Another new guy from Oregon...and an endorsement

I've been lurking for a couple of weeks since I started considering losing the beard and getting back to shaving. The cost of cartridges made me curious about DE razors and the traditional nature of safety razors really appeals to me. After all, I'm an old fashioned farm kid by nature.

Being the old fashioned type I really wanted to purchase my razor and gear from a local brick and mortar shop. Alas, it is really hard to find anything other than disposable WalMart grade Chinese garbage around here. Fortunately the town I live in has several antique shops in the old part of town. I went down there hoping to find an old Gillette or similar in decent condition. To my amazement while walking around I stumbled across a men's shop called The Natty Dresser (they're on Facebook). In addition to their really spiffy clothing, shoes and hats they had RazoRock razors and an assortment of blades, soaps, lotions and other shaving related toiletries. I walked out with a new razor, 3 types of blades, a badger brush and Pre de Provence No. 63 soap, shaving soap and balm. Oh...and a styptic pencil...I think I'll need that for sure.

Anyway, I wanted to give them a big shout out for being willing to carry items that aren't targeted at the masses. It was nice to be able to heft the razor and see how it felt in my hand. And to compare the boar brush to the badger first hand. I will be giving them more of my business for sure.

Now for my first forum question. The blades I picked up today are Bolzano superinox (Germany), Lord Platinum (Egypt) and Gillette Silver Blue (Russia). Any opinions which I should start with?

Oh...by the way...Happy Pi Day (3.1415)

- Keith

 

A warm welcome to you from North Texas. You might want to take a look at some of the references contained in my signature line below for discussions of the 30 Day systems and more on shaving hardware and software.

With that being said ...

Welcome to the Den.

We know you'll fit right in.

So grab yourself a comfy chair,

and give our threads a spin!

Burma Shave

 

Glad you found us and joined The Den. Sounds like you got some nice gear there.
Be sure to Mark YOUR location on the TSD map - instructions here.

 

Welcome to the Den!

 

Welcome to TSD. Blade choice really comes down to the individual. Best to just pick one and start. I've found out I can tell quickly the ones I don't like. Keep us posted on how it goes.

 

Welcome! I'm in PDX.

 

welcome
you seem like your off to a great start, or return to wet shaving.
as for your blades. if possible why not try one of each. let your face tellyou which one feels best.

 

It's a good old Spanish custom. Take your mug and brush and bust 'em. Burma Shave
When passing schoolyards take it slow. Let the little shavers grow. Burma Shave

I gave my step-dad a book once called "The Verse by the Side of the Road". It was all about Burma-Shave signs and their history. Included was an exhaustive list of all of the Burma-Shave poems ever posted.

Thanks for the welcome and tips.

 

Well, my thinking was that my technique would be the main issue at this early stage (blade angle, pressure/no pressure control, speed, compensating for hair growth direction, etc.). I figured that I'd be so clumsy as to completely mask the quality or otherwise of the blade. I guess I'm curious which of these would be most forgiving of poor technique. Also, I don't even know if the RazoRock is considered an aggressive or moderate or whatever (was about to start looking for reviews to that end). Combine that with the blade(s) in question and maybe you can see where I'm going.

 

Keith, welcome to The Shave Den! You're off to a great start!

 

WELCOME

 

Welcome to TSD.

 

After a little looking about the web it appears my brush (Omega Pura Setola aluminum handle) is actually boar. It was considerably softer than the other brush in the shop so I'm still happy with it. Besides, this leaves me more room for upgrading!

 

Gary Carrington always gives solid advice on how to build technique.
but you have to start somewhere.
if you can find s blade, that you don't just totally hate, or doesn't give you razor bumps or burn.
just find one that gives you some level of confidence. start there.
read gary's advice, Google some videos, ask anything right here.
your on the right track.
but no-ones suggestion will trump your positive results. good luck, stick with it.
David

 

Welcome to the Den! Count yourself lucky that you have a local shop to go to I would love to have something like that. I like the advice up above. Find one blade you don't hate and work with it for 30 days.

 

Well, I got tired of psyching myself out and went ahead and did it. Bottom line: THAT WAS EASY! No nicks, no cuts...just a little rash around my upper lip. The majority of my face hasn't seen a blade since about 2012, I think. The last time I removed a multi-year beard it was with a Mach3 and it was a red razor rash/burn nightmare. I looked like my face had lost a fight with a cheese grater. This was easy and comfortable. It will take me a while to learn my face again but this is a no brainer. By the way, I started with the Gillette Silver Blue blades. I have no basis for comparison but it didn't seem bad at all. Definitely took all of 3 passes to get smooth though. I'm very happy with the results. Smoothest shave I've ever had. I'm going to like this.

Before and After (sorry I look like a deranged lunatic in the second pic)

 

to TSD "Tweezak"

We're glad you've joined us. Start with any blade, but try them all over time. Your face will tell you which blade/blades it likes. I'd advise ordering(TSD, amazon or shave site) a large sample blade pack, so you can try a variety of different blades. Pay attention to proper angle, use gentle pressure and be patient.
Time, technique, practice and patience are keys to a great shave. In the beginning try for an irritation free shave over a super close one, the closeness will come with time.

 

Welcome to TSD!

 

Welcome! Great start!!