Hello, Greg:
I am impressed with your progress. Good for you. That you continue to experiment and improvise on the way to honing your skill is commendable. I think you are are a perfect example of a dedicated straight razor shaver who tries to get it right. Congratulations, my friend.
That you quote part of a line from my novel "Will's Music" makes my day even better than it has been so far. Thank you, sir. "Will's Music" is a gentle and sentimental love story written a romantic fool, who also happens to be straight razor shaver. That's why I always emphasize the romance in shaving with a straight razor.
As an aside, my current novel has a straight razor shaving scene. The book is finished and I am working on the final revisions. I think I will expand the straight razor scene a bit more, without boring the readers to death. I haven't decided on the protagonist's straight razor brand, though. I expect to get to that scene in the next two weeks as I revise daily. I'll decide by then. I'll consider any ideas that come my way. Currently I mention the Dovo "Bismarck," but I think I will change that to something else. What, I don't know yet. Anyway . . .
Now, back to shaving. I know you'll be pleased with the Truefitt & Hill's Ultimate Comfort (unscented) shaving cream. I think it is one of the best. I have used it for years and am never without it.
I like your method of keeping lather warm, too, especially since you are mindful not to make it to warm, which will break up the lather.
Keep working on your shaving skills and keep us informed. Thanks for your detailed post.
Regards,
Obie