Inspired by @walden, I took out my trusty 34C.
Even with a tired blade, this was a very good and close 3-pass shave. I never had any issue with the plating on the razor, and using it feels like meeting an old friend. The ring of death on the soap continues to grow (well, the ring of soap itself gets smaller, but death increases).
I grabbed my Williams today, which resides in a Spearhead Seaforth! mug. This stuff is super quick to use. I went at it with a slightly damp brush. I didn't "lather" or add water. I reloaded the brush for every pass. Basically, Williams takes no water at all and doesn't benefit from any "working". Just load and spread.
I like mild razors, and the 34C is certainly mild. I have milder razors that are more efficient, though, so the 34C doesn't win any awards in my book. Still, after some buffing I got a really nice close shave.
Blackland Era level 3 and Gillette Tech come to mind. My Gillette Red Tip is pretty mild but the 34C might be milder.
Honestly, feeling my face a few hours later this was a very good shave. The efficiency didn't really show itself until the last pass, but maybe I should retract my "statement" 🫠.