I am curious as to how people are doing with their shaving routine? Are you content with the skills and equipment that you currently posses, or are you tweaking/modifying/experimenting with different things? I am curious to hear how you are all doing, and thought this may bring to light a few good tips for myself and others.

Here is an example of what I mean:

Pre-shave Prep:

Feel that my prep is fairly decent and that while it can get better, isn't a detriment to my shave.
Recently switched from bowl lathering to face lathering. Feel it gives my face a nice massage and works in the lather.
During the weekend I use a hot towel over lather and then re-lather. I "think" it helps the shave a bit, and it feels nice.
Am currently using Cella (almond scent...yummy!) and Taylor of Old Bond St (Lavender cream). Was pleasantly surprised how nice of a lather Taylors made.
Doing 30 laps on the strop before the shave.


The Shave:

I do a 2 pass shave during the week with a few touch up passes. Usually do a three pass shave on Saturday.
Recently switched from a Dovo Shavette to a 6/8 Bengall that was honed by Glen. Unbelievable difference. The Bengall is not only sharper, but a much smoother shave.

Areas that I am working on in my shave.
1) The cutting surface of the Bengall is about 3" long...much longer than my shavette, so trying to utilize the entire blade.
2) Blade angle. Getting better at keeping a consistent angle for each pass, but needs work.
3) Neck area: While my cheeks and mouth region are all pretty much N to S as far as hair direction, 80 of my neck runs from W to E. Except one patch under my right ear that almost has a swirl.
4) Bleeders: If I nick myself, its trying to get the area under my right ear and jaw area, or a bump/scar on my right jaw line.....every single damn time.

Post Shave / Maintenance:

Alum block works as a styptic and gives good feedback if I was using to much pressure. Witch hazel after that for soothing (and it smells good).
20 or 30 laps on the strop and SR stored open to enable evaporation.
Feel my post shave routine is probably ok. Needs work in the maintenance department.

Areas I need to work on in maintenance.
1) I seem to be confirming a long held suspicion that I am I a bit ham fisted. I would say that I am only doing so-so with regards to stropping. I purchased a SRD paddle strop and that has helped, but don't feel confident yet.
2) Need to oil my SR on a regular basis.
3) Honing... see ham fisted above. I got to meet Glen and a few others at the 4th annual PNW meet up in Spokane. However, I had (and still do) a hard time with the different "tests" you can use to help determine where you are in your honing progression. I feel I took a huge leap forward at the meet, but still have a way to go. I have ordered some cheap LED loupes to help see the edge.



Anyway, despite all of this I feel that I still achieve a CCS and that it is worthwhile. Given time and patience, I see no reason I won't be working through these problems.

How are other people doing?