ++ baseplate. I'm not quite sure what it was I was experiencing, but I was noticing something different. Nothing bad mind you, just different from what I am used to. The lightness of the entire razor is something that is a shock as I usually use stainless steel razors and am used to the weight. I kept trying to grab in the middle of the razor where there is no knurling at first, but overtime I became more accustomed to gripping closer to the top of the razor for a secure grip. It is just something different to get used to, but actually felt quite natural by the end of the shave.
My second pass was easier after having cleared so much stubble from the first round. With my second pass I could feel the increased efficiency of the ++ baseplate easier and found it quite pleasing with no problems. In fact the smoothness of going across the grain and even against the grain was very pleasing which is a compliment as I rarely go against the grain and across it sparingly. I was able to do this more easily than with most other razors. The + baseplate did a good job on the other size, but it just felt like it was doing nothing. The smoothness was there, but I could barely discern any cutting. Stranger still after applying my alum and GFT I would have to say that my left side feels like it was cut closer than my right side. I could feel on the second pass the increased efficiency and I believe more blade feel with the ++ baseplate, and had a few moments notably below my lower lip and at the base of my neck on my right side where the ++ baseplate was getting a bit too close for comfort, but again in another twist I had more razor burn from the left side.
Overall I can't say I have any complaints with my first shave. I'm going to have to see what the ++ and + feel like with less growth to contend with, and intrigued with the differences I experienced. One thing I forgot to mention earlier is that the Carbon razor has an excellent fit and tightens the razor down to a degree I'm not accustomed to. I had to use a wash cloth just to be able to grip the razor safely to change the baseplates during my shave. I believe this is part of the reason I noticed an increased smoothness that again I'm not accustomed to.
Joe