Hi, New here, but not new to wet-shaving - I started around 2005 and did it more as a periodic treat to myself rather than a daily routine until about two years ago when I decided to switch to my DE full time and get away from the cartridge. My first kit was a Merkur 11c open comb, Feather blades, a Vulfix Pure Badger brush and GeoFT Rose cream. I also tried a few other soaps and I also recall using Florida water as my aftershave briefly as it was recommended by so many on the forums at that time. I'm currently using a 40s Gillette Super Speed, Treet Classic blade, Wolf Whiskers brush and some samples from Mickey Lee and Chiseled Face. Shortly after I switched to a daily routine I discovered one of my coworkers was getting into wet shaving and we started trading information and links. I hadn't really been paying attention to the developments in shaving or the products and the community, so when he sent me links to all sorts of artisan soap makers, new razors and brush makers... well, I had to start trying some of them out, so I picked up a lot of samples and found all sorts of great scents and really nice lathering soaps and creams. The two of us successfully got another coworker into wet shaving and we've built up a nice cabinet at work where we put our samples for anyone to try who is interested. With the help of these enablers I've ended up acquiring a lot more shaving equipment. What triggered joining the forum is that I recently decided to take the straight razor plunge and got two of the Whipped Dog sight unseen flawed razors and a poor mans strop. That was in September and it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I was able to align the courage to try it with enough free, uninterrupted time to give it a go. I've now shaved five times and nicked myself three times - twice on the first shave and once on the second shave. I realized that both times I was trying to use the tip of the razor to trim around my goatee - not smart. On the first straight shave I was surprised that I was able to hold the razor confidently in both hands and I got one of the best shaves I've ever had, though with some razor burn and the nicks. The second shave I found holding the razor awkward and I got a terrible shave with a bit more razor burn. I decided to give it a rest for a while to make sure the razor burn healed. The third shave was decent, but not remarkable in any way except maybe that it seemed I had gained stability back with the razor. The fourth and fifth shaves were closer together and have been very good shaves with the latest one yesterday giving me another amazingly close shave with only mild burn. After the first shave I started adding pre-shave oil since the razor seemed to get stuck and not glide from time to time. I find that 30deg is too aggressive and the razor tends to hang up as I try to shave. I get better results if I start out with the razor nearly laying against my face and then raising it up after the whiskers have been trimmed some to get closer. I still have a long way to go with my straight razor technique and a lot to learn. Edit: Changed 34c to 11c
Hi! Don't think the 34c ever came as an open comb, but I've been wrong before. Maybe the 11c? It does have the same HD handle as the 34c.
Welcome! It sounds like you are already way ahead of the game. There area lot of SR users on here, so if you have questions, ask away.
Welcome @leitmotiv ! Cool that you have some Shave Buddies to share and trade with at work. Hang around here for a while and you'll meet folks from around the world, too. There's even a map where you might list your general location. As to picking up tips, tricks, and improvements to your technique - poke around in the database. Use that search bow for opinions, advice, even actual information. There is an interactive group over in the 30 Day Rule/Focus Shenanigans thread. Just a bunch of shavers trying new or old razors and other products with the ideal of getting their best shaves on. Each month there's the possibility of a theme. Seems like shavettes are shaping up for January, but much of that info will apply to straight technique. Lots of SR veterans will be there to add to the fun and learning.
You're right, I did a sanity check and there isn't an open comb version of the 34c. I've always referred to it as that since its otherwise identical to the 34c. It is the 11c which shares the handle with the 34c. I also just learned that its designed to be adjustable by loosening the cap slightly. The more you know!
Thanks for all the warm welcomes! I selected this as my first shave forum because it appeared to have the nicest group and best community feel of the bunch. Thanks for helping to confirm that.
Having shave buddies at work has also been very expensive... But yeah, its nice to have people at work to share stories and finds with. Thanks for the direction, I will definitely check those things out.
