Dazed and confused...

I just don't know what to think about these shaves...

So, this Genco/Florena week is really giving me pause. As I mentioned last time, I rehoned this razor a bit to get her back to cutting shape, and if you've been watching the Daily Shaves, you'll notice a pattern emerging. Day after day, great shaves. Not perfect, but great. The kind of shaves that, if they remained consistent, could very well lead to total fidelity.

But I DON'T KNOW WHY. The razor is not sharp enough. I know that. The first pass in each shave is actually quite tuggy...nearly uncomfortable on the upper lip/chin area. The second pass is better, but not as close as I'd like it. And my touch up passes leave me just totally freaking smooth. And every day, I get a bit smoother, and a bit more aggressive...and I have NO IRRITATION.

NONE. Not a single moment of wince, no sting when I throw on the warm water or my AS (not even with a splash, like I tried the other day without telling. Shhh.). Nothing. After each shave, my face feels like it never touched a blade. And what's more, there's not been a speck of blood in days. Days. That's a true first for me--even a good shave has the occasional weeper, but this week? NOTHING.

I mean...are these actually perfect shaves? The actual process isn't perfect, no, but afterward...I haven't quite hit 100% BBS, but I get closer every day. And every day, I push the envelop a little more on how aggressive I am with the blade--more blade buffing, more water-pass time, and more angles of attack. I can't figure out if this is going to end with me getting pure BBS shaves, or taking half my chin off...

So here's the thing. Should I try to rehone a bit? Try to bring that keenness up and balance it with the smoothness more (something I have no idea how to do) or should I just accept the brief discomfort of the first pass as payment for the sweet aftermath?

So weird...but so nice!