I did the right side of my face with a Rolls Razor that is owned by @Tetriside as an edge test. When I transitioned to the Fili 12, I was surprised by how rough it felt by comparison. For me, the edge on that Rolls was just effortless.
You can't go wrong with Shire 2 (IMHO), and the Shire brush is ultra luxurious as is the Shire Lancaster towel (though I actually prefer the larger, equally soft and absorbent, ""plush"" car detailing towels available online).
I really wanted to like Shire 2, but it is just too tobacco-y for me. I grabbed a sample of both the EdP and the soap and only used them once. C'est la vie.
I understand completely. Sometimes there are elements of a scent you just don’t like, and then there are times we come around to liking scents we did not enjoy at first. I had the latter experience with Wholly Kaw Entropy Man. I did not like it at all at first, but absolutely love it now.
I still haven’t tried my Wilkinson Sword Seven Day Hollow Self Stropping Razor (I need to look up the real name). Don’t know if any of the seven blades are shave ready, but the set doesn’t look used. I do think when set up, it doesn’t look as sketchy as a Rolls. The strop is still wrapped up in waxed paper. I did decide to try a Valet for my new razor next month.
To have the Wilkinson Sword 7 Day, and a Valet Autostrop in your collection indicates some seriousness about vintage razors! I look forward to you LG post on the Autostrop. (I participate mostly as an excuse to use different stuff each day, and to be entertained by the daily comments.)