Hey Guys I'm well versed in wet shaving. It is one of my daily releases. I'm guilty of using the canned gel and a cartridge razor. I do use EVOO and love the effect that it adds. But I shave my head and face and it is getting EXPENSIVE! Plus I'm hoping to get a better shave. I'm chomping at the bit to get a safety razor and a brush. I'm just wondering which ones would be a good inexpensive starting point. Should I start out with a brush and mug and then get a razor later? Would I be spinning my wheels to try the Van Der Hagen set that the retail chains sell? and eventually upgrade. I'm sure this has been asked two million times and I will use the search box also. Thanks
Welcome to TSD! You'll want to sign up for the February Newbie Give Away. Most of the good advice for starting out is captured here. On head shaving, I put together a basic guide recently, see it here. If you're in hurry to start, the VDH kit is reasonable. The brush isn't of great quality and certainly isn't a good representation of boar brushes. The soap however is excellent for the price, and better than some soaps costing several times more.
Welcome to The Shave Den! A great community of guys and gals that enjoy wet shaving, I hope you enjoy your stay! Like Erick said, the VDH kit will work for a start, but there are better options out there. Did you want to go vintage or new on a razor? If you have a Bath and Body Works nearby, you can get some Bigelow cream, which is re-branded Proraso.
Thanks for the info and welcome Erik! I'm sure I will upgrade everything. I just wanted a quick fix set. I think I can get my hands on a vintage Gillette TTO adjustable to try out. My mom has one that she uses for decoration in their bathroom.
I'm a big fan of the vintage razors. They still shave great and cost less than shiny new models unless you're after a rare collector's piece.
Thanks Bill. I'll have to hit B&B and try that out. I'm leaning more to the vintage end. I'm a nostalgia kind of guy anyway. I like oldschool 50's hotrods. I wouldn't be opposed to a new one, but I don't think I want to drop 40 bucks for my first razor.
Welcome! I think youll find that you will learn alot on accident just for reading these posts! I know I have! Welcome to the Journey!
Welcome Gambrinus! Um, I have to ask. EVOO? All I come up with when I google it is extra virgin olive oil. Learning to lather with soap and brush will definitely help even if you stay with a cartridge razor. The only problem with picking a DE razor is that you've got so many good options, and there are injectors and SE razors to consider also. Definitely, if your mother's decorative razor is functional, then save yourself some money and start with it.
Yeah, I use Olive Oil. I have had really good results. I tried the CO Bigalow today(3 for 10 bucks). I really liked it. I do know that I need to get a different brush. The cheap one that I got at Walmart is shedding like a dog in summer. I picked up a 66 Slim for 12 Bucks. Plus it's in better shape than the one of my Dad's. So I'm set......for now. Thanks for all the welcomes and great advice. I hope I can be of help someday.
