What advice would you give the Newbie you?

I would tell myself: You could do a lot worse than Proraso green shaving soap, a good omega or semogue boar brush, and an NDC Superspeed.

I didn't start with that setup, but I wish I had. I think it taught me more about getting a reliably good shave than any advice I ever received.

 

Congrats on 2,000!

I would tell myself, "Self, you're never going to look as cool as Don Draper or Jimmy Stewart so just have fun."

I would also prepare myself for the fact that I would soon own more bathroom supplies than my S.O.

 

"Self, in a few years you'll be watching youtube videos of half-naked men shaving, have long discussions about if rose or sandalwood smells better - and be accepting of the fact that you are using more soaps and creams than any of your ex girlfriends did. You will also have a boyfriend named Willhelm".

I like to mess w/ myself, the annoying brat.

 

Why? =P

 

Because the recipe is kind of involved, for something to be made one puck at a time. Plus, it doesn't spoil.

 

Congrats on 2,000. I would tell myself to pick up a vintage SS and New LC to start off with.

 

Congratulations on 2000 posts.

 

My advice would be to follow GDCarrington's recommendation on the 30 day rule and slow down on accumulating new brushes, razors, soaps and creams. I got so much stuff I haven't purchased anything new in a year and a half.

 

I haven't either. And I've given a ton of stuff away to new converts so it's time to rebuild the stock in the den.

 

Take your time. Learn to lather. Learn your technique. Don't worry about BBS. That will come by itself when you least expect it. Learn your face. Your whole complexion is going to change for the better. You don't need another new razor, soap, cream, brush, balm, aftershave, or credit card.

 

It's definitely a case of YMMY - for me the Derbys are excellent.

 

I would tell a newbie to start off slowly and try different set-ups. I would also tell him not to be discouraged if he gets nicked or cut at the beginning.

 

Congrats on 2k!

Do a couple 30 Day rules before quenching RAD.

 

I've seen the 30-Day Rule thing posted about quite a bit. What is the 30 Day Rule?

 

Well check out these these two links! You are cordially invited to join in whenever you're ready!

30 DAY RULE meet the 30 DAY FOCUS (Greater Flexibility)


!NEW! JUNE 2015 30 Day Rule/Focus Pic & Discussion Thread

We love shavers of all skill/experience levels and all razor types! All are welcome!

 

I wish I would've seen this four years ago when I started! This is great stuff!

 

Congratulations on 2000 posts!

I'd tell myself to not rush into a three pass shave and don't be afraid of the smell of Arko because you'll love it.

 

I would tell myself to make sure my aftershave lotions/balms, etc....are comfortable enough for the respective seasons.

 

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 or CLICK HERE!

 

I think that's the way it is for me-my RISE order will reassure me that I will have at least one shave cream and one aftershave for probably 2 years. But I'll buy others as backups.