Enjoyment of shaving skills

I really enjoy shaving with razors that take skill.  I have a OneBlade and can get a perfect shave every time.  While I use it, I usually opt for a shave requiring more skill, even though the shave isn't as good.

I would love to hear from those who like a challenging shave and which razors you use.

For me, it goes something like:

Once basic skills are in place:

• A Vintage razor using a Gem blade was my first step up.  Next was
  
• Shaving with an R41 with standard blades.  In my case, white box Gillette Platinums.  Next was:
  
• Shaving with an R41 with Feather blades in it.  My experience is that you are talking real skill with this combo, which requires focus and very good technique to avoid weepers or an uncomfortable shave.  Next up was
  
• A straight razor.  A lot of straight razor folks think a double edged safety razor is more difficult that a straight.  That hasn't been my experience.  A straight requires that you maintain the correct angle, the correct pressure and have good stropping skills.  It's much easier to cut myself with a straight than a safety razor.  Next up is:
  
• A Shavette.  A shavette requires more skill than any of the others.  The razor is sharper than a straight.  Mine controls how much of the blade is exposed.  Other than that, it's like shaving with a razor blade with a handle to make it easier to hold.
  

In the past week, I feel that I've mastered all of these.  

So, do you like challenging and growing your skills?  If so, tell us a little about your journey. What was easier or harder for you. Is there anything for you more challenging that an shavette?

I think I can understand the attraction to a challenge of one's skills, but I pretty much stick with unaggressive, unchallenging DE razors for a couple reasons:
- First, I like my shaves to be relaxed and meditative, which they would not be if I had to be really sharply focused to avoid being cut or irritated
-And second, because I have a progressive neuromuscular problem that has weakened my dominant arm and given me a constant fine tremor, both of which would make using a more challenging type of razor quite problematic.

I like whatever I'm in the mood for, be it DE, SE, Artist Club SE, Slant, Open Comb, Safety Bar, etc. and while each offers a slightly different feel, at this stage in my shaving journey none is a real challenge.  I want to enjoy my shaves; I have enough minor challenges in my life (such as trying to figure out most of the acronyms used today ) to want to unnecessarily add another.  When it comes to shaving, it's whatever makes us happy.

I agree with most points Pete123 mentioned but I have a different view towards 'aggressive'/ mild razor. I Find shaving with R41+Feather much much easier than getting a close shave with Feather AS/D2/Tech and a mid range blade without repeating strokes.

Shaving with R41 only requires keeping the pressure light whereas keeping the small effective angle constant in razors like AS/D2, Tech etc. requires a much harder to master technique called 'proper angle'. I think this is why most people say mild razors can't cut their 'coarse/thick' beard, even though it is the blade that cuts the beard, not the razor and no ones beard is thicker than the blade gap of the mildest razor. Whereas most people, who has been shaving with DE for let's say, 2.6 years (me!! : D), can shave with R41, Futur on 6. Whether they like the shave is a different matter.

One of the most challenging shaving experience for me was to shave with a DE blade only, no razor. Don't ask me why I did that, but I did. Other than that learning how to lather Mitchel wool fat, mystic water old formula properly was challenging but immensely helpful experience.

I found it easier to shave (my neck) with a shavette/ feather AC razor than with a traditional straight. It is because of the curvature near adam's apple. I suppose if I gain another 30 lbs, those areas will be flatter and a 3" straight won't be more challenging than a shorter shavette. As of now, I can't get that area flat without over stretching which makes it nick prone.

The most difficult to learn shaving skill for me has been stropping. That is partly due to the RSI I have on my right shoulder.

Have you ever faced the morning like Lee Marvin in CAT BALLOU after falling out of the stagecoach boot from illness, lack of sleep, heavy drinking or a combination? Did you try to shave and find the razor wavering near a blurred reflection in the mirror as you squinted on unsteady feet? Did experience and instinct guide your hand like a half blind Muhammed Ali countering a onslaught of punches for a decent shave? That's when you can walk outside, quickly donning RAYBANNS with BAD TO THE BONE playing in your mind as a modicum of sentience returns with fresh air interacting with aftershave.

When I threw away my Harry's I picked up a straight razor. After a year or so of SR shaving I was persuaded to try a SE razor and after trying 3-4 and keeping one I moved on to DE razors. My DE's started with a '34 Aristocrat and has grown from there. I have too much fun shaving with all these wonderful tools to need to challenge my self.

I also enjoy shaving with a razor that takes some skill. There is something satisfying about learning the use of a new implement. In my case, the razor that took skill was a double edge safety razor. For someone who only shaved with cartridges and electric razors, there was a learning curve for traditional shaving. It took a lot of focus and patience at first. Once a skill is mastered, especially one used often like traditional shaving, the once challenging task becomes second nature.

@"iamsms", I'll have to admit that shaving with a double edged razor by itself is rather badass. How did that shave turn out for you?

I love the challenge of learning how to use new tools efficiently. That's a true statement whether the tool being learned is a sharpening stone, razor, brush, or something completely unrelated to shaving like a plasma cutter, oxy-acetalene torch, MIG welder, or driving a new vehicle or operating heavy gear. I enjoy the challenge of learning how to do something new.

Where I diverge from Pete123 , is that I won't ever master any of these skills. There is always room for improvement. Just when I think I am getting good with my stones, I take out a blade with a frown or warp, or some other issue that needs to be figured out and worked out. Something that will push my skills to the limit, so I can continue to grow and improve.

"You learn something new everyday." For me, it's not just a cliche or figure of speech, it's a goal to be reached for, and achieved...

Great post BadDad. Like you, I always strive to do better. Instead of saying that I mastered these skills, I would rather have said that I have come to the point of achieving a close comfortable shave with all of them, though there is always room to improve.

Honing is a whole other kettle of fish. I can do a good, not great, job on a razor with no major problems.