Went from loving aggressive razors to mild + efficient and haven't looked back

Let me start by sharing that I have the hair of an ape. I’m eastern European and I’ve got straight, incredibly thick hair (thanks mom). My 5 o’clock shadow can feel like sandpaper which is why I prefer to shave daily. I always shave with 3 passes - WTG, XTG and AGT. Historically, I’ve preferred what some shavers refer to as “aggressive” razors with some noticeable blade feel such as the Blackland Blackbird and Dart, Timeless .95, CG lvl 2, etc.

I've been turned off by some of the milder razors on the market due to perceived lack of efficiency. Razors that fall into this category for me are the Timeless Bronze SB, both Razorock Mambas (both plates), Razorock Babysmooth, Razorock GC .68, and Wolfman Guerilla.

Most recently, I’ve settled on the Razorock Lupo stainless steel, which I’ve found to be an incredibly enjoyable razor. The NO75 full stainless was nice, but a bit hefty which may have resulted in some lite irritation. After experimenting with some additional razors, I've fallen in love with the following as my daily drivers:

1) NO75 hybrid SS with Alumium baseplate
2) Tatara with Masamune top cap and Nodachi base plate
3) Rockwell 6S 2 plate

The NO75 has been incredible and has sparked renewed interest in milder razors. It's been incredibly smooth yet very efficient. The neutral blade exposure has resulted in not only a smoother shave, but reduced irritation. In fact, most shaves with this razor result in zero irritation which is something that I'm not used to.

I've been used the Rockwell 6S 6 plate forever and never thought about dropping down to some of the milder plates. What a mistake. The 2 plate has become the most comfortable plate for me but hasn't lacked efficiency which was a surprise. Even as someone with super thick hair, this razor is a joy to use daily with almost any blade is use it with.

Finally, the Tatara. I had originally purchased the Nodachi and wasn't impressed. It was efficient, yes, but I always managed to have some minor irritation. after finding that the Masamune and Nodachi parts could be swapped with each other, I tried several combinations of top cap and base plate and ultimately decided that the masamune top cap and nodachi base plate = shaving heaven. Wow what a comfortable and smooth shave with outstanding efficiency. BBS shave with almost no irritation.

Anyone else prefer a certain type of razor for many years only to discover that you've had it wrong this entire time?

I think it may be improving technique that leads folks back to mild razors. I've followed a similar trajectory. I will say I love the Nodachi.

Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk

I went the opposite way. I loved (and still do) my Weber DLC, but always found it a bit mild. Once I tried the Blackbird OC and, especially, the Charcoal Goods Level 3 OC, which are extremely efficient, I rarely use my milder razors. Now, I just perform 2 passes with touch-ups.

I have come to a point where I really appreciate both the mild and aggressive razors. For my beard-type, shaving after ~36 hours would be ideal but I shave every ~24 hours because of work....and the simple fact i enjoy it Now that I've learned how, I really enjoy using the aggressive razors. But if I use them too many days in a row, I do get irritation. So, it's nice to have the milder razors available. The Rockwell 6S plate 4 is my "go to" razor...the one the provides both comfort and efficiency.

I have come to a point where I really appreciate both the mild and aggressive razors. For my beard-type, shaving after ~36 hours would be ideal but I shave every ~24 hours because of work....and the simple fact i enjoy it Now that I've learned how, I really enjoy using the aggressive razors. But if I use them too many days in a row, I do get irritation. So, it's nice to have the milder razors available. The Rockwell 6S plate 4 is my "go to" razor...the one the provides both comfort and efficiency.

+1 on this. I’m still experimenting/refining. Right now I’m doing Day One: mild razor w/single WTG pass. Then, Day 2: medium aggressive razor with two passes (WTG & ATG) and limited touch up XTG. This seems to allow daily shaving, while limiting irritation. Blade sharpness is a big variable, it seems. At present, I’m alternating between a Timeless Bronze 38 (i.e., mild) and a CG Lvl. 2 (i.e., med. aggressive). I suspect, however, that I will ultimately be able to use a single aggressive or medium aggressive razor daily, if I can more fully develop my technique. I’m still working on “no pressure” and when to change a blade.

Well I find almost all razors to my liking, mild to wild. Too wild is not enjoyable at all though. I don’t get irritation from even hot razors used daily but neither do I find the mild ones to leave me wanting for closeness. Lucky I suppose. Mamba is awesome. Tech is sweet. Great post. I’ll enjoy watching this one.

I've discovered that I much prefer razors with neutral to negative blade exposure. I'd take comfort and no irritation over closeness. My Tatara Masamune OC is plenty efficient for me if I take a few days off.

LOOT could you say with respect to this thread, at what gap the Wolfman WR2 goes from being mild to aggressive? I think you said once that above 1.25 all has the same face feel, is that aggressive too? Or is it just as mild as something like 1.05?

I've been turned off by some of the milder razors on the market due to perceived lack of efficiency. Razors that fall into this category for me are the Timeless Bronze SB, both Razorock Mambas (both plates), Razorock Babysmooth, Razorock GC .68, and Wolfman Guerilla.

What kind of exposure does the Babysmooth have? I couldn't tell from the shop photos.

I don't really like much blade feel in a DE razor, so I gravitate to milder razors like the Tech and Pils.
Having said that, my primary razor is a Feather SS shavette, which, being an open blade, is generally considered to be agggessive and have a lot of 'blade feel.'

It is odd, I guess, that I find the open blade razor very comfortable, but I sold my Blackbird because it had too much blade feel for my taste.