The whole plan was to save money…… Well I am sticking to that sort of. I was out and about today so I thought I would stop at a few places to see what kind of shaving supplies I could get at local stores. To my surprise, I found several soaps and a cheap brush. A few of the stores had some DE blades ranging from $ .63 to $1 per blade. So they were a no go. Well I need to find out what works for me right. So I am into this less than a week. this is what I have so far. Two flare tip super speeds/ $11 Two VDH soaps/ $3.68 One cake of Williams soap/ $.98 (smells and looks like Ivory to me) One VDH Boar brush / $4.29 One 5 pack of Wilkinson Sword/ 1.99 = $21.94 Still less than an eight pack of cartridges. I plan to get a better brush, But tried it out and it works pretty nice. Although I have nothing to compare it to. I put the VDH soap into a Cabella's mug, Fits perfect and looks cool too. Well, how am I doing so far?
I think you're doing great! Try the Williams at some point - it's a great soap that is a staple for many of us (of course, ymmv). The VDH brush is all you'll need for a while. Badger brushes will usually lather a bit easier, but the old VDH is another staple. I used mine for a couple of months and still like to pull it out every now and then. Give it a while to 'break in'. It will feel less pokey in a week or two, but will retain the nice scrubby feel. American Wilkinson blades aren't my cup of cocoa, but some folks like them. It's a bit of an expense, but you might consider trying a blade sampler at some point, or even just putting together your own blade sampler with a few 5-packs from your favorite online vendor. You can probably get a pretty decent assortment for 15 bucks or so. If there's one particular blade you're jonesing to try, you might just ask here if someone can spare a blade or two. Shipping is generally only the cost of a stamp from a member here, and there are several folks that would be glad to help out (yes, some of us buy blades in ridiculous quantities). Anyway, welcome! Enjoy your shaves!
The next purchase is a sampler pack. If I find some that I like I will just order 100. They seem to be pretty reasonable if you order from the right place. The only problem is there are some old DE razors that I have my eyes on. I am afraid I will, in a week moment head over to scoop up the whole lot. One of them is pretty cool, I think it is called korect shave or something like that. it is a slant style that kind of clips together. I didn't get into this to become a collector but.... but.... Smoky
:sihns011 Tom has hit the nail on the head there. The only thing I might add is if you have a Wal-Mart nearby, you might want to check out their house brand blades. If they say made in the USA, they are going to be ASR Personna blades, and for some members that's all they need. I think last time I checked here locally, it was @ 1.49 per 10 pack. If it makes you feel any better, that's why I came here too. :ashamed001 Now have a look at the gear link in my sig to see how much money I have saved! :happy097
TG Charles I just looked at the cabella's website, and couldn't find it. It was one of those impulse items they put near the checkout. It looked cool and I just had to have it. I think it was no more than $2 or $3 smoky
Doing great... I am famous for chheap shave stuff.. although it defeats to purpose to have as much of it as I have.. LOL enjoy the addiction... errrrrr hobby. Fuzzy
I'm with you smoky, I just joined and while reducing the cost of my shaves isn't my only reason to be here it IS on the list. I need my small luxuries but have to approach them somewhat frugally so I'm going slow with my research to find those "value" purchases. I still haven't picked my DE razor yet (though I have a straight that needs some love) but I hope to do that before my last pack of cartridges runs out...
I only started doing this so I could have cheap enjoyable shaves. But now I'm collecting razors (mainly straights but a few DEs) and hones. I also restore straight razors, but not for other people. I'm not that good at it, yet. And to further demonstrate my addictive personality I have started restoring and selling old shaving brushes. You say you're only here for the cheap shaves, but once it gets a hold on you...
