I just finished shaving and discovered that after my first week of wet shaving, I've got a lot more confidence with my razor, no more weepers and I really enjoy my shaving time now. My shave was with my Gillette slim, Astra SS blade (8th shave), Colonel Conk Almond soap and Nivea After shave balm. I've been wondering how long that blade is gonna last as I have a couple of others I would like to try but it's still going strong. It was also my first shave with the Colonel Conk Almond which seemed to work ok, but the lather didn't feel as rich as the Arko I have been using up until now. Just wanted to say I'm glad I found this forum and was able to learn so much here. Still lots to learn and lots of entertainment as well. Thanks to everyone.
Welcome, and congrats on a successful first week! It only gets better from here as you fine-tune your technique and list of favorite products.
I'm very glad you're enjoying your shaves and trying different soaps and blades. Variety is one of the things that make this hobby so much fun.
Congrats on your first week and building confidence! A little suggestion with the glycerin based soap. When you get to the point where you think that lather is good work in just a little more water. My VDH is the same way, a little more water and the lather feels and protects so much better!
Congratulations, if you don't have very coarse and thick stubble you can get quite a few shaves on the blade.
I think you are right, I've been scouring auction sites for the right deals on vintage razors as I will definitely be starting a collection. I've also got my eye on the G12 Scuttle. So many different soaps and aftershaves I want to try and of course, I'm fond of most vintage shaving gear and I have my eye on doing some brush restorations...my wife hates it when I do this...
Though I haven't used any other DE razors yet, I too love my slim, it does a great job and I get no irritation from it.
Congratulations on a new beginning in shaving. As far as soaps go, Col. Conk is not too bad of a soap but I've found that Van Der Hagan soap ( used it for many years) and Cella soap in the kilo size are great for the economy minded. The Cella is about $37 for the kilo lasting about 2 years, VDH about $5. Both giving great lather. Enjoy your shaves. Denis