Yeah I bought a couple of sample packs from Jason at Tryablade right after I got on the waiting list. Which do you recommend as a starting point?
I started with the Proguard and really liked it. I get the feeling it's a bit 'in the middle' as far as people's favorites goes so it felt like a good place to start
Do you think there is a chance to get a "Dub Legend Handle" anywhere cheap? I have a Jürgen Hempel Handle for my upcoming Mongoose and additionaly i want to buy a Triad Handle, but i would like to have the Dub Legend too.
Sorry I missed all these gents, been a busy few weeks. I think I was one of the lucky ones in the Mongoose ordering process. I can't remember exactly when I put my name on the wait list, but it must have been in mid to late June. I got my invite to order on August 4, so at most about 8 weeks on the wait list. But I delayed, didn't get my order in and finally made payment on September 22. There was some admitted delay on their part to finally get it to me, but in all honesty, I'm so new to all this (started wetshaving in May) that I've been preoccupied with learning on so many different razors that are all new to me (Adjustable August, SE September, and now OC October) that I knew I wouldn't even get to it until November at the earliest. So I haven't been in much of a rush. It arrived today and I'm leaning towards a 30-day focus in November. Cheers! RT
Congrats on receiving the razor at last. You know we need pics. Doing a focus is with the Mongoose is a great idea. I received mine on 12/31/14 and did a 30 day rule with the Mongoose in January followed by a Mongoose Blade focus in February. Both allowed me to fully develop my technique with the razor.
I saw one sold last week on the BST section of The Shave Nook. Perhaps putting up a Want To Buy on that forum would work.
Thats great advice Clint, thanks! I received the Tryablade kit of all the Mongoose blades they have. I was going to do a 30 day Focus, changing blades every 3 shaves to find an initial blade that's comfortable enough to do a 30-day Rule with, and perhaps explore the other blades later...just like I did with my initiation to traditional shaving. If I may, two questions for you and the MORS... I'm a beginner wet shaver since May, but have worked the technique for about 2 months exclusively on a Gillette Tech and spent a month each with Adjustables (Aug.), SEs (Sept.) and this month OCs. I am an everyday shaver, generally using two-passes (XTG, ATG). Understanding and acknowledging the YMMV postulate... 1 - Blades. What blade would you suggest a beginner shaver start with? 2 - Technique. I've read up just a little on technique for this razor, but am a bit confused. One offered that the design is intended to have the user ride the cap - meaning the angled part of the head. Another suggested being more on the bar - increasing the angle a bit. Opinions? Thanks in advance gents! (btw - this thread was mostly responsible for my interest and purchase of this razor. Any razor that can give the kind of shave you all are talking about, with minimal passes and strong blade life, is something I need to try! Thanks for starting the thread!) Cheers! RT ps - pics and commentary to follow during my trials!
I almost got excited today. I received an email from Mongoose and thought alright finally I can order my razor. Then I started reading and they have some batch 2 razors available ( short pin type). I already have one of those, I'm wanting the new type (long pin type). Oh well getting close. Or to put in Mongoose terms " we should have razors soon.
@Rufus T. I will try answering your question. But first a thought on your approach to blades. I have found that unlike DE blades there is just not a huge difference in most of the blade choices with the exception being the Super Pro. For this reason and also the cost of the blades you might consider running each blade for 5 to 7 shaves. Just a thought. 1. With any of the blades short of the Super, I find the Mongoose mild but very efficient. Sort of like a New LC. I would start with on of the guarded blades the move to the regular blades saving the Super until the last. You'll see when you load it how much more exposure the Super Pro has. I've found that there is not a huge difference in most of the blades until you get to the Super Pro. I would offer the suggestion to use each blade for a 7 shaves. If the blade feels harsh on the first use you might consider palm stropping the blade. I had to do this in the beginning but don't fool with that step any more. 2. The technique is really very similar to an injector. Don't really overthink the process. More important than the angle is the lather. The lather should be more hydrated and very slick. I've found thinner and slicker lather to work better If you feel a drag from the head or suction into your face adjust the angle by dropping your handle towards the floor. This happened to me the first few shaves until I figured it out. The only other hard earned advise is you don't have to use the whole razor in tight areas. Under my nose I will just use half but it's a YMMV thing.
Lookie what showed up in the mail today! I was so excited I jumped right in and tried her out. I'll be posting the details in the 30 day focus thread but the short story is I'll probably be selling off a few DEs in the near future.
Thanks for adding me already as well DB, especially without having me have to call you out like others on this thread! (...cough... @cmorris357 ...cough)
Oh, I'm sure DB would have done it without my prodding, he's a great guy, salt of the Earth. A caring and generous gentleman, who also happens to be sitting on 800 ml of Floid Blue.