EJ 3one6

...also blade plays huge difference here as well...

Not as much as many believe. No blade can cut closer as the cutting height is set, i.e., static, in any given razor. The only way to vary that during a shave is pressure. The only other variables are hone angle and how well the edge has been hardened (sputtered & metals/alloys used on the edge). 

Far more important than the blade or razor is the prep and quality of soap/cream used IMO. If you do those two things correctly then you can tell little difference if any amongst the best blades.

Absolutely correct prep and good quality of soap add difference too for me I find barrister and man Soaps work really well amongst with other amazing artisans..

That's interesting...

You mention hone angle. I imagine, with each razor holding the blade slightly different, the angle the tip is honed might explain why some blades feel better in some razors compared to others. Is this the case, or am I putting too much weight behind this? Curious...
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I have a theory about that:  the hone angle is not really all that important and the reason why is that we are not cyborgs. We cannot hold a razor at a perfect say 30 degree angle for every stroke. It's impossible. Between approx. 12 & 19 degrees is the "Goldilocks zone" for hone angles on DE blades. Most antique straight razors were right at 19 degrees approx. 

Prep and a good soap/cream are essential as you have to "pave the road" for the shave. I think where a lot of people get into the "weeds" is that they are using a razor with too much aggression. Eqpmt. will never trump technique. You cannot "buy" your way into a good shave.

That's interesting...

You mention hone angle. I imagine, with each razor holding the blade slightly different, the angle the tip is honed might explain why some blades feel better in some razors compared to others. Is this the case, or am I putting too much weight behind this? Curious...
PM  Like

I have a theory about that:  the hone angle is not really all that important and the reason why is that we are not cyborgs. We cannot hold a razor at a perfect say 30 degree angle for every stroke. It's impossible. Between approx. 12 & 19 degrees is the "Goldilocks zone" for hone angles on DE blades. Most antique straight razors were right at 19 degrees approx. 

Prep and a good soap/cream are essential as you have to "pave the road" for the shave. I think where a lot of people get into the "weeds" is that they are using a razor with too much aggression. Eqpmt. will never trump technique. You cannot "buy" your way into a good shave.

That makes sense. I know my shave angle varies throughout the shave, at least slightly... A lot more when you look at different passes (wtg vs atg).

Absolutely agree on the soap and prep... As I've posted here before (somewhere): when I upped my prep time, for the lather to sit on my face, from 5 minutes to 10 minutes it made a world of difference. I believe I got that suggestion from you (thanks again. BTW).

The 3one6 does intrigue me. Still, I have a SS Gamechanger 84 and a Ti Henson already... Not sure it's going to be any better than these tried and true winners for me. Still, it's a nice looking tool.

That's interesting...

You mention hone angle. I imagine, with each razor holding the blade slightly different, the angle the tip is honed might explain why some blades feel better in some razors compared to others. Is this the case, or am I putting too much weight behind this? Curious...
PM  Like

I have a theory about that:  the hone angle is not really all that important and the reason why is that we are not cyborgs. We cannot hold a razor at a perfect say 30 degree angle for every stroke. It's impossible. Between approx. 12 & 19 degrees is the "Goldilocks zone" for hone angles on DE blades. Most antique straight razors were right at 19 degrees approx. 

Prep and a good soap/cream are essential as you have to "pave the road" for the shave. I think where a lot of people get into the "weeds" is that they are using a razor with too much aggression. Eqpmt. will never trump technique. You cannot "buy" your way into a good shave.

That makes sense. I know my shave angle varies throughout the shave, at least slightly... A lot more when you look at different passes (wtg vs atg).

Absolutely agree on the soap and prep... As I've posted here before (somewhere): when I upped my prep time, for the lather to sit on my face, from 5 minutes to 10 minutes it made a world of difference. I believe I got that suggestion from you (thanks again. BTW).

The 3one6 does intrigue me. Still, I have a SS Gamechanger 84 and a Ti Henson already... Not sure it's going to be any better than these tried and true winners for me. Still, it's a nice looking tool.

I completely agree and I’m for sure keeping EJ 3one6   even the finish on it so nice.

Alan H