Well...here it goes Ive never been much of a, what do you want for christmas type of guy. Anything i wanted i usually just go out and buy. But since discovering all this wet shaving i will definately have alot to ask for. What are the definate things to add to my collection that is not in my shop atm (creams/as/balms/etc) Im also gonna ask for a DE. What is something for a newb. Ive never shaved with a DE and will use it as a clean up for my straight. Go wild Isaac
Razor: Gillette SuperSpeed (1940-ish) or Merkur HD Brush: Crabtree and Evelyn Best Badger Brush Sampler pack of blades Aqua Velva Classic AS Splash KissMYFace Unscented cream (you can add this to any bad mix and itll save it for ya) Ill think of other stuff and add later.....
Here goes...the basics first: Ditto on the Superspeed or the HD Any of Mama Bear's soaps Ditto on the C&E Best Badger Brush After that, the sky's pretty much the limit. This whole wetshaving thing is very much about personal preferences. Sometimes that's hard to translate into stuff that other people can get for you (IMO). Hardware (razors, brushes) is pretty easy. You'll figure out pretty quick what you like and don't like. When it come to creams, soaps and scents, that's tougher. Once you find a range or brand that you like, then tell folks to get stuff from that list.
Check out the vendor section. Merkur HDs can be foud on Classic Shaving, Vintage Blades, Lee's Razor and a host of other places. The Superspeed wil be tougher to find.
For a DE wait until a mint Sticky comes up and go after it with all guns blazing. They are definitely an acquired taste, but if you take to them then they are unbeatable. Relatively rare, superbly engineered as well as rather attractive (as far as DE's go anyway. Soaps: T&H and Mitchell's are the best performing soaps currently available IMO. Not much to write home about scent wise, but as far as lathering and overall shave performance they are top notch. DR Harris and Penhaligon's soaps are also two to consider. Other than that get any French soap you can find: L'Occitance, Martin de Candre, Pre de Provence, Provence Sante and R&G are all brilliant.
Superb advice. Where it seems you're really lacking is in the aftershave department. I'd recommend C&E's balm in whatever scents you prefer, and Baxter's and Musgo Real are absolutely indispensable.
LOL...from the looks of RN's BarberShop he only needs the Merkur HD and the "sampler" pax of blades !!!! So for $40 - $50 he'll be in DE heaven
As was mentioned, there are several qualtiy vendors that carry the HD. As for the Superspeed, your best is a local antique shop, or Ebay. There are some nice specimens to be had there, but don't overpay.
As long as Santa is treating, you might as well swing for the fences: And AND The brush & stand alone are $310. They also have an aftershave splash I've been meaning to try, and talcum powder.
Well, I did try and limit my options to ones that I'd tried...If someone wants to send me their bottle I'll be sure and get back to Isaac ASAP! :rofl
More straights, some honing stones, and every guy needs a good Simpson brush. Maybe a nice Duke or Chubby
you know..i thought about another brush....but im so happy with my Savile.i dont know that i want one atm.
I could survive on: Merkur HD Mitchell's Woolfat Soap Shavemac Pure Badger Brush Gillette Blue Silver Blades Anherb Aftershave Conditioner Floid Genuine Aftershave Splash