So, I have been lurking around some of the forums and reading lots of great information and comments from members. I have only been using my DE razor for about a month now, but the one take-away that I got from the forums was consistency for the first 30 days. I have a Merkur 38C and I am using Gillette Silver Blue blades, Taylor of Old Bond Street Jermyn shave cream, which I bowl lather using a Super Badger brush. (sorry, I don't have the specs for the brush available, but it was purchased from Fendrihan) Post shave I wipe my face with Thayers Lemon Witch Hazel and then use Ogallala Bay Rum, Limes and Peppercorns Aftershave. Being in Canada and dealing with the exchange rate and higher shipping costs when ordering from the USA, I was happy to find a company that is operating in Canada with Canadian pricing. Now that I have gone past the 30 day mark I am starting to experiment with a pre-shave. I have used the Prorazo (white for sensitive skin). I shave at night right now because it still takes me awhile to shave, and I don't want to rush it. The neck has been the biggest challenge to get my WTG, XTG and ATG strokes figured out because there is so much variation. I ordered an Omega boar brush and some soaps to try as well so that is up next on my list. I hear lots of guys use the word "rotation" when talking about their routine. How often do some of you change things up? Do you stick with something for a week, or do you have a different soap/razor/blade combination for every day of the week?
Welcome from a fellow Canadian. I've always enjoyed the variety that wet shaving offers and rarely use the same product two days in a row...
@Goodlad, welcome to The Shave Den! You're off to a great start. Consider checking out the 30-day focus group. As someone who is new to DE shaving, I think you'll find it to be helpful and fun.
Welcome @Goodlad ! Thanks for de-lurking. Use that search box, the database is deep. You are sure to find opinions, advice, & even actual information. If not start a new thread! Rotation is a way to enjoy all your various products. If you've encountered the term "Aqusition Disorder" that gets attached to numerous products and abbreviated as RAD,SAD,BAD, etc this is a way to make sure all your purchases get their game time. The down side is that by switching products you may not develop the techniques to get your best service from a particular razor or soap. The other end of the spectrum is populated by minimalist shavers, generally folks that have been at it long enough they have gotten their preferences sorted out. If you find THE razor/blade/soap/brush/aftershave combo there's little reason to use others. As a new shaver there is some learning to do. Sticking with just one razor is great for developing the skills and techniques that will help later when others join your den. Along with Charlie @wristwatchb , I invite you to check out The 30 Day Rule/Focus group. It's a come as you are gathering of Old Timers learning new gear, and New Shavers figuring out old tricks. Join any time, stay as long as you like. One of the few rules is being committed to improving you technique. And there are Shenanigans.
Hodge, being in Canada, do you have a preferred vendor to purchase your shaving products from? It sounds like you must have a pretty good inventory of gear. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I've bought from the three major vendors (Fendrihan, Italian Barber, MenEssentials), usually following their sale/clearance items. Honestly though, most of the soaps, brushes and razors were purchased second hand on this and the other forums. Most my aftershave products (myrsol, Floïd) were purchased from Gifts & Care overseas.
to TSD @Goodlad I hope you enjoy it here. Of course there is no right or wrong some shavers really like variety, it's a very YMMV kind of thing, other like myself tend to stick with whatever works best. For instance my go to soap is Arko, my blades are Vikings Sword and Astra SP, my razors Gillette "NEW" and a Stahly shave head on a Weber Bulldog handle. Although I do enjoy some variety in my aftershaves. Enjoy your shaves..
