Head & face shave. 2 days growth.
Technique: WTG / XTG / ATG/clean-up.
Prep: Shower.
Soap: RazoRock XXX (tallow)
Brush: Ever-Ready 100T (TGN Finest)
Razor: Merkur Progress set at 4
Blade: Treet Platinum Super Stainless(1)
Post: Cold tap water rinse. RazoRock XXX Aftershave Milk
Pay-off: Firefly marathon.
Every wetshaver should try XXX at least once. RazoRock (Italian Barber) makes great performing soap. Interestingly, when I first started using it a little over a year ago, I found it to be extremely slick---too slick even. It didn't pair well for shower shaving which I do 99% of the time because it was unavoidable to get the slick soap all over the razor handle. I also found the RazoRock soaps broke down rather quickly. Face shavers would probably never notice it, but since I shave my head and face (3 passes each), the final, closest pass lost its protection. Over time, I've discovered the problem is the tallow formula coupled with a somewhat careless shower shave. I inevitably break down the relatively delicate tallow due to inadvertently introducing too much water either directly in the shaving bowl or from too much water on my head. In my experience, some of my other favorite tallow soaps just aren't as susceptible to water breakdown. That said, the glorious, powerful scent of XXX just keeps calling me back. I would dare say a few weepers are a fair sacrifice for the scent alone. However, you don't have to make that compromise. You just have to be careful when you dial it in that you don't destroy the luxurious lather, and that you are haphazard with getting soap on the razor's handle. You'll find it stands up to even the best artisan soaps and the scent of XXX will bring you back time after time.
The Merkur Progress is probably the most perfectly balanced razor I own. I used to fiddle with the settings between passes, but I've discovered setting it to 4 and leaving it gives me the best shave. If I could make one change, it would be to add a knurled handle. The length of the handle is just right, however. It fits my hand such that the knob can rest on my fifth digit while I choke up just under the head with my thumb and index finger.
I really prefer an alcohol/menthol-based aftershave, but I don't have a XXX splash, and I wanted to enjoy the XXX scent a bit longer. The XXX milk fit the bill perfectly. My scalp feels incredibly soft and smooth right now.
I'm topping off the night feeling sentimental watching a Firefly marathon with my wife.