Figured I'd throw a few thoughts into this thread since I now own three different Mongoose razors:
- Batch 3 stainless steel Mongoose which I use exclusively on a Jürgen Hempel Ti handle (as I found the Mongoose handle to be too heavy)
- Batch 1 AlumiGoose with matching aluminum handle (shiny black finish)
- Latest version of the AlumiGoose with matching aluminum handle (mat anodized black finish)
I'd echo your thoughts regarding the 1st-gen AlumiGoose generally feeling more aggressive when compared to the SS Mongoose. My go-to blade in my SS Mongoose was a Kai Captain Titan Mild, and this blade provides smooth and easy shaves for me in my SS Mongoose. No weepers and no irritation unless I do something stupid.
Once I received my 1st-gen AlumiGoose (from a BST group) I loaded my trusty Kai Captain Titan Mild blade and went to it. Well, I ended up with a few weepers on my neck and just an overall feeling of irritation that I never receive with my SS Mongoose with the same blade. A couple more shaves backed-up my feelings that the geometry of the head is somehow different with the 1st-gen AlumiGoose (versus my SS Mongoose), which is resulting in a more aggressive shave for me. This was an issue, as I was already using what is probably the mildest Artist Club blade in the AlumiGoose. I never did try the Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG (guarded) blade in the 1st-gen AlumiGoose, perhaps it might help to tame the shave a bit for me. I think I still have a few laying around, I'll have to give it a try one day.
Fast forward to this weekend when I had my maiden shave with the latest version of the AlumiGoose which I was lucky enough to purchase through Maggard Razors based on requesting to be added to the AlumiGoose waiting list a while back. I had a great first shave with this new AlumiGoose, again using my go-to Kai Captain Titan Mild blade. No weepers, no irritation...just a nice easy shave with near BBS results like I was used to receiving with my SS Mongoose. If anything, I'd say this new AlumiGoose might be a tad more aggressive feeling to me when compared to my SS Mongoose, but they are really close. So for me, this new AlumiGoose is definitely a keeper and I'm strongly considering selling my 1st-gen AlumiGoose as I really can't justify keeping it at this point and it likely will just collect dust.