View attachment 59941
Prep - facial scrub
razor - Yaqi Katana - single edge - on a ES s/s handle
blade - Personna Med Prep (1)
brush - Stirling two-band fan
soap - OSP - Bay Rum
post - witch hazel
a/s - RR - Santa Maria del Fiore
balm - none
scent - none.
Remarkable. I broke my habit of using a single razor for an extended period - because my curiosity got the better of me. I was sent a Yaqi Katana head - I'd read reviews on the forum - by people whose opinions I trust - about how good they were. They were right. You don't get a much more different razor from the Karve I have been using recently - as you will know - the Katana takes a snapped half blade - a first for me. I initially had a problem getting the alignment correct - it was a pain - and nearly gave up - but sorted it by roughly positioning, mostly tightening the head and then gently tapping it - blade up - on a solid surface - that did the trick. I'm sure it will become easier with practice. The first thing you notice - is that the blade exposure is truly terrifying - beyond a R41 - between a Streamline and a Cobra - I'd say. It was with some trepidation I set about shaving. Needn't have worried - immediately I realised - that there was scant chance of hurting myself - the correct angle dials in with little or no conscious effort - it just works - and superbly. It is a noisy razor - which I quite like - not quite 1912 - ear defenders recommended - but not far off. The results were impressive - completely bbs with one pass - granted - adapted to my beard growth - not even a hint of stubble left - nante. Gentle on the skin but very very effective - as is the Karve - just in a different way - I think I will alternate between them. Whether you are an experienced single edge user - or fancy trying one for the first time - this would be a good place to start - for what they cost - it's worth a punt. I believe you can get them head only. First use of a Med Prep - nice. So, great shave - enjoy yours - and to think I used to hate shaving - yours - I.
Addenda -
The Karve, Katana and the Med Prep blades were gifted to me by fellow members - the soap was from a PIF - your generosity is humbling - you know who you are - thank you.
@Satanfriendly - C. - if you haven't tried a Katana - I seriously recommend it to you in your quest for Zen razors - the sound of one edge shaving - Om mani padme hum.