Mongoose Tips

Afzter three shaves with it, I sold it and was glad to see it go. Too heavy and difficult to maneuver.

It is heavy and requires a light touch. I have found that having a thinner slicker lather greatly improves the shave quality and comfort. I also use lighter handles in the 50-60 gram range. Both the Dr Bomber and Big Bomber handles just didn't work as well for me. Generally speaking I only go 2 passes with the Goose, XTG followed by ATG. I used the Goose extensively during 2015 so I became very comfortable with its use. I get quick, drama free, close and long lasting shaves easily. I don't have any experience on the newer Mongoose razors so my observations are related to the B2 Goose. I also have and use the Cobra Classic and the AluminGoose V1, For me, I really can't say one does a vastly better job than the others. Since they all use the AC blades, they are wide which hinders maneuverability. The AC blades are rigid and very sharp which I like much the same as I like the shave from GEM blades. These very attributes can cause others issues apart from the razor used. Again these are just my thoughts and YMMV.

If this razor requires THIS much attention just move to using a straight lol.

Even though you said this in a light manner, there's a lot of truth to it. In one way, the Feather Artist Club and other similar 'shavette' blades are more tricky to use than a straight. Perhaps it's due to the the thinness and sharpness of those blades, but for whatever reason, they might be the most difficult blades to master and get comfortable, irritation-free shaves.

I solved my Mongoose problem by selling it and buying a Cobra Classic, smooth sailing ever since.

I agree-both my Cobra Classic and King Cobra give me the best SE shaves of all the SEs I have.

If this razor requires THIS much attention just move to using a straight lol.

Even though you said this in a light manner, there's a lot of truth to it. In one way, the Feather Artist Club and other similar 'shavette' blades are more tricky to use than a straight.

I have and still use all three (regular straights > Feather AC > Shavettes in terms of number of usage).

I really find Feather AC to be the easiest to use followed by regular straights then DE Shavettes. It simply requires ultra light pressure, which is not difficult to master. It does not require any variation in pressure like regular straights. To me Feather AC feels like a tad sharper version of a freshly honed straight razor.

I use alum after every shave mostly for the purpose of feedback, very rarely Feather AC leaves a face that gives me more negative feedback than regular straight/DE.

I have shaved closed to 100 times with regular straight razors, mostly honed by people who does that professionally. I am still not sure whether my technique is fine or not.

It took me 3 shaves to figure out how to use Feather AC with 0 issue.

Btw, not trying to start an argument, just mentioning this so that people aren't afraid of jumping to Feather AC.

It took me 3 shaves to figure out how to use Feather AC with 0 issue.

Yes, I adapted very quickly-almost from the first shave-as well. Of course, by that time, I had been wet shaving for almost 30 years.

So, for experienced shavers like yourself, with 100 straight razor shaves under your belt, no issues-as you found.

To me Feather AC feels like a tad sharper version of a freshly honed straight razor.

EXACTLY!

And that's why I think the extreme sharpness of the SE Feather AC calls for much respect. My first shaves with it were in a Feather Artist Club razor-the modern SEs like the Cobra, Mongoose, Asylum, ATT SE, etc. hold the blade much more securely and I find them much easier to use.

Btw, not trying to start an argument, just mentioning this so that people aren't afraid of jumping to Feather AC.

Completely understood, and I didn't take it that way at all. I was responding to someone who was having difficulties with the Mongoose and the SE blade.

I use it everyday, I'm in love with my goose. I believe it benefits from a dry, very dry lather. Let the razor stick to your yogurt-lathered skin and I'm sure you will love the goose too. It works wonderfully for me.
Good luck.