A very pleasing way to spend/waste time and money.

Hello all,

Been lurking for a time, and now finally coming out from the corner. I have been wet shaving for many years, started DE in 1996 because I am cheap and appreciate the older/better way of doing things. (I also really enjoy fountain pens.) For about a decade I enjoyed the comfortable shaves and the money savings: I used the same Merkur razor, cheap brush and Mug soap. Found these forums and decided I was missing something.

I am now completely lost in the rabbit hole and cannot stop buying razors, brushes, soaps and A/S. My wife thinks I am crazy. I am trying to stop or at least slow down this year. Did not have the fortitude to join this years sabbatical. I do, however, enjoy the leisurely pursuit of making your face smooth.

Look forward to discussing this great hobby of ours.

Cheers.

 

Welcome to the forum! We do have enablers, so bring your will power with you.

 

Welcome! You sound like you'll fit in here

 

Welcome aboard! Obviously, you’re one of us.

 

Hello and welcome!

 

@Harry Lime, from western NY, glad you decided to join us at TSD.

 

Welcome to TSD.

 

Welcome to The Shave Den @Harry Lime , from Texas. If you are tired of enablers, come over to the Straight Razor section. We don't pressure anyone, and you don't have to worry about buying those nasty little blades you have to keep buying.

 

Welcome to the fold

 

What is your "go-to" setup now?

 

After buying many razors, I have learned I prefer a more aggressive shaver to mild. I have been using a Merkur 37c most often as it is really efficient, yet mild. These new synthetic/Plissoft brushes are amazing compared to how they used to be. I have been using the Stirling Soap double band tuxedo alot. For soap Proraso is my current favorite, along with their A/S.

I was a die hard daily Clubman user (so much so that I bought the "Country Club" size bottle) I have wandered a bit lately and feel bad about it. I started dabbling in Pitralon, Speick, Proraso, Myrsol etc. your face feels amazing and botanical scents are invigorating.

I have also been eying the Blackbird and/or Paradigm in stainless, but they are in a whole new level of extravagance. My wife already gives me cross looks over my $100 razors. One day....

 

Welcome to The Shave Den, a great place to hang out!

 

Welcome to the Den.

 

Welcome to TSD!

 

Welcome @Harry Lime! I can attest that the Blackbird is a fantastic razor.

 

to TSD @Harry Lime

I hope you enjoy it here. A lot of nice people and great information. Don't worry about buying too much stuff. The buying slows down, once you buy all the stuff you can afford and what's left is harder to find and to afford. Trust me I know what that feels like as do many of us. So enjoy your new hobby and a life of great shaves!

Also the Merkur R41 is affordable and on the aggressive side of the spectrum.

 

Welcome to TSD!

 

Welcome @Harry Lime! Glad you delurked and jumped in. Sounds like you've gotten over the early learning curve part of the program. Now it's fine tuning, experimenting, finding what works just a little better than the last thing you tried.

I got a chance to take a polished Blackbird for half a dozen shaves. Both the long and short handles, and closed & open comb base plates - very efficient aggressive razor. Your budget will tell you if it's affordable. But don't sell off all your present gear to get one. Just the stuff you don't use anymore!

 

I agree with your take on Myrsol.....great stuff, own em all.

Welcome from Canada btw.