FIRST SHAVE WITH THE ATHENA SS
Well I loaded up the Athena with a Wizamet blade (1). I used SV Argania soap and my PAA Amber Aerolite brush and went to town. I have to admit I was a bit anxious. I read some posts that said the razor requires a bit of getting used to before it is an auto-pilot tool. WELL, they were right. The first few strokes were sublime, no razor feel. But as I went to different parts of the face, my angle changed and so did the feel of the razor and blade. Don't get me wrong, it was not bad, it was just different. Today was a 2 day growth and a 3 pass shave. The ATG pass was great, smooth, efficient and comfortable. The other passes required me to pay attention to how I held the razor. With that said, some of the issue might have been the blade also. I will use a different blade next shave.
The razor is a work of art and a wonderful shaving tool. Here are some additional observations. Without a blade in the razor, neither the handle's flat side or rough area is flush with the head of the razor. It is just a tad off line.
Au55ie suggested that a blade inserted in the razor would probably change that and he was right. With the blade in the razor, the rough portion of the handle lined up perfectly. I am curious if others with the SS Athena have experienced the same.
The weight of the razor is significant. I had no trouble maneuvering the razor, but I might try something lighter to see what happens. As for the high polish on the handle, I had no issues at all with holding on to it even with wet and foamy hands.
I look forward to learning more about this razor and how to use it properly. THIS IS A WINNER.
SHAVE:
PRE: CUBE UNSCENTED
BRUSH: PAA AMBER AEROLITE
BOWL: PEREIRA
RAZOR: LAMBDA ATHENA SS (THE STAR OF THE SHOW)
SOAP: SV ARGANIA (DELIGHTFUL)
BLADE: WIZAMET (1)
POST: WARM/COLD RINSE, SOAP WASH, ALUM, WITCH HAZEL
A/S: SV ARGANIA
SCORE: 10/10 BBS (NO NICKS, CUTS, WEEPERS OR IRRITATION, JUST A LEARNING CURVE)
RAD is just a permanently temporary condition. I'll get over it.. eventually.