Another lurker checking in. I've been slowly reading and learning over the past few months and have decided to finally try my hand at wet shaving, you guys are sure convincing! I'm completely new at this and so after reading and researching I've decided to try and acquire some basic gear hopefully somewhere for a decent price (university is expensive): Razor Merkur HD or a Gillette Super Speed Brush Hopefully a C+E BBB but since they took it off their website and the local store is selling it for $49 (and it is the best I checked) I'm not sure Soap Proraso Cream and Col. Conks or Mamma Bear Soap A sampler pack of blades from West Coast Shaving And then for a balm and aftershave I'm not too sure yet, I might hold off for a bit but any suggestions would be great! I just wanted to say that this is a superb resource and everyone here seems very helpful and enthusiastic.
Welcome! For now, especially on a student budget, you can grab a Tweezerman badger brush for $15 or so shipped (try Amazon or Whole Foods). You can upgrade that later; it'll serve you well now, though. For an aftershave and/or balm, your local drugstore offers several good choices (believe it or not): Aqua Velva, Old Spice, Brut and Pinaud (might have to check a beauty supply store for that one) all have many, many followers. (And, I'm told, if you don't tell the ladies what the brand is, even those that would object to drugstore brands tend to like the scents!)
I'd advise worrying more about the brush and soap if you're on a tight budget. They make a bigger difference than the razor unless you get severe ingrown hairs.
Welcome to the den! Sounds like a good kit. TSD aftershave milk is frankly the best Balm I've tried. That BBB sounds way overpriced...I thought it was usually $32? Anyway, there are a lot of options around, and keep an eye out in the classifieds.
Welcome to TSD. Glad to have you. As already mentioned there are several cheap aftershave options available at the corner drugstore or beauty supply stores. Skin Bracer, Aqua Velva (several varieties), Old Spice, Pinaud (several) and English Leather (a bit pricey'er but one of my favs). Then if you decide to step it up a bit you can get some L'Occitane Cade if you've got one of their stores nearby. Speick is also fantastic stuff but usually only available online unless you live in one of a few lucky select cities (NY, Chicago). Swing by the Pre/Post forum for some ideas and check our weekly chat where we discuss these and other brands.
