1st year of DE: some thoughts... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My first year of DE shaving is now 'in the can'. I have learned much from all the wonderful people at TSD, and express my thanks to all who have contributed. A few reflections: 1. I'm a 'soap guy'. I tried several creams the past year, but I keep coming back to soaps. I've settled on Tabac. I even like the scent! 2. Razors. Wow, did RAD hit me hard! Tried a bunch and finally sold off the ones that did nothing for me. My favorites are my Dad's '64 SS and my father-in-law's '61 gold Slim Adjustable. If I had to pick just one for the rest of my life it would be...wait for it... a Tech! I love that little razor! 3. Blades. Went through a couple of sample packs and decided on Derbys. Enough said. 4. After shave. Been using Skin Bracer for 40 years. I see no reason to change. 5. Brush. Badger all the way. My daily brush is an HJM made in Germany, and I travel with a Tweezerman. There you have it. Nothing fancy but it gets the job done. Even though I have been wet shaving since the early 70's (Old Spice mug and soap), I gave up my DE about the same time, falling prey to Gillette's marketing..... It is good to be back.
Thanks for sharing your thought.I have been shaving with a DE or SE for 5 months now and Im looking for simplicity too.2 or 3 things of each that works good for me and thats all.
Excellent thoughts. Has anyone who has found their ideal setup ever switched around just a little to make things interesting or do you simply stay with the same tried and true through thick or thin?
Personally I change around all the time. I know what works good, but I want to be able to get a great shave from all kinds of equipment. Practice makes perfect and all that.
I change around everyday. I have 27 DE & SE razors and I alternate each day between DE & SE. Get through the entire rotation in just under a month. Like Fuzzy says, practice makes perfect. I like the variation I get with the alternating of the razors. Keeps me careful everyday.
I find collecting and trying different razors, shaving products and fragrances to be a most enjoyable hobby. I guess that's what separates those who simply shave (even with quality products) because they have to, from us here at TSD, who all seem to be shaving enthusiasts. Pete
Hopefully I didn't give the impression that I simply shave because I have to. I really enjoy my shaves, I just don't use a lot of different products. I haven't reached "total" fidelity. I still use a Feather blade once in a while, VDH Deluxe soap, and even Aqua Velva! But when push comes to shove, I'll take a Slim Adjustable, Derby blade, and Tabac soap as my #1 setup most days.:happy005
I don't think you gave that impression at all. To put it briefly, I think that it is a false dichotomy to think that if you shave with few things, you do it because you have to. Know what I mean? As in, shaving with the bare minimum you need is not mutually exclusive with enjoying that shave, therefore the dichotomy between the two is false? I'm gonna stop now. I agree with you though. I think I've settled on 7 O'clock Yellows for blades. Love QED ASB (though I'm going to search just a tiny tiny bit more in that realm). I love all Gillette Adjustables as my razors. Basically, I'm doing some exploring with creams/soaps, brushes, and prehaps ASB's, but I feel that I am close to the end.
I also have been DE for just over a year. I used a Sensor and a can before. I still use a Sensor from time to time. I have a few old Gilette DE's, and used 'em all, but I find myself coming back to a 50's style SS. I put most of my energy into finding and using less costly and more locally available AS products instead. Aaron
That is exactly why I really wanted Williams soap to work. Hopefully my local Walmart will continue carrying VDH. Actually, I have 6 pucks of Tabac on hand....should last a while.
Absolutely not mate, I did not mean to insinuate that at all. I'm sorry, I meant no offence. I was drawing a comparison between shaving enthusiasts (lets face it, if you are a member of TSD you are an enthusiast) and those people that shave merely for utility. Apologies if my post was written so as to be misunderstood. Pete
No offense taken. I probably should have been a little clearer in my post. I guess I am just a "minimalist". I find something that works great and stick with it.
